Chelsea was one of the original punk bands to form out of the mid-70s punk frenzy that marked a generation. Fronted by ex-porno star Gene October, Chelsea has gone through almost as many personnel changes as The Fall! The subject matter most often sung about was the plight of the working class and youth gone wild.
The original line-up consisted of October (vocals), guitarist William Broad (better known later as Billy Idol), bassist Tony James (later of Sigue Sigue Sputnik) and drummer John Towe. After only a few gigs (and no recordings) the trio of musicians abandoned Gene and formed a band known as Generation X (which soon dissolved resulting in solo mega-star and 1980's MTV staple Billy Idol, curled lip and all). Gene briefly recruited other musicians, Chelsea varying constantly from a trio to a quintet.
By 1979 Chelsea arrived at the "classic" line-up of October (vocals), James Stevenson (lead guitar), Dave Martin (rhythm guitar), Geoff Myles (bass) and Chris Bashford (drums). This line up lasted a full two years, the longest any Chelsea line up has lasted! This was followed by several more line up changes until a temporary line-up consisting of October (vocals as usual), Nic Austin and Steve Corfield (guitars), Tim Griffin (bass) and Chris Bashford (continuing drumming duties) briefly toured the US, to be captured on film in URGH! A MUSIC WAR (but their song was one of many not included on the soundtrack LP).
Several more changes resulted in the line-up that delivered EVACUATE to our ears. EVACUATE, while certainly a commercial failure, was a critical success (at last), but Gene finally gave in and disbanded Chelsea in early 1984 and released a solo recording LIFE AND STRUGGLE continuing his theme of singing the working class' lament...
In 1999, Gene October reunited the "classic" line-up for punk event the "Social Chaos Tour." What lies ahead? We'll just have to sit back, wait and see!
NO ESCAPE
Produced by Bazza (except * produced by Kit Lambert, + produced by Wally Brill
and ¶ produced by Miles Copeland & Mark Perry)
Front Photo by Harry Murlowski
Back Photo by Tony MacLean
Musicians:
Gene October Lead Vocals
James Stephenson Lead Guitar
Dave Martin Rhythm Guitar
Geoff Myles Bass
Chris Bashford Drums
Track Listing:
Known as ALTERNATIVE HITS in the UK, NO ESCAPE was Chelsea's debut American LP. By the time of this release, Chelsea had already struggled through several line-up changes. However, this line-up is considered the "classic" Chelsea.
EVACUATE
Produced by Harry T Murlowski
Assisted & Engineered by Jess Sutcliffe
Recorded at Matrix Studios, London, January 1982
Photos by Harry T Murlowski
Artwork by Barbara
Special Thanks: Steve Tannett, Doreen Boyd, Paul Boswell, Vermilion Sands and Sol Mintz
Musicians:
Gene October Lead Vocals
Paul Lincoln Guitar
Tim Griffin Bass
Sol Mintz Drums
Track Listing:
EVACUATE was much more well-received than Chelsea's previous releases. You may notice that drummer Sol Mintz is in the "thank you" credits. This is because he is the drummer on the recording, but, as he left Chelsea prior to this LP's release, drummer Geoff Sewell is pictured on the cover...
"I'm On Fire"/"Decide"
Musicians:
Gene October Lead Vocals
James Stephenson Lead Guitar
Dave Martin Rhythm Guitar
Geoff Myles Bass
Steve J Jones Drums
Review Coming Soon!
IRS GREATEST HITS VOL 1 (SP 70950):
features "No Escape"
IRS GREATEST HITS VOLS 2 & 3 (SP 70800):
features "Urban Kids"
KILL YOUR RADIO (IRS29696): features "Right To Work"