Chris Allton’s musical journey spans over three decades, showcasing a diverse and evolving career through numerous bands, collaborations, and projects. From his early beginnings in the 1990s to his continued presence in the music scene today, Chris’s dedication to music has left a lasting mark across various genres and styles.
Chris's musical career began in 1992 with Still Got The Blues, marking his first foray into performing. This period saw him exploring blues influences, a genre that would continue to shape his sound. The following year, he continued this path with Off The Wall, further honing his craft.
Throughout the 1990s, Chris expanded his musical repertoire with influences from bands like Pipedream, Red Moon Joe, Alix, and Burst, developing his versatility across blues, rock, and alternative sounds. His collaboration with Sunflower in 1996 highlighted his growing confidence as a performer and songwriter.
The early 2000s saw Chris take on new projects like Two Time, The View, and Hollton, reflecting his adaptability and passion for experimenting with different sounds including blues, folk, pop, rock and Americana. With each project, Chris refined his skills as both a musician and collaborator, becoming an integral part of each band’s sound and developing the array of instruments he played including guitar, mandolin, harmonica, pedal steel guitar and bouzouki.
By the 2010s, Chris had established himself as a seasoned musician, contributing to projects such as No More Cane, Some Big Fish, and Redwing. His involvement with The Allton Brothers Band and Danville Train during this time highlighted his dedication to roots music and Americana sounds. The formation of Doug Perkins & The Spectaculars led to Chris playing the double bass, something he learnt in his late teens but never played live in a band.
Chris’s collaborations continued to flourish with projects like Still Got The Booze, Raising Cane and Switch Hitters, each adding a new layer to his musical legacy. His commitment to live performance and his collaborative spirit have made him a sought-after musician in various bands, including , Red Moon Joe, The Conway Brothers Band and Soldato.
In recent years, Chris has remained an active force in the music scene, performing with The Grateful Shed, EJCO, and Doug Perkins & The Spectaculars. His 2022 collaboration with Craig Benyon and the formation of McLaren in 2023 demonstrate his ongoing passion for creating music and connecting with audiences.
As of 2025, Chris Allton’s musical journey continues, reflecting a lifetime of dedication, talent, and a deep love for music. His influence and contributions to the music scene serve as an inspiration to both his peers and the next generation of musicians.
