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Chas Chandler
Chas Chandler
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Key Information

Bryan James "Chas" Chandler (18 December 1938 – 17 July 1996)[1] was an English musician, record producer and manager, best known as the original bassist in the Animals, for which he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. He also managed the band Slade, and Jimi Hendrix, about whom he was regularly interviewed until his death in 1996.

Early life

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Chandler was born in Heaton, Newcastle.[2] After leaving school, he worked as a turner in the Tyneside shipyards. He became the bass player with The Alan Price Trio in 1962.[1]

Career

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The Animals

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Chandler (right) with bandmate Eric Burdon (middle), featured in 2 December, 1965 issue of KRLA Beat

After Eric Burdon joined the band, the Alan Price Trio was renamed The Animals. Chandler's bass lines were rarely given critical attention but some, including the opening riff of the group's 1965 hit "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" subsequently received praise.[3][4] Chandler was also the most prominent of the group's backing vocalists and did occasional songwriting with Burdon. In 1966, despite commercial success, Chandler became disillusioned with the lack of money, recalling that, "We toured non-stop for three years, doing 300 gigs a year and we hardly got a penny."[1] The original line-up dissolved in September 1966, and Burdon formed a new line-up known as "Eric Burdon and the Animals".

Reunions

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In 1977, Chandler played and recorded with the original members of The Animals during a brief reunion and he joined them again for a further revival in 1983, at which point he sold his business interests, in order to concentrate on being a musician.[5]

Chandler, with all but lead singer Eric Burdon of the classic members, was present at the band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.[citation needed]

Jimi Hendrix and Slade

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After The Animals underwent personnel changes in 1966, Chandler turned to becoming a talent scout, artist manager, and record producer. During his final tour with The Animals, Chandler saw a then-unknown Jimi Hendrix play in Cafe Wha?, a Greenwich Village, New York City, nightclub.[2] At the time Hendrix was performing under the name Jimmy James. In September, Chandler convinced Hendrix to accompany him to Britain,[4] which was made possible with the help of Michael Jeffery, who suggested that he revert to his actual name, and later suggested naming the band the Jimi Hendrix Experience. In Britain, Chandler recruited bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell as the other members of the Experience. Chandler's enthusiasm helped fuel Hendrix during the early days, but in 1968, halfway through the recording of Hendrix's third album, Electric Ladyland, personal and professional differences led to the end of their professional relationship.[6]

Chandler was a key figure in Hendrix's rise to critical and commercial success. Chandler provided the young musician with living accommodation and financed the Experience's first single "Hey Joe", before they had a recording contract.[3] He was also instrumental in introducing Hendrix to Eric Clapton. It was through this introduction that Hendrix was given the opportunity to play with Clapton and Cream on stage.[7] It was Chandler's idea for Hendrix to set his guitar on fire, which made national news when this idea was used at a concert at the Finsbury Park Astoria Theatre and subsequently at the Monterey Pop festival. Hendrix's sound engineer Eddie Kramer later recalled that Chandler was very hands-on with the first two Hendrix albums, adding that "he [Chandler] was his [Hendrix's] mentor and I think it was very necessary."[4]

By 1968, Chandler had become frustrated with the recording sessions for Hendrix's album Electric Ladyland, saying they were self-indulgent. Hendrix's management was left in the hands of Jeffery during the following year.[1] Chandler then managed and produced the British rock band Slade[5] for 12 years, during which they achieved six number one chart hits in the UK. Chandler and Slade parted company following the failure of the single "Knuckle Sandwich Nancy" in May 1981. He would, however negotiate their RCA contract which lasted for four new albums.[citation needed]

Nick Van Eede

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Chandler discovered singer Nick Van Eede whilst he was working as a Hospital Porter in a Burns Unit. He subsequently signed him to his record label, Barn Records, as well as managed him. He released 3 singles in 1978 & 1979, but all failed to chart. Eede then would leave Chandler's management & form The Drivers in 1982, before disbanding in 1984. He would go on to form Cutting Crew in 1985 with Kevin MacMichael. They would go on to have the huge hit single (I Just) Died In Your Arms in 1986 (the single would reach Number 1 in 19 countries including America).

Expansion of music industry interests

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Chandler bought IBC Studios which he renamed Portland Recording Studios, after the studio address of 35 Portland Place, London and ran it for four years until he sold it to Don Arden.[8] Chandler also ran a series of record labels from the studios including Barn Records,[5] Six of the Best and Cheapskate Records. He formed a music publishing agency, as well as a production company and management companies.[5] He also had a brief stint in which he produced the US rock group Horsepower, founded by American guitarist Mike Kennedy in 1978.[9]

Other business ventures

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During the early 1990s, he helped finance the development of Newcastle Arena, a 10,000 seat sports and entertainment venue which opened in 1995.[3]

Personal life

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Chandler married twice and had a son by his first wife, Lotta,[1] and a son and two daughters by his second wife, Madeleine.[10]

Chandler stood 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) tall.[11]

Death

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Chandler died of an aortic aneurysm at Newcastle General Hospital on 17 July 1996.[12]

Honours

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  • Chandler was posthumously inducted into Hollywood's Rock Walk of Fame in May 2001 as a member of The Animals.[citation needed]
  • Chandler's former home at 35 Second Avenue, Heaton, hosts a blue plaque placed on the wall by Newcastle City Council, which reads: "Chas Chandler 1938–1996. Founder member of the 'Animals'. Manager of Jimi Hendrix & Slade. Co-founder of Newcastle Arena. Lived in this house 1938–1964."[13]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Bryan James Chandler (18 December 1938 – 17 July 1996), known professionally as Chas Chandler, was an English musician, record producer, and talent manager whose career spanned the and the rise of psychedelic and glam rock. Born in , he grew up at 35 Second Avenue and attended Heaton Grammar School before working as a turner at the shipyard, where he learned to play . In 1962, Chandler joined the Trio as bassist, which soon evolved into the rock band , with whom he achieved international success, including the 1964 US number-one single "." Leaving the group in 1966 amid internal tensions, he transitioned to management and production, most notably discovering American guitarist performing under the name Jimmy James at New York's Café Wha? in late 1966. Chandler relocated Hendrix to , renamed his backing band the Jimi Hendrix Experience, and produced their seminal debut album (1967) and follow-up Axis: Bold as Love (1967), and began production on (1968) before departing midway through its recording, helping propel Hendrix to global stardom before parting ways in 1968 due to creative differences. Later that year, he signed and managed the West Midlands band , producing twelve of their albums over the next decade and engineering their string of UK chart-topping hits, such as "" (1971) and "" (1973), which established them as one of Britain's biggest acts of the era. Chandler also managed other artists like and ran his own in from 1978 until 1982. He died from an on 17 July 1996 at age 57. His influence on , from R&B roots to innovative production, left a lasting legacy in artist development and the British .

Early years

Childhood and family

Chas Chandler was born Bryan James Chandler on December 18, 1938, in Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Raised in a modest working-class household at 35 Second Avenue in Heaton, Chandler grew up amid the economic challenges of post-World War II Britain, including lingering rationing and industrial austerity that shaped many families in the region. Chandler attended local schools, including Heaton Grammar School, leaving education at age 15 to begin work as a turner in the shipyards, a common path for youth from similar backgrounds.

Musical beginnings

Chandler left school at the age of 15 and began working as an apprentice turner in the shipyards, including at the shipyard and Parsons' engineering works. In his late teens, while employed in the shipyards, Chandler developed a passion for music and taught himself to play the guitar before transitioning to the . He began performing in local Newcastle clubs, often alongside keyboardist , as part of the burgeoning scene influenced by , , and emerging rock 'n' roll. By 1962, Chandler had joined the Trio as the bassist, contributing to the group's performances in regional venues and helping build a solid local reputation within the area's lively club circuit. This period marked his immersion in semi-professional music, where he honed his skills through consistent gigs amid the industrial backdrop of Newcastle.

Career with The Animals

Original tenure

Bryan Chandler, who adopted the professional name "Chas" for his music career, served as the bassist for the Alan Price Rhythm and Blues Combo starting in 1962; the group evolved into The Animals in 1963 following the addition of vocalist Eric Burdon. The original lineup, rooted in Newcastle upon Tyne's vibrant club scene, featured Chandler alongside Burdon on vocals, Alan Price on keyboards, Hilton Valentine on guitar, and John Steel on drums, emphasizing a raw, authentic R&B sound drawn from their working-class Geordie backgrounds. Chandler's bass playing provided the driving foundation for the band's breakthrough hits during the mid-1960s . On "," released in 1964, his steady, walking bass line anchored the arrangement, supporting Burdon's gritty vocals and Price's iconic organ riff, propelling the track to No. 1 on both the UK Singles Chart and the Hot 100. He also contributed backing vocals and prominent bass work to subsequent singles like "" ( No. 3, No. 15 in 1965) and "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" ( No. 2, No. 13 in 1965), which captured the band's blues-infused energy and resonated with audiences on of the Atlantic. The Animals' rapid rise brought international fame, including extensive US tours as part of the wave, but the relentless schedule—averaging 300 gigs per year—led to physical and emotional exhaustion among members. Internal tensions exacerbated these strains, particularly around financial mismanagement and disputes over royalties, where keyboardist benefited disproportionately from songwriting credits on "." Price departed in May 1965, citing personal and musical differences as well as a that hindered overseas tours. These issues culminated in the original band's breakup in September 1966, after Chandler announced his exit to pursue production work.

Reunions and later involvement

The original lineup of reunited briefly in December 1968 for a in Newcastle. In 1975, the original lineup of , including bassist Chas Chandler, reunited after a decade apart to embark on a tour and record new material. The effort culminated in the 1977 studio album Before We Were So Rudely Interrupted, produced by Chandler at his own recording facilities, which peaked at No. 70 on the chart. The accompanying 1976 tour drew strong crowds drawn to the band's classic R&B-infused hits like "," but it was ultimately overshadowed by internal disputes over finances and creative direction, leading to the group's disbandment by 1978. The band achieved a more stable full reunion in 1983, with Chandler resuming his role on bass and contributing significantly to production for the album Ark, released on and reaching No. 66 on the 200. This project led to an extensive world tour, highlighted by a New Year's Eve performance at supporting , which was later captured on the 1984 live album Rip It to the Shreds. Chandler's steady bass lines and production oversight helped recapture the group's raw energy, though lingering tensions again prompted the reunion's end shortly after the tour.

Management and production career

Discovery and management of Jimi Hendrix

In July 1966, while touring the with , Chas Chandler visited the Café Wha? nightclub in New York City's , where he witnessed a performance by , then performing under the name Jimmy James with his band the Blue Flames. Impressed by Hendrix's exceptional guitar talent and innovative style, Chandler, who had recently left and was seeking new opportunities in management, approached him with an offer to relocate to and develop his career there. Chandler financed Hendrix's move to England, arriving on September 24, 1966, and played a key role in rebranding him as Jimi Hendrix to appeal to the British audience. He then assembled The Jimi Hendrix Experience by recruiting bassist Noel Redding—initially a guitarist—from a club audition and drummer Mitch Mitchell, recommended through industry contacts, forming the trio on October 6, 1966. Under Chandler's management, the band secured a recording deal with Track Records, co-founded by Kit Lambert and Chris Stamp, after being rejected by Decca Records. As producer and manager, Chandler guided Hendrix toward original songwriting, shifting focus from covers to compositions that showcased his vision, a decision that defined the band's sound. He oversaw the recording of their debut single "Hey Joe," released in December 1966 on Track/Polydor, which reached No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart and marked their breakthrough. This success led to the debut album , released in May 1967, followed by Axis: Bold as Love in December 1967, both produced by Chandler at studios like De Lane Lea and Olympic. Chandler also orchestrated the band's return to the United States for their pivotal appearance at the Monterey Pop Festival in June 1967, where Hendrix's performance, including setting his guitar ablaze, propelled them to international stardom. His management lasted until late 1968, when he stepped away during sessions for due to growing tensions over Hendrix's perfectionist approach, extended studio time, increasing drug use, and entourage of hangers-on, which Chandler felt hindered efficient production.

Management and production of Slade

In 1969, Chas Chandler signed the band then known as Ambrose Slade to after hearing their demo tapes, recognizing potential in their raw energy despite their initial skinhead-oriented style. He advised shortening their name to and oversaw the release of their debut album, , on Fontana Records that May, though the record was produced by the band alongside engineer Roger Wake and failed to chart. Under Chandler's guidance, Slade transitioned from provincial club gigs to a more professional setup, recorded their follow-up album in 1970 at in , which Chandler produced and released on Polydor in November 1970. Chandler's production work with Slade during the early 1970s captured their evolving skinhead-to- sound, emphasizing loud, anthemic tracks with phonetic spelling in titles to reflect Noddy Holder's thick accent. He produced their breakthrough single "Get Down and Get With It," a cover of Little Richard's "Get Down (With It)," released in July 1971, which peaked at No. 16 on the UK Singles Chart and marked their first Top 20 hit. This was followed by "" in October 1971, co-written by Holder and Jim Lea, which became their first No. 1 in November and spent four weeks at the top. The momentum continued with a string of No. 1 hits, including "" (June 1972), "" (February 1973), and "Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me" (June 1973), all produced by Chandler, helping Slade sell millions of records during the era. As manager, Chandler strategically reshaped Slade's image from the cropped hair and boots of their skinhead phase—which he initially suggested to differentiate them but which limited media exposure—to a flamboyant glam aesthetic with platform soles, sequins, and theatrical stage antics, aligning them with contemporaries like T. Rex and . Despite their UK dominance, Chandler pushed for extensive US tours starting in 1971, including opening slots for acts like , though American chart success remained elusive, with Slayed? (1972) only reaching No. 69 on the amid radio resistance to their boisterous style. To gain more control over distribution, Chandler co-founded Barn Records in 1977 with the band, releasing Slade's albums like Whatever Happened to Slade (1977) independently before licensing to larger labels. By the late 1970s, Slade's UK popularity waned amid punk's rise and internal strains, leading to a commercial lull in the early 1980s with no Top 40 singles until their 1983 comeback hit "My Oh My." Chandler guided the band through this period, producing their final studio album with him, Return to Base (1979), but stepped back from full management around 1981 after 12 years, though his influence lingered. Slade's original lineup disbanded in 1992 when left the band, though it continued as Slade II with new members before reverting to the name, remaining active into the 2020s.

Other productions and artist management

Following his tenure with major acts, Chandler contributed to reunion efforts with his former band, The Animals. In 1977, he served as producer and bassist on their comeback album Before We Were So Rudely Interrupted, which featured a raw, blues-infused sound drawing from the group's R&B roots and included covers like Bob Dylan's "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue." The record, released on Jet Records, marked a brief but energetic revival, emphasizing Chandler's production style of punchy bass lines and live-energy captures honed from his earlier experiences. Chandler reprised his dual role as producer and bassist for ' 1983 reunion album Ark, issued on . Co-produced with bandmates , , , and John Steel, the LP blended edges with psychedelic touches, such as the track "No Turning Back," reflecting Chandler's influence in balancing gritty R&B foundations with evolving rock dynamics. These projects underscored his ongoing commitment to the band's legacy amid shifting musical landscapes. In the early 1970s, Chandler expanded into management by signing the American country-rock band Eggs Over Easy, bringing them to in 1970 to record and perform. His involvement helped pioneer the 's pub rock scene, as the band's residency at the pub in 1971 inspired a raw, back-to-basics movement that influenced future punk acts like the and . Although their debut album Good 'n' Cheap (1972) was ultimately produced by , Chandler's oversight facilitated its creation and the group's cultural impact on emerging talent. In the early 1970s, Chandler also managed and produced British singer-songwriter , overseeing his albums Terry Reid (1969, produced post-signing) and (1971). Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Chandler's work emphasized R&B and influences, occasionally supporting lesser-known acts through short-term management stints and studio access at his Portland Recording Studios. His background informed these efforts, prioritizing authentic, high-energy recordings over commercial polish.

Business ventures

Record labels and studios

In 1966, shortly after leaving The Animals, Chandler brought to London, where he was signed to the newly established Track Records label founded by and as an outlet for greater artistic control beyond major companies. Chandler produced the Jimi Hendrix Experience's debut single "Hey Joe" and their first album for the label, which also released early works by The Who. By 1969, amid growing tensions in his partnership with Hendrix's co-manager Mike Jeffery, Chandler stepped back from direct involvement with Track Records. Shifting focus to studio ownership in the late , Chandler acquired London's in July 1978 and renamed them Portland Recording Studios, drawing the name from the facility's address at 35 . He ran the multi-room complex for four years, equipping it for professional recording and using it as a base for his production activities on major artists. The studios, originally built in the 1950s, had hosted sessions for acts like and before Chandler's tenure. Chandler launched Barn Records in the late 1970s as an independent label to support emerging talent and complement his management work. The imprint, fully owned by Chandler, focused on rock and pop releases and operated until the early , marking a period of entrepreneurial expansion in his career. He also briefly ran affiliated labels such as and Cheapskate Records from the same facility.

Other investments and media

Chandler established Barn Publishing Ltd. in 1971, a music agency that managed copyrights and royalties for various artists and compositions associated with his production work. This venture complemented his labels like Barn Records, active from 1977 to the early 1980s, and reflected a strategic expansion into the backend of the music industry funded by earnings from managing high-profile acts such as and . During the 1980s and 1990s, Chandler maintained stakes in music publishing firms, including ongoing involvement with Barn Publishing, which handled administrative and financial aspects of song ownership amid the evolving landscape of British rock and pop. These investments underscored his shift toward sustainable, non-performance-based revenue streams in the sector. A notable example of Chandler's broader commercial diversification came in the early 1990s when he co-founded and helped finance the development of the (later renamed the Metro Radio Arena), a 10,000-seat sports and entertainment venue that opened in 1995. Partnering with local Stanger, Chandler aimed to revive the North East's live and events scene by creating a modern facility capable of hosting major international acts, such as David Bowie's opening performance. This project represented a brief but significant crossover between sports (as a multi-use arena for events like ) and media, secured through a sponsorship deal with the local radio station Metro Radio, which named the venue and promoted programming tied to regional and entertainment. The initiative highlighted Chandler's return to his roots, channeling his expertise from London's world back into Newcastle's cultural infrastructure.

Personal life

Marriages and family

Chandler married his first wife, the Swedish Lotta, in the mid-1960s. The couple had one son, Steffan, born around 1970. Their marriage lasted until 1979, after which Chandler separated from Lotta amid the demands of his burgeoning management career. In 1979, Chandler married Madeleine Stringer, the 1977 , establishing a stable family base in his hometown of . With Madeleine, he had a son, Alex, and two daughters, Elizabeth and Katherine. Throughout his later career, Chandler balanced extensive touring and business commitments with fatherhood by relocating his family to Newcastle, where they provided a grounding influence amid professional relocations and pressures.

Health issues

Chandler's long-term health challenges were exacerbated by his heavy and habits, which were well-documented aspects of his lifestyle during his active years in the music industry. These habits, combined with the intense stress from relentless touring schedules—such as performing around 300 gigs annually with in the mid-1960s—began manifesting as early warning signs in the , including fatigue and respiratory strain amid ongoing management demands for acts like . In the late 1980s, Chandler suffered a severe collapse that necessitated major heart surgery, marking a critical turning point in his health. The procedure addressed underlying cardiac issues likely compounded by decades of use and professional pressures, after which he retired from to his native , significantly curtailing his travel and hands-on industry involvement. During the 1990s, Chandler made efforts to manage his condition through lifestyle adjustments, though he continued to face persistent cardiac risks, including an that required ongoing medical monitoring. His family provided crucial support throughout these recoveries, helping him navigate the limitations imposed by his health.

Death and legacy

Death

Chas Chandler died on 17 July 1996 at Newcastle General Hospital in , , at the age of 57, from a ruptured while undergoing tests for the condition. His death followed a history of cardiovascular issues, including a collapse that led to major heart surgery several years prior. A private funeral service and cremation took place in on 22 July 1996, attended by family members and figures such as Al Hendrix, father of . Contemporary obituaries and news reports highlighted Chandler's pivotal role in discovering and shaping the careers of major rock artists, underscoring his lasting influence on British music.

Honours and influence

Chandler received formal recognition primarily through his association with , being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 alongside bandmates , , John Steel, and . This honor acknowledged the group's contributions to the and R&B-influenced rock, though Chandler was present at the ceremony as a performer rather than in a solo capacity. During his lifetime, he did not receive any individual awards or honors for his production and management work, with obituaries and biographical accounts focusing solely on his collaborative achievements. Chandler's influence on rock music is widely credited with facilitating key genre transitions, particularly in bridging the raw energy of R&B to the experimental realms of psychedelia through his discovery and development of Jimi Hendrix. By relocating Hendrix from New York clubs to London in 1966 and assembling The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Chandler shaped the guitarist's sound into a psychedelic powerhouse, introducing elements like science fiction-inspired lyrics and innovative studio techniques that defined the era. Similarly, his production and management of Slade from 1969 onward propelled the band to the forefront of glam rock, refining their skinhead roots into chart-topping anthems that popularized the genre's theatricality and working-class ethos in the UK. Chandler's hands-on mentorship—combining artistic guidance with business acumen—served as a model for subsequent rock managers, emphasizing talent nurturing and practical career-building over mere promotion. Despite his pivotal role, Chandler remains underrecognized in the UK outside his native , where he is celebrated as a local legend for elevating regional talent to global stages. In the 2020s, renewed tributes have highlighted his A&R vision through Hendrix reissues, such as the 2022 expanded edition of Are You Experienced?, which underscores his foundational production choices, and documentaries like the 2013 American Masters episode on Hendrix that detail his managerial foresight. Slade archival releases and fan-driven retrospectives have further emphasized his legacy in glam's evolution, filling gaps in broader music .

References

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