Andy Cox, English guitarist

Andy Cox, born Andrew Cox on January 25, 1956, in Birmingham, England, is a highly influential British guitarist renowned for his significant contributions to post-punk and new wave music. His career spans several iconic bands, most notably as a co-founder of the seminal 2 Tone ska revival band, The Beat, and later as a key member of the globally successful pop group, Fine Young Cannibals.

The Beat: A Foundation in 2 Tone Ska

In 1978, Andy Cox, alongside vocalist and guitarist Dave Wakeling, laid the groundwork for The Beat. Emerging from the vibrant Birmingham music scene, The Beat quickly became a cornerstone of the 2 Tone movement, which ingeniously fused traditional Jamaican ska with punk rock energy and pop sensibilities, often addressing socio-political themes with an infectious, danceable sound. Their innovative approach, also featuring the distinctive toasting of Ranking Roger and the saxophone prowess of Saxa (Lionel Augustus Martin), propelled them to significant commercial and critical acclaim.

During their active years in the UK, before their split in 1983, The Beat achieved remarkable success, securing eight Top 40 singles and releasing three highly acclaimed hit albums: "I Just Can't Stop It" (1980), "Wha'ppen?" (1981), and "Special Beat Service" (1982). These albums are celebrated for their sharp songwriting and dynamic arrangements. Among their most enduring and recognisable tracks are the introspective "Mirror in the Bathroom," the energetic "Hands Off...She's Mine," and the soulful "Can't Get Used to Losing You," all of which exemplify the band's unique blend of urgency and melody.

Fine Young Cannibals: Global Pop Stardom

Following The Beat's disbandment, Cox embarked on a new musical venture in 1985. He reunited with fellow Beat bassist David Steele and teamed up with the distinctive soulful voice of singer Roland Gift to form Fine Young Cannibals. This trio moved towards a more sophisticated pop and blue-eyed soul sound, achieving even greater international success. Their self-titled debut album in 1985 earned critical praise, but it was their second album, "The Raw & the Cooked" (1989), that catapulted them to global superstardom, yielding massive hits like "She Drives Me Crazy" and "Good Thing."

Two Men, A Drum Machine and A Trumpet: Charting House Music

During a hiatus from Fine Young Cannibals in 1988, Cox and Steele explored new sonic territories, venturing into the burgeoning electronic music scene. Under the moniker Two Men, A Drum Machine and A Trumpet, they released the instrumental house music single, "Tired of Getting Pushed Around." This track, a pioneering example of instrumental house, demonstrated their versatility and willingness to experiment beyond their established genres. It proved to be a notable success, peaking at No. 18 on the highly competitive UK Singles Chart. In the same prolific year, their collaborative efforts extended to working on Wee Papa Girl Rappers' debut single, "Heat It Up," which also performed well, reaching No. 21 in the UK charts, further cementing their reputation as sought-after producers and musicians.

Later Projects: Cribabi and Fidela Records

Andy Cox's musical journey continued into the new millennium. In 2002, he formed Cribabi, an intriguing project that saw him collaborate with the talented Japanese vocalist Yukari Fujiu. This duo explored an eclectic sound that blended electronic textures with alternative pop. They released their debut album, "Volume," on Cox's own independent record label, Fidela. The establishment of Fidela allowed Cox to maintain creative control and foster unique artistic ventures, showcasing his continued dedication to innovative music production and diverse collaborations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Andy Cox

Who is Andy Cox?

Andy Cox is a celebrated British guitarist and songwriter, best known as a co-founder of the influential 2 Tone ska band The Beat and later as a member of the internationally acclaimed pop group Fine Young Cannibals.

What bands did Andy Cox co-found?

Andy Cox co-founded The Beat in 1978 with Dave Wakeling. He was also a foundational member of Fine Young Cannibals with David Steele and Roland Gift.

What were The Beat's most famous songs?

The Beat had several notable hits, including "Mirror in the Bathroom," "Hands Off...She's Mine," and "Can't Get Used to Losing You." They achieved eight Top 40 singles in the UK.

What was Two Men, A Drum Machine and A Trumpet?

This was an instrumental house music project formed by Andy Cox and David Steele during a hiatus from Fine Young Cannibals in 1988. Their single "Tired of Getting Pushed Around" reached No. 18 on the UK Singles Chart.

Has Andy Cox worked with other artists?

Yes, he collaborated with Wee Papa Girl Rappers on their debut single "Heat It Up" in 1988, and later formed the project Cribabi with Japanese vocalist Yukari Fujiu in 2002, releasing the album "Volume" on his own Fidela record label.