Scoreload

British mod revival band prominent during the late 1970s and early 1980s.Formed in 1979 in South East London, The Chords were a key band in the UK mod revival movement alongside groups like The Jam and Secret Affair. Fronted by singer/guitarist Billy Hassett and featuring Chris Pope (guitar/vocals), Martin Mason (bass), and Brett 'Buddy' Ascott (drums), they signed to Polydor Records. Their energetic sound blended punk aggression with the sharp style and melodic sensibilities of 1960s mod bands. Their debut single, "Now It's Gone" (1979), gained attention, but it was their second single, "Maybe Tomorrow" (1980), that became their biggest hit, reaching No. 40 on the UK Singles Chart. Their only studio album, "So Far Away" (1980), received critical acclaim but modest sales. Internal tensions and the fading mod revival scene led to their breakup in 1981 after releasing the non-album single "Turn Away Again".

• The band's intense live performances and sharp mod image made them favorites on the scene, but they also gained a reputation for rowdiness and clashes, both on stage and with audiences.
• A significant source of tension was the rivalry and differing visions between frontman Billy Hassett and guitarist/songwriter Chris Pope, contributing heavily to their short lifespan.
• Despite their brief original run, The Chords' music, particularly "Maybe Tomorrow" and their album, gained a cult following and enduring respect within the mod and punk scenes.
• The band reformed in 2010 for live performances and released new material (an EP "Take On Life" in 2011 and an album "It's Business As Usual" in 2013), though sources vary on the consistency of the original lineup's involvement and the level of activity since then.
• They appeared in the cult 1981 music film "Urgh! A Music War", performing "Now It's Gone".