Smokie

Smokie, an English pop-rock band, were formed in 1974 by Chris Norman (vocals), Alan Silson (guitar), Terry Uttley (bass), and Pete Spencer (drums). The group originated from Bradford, England. Initially known as The Yen and later The Sphynx, the band changed their name to Smokey before settling on Smokie due to a legal dispute with American soul singer Smokey Robinson. Smokie's breakthrough came in 1975 when they signed with RAK Records under the management of Mickie Most. Their first album, Pass It Around, was released that year, followed by Changing All the Time. The single "If You Think You Know How to Love Me" from the latter album became a hit, reaching number eight in Germany and number six in Norway. In 1977, Smokie achieved international success with their cover of "Living Next Door to Alice", which topped the charts in several countries, including Germany, where it stayed at number one for nine weeks. This period also saw the release of notable albums such as Midnight Café, Bright Lights & Back Alleys, and The Montreux Album. The band's success continued with hits like "Lay Back in the Arms of Someone", "Needles and Pins", and "For a Few Dollars More". In 1979, Smokie released The Other Side of the Road, marking a shift towards more rock-oriented music. However, commercial success began to wane with subsequent albums like Solid Ground (1981) and Strangers in Paradise (1982). The band disbanded in 1982 but reunited in 1985 for a charity concert. Chris Norman left the group in 1986 to pursue a solo career, during which he had a hit with "Midnight Lady". Smokie continued touring with new vocalist Alan Barton until his tragic death in 1995 following a car accident. Mike Craft joined as the new vocalist, and Terry Uttley remained the last original member until his passing in December 2021. Throughout their career, Smokie released numerous albums, including Young Hearts (1989), Chasing Shadows (1992), and Burnin' Ambition (1993). Their music continued to be popular, particularly in Scandinavia. Notable posthumous releases include GOLD: 1975-2015, a compilation of their greatest hits. Smokie's impact on pop-rock music is evident through their enduring popularity and the lasting influence of their hit songs.