Chiefs of the Week: Plucky members of Skin Côntact - live March 9, Vinopolis, London

By Claret Pimpernel

Published: 12 December, 2014

We don't just have one "Chief" this week, but we are banging the drum for all those plucky wine trade folk that are willing to put their reputations on the line by forming their own band and performing live to raise money for Comic Relief.

Yes we are talking about the "chiefs" behind Skin Skin Côntact (not sure about the dodgy hat thing on the 'o' mind) who will be spending the Christmas break fretting over their chord changes, and vocal skills as they build up for what will no doubt be one of the events of the year and their one off performance on March 9.

So who are these rock star types we have in our midst? Well the whole idea was drummed up by Richard Hemming, yes, he of JancisRobinson.com fame, who claims to be as much a master of the keyboards as he hopes to be of wine. He also clearly has the persuasive skills of Bob Geldof in being able to sign up the following talents for his dream band:

* on drums there is Matt James, founder of The Bordeaux Cellar, and more importantly was actually in a proper indie band, Gene, in the 1990s. here he is in action:

Video:

Matt James in action with 90s indie band Gene

* then on bass guitar we have Ben Smith who before a life in marketing in wine, now head of comms at Concha Y Toro, used to tread the boards with none other than Curiosity Killed the Cat, altough not in the original line up, hooked up with Ben Volpeliere-Pierrot (vol-au-vont to his mates) on their come back UK and European tours.

Video:

Curiosity Killed the Cat: Down to Earth

* thrashing away on lead giutar will be Alex Hunt MW, otherwise known as Berkmann's purchasing director

* whilst Anne McHale MW, Berry Bros & Rudd's wine education specialist, and Helen Chesshire, founder of The Chesshire Set PR will be doing their best Pepsi and Shirlie impersonations on backing vocals.

As for lead siinger? Well we are promised a whole number of surprise guests who will be taking to the mic on the night. Names are being held under wraps as the excitement builds to the big night.

Special mention must also go to Côtes du Rhône Wines,that are sponsoring the whole thing and generallly making it happen.

Vinopolis has been booked for the gig of the year with all money raised going towards Comic Relief.

And here's a sneak preview of what you can expect to hear. Yes Skin Côntact caught in rehearsals riffing on a bit of Blur. The Chiefs in action.