The Chords: A Mod Revival Band’s Rise to Cult Status

“The Chords: A Mod Revival Band’s Journey to Cult Status and Timeless Sound | A Comprehensive Look at Their Rise and Discography”

If you’re a fan of British pop music from the 1970s, then you’re in for a treat with The Chords. This South East London group was at the forefront of the mod revival movement and had several hits in their homeland before their eventual break-up. However, their legacy lives on, and they re-formed with the original members for a UK tour in 2010, reminding fans of their incredible talent and timeless sound.

Inspired by Bob Dylan’s high School band ‘The Golden Chords’.

The Chords came together in the summer of 1978 when singer/guitarist Billy Hassett and his bassist cousin, Martin Mason, placed an advertisement in the NME seeking musicians. They were lucky enough to find guitarist and songwriter, Chris Pope, who would become an integral part of the band’s success. With the addition of drummer Brett “Buddy” Ascott, The Chords took the stage in March 1979 and began gigging continuously throughout the spring and summer. The name was inspired by Bob Dylan’s high School band ‘The Golden Chords’.

Their rise to fame was swift, headlining two mod festivals at London’s Marquee Club and even recording their first BBC Radio 1 session for DJ John Peel in July of the same year. The Chords’ popularity grew rapidly, and they found support from influential figures such as Paul Weller, who attended one of their early concerts, and Jimmy Pursey of Sham 69, who signed the group to his JP Productions company.

Polydor Records recognized the band’s potential and signed them to a recording contract. Their debut single, “Now It’s Gone,” was released in September 1979 and reached No. 63 on the UK Singles Chart. The Chords followed up with “Maybe Tomorrow” in January 1980, which received rave reviews and climbed into the UK Top 40. Their third single, “Something’s Missing,” served as a teaser for their debut album, “So Far Away,” which reached No. 30 on the UK Albums Chart in May.

“So Far Away” showcased The Chords’ musical prowess and included two notable cover versions of Sam & Dave’s “Hold On, I’m Comin'” and The Beatles’ “She Said She Said.” The album received critical acclaim, with AllMusic giving it an impressive 4.5-star rating. The band continued to release singles, including “The British Way of Life” and “In My Street,” both of which charted in the UK.

However, internal conflicts led to the departure of Billy Hassett in November 1980, and Kip Herring of The Vibrators stepped in as the new lead singer. Despite their efforts, subsequent singles like “One More Minute” and “Turn Away Again” failed to make an impact, and The Chords disbanded in September 1981.

Fortunately, their music lives on through various releases. In 1986, a live album titled “No One’s Listening Anymore” was released, featuring recordings from 1980. A decade later, the double album compilation CD, “This Is What They Want,” was released, further solidifying their cult status.

In 2010, The Chords surprised fans by reuniting with their original line-up for a UK tour, promoting the single “Another Thing Coming.” They continued to tour internationally, including stops in Australia and Japan in 2012. To commemorate their journey, a DVD titled “What Became of the People We Used To Be – The History of The Chords” was released in May 2012, providing a comprehensive look at the band’s rise to fame.

Fast forward to 2019, and Universal/Caroline released a 5 CD box set entitled “ReChordings,” featuring a 36-page booklet notated by Brett “Buddy” Ascott. This collection includes “So Far Away,” a singles compilation, “Live At The Rainbow,” and two CDs of previously unreleased material, allowing fans to delve deeper into The Chords’ discography.

The Chords’ contribution to the mod revival cannot be overstated. Their catchy melodies, energetic performances, and relatable lyrics captured the essence of the era and continue to resonate with fans today. Whether you’re a die-hard mod revival fan or simply appreciate good music, The Chords’ discography is a must-listen. So, put on your parka, grab your scooter, and take a nostalgic journey back to the second wave of your rebellion known as mod.

Read about Remembering The Chords Book  HERE