Chad Strentz

Mr Chad Strentz, born in London, 1964 and started singing and playing guitar at the age of 13.

Early influences include Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Johnny Burnette, Mac Curtis, and Gene Vincent, just a few of the guys I would listen to at this time.

I joined a rockabilly band at the age of 15 called the Scat Katz. We played mostly in bars and a few festivals. The next band I joined was called Cat Talk. We had a bit of success on the rockabilly circuit in England and out in Europe. I cut my first 45 with this band.

Being into rockabilly at this time tuned my ears to such artists as Arthur (big boy) Crudup, Bo Diddley, Junior Parker and the Blue Flames, and many more blues artists. My next band was called Shout Sister Shout. This was the first band that played more blues and soul, but still had some rockabilly tunes. This was when I started to write songs the first being one called ‘I wish I never lost you’. Shout Sister Shout were quite a popular band, we played out in Europe a lot, and around England.

I joined up with Paul Lamb in 1991-1999.The band at the time were doing really well. We toured a great deal and released around 5 CDs in this time, most of which won awards.

I wrote a lot more songs, along with Paul and Johnny Whitehill. I was now playing more blues and swing songs, with a touch of rockabilly.

I took a break after 1999 for around a year when I hooked up with my old friend Pete Farugia, who was one of the first musicians I jammed with. We formed a band called Breakout Blues, just to keep our interests going. We released a CD called ‘Drunk and Homeless’, with mostly original tracks.

I then got a call from Ian Jennings from the Big Town Playboys, asking if I would sing a few tracks on their new album. I agreed, and it went well. We did a few gigs and festivals and even an “after tour party” for the Rolling Stones. I still do the odd gig with Ian, it’s only rock’n'roll, but I love it!

I got a call once more from Paul, asking if I would be up for singing with the band again – how could I refuse? Great to be back! (Oct 2003)