The band General Public formed after the 1983 break-up of The Beat (aka The English Beat). Ex-Beat vocalists Dave Wakeling and Ranking Roger joined up with keyboardist Mickey Billingham (Dexys Midnight Runners), bassist Horace Panter (The Specials) and drummer Stoker (Dexys Midnight Runners/The Bureau) to form the band. Guitarist Mick Jones of The Clash was also originally announced as a band member. General Public signed to I.R.S. Records and released All the Rage (1984).