The Cheap Seats
The Cheap Seats | |
|---|---|
 The Cheap Seats (Ethan Allen and John Pettifer) in 1996 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Genres | Country music |
| Years active | 1995–1999 |
| Labels | Gemini Records |
The Cheap Seats were a British country music duo active in the mid-to-late 1990s, consisting of Ethan Allen (lead vocals) and John Pettifer (songwriter, vocals, guitar, and multi-instrumentalist). They are widely regarded as one of the most successful UK country acts of the era, achieving notable success in the UK and internationally through CMT.[1][2]
Formation and early success
Ethan Allen (born c. 1973) came from a strong country music family background — both of his parents were country performers who toured internationally. He was inspired to pursue country music after hearing Hank Williams Jr.'s "Born to Boogie". John Pettifer (born c. 1966), an experienced guitarist, had previously played with major names on the British country scene, including Albert Lee. Pettifer's interest in music began after hearing Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" as a child.
The pair met while Allen was performing a residency in New Brighton and officially formed The Cheap Seats in November 1995. They quickly gained a reputation as one of the most exciting live acts on the UK country circuit.
Their debut album, A Little Less Talk and A Lot More Action, was released on 12 August 1996. The album mixed original material with covers and received regular airplay on Country Music Television (CMT). The duo performed a live set on ITV's Big, Big Talent Show presented by Jonathan Ross on 3 August 1996 and played high-profile dance venues including the Embassy Dance Ranch in Sheffield and Great Birchwood Country Park near Lytham.[3]
Peak years and expansion
The Cheap Seats developed a highly energetic stage show, with Allen noted for his charismatic and bold performances that brought a rock-influenced sex appeal to the British country scene. They built a large and diverse fanbase — often referred to as "Cheapettes" — that spanned young female fans as well as a wide age range of male and female dancers.
Over their four years as a duo they achieved significant success, winning two CMT Awards for International Video Artist of the Year (1996 and 1997), two BCMA Awards, and scoring multiple #1 songs and videos on CMT. They performed at major venues including Wembley Arena.
In a bold move, The Cheap Seats expanded from a duo into a full eight-piece band in an attempt to compete at a higher level and bring country music further into the British mainstream. While the expanded line-up was praised by some, it proved financially challenging. Most country venues could not afford the larger group, resulting in fewer bookings. The closure of CMT in the UK also reduced vital television exposure for country artists.
Break-up
The band split in 1999. In a Linedancer magazine interview at the time, both members expressed no regrets about expanding the band, citing the experience as some of the proudest moments of their careers. Allen highlighted winning the CMT Award and their first full gig at Great Birchwood as career highlights. Pettifer described the six months as an eight-piece as one of the best times of his life.[4]
Following the split, John Pettifer moved into music production and currently plays guitar for Nathan Carter. Ethan Allen remained in the music industry pursuing a solo career, collaborating with Raul Malo of the Mavericks releasing several singles. He currently hosts "The Country Show" on Liverpool Live Radio.
Legacy
Despite their relatively short career, The Cheap Seats left a notable mark on the UK country scene. Their song "Somethin' in the Water" and the associated line dance "The Beast" (choreographed by Rob Fowler) remain popular decades later in the international line dance community.
"Somethin' in the Water" and "The Beast"
Their biggest hit, "Somethin' in the Water" (from the 1997 album Call It What You Will), became a major success in the line dance scene when choreographer Rob Fowler created the advanced dance "The Beast". The dance remains one of the most popular and enduring line dances worldwide.[1]
Career highlights and awards
- 2× CMT Awards – International Video Artist of the Year (1996 and 1997)
- 2× BCMA Awards – Rising Star and Best Group/Band (1997)
- 3 × #1 songs in Europe
- 3 × #1 videos on CMT
Discography
Albums
- A Little Less Talk .... And A Lot More Action (1996)
- Call It What You Will (1997)
- Not That Different (1998)
EPs
- From Where I Stand EP (1997)
Live Albums
- A Cheap Night Out (1998)
Notable singles
- "Somethin' in the Water"
- "From Where I Stand"
- "I Need Somebody"
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Musician becomes internet sensation as line dancing song recorded 20 YEARS ago goes viral..." Daily Mail. 17 March 2015.
- ↑ "Liverpool man became YouTube smash hit 20 years after recording country song". Liverpool Echo. 6 March 2015.
- ↑ Linedancer Magazine, 1996.
- ↑ Linedancer Magazine, break-up interview, 1999.
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