Bryan James "Chas" Chandler (18 December 1938 – 17 July 1996) was an English musician, record producer, manager and 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 Jimi Hendrix Experience and Slade.

Early life

Chandler was born in Heaton, Newcastle. 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." At the time Hendrix was performing under the name Jimmy James. In September, Chandler convinced Hendrix to accompany him to Britain, 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.

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. 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."

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. 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.

Nick Van Eede

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

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. Chandler also ran a series of record labels from the studios including Barn Records,

Other business ventures

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

Chandler stood tall.

Death

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

Honours

  • Chandler was posthumously inducted into Hollywood's Rock Walk of Fame in May 2001 as a member of The Animals.
  • 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."

References

;Bibliography

  • Chas Chandler obituary