Sometimes a single song just comes to define your legacy. That in a single sentence is the story of Smokie. “Living Next Door To Alice” is instantly recognisable, and deeply entrenched in our memories. However, it makes us gloss over the rest of their fantastic catalogue. Smokie had over 15 Top 20 hits in the late 70s and were a staple on the radio in Delhi, pretty much all through the late 70s and early 80s. The imagery of “Living Next Door To Alice” is brilliant and I was always able to very easily imagine this guy who just never worked up the courage to tell his next door girl that he was in love with her. And that he was too blind to see that that Sally was the girl for him…a song of unrequited love all around, with a nice happy ending. Been there, done that in my spotty teenage years, as I’m sure each of you has too – probably that’s why this song was such a smash hit ☺️

Formed originally in Bradford in 1964 by Terry Uttley, Chris Norman and Alan Silson they were another backing band for many not very well-known singers for a decade with very little success. Over the years they perfected their soft-rock sound, guitars and harmonies with a strong bass line, but it was only when they met Suzy Quatro’s songwriters and changed their name from Smokey to Smokie (apparently Smoky Robinson threatened to sue them!) that their luck changed. They became an unstoppable hit machine and had a very strong run of hits between 1975 and 1978. “If You Think You Know How To Love Me”, “Lay Back in the Arms of Someone”, “Needles & Pins”, “Oh Carol”, “Mexican Girl” and their super-hit “Living Next Door to Alice” in 1977. They split up in 1978 at the peak of their success when Chris Norman decided to go solo, singing his debut smash hit ‘Stumblin’ In’ with Suzy Quatro. They reformed in ’86 and have had a pretty fluid line-up since , though they are actually still touring and making music, though Terry is the only original band member left.

I played it in the car a few months ago for Nandan and Kunal – and all three of us were singing the words instantly. When we got to our destination, Nandan didn’t want to get out of the car till the song finished! I have loads of faded memories of hearing the song on the radio, and singing along. I wouldn’t say Smokie ever became a staple on my playlist or that I ever bought their LP or Cassette. They were unfortunately easily forgotten for 24 years. But the lyrics come straight back as the first bars of the songs play – that’s what great bands and songs are about I guess.