If you missed Part 1 on Chris Wilson’s music history you can read it in the link below:
nineteen fanzine L-R Chris, Jim, Robin, Mark and Jeremy
After his departure from the Flamin’ Groovies in 1981 Chris moved to the UK. He liked The Barracudas so one night he and his wife at the time went to a venue called The Hope & Anchor in Islington to see the band perform. The Barracudas’ founding members Jeremy Gluck and Robin Wills had long been big Flamin’ Groovies fans. When they spotted Chris in the crowd they were very pleased and excited to see him there. They asked if he would come on stage and perform “Slow Death” to which he did. After the gig, Chris told them he really liked the band but felt that they needed another guitar that he would like to join. I am imagining some boisterous drunken excitement and camaraderie for the rest of that evening.
The next morning Chris awoke with a hangover and his wife said “You know you joined The Barracudas last night.” Chris said “Shit, well I better call em.” Robin Wills was absolutely bowled over and told him that he would really love to have him in the band. So that is how Chris ended up in The ‘Cudas.
Chris did two albums with the Barracudas “Mean Time” released in 1983 and “Endeavour to Perservere” in 1984.
The Barracudas YouTube
Laurent Menot YouTube
Laurent Menot YouTube
Photos from Chris Wilson’s archives DO NOT SHARE!
Outside Westminster Abbey 1983, L-R Jim, Mark, Robin, Chris, Jeremy
1982-Pau, France Jim Dickson and Chris
1983-Montpellier, France
Paris, 1983 Laurent Menot YouTUbe
“Dead Skin” from a French tv show, 1983
Laurent Menot YouTUbe
South of France, 1983
After his Barracudas stint circa 82-84 Chris went on to other various projects.
In 2006-2008 he was performing with other musicians including Rob Coyne and Yan Quellien as “Chris Wilson & Friends.” Jeremy and Robin eventually joined them from 2011-2013 to tour as The Barracudas.
After doing a gig in Tokyo in 2012 Chris, Robin and Rob went to the Poor Cow to have some drinks and this happened. I LOVE this video! Adoration for Chris and The Flamin’ Groovies.
saitesaiko YouTube:
Paris 2013 Chris lead vocals/guitar thanks to livedtap YouTube
Stay tuned for more about Chris Wilson’s projects including his work with The Fortunate Sons, Neon Leon,The X Flamin Groovies with Daniel Jeanrenaud and his solo albums including the album that spawned a Flamin’ Groovies reunion with 3 original members from 2013-2018.
Thank you Lori, my little wordsmith archivist!💙 It was an inordinate amount of fun .i loved all my brother musos though we had our ups and downs , but we were always there for each other and the audience. Try THAT with AI!
Lori this was SO AMAZINGLY GOOD!! Your writing and insider knowledge about this band made it such a fun read. I always loved this band and felt that they never got the respect and fame they so richly deserved!! I learned a lot I didn't know about them before 😊