Of all the Manchester, England-based bands to emerge in the late 80s, the Charlatans' rise was undoubtedly the swiftest and their continuing career proves it was no fluke. Originally formed in 1988 by Baz Ketley (vocals/guitar), Martin Blunt (b. 21 May 1964, England; bass, ex-Makin' Time, the Gift Horses), Jon Brookes (b. 21 September 1968, England; drums) and Rob Collins (b. 12 June 1965, Sedgley, Staffordshire, England, d. 22 July 1996, Wales; keyboards), the quartet recorded a number of demos before parting company with Ketley. Tim Burgess (b. Timothy Allan Burgess, 30 May 1967, Salford, Lancashire, England; vocals, ex-Electric Crayons) and John Baker (guitar) were subsequently added to the line-up. The new look quintet fused 60s melodies, Hammond organ riffs and a generally loose feel that was instantly adopted by those taken with the Stone Roses and the Happy Mondays. The band's stage presentation was boosted by the recruitment of veteran Californian lighting director "Captain Whizzo", who provided the psychedelic visuals.
With all the optimism that accompanies a new decade, February 1990's "Indian Rope', a 12-inch debut on the Charlatans" own Dead Dead Good Records, sold well enough to secure a recording contract with Beggars Banquet Records/Situation Two. That proved a stepping stone to "The Only One I Know", a swirling, grooved pop song that borrowed from the Byrds and Booker T. And The MGs, and provided the perfect summer anthem. A UK number 9 hit in June, the single catapulted the Charlatans into the mainstream, and was consolidated by the follow-up, "Then" (UK number 12), and the band's debut album. With the delightful compositions that made up the UK chart-topping Some Friendly, the band ended the year on a high note. The following year proved far quieter, although a fourth single and a further UK Top 20 hit, "Over Rising", steered away from the previous organ-based approach.
The band entered 1992 with guarded optimism, but the year brought major problems. Bass player Martin Blunt suffered a nervous breakdown, and guitarist Baker was replaced by Mark Collins (b. 14 August 1965, England; ex-Candlestick Park). Their follow-up album Between 10th And 11th disappointed and lead-off single "Weirdo' stalled at number 19 in March. Most bizarre of all, keyboard player Rob Collins was jailed for being an accessory to an armed robbery at a Northwich off-licence. Up To Our Hips, recorded in Rob Collins" absence with Steve Hillage as producer, repaired some of the damage. Confident songs such as "Can't Get Out Of Bed" and "Autograph', plus a strong fanbase, kept the Charlatans intact after the UK press had turned on them. Despite Up To Our Hips" good reviews, the Charlatans were still widely perceived to be yesterday's men. In spite of this perception, and a career dogged by misfortune and adverse criticism, their revival in both the UK singles and albums charts continued, with "Just When You're Thinkin' Things Over" reaching number 12 in August 1995, and their fourth, self-titled album debuting at number one. In the USA, the album and the band's subsequent releases were credited to The Charlatans UK to avoid confusion with the 60s underground rock band of the same name.
Tragedy struck in July 1996 when Collins was killed when his car overturned while returning from a local public house to the recording studio at Rockfield Studio in South Wales. Martin Duffy of Primal Scream was drafted in to help out as a temporary replacement (a band that has used the Hammond organ as a lead instrument must replicate the sound or drastically change direction). They played a major gig at Knebworth a month later, and climbed to number 3 in the UK charts in September with "One To Another', before resuming work on their half-completed new album. However, just as tragedy spurred the Manic Street Preachers to produce their finest album (Everything Must Go), so too it inspired the Charlatans with the glorious Tellin" Stories in 1997.
The Melting Pot compilation was the band's final album for Beggars Banquet. New keyboard player Tony Rogers debuted on Us And Us Only, the Charlatans' bold debut for Universal Records, which was premiered by the epic singles "My Beautiful Friend" and "Forever", a UK number 12 hit in October 1999. "Love Is The Key' prefaced a solid new album (Wonderland) in August 2001. Rumours were circulating in late 2002 of a possible break-up following Tim Burgess' decision to record a solo album from his Los Angeles base. They were immediately denied, although Burgess' interesting I Believe did appear the following year. The Charlatans then reunited to record 2004"s Up At The Lake, their final album for Universal. The quintet subsequently signed a new recording contract with Sanctuary Records. They made their debut for the label in 2006 with the dub-orientated Simpatico, although the new musical direction proved baffling to some fans. The following year they released a download-only live album recorded at Delamere Forest in Cheshire.
The Charlatans have a strong fanbase and continue to be a formidable and exciting live act, blending their rich organ and guitar sound with quality songs.
