Chain: The Pioneers of Australian Blues Rock

Chain is an Australian blues rock band that formed in Melbourne in 1968. The group is best known for their 1971 hit single Black and Blue, which became a landmark record in Australian music history.

Early career

The band's initial lineup featured guitarist Phil Manning and vocalist Matt Taylor, among others. They quickly established a reputation as a formidable live act on the thriving Melbourne pub and festival circuit in the late 1960s.

Their debut album, Live, was recorded at a performance in 1969 and released independently. This raw, energetic recording captured their early sound and led to a signing with the Festival Records label.

Breakthrough

Chain's breakthrough arrived in 1971 with the release of the single Black and Blue. The song, a slow-burning blues number, resonated powerfully with Australian audiences and spent 16 weeks in the national charts.

Their album Toward the Blues, also released in 1971, further cemented their status. It peaked at number 6 on the Australian album charts and was later certified gold for sales exceeding 35,000 copies.

Key tracks

Black and Blue — This 1971 single is Chain's signature song and a definitive track of the Australian blues genre.

Judgement — A key track from the Toward the Blues album, showcasing the band's tight, improvisational prowess.

Grab a Snatch and Hold It — This earlier single demonstrated their harder-edged, riff-based rock influence.

I Remember When I Was Young — A later track from the 1973 album Two of a Kind, highlighting Phil Manning's songwriting and vocal delivery.

The band underwent several lineup changes throughout the 1970s, with Phil Manning remaining a constant creative force. They released further albums including Two of a Kind in 1973 before entering a period of hiatus. Chain has reformed periodically for tours and recordings, demonstrating the enduring appeal of their classic blues rock material. Their influence is heard in subsequent generations of Australian rock bands who blend blues traditions with a local sensibility. Fans of Chain's gritty, guitar-driven sound often appreciate the work of similar Australian acts. Explore Billy Thorpe for powerful 70s pub rock energy. Listen to The Angels for a harder rock edge born from the same circuit. Discover The Saints for a raw, foundational punk and rock sound. Check out Midnight Oil for another iconic Australian band with strong social commentary.

Chain's music maintains a steady presence on radio stations featured on this website. Their classic hits are staples on dedicated classic rock FM stations and Australian music specialty programs. Independent music radio stations frequently feature their deeper album cuts, celebrating their contribution to the national rock legacy.

You can hear the music of Chain on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover or revisit this foundational Australian blues rock act through the various rock and classic rock radio streams available on onairium.com.