The Chavs
| Company type | Supergroup |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Headquarters | London , England |
| Products | Rock music |
The Chavs represent a London-based English rock supergroup established in 2004 by Carl Barât, formerly the guitarist for both the Libertines and Dirty Pretty Things. The ensemble features Tim Burgess from The Charlatans and drummer Andy Burrows of Razorlight. Their first live performance took place at Chatham's Tap'n'Tin in December 2004, where they played selections from the Libertines, The Charlatans, Burgess' solo repertoire, alongside seasonal covers including The Pogues' "Fairytale of New York."
The Tap'n'Tin venue is notable as the Libertines held a gig there immediately following Pete Doherty's release from incarceration after he was convicted of burgling Barât's residence in 2003.
In July 2007, The Chavs appeared at the premiere event for Alan McGee's Death Disco TV on Rockworld TV. This occasion featured an expanded lineup incorporating Jamie Reynolds and Steffan Halperin from Klaxons, as well as Didz Hammond, Gary Powell, and Anthony Rossomando from Dirty Pretty Things. Their performance blended compositions from all associated groups, including tracks like "Golden Skans," "North Country Boy" (which segued into a Rolling Stones cover), "Bang Bang You're Dead," and their original "Kickin' Against The Pricks," a nod to the Tap'n'Tin venue.
At the 2007 Glastonbury Festival within Lost Vagueness, the band appeared almost fully assembled with Carl, Jamie, and Tim present. Absent members Martin Duffy and Andy Burrows were substituted by Anthony Rossomando, Didz Hammond, and Gary Powell. They played on an open mic platform dressed in costumes, revealing their identities only after performing one song.
Tim Burgess announced intentions to produce an "avant-garde" debut album scheduled for August 2008. Their Myspace profile referenced a completed album and a rehearsed single entitled 'I Always Crack a Smile,' though this release seems improbable given the group's subsequent inactivity.
Personnel
- Current members
- Billy Idol – lead vocals (2024–present)
- Paul Cook – drums (2024–present)
- Steve Jones – lead guitar, backing vocals (2024–present)
- Tony James – bass guitar, backing vocals (2024–present)
- Past members