Chequered Past
Left to right: Steve Jones, Clem Burke, Nigel Harrison, Michael Des Barres and Tony Sales.
Background information
OriginNew York City, U.S.
London, England
GenresHard rock
Years active1982 (1982)–1985 (1985)
LabelsEMI Records
Past members

Chequered Past was a British-American rock supergroup led by actor/singer Michael Des Barres and featuring members of Blondie, the Sex Pistols and Tin Machine. They formed in 1982 and released one, self-titled, album in 1984 on EMI Records. The group stopped performing when lead singer Des Barres was recruited to replace Robert Palmer in Power Station.

History

The band started in New York City as a cover band, with their first show being at the Peppermint Lounge on September 26, 1982[1] and the first song they ever performed live was "Vacation" by The Go-Go's.[2] Des Barres described the music as "New York Dolls in a home for senior citizens".[2]

Nigel Harrison (of Blondie) had often collaborated with Michael Des Barres, and when Des Barres toured in 1981 to support his album I'm Only Human, Harrison was part of his touring band. Des Barres first met Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones in 1978 at the Sex Pistols' San Francisco show at the Winterland Ballroom. It was Jones' girlfriend who first suggested that Jones and Des Barres form a band, and the initial line-up was rounded out by Harrison and two more members of the recently disbanded Blondie, Clem Burke and Frank Infante.[3] Frank Infante was eventually replaced by Tony Fox Sales.[4][5]

Chequered Past opened for various well known acts, including Ratt,[2] Little Steven, INXS[6] and Duran Duran.[4] Duran Duran had opened for Blondie on an earlier tour, so they returned the favor by inviting Chequered Past to open for them on an arena date.[7] This association led Andy Taylor to later invite Des Barres to join Power Station when Robert Palmer left, which ultimately led to the end of Chequered Past.[3]

Reception

Members

Discography

Studio albums

Singles

References

  1. ^ a b Masi, Julia (1985). "CHEQUERED PAST: Solid Future". FFanzeen Magazine. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
  2. ^ a b c Valcourt, Keith (October 1, 2012). "Michael Des Barres: Return To Carnaby Street". Rocker Zine. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
  3. ^ a b Brain, Electronic (December 17, 2011). "Retrospective – Chequered Past". rocktopia.co.uk. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
  4. ^ a b Uberrock, Johnny H. (April 15, 2012). "Hi-Fi To Die For – Chequered Past". uberrock.co.uk. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
  5. ^ Pamela, Des Barres (September 1, 2008). Take Another Little Piece of My Heart: A Groupie Grows Up. Chicago Review Press. p. 126. ISBN 978-1-55652-800-2. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
  6. ^ "Chequered Past (1982–1985)". DesBarres.com. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
  7. ^ Mayne, Mya (October 5, 1986). "Rocker Michael Des Barres, once part of the problem, now fighting drug abuse". Observer–Reporter. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
  8. ^ "Rarebird's Detective Reviews". rarebird9.net. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
  9. ^ Christgau, Robert. "Chequered Past". Robert Christgau. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
  10. ^ Robbins, Ira. "Chequered Past". Trouser Press. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
  11. ^ Chrispell, James. Chequered Past at AllMusic. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
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