The Chess
The Enigmatic Journey of The Chess and Their Heartache Anthem, "Angel Eyes"
In the annals of rock history, The Chess stand as a band shrouded in enigma and controversy. Their music, a haunting blend of soulful ballads and ethereal melodies, resonated with listeners worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.
Origins and Ascendancy
The Chess emerged from the vibrant music scene of London in the early 1970s. The band's core members included vocalist and guitarist Steve DeMarco, bassist Paul Griffiths, and drummer John Lingwood. Their debut album, "Chess," released in 1973, showcased their distinctive sound, propelled by DeMarco's raw and emotive vocals.
The band's breakthrough came with the release of their sophomore album, "Angels, Demons & Lovers," in 1974. The album featured the iconic ballad "Angel Eyes," a heart-wrenching ode to lost love that became an instant classic. Its haunting melody and DeMarco's unforgettable vocals touched the hearts of countless listeners, establishing The Chess as a force to be reckoned with.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite their critical and commercial success, The Chess faced their share of challenges and controversies. DeMarco's erratic behavior and substance abuse problems strained relationships within the band and cast a shadow over their reputation. The band also faced accusations of plagiarism, with some critics claiming that "Angel Eyes" bore striking similarities to an earlier song.
Discography and Legacy
The Chess released a total of four studio albums during their active years:
* Chess (1973)
* Angels, Demons & Lovers (1974)
* Black Sheep (1975)
* The Chess (1977)
Despite their relatively small discography, The Chess left an enduring legacy in the rock world. Their music continues to inspire and be covered by artists such as Cher, John Farnham, and Meat Loaf. "Angel Eyes" remains a timeless ballad, forever etched in the hearts of music lovers.
Members
The core members of The Chess were:
* Steve DeMarco: Vocals, guitar
* Paul Griffiths: Bass
* John Lingwood: Drums
In the annals of rock history, The Chess stand as a band shrouded in enigma and controversy. Their music, a haunting blend of soulful ballads and ethereal melodies, resonated with listeners worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.
Origins and Ascendancy
The Chess emerged from the vibrant music scene of London in the early 1970s. The band's core members included vocalist and guitarist Steve DeMarco, bassist Paul Griffiths, and drummer John Lingwood. Their debut album, "Chess," released in 1973, showcased their distinctive sound, propelled by DeMarco's raw and emotive vocals.
The band's breakthrough came with the release of their sophomore album, "Angels, Demons & Lovers," in 1974. The album featured the iconic ballad "Angel Eyes," a heart-wrenching ode to lost love that became an instant classic. Its haunting melody and DeMarco's unforgettable vocals touched the hearts of countless listeners, establishing The Chess as a force to be reckoned with.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite their critical and commercial success, The Chess faced their share of challenges and controversies. DeMarco's erratic behavior and substance abuse problems strained relationships within the band and cast a shadow over their reputation. The band also faced accusations of plagiarism, with some critics claiming that "Angel Eyes" bore striking similarities to an earlier song.
Discography and Legacy
The Chess released a total of four studio albums during their active years:
* Chess (1973)
* Angels, Demons & Lovers (1974)
* Black Sheep (1975)
* The Chess (1977)
Despite their relatively small discography, The Chess left an enduring legacy in the rock world. Their music continues to inspire and be covered by artists such as Cher, John Farnham, and Meat Loaf. "Angel Eyes" remains a timeless ballad, forever etched in the hearts of music lovers.
Members
The core members of The Chess were:
* Steve DeMarco: Vocals, guitar
* Paul Griffiths: Bass
* John Lingwood: Drums