Born on 21 March: Guy Chadwick, The House of Love's star still shines

Although he was born in 1956 in Hanover, Germany, where his father, a soldier of Her Majesty, was stationed, the performer of "Shine On" is indeed English…

Like the offspring of diplomats, Guy Chadwick followed his father around the world, especially to territories where the Crown held influence, such as Singapore, for instance.

Back in the Kingdom, he was finally able to work on his writing and engage in his first musical experiences, notably with The Kingdoms, who released just one single before fading into obscurity.

His meeting with guitarist Terry Bickers in late 1986 proved crucial for launching The House of Love. His style, sometimes compared to The Edge (U2), produced electric gems on tracks such as "Christine", "Don’t Know Why I Love You" and of course, "Shine On", which, 35 years later, remains timeless.

After disbanding the group in 1993, Guy Chadwick took a twelve-year sabbatical before returning to the spotlight with a new team of musicians. While respectable, the three albums released since 2005 struggle to recreate the same spark and thrill. "A State Of Grace", the latest from 2022 with its often bluesy tones, carries an introspective character with tracks like "Sweet Loser" and a hint of self-deprecation as Chadwick chose… Shine On as the name for his own label. Wouldn't that be a fittingly poetic way to complete the circle?

(MH with AK - Photo: © Etienne Tordoir)

Photo: Guy Chadwick with The House Of Love at the Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, Belgium, on 19 April 1990