On this date in 1979, THE BEAT released their debut single, a bold cover of TEARS OF A CLOWN (Nov 30, 1979) Backed by Ranking Full Stop as a double A-side, the release became an instant success, climbing to number six on the UK Singles Chart and earning a silver certification from the BPI. For a debut, it was a strong statement, showcasing a band adept at reinterpreting the classics while setting the tone for their own distinct sound. However, this was not a straightforward introduction. The sin