| Beat Union | |
| Alias: | Shortcut to Newark |
| Origin: | Birmingham, Bromsgrove and Redditch, United Kingdom |
| Genre: | Pop punk |
| Years Active: | 2003–2009 |
| Label: | Haddock Recordings Science Records |
| Associated Acts: | Shooter McGavin Shortcut To Newark The High Society Farse The King Blues Amen Lostprophets |
| Website: | Official site |
| Current Members: | Dave Warsop Dean Ashton Ade Preston Luke Johnson |
| Past Members: | Mark Andrews |
Beat Union was a pop-punk band from Birmingham, Bromsgrove and Redditch, United Kingdom. They were formerly known as Shortcut to Newark.[1] The group has garnered comparisons to Elvis Costello and The Jam, as well as pop punk groups like Green Day.[2] [3]
In 2006 the band toured the UK with Bedouin Soundclash and Zox.[4]
Their debut full-length album, Disconnected, was released on Science Records in April 2008.[5] It was produced with the help of John Feldmann, producer and frontman of Goldfinger.[6] Rolling Stone named their song "She Is the Gun" Song of the Day on 17 July 2008.[7] The song also received rotation on BBC Radio 1, where it rose to #5 on the station's airplay charts.[8]
After releasing the album, the group toured with Goldfinger and then played the 2008 Warped Tour in the U.S.[9] A U.S. fall tour has been announced with Flogging Molly, followed by UK dates with Less Than Jake.[10]
Beat Union split up in January 2009.
In August 2009, Luke Johnson was officially announced as Lostprophets new drummer, as a permanent member providing "it all works out".[11]
Luke Johnson is now the drummer for rock band Lowlives after previously playing with No Devotion.
Dave Warsop now fronts the bands Sharp/Shock and NOT. He previously played in Suedehead who played at Coachella Festival and toured with Social Distortion. He also records and produces bands out of Strong Studios in SOCAL.
Ade Preston went on to reform Farse. He also played in The King Blues, Mad Caddies and King Adora.
Dean Ashton played in Farse with Ade. He joined The King Blues and recorded 3 albums with them and then spent 5 years playing bass with NWOBHM band Diamond Head.