A Hit from Munich Conquers England

Chicory Tip's Two-Page Article in Bravo Magazine, August 30, 1972.

With a song by Munich composer Giorgio, the English group "Chicory Tip" got off to a flying start. For two years, the four boys from the provincial town of Maidstone near London tried unsuccessfully to get into the charts with English songs. Find out how they finally managed to become the pop discovery of the year in eight weeks here.

In a tiny, musty rehearsal room in the town of Maidstone, 50 kilometers southeast of London. Cigarette smoke, empty beer bottles, and hot heads. War council with Chicory Tip, an unknown provincial band

It's about the group's musical future. For nine years, the four boys have been trying to gain a foothold in the English charts with their songs. After two failed singles, everything is at stake for them. The next record must be a success, or they will have to hang up their instruments and take up some other profession.

So far, none of the four has a saving grace. Lost in thought, singer Peter Hewson turns the tuning knob on his radio. "Son of my Father" comes from the loudspeaker. As if electrified, the boys hear the melody, jump up, and quickly grab their instruments.

That was almost half a year ago. That same night, Chicory Tip practiced their own version of the song they had overheard by chance. The next day, their producer, Roger Easterby, learned from BBC London where the song actually came from: The Munich composer and producer Giorgio Moroder composed it a year ago for Michael Holm. "Nachts scheint die Sonne" was the title of the German version. For the international market, Giorgio finally wrote and recorded an English text himself.

It took exactly eight weeks for Chicory Tip to reach number 1 in the English charts with their version of "Son of my Father."

Suddenly, everyone was fighting over the four boys from Maidstone: English composers and lyricists offered them their songs and made tempting offers. But Chicory Tip remained true to their lucky charm from Germany and had Giorgio Moroder compose their next single as well

Their success proved them right: "What's Your Name" also landed in the charts straight away and finally helped the boys achieve their breakthrough. In the meantime, Giorgio has already found work again: He is currently working on the twelve tracks for the first Chicory Tip LP. K. E. Siegfried

Chicory Tipp are:

Rick Foster (25) founded the group nine years ago. He plays lead guitar and Moog synthesizer.

Bassist Barry "Baz" Mayger (24) bought a German Shepherd with his first fee.

Drummer Brian "Archie" Shearer (18) is the joker of the group. His clowning makes every performance a success.

Singer Peter Hewson (24) is the girl-catcher of the four. Every girl in London knows his green sports car.

Photos: C. Kranz