Chris Barr

Playing the part of Bruce Foxton

At what age did you start playing the bass? 

 After years of listening to the music of great bands during his childhood, I decided that I wanted to play guitar. When I was 11, my Dad brought me my first guitar (although I had to wait a year for the amp to go with it) and was pushed by my family to stick with it

Musical influences

I was surrounded by music throughout my childhood - being influenced by my two older brothers and my dad - who often listened to music from the Britpop era as well as earlier music such as 50’s and 60’s Rock N Roll, 70’s Glam Rock, 80’s New Romantics. I was also massively into the Punk genre, being a fan of such bands like The Sex Pistols, The Clash and The Ramones. 

What attracted you to The Jam?

 When I first started playing guitar and heard 'In the City' for the first time!!!  A very punky tune with standout vocals from Weller. That pretty much started me off. Also my older brother loved the Jam and Weller, so I remember the songs being blasted out at home or my brother singing Pretty Green.

What other bands have you been in? 

 I have played in multiple bands over the years from Punk Bands to Cover / Tribute bands. Been proud of every band I have been involved in. I was in a Punk band called NOYFB for a short while which was good fun. I played Bass in a Tribute band to the Killers (The Killerz) in which I got to travel a lot. 

Where did you grow up / live? 

 I was born and raised in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. 

What’s your greatest Jam memory? 

 I was born in 88' so don’t really have a 'Jam Memory' to be honest. As per one of the previous questions, I would say it would be the first time I listened to them

How did you end up in Band Called Malice?

 The band placed an add on Social Media advertising that a new bass player was required. I auditioned and got the part………. the rest is history

Did u know any of your band mates before joining?

 I met Andy once before when I was in the Killerz. Talk about a miss match of a gig. The Jam'd supported by the Killerz. The audience only knew Mr Brightside so we went down like a lead balloon. Andy probably doesn’t remember it though!!

Do u have any memorable / funny stories from your time in A Band Called Malice

 Too many but all involve me being really unprofessional. Best ask one of the other guys when you see us at a gig. Ask them about London!!

What’s your most memorable musical achievement / highlight

 Playing CarFest for Chris Evans when I was in the Killerz. We opened up the festival to the largest audience I have ever played to. We were the only tribute band. Met Chris Evans, Jackie Abbott, Matt Willis, Bez, Marc Almond and a few others.