Like Gavin Simonsen, Chris lived in Lytham St Annes and had previously played with Simonsen in the band 'Free Spirit'. Although he played drums in Down At Heel he was also a very competent acoustic guitarist and singer. His departure in December 1977 to pursue non-musical pursuits was not welcomed by the other band members and his talents were much missed.

Chris is a busy drummer, accenting all phrases with fills and spills, very different from the John Bonham style of playing that has become so increasingly the norm. People describe a good music as being alternatively 'loose' and 'tight', as contradictory as that might seem. Chris's playing enveloped both these aspects - there was always lots of feel and passion but it was tempered and informed by an impeccable technique. He complemented the similar attributes of Nigel Sattin's bass playing perfectly, and the two of them formed such a solid rhythmic foundation that no guitarist could fail to be inspired.