Chris ‘cute guy’ 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.