Episode 175 : Chris Pope from The Chords
On this episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast, I am joined by Chris Pope - Songwriter, Musician and one of the founding members of The Chords.
We take a journey through the bands formation at the tail end of 1978, after original singer/guitarist Billy Hassett and his bass playing cousin, Martin Mason, advertised for musicians in NME.
Chris got the job and the band were soon into live gigs and studio recordings.
Their style was a combination of punk and the 1960s influenced sound of the time.
At the end of March 1979, the band played the Wellington in Waterloo to packed crowds with Paul Weller in the audience. This helps the band secure more gigs and an important support slot to The Jam.
With the Mod Revival in full swing, what follows are two John Peel sessions, a few singles, Top of the Pops, and an album (So Far Away)....
The band also played Loch Lomond Festival in June 1980 with Bad Manners, Stiff Little Fingers, The Tourists and The Jam…
Paul Weller was a big supporter of the band and Chris in the press - once calling him “the best songwriter of his generation”...
The Chords UK
Chris Pope formed The Chords UK in 2013 to continue playing ‘classic’ Chords tunes such as Maybe Tomorrow, The British Way Of Life and So Far Away - whilst also pushing forward with new music too...
The band is made up of Chris, Kenny Cooper, Sandy Michie, and Dave Murrell, with a live setlist featuring all of the original hits along with tracks from the three LP’s that they have released so far.
They have been cited live as “an incendiary rock n roll outfit” by Louder Than War.
You can buy the music on Bandcamp, watch videos on YouTube , listen on Spotify and follow for news and live show info on Facebook
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EP102 - Claire Mahoney - Journalist, Broadcast, Editor on The Jam, Paul Weller & Mod... ”I’m sitting watching rainbows...”
EP101 - Danny Thompson - Musician & Double Bass legend... ”Chances, chances everywhere...”
EP100 - Ann Weller - Podcast Centenary Celebration! - ”In the warmth of your smile, lighting up my day...”
EP99 - Chris Bangs - Co-Producer of Above The Clouds + DJ, Producer & Composer... ”Must be me that’s rushing by, time just lingers on the wind”
EP98 - Den Davis - The Jam Archivist / Collector / Superfan... ”To me you’re still a collector...”
EP97 - Shane Juson - SuperFan - The Jam to now... ”Life is timeless, days are long when you’re young...”
EP96 - Debsey Wykes - Dolly Mixture - Respond Records...
EP95 - Phil Veacock - Brass Arranger & Sax Player... ”When I hear that sound, it goes to my heart, straight to my soul...”!
BONUS - Nicky Weller on Brighton Exhibition - This is the Modern World - The ultimate exhibition of previously unseen The Jam & The Style Council memorabilia...
EP94 - Tim Parsons - Legendary MCP Concert Promoter... ”Not a thing I’d change if I could, I’m happy here in my neighborhood…”
EP93 - Rod Argent - The Zombies + Argent + True Meanings... ”J’suis the Grand Zombie...”
EP92 - Dot Allison - Singer-Songwriter... ”Steady as rocks, two halves of one we cling”
EP91 - Ernie McKone - Bass Player & Producer... ”It’s a question of priority and I think that you would still be here for me”
EP90 - Barrie Cadogan AKA Little Barrie... ”I get consumed by your fire and grace...”
EP89 - Steve ’Tufty’ Carver - Recorded Live at The Cockpit... ”Long live the weekend, the weekend is here...”
EP88 - Gary Crowley - Broadcaster & DJ - Recorded Live at The Cockpit... ”I’m just taking in the view...”
BONUS - Andy Crofts talks The Resistance - his artwork to raise money for War Child - PLUS upcoming tour...
EP87 - Tom Van Heel - Musician & Keys Player in Paul Weller Band... ”Looks like you’re the next blessed in town...”
EP86 - Martin Hopewell - Booking Agent - The Jam, The Style Council, Paul Weller Solo - ”Climbing, forever trying...”
EP85 - Max Beesley - Actor & Musician - ”Into the stars and always up”
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