by Daniel Phifer

SFist sat down to talk with Dave Wakeling of The English Beat shortly before their show at Bimbos 365 in San Francisco on Friday night. The show was exactly what we expected, nostalgic and high energy punctuated with impeccable musicianship.

Onstage Dave Wakeling has the energy of a man half his age. He truly enjoys what he does and that enthusiasm rolls like a tidal wave over his audience. Offstage Dave’s enthusiasm for life is just as powerful. He’s quick to smile, quick to laugh and will tell you anything you want to know about life, love and rock and roll.

SFist: Dave can you tell us a little bit about growing up in Birmingham, England?

DW: Oh don’t take me back there, that’s why I moved.