Christopher Tucker, a Tribute

Christopher Tucker playing at Mojo 13

Christopher Tucker, local Philadelphian musician who touched many friends and fans in his lifetime, has passed away.  Chris died on Friday, July 25th after slipping into a coma stemming from a tragic accident that occurred late last Monday night.  We at Girl About Town would like to remember the beauty and joy that Christopher's music brought to us and everyone who knew him.  He was a friend and will be missed, and he continues to be in our thoughts.

Christopher's story as a musician starts in Dover, Delaware where he was in his first band called The Gatecrash in 1991 at age 20.  Then, in 1994 he joined The Verge with Lorren Sherrell and Damon Howard.  Heavilly influenced by Britpop and especially The Stone Roses, the band released an the album "Phenomenon" (Big Deal/Caroline Records) in March of 1997.  Next was band Elan in '97 and '98.  Christopher continued to be immersed in the sounds of 90s indie British music when he hooked up with old Delaware pal Joe Castro in late 1999 to start another band, The Situation.  However, Chris moved to Los Angeles in 2000 for a stint before the band could take off, instead trying his luck out west with different bands and lineups.  He wrote lots of songs in LA, including one that he recorded with friends Brian Jonestown Massacre called "If Love Is the Drug". Returning to the East Coast by the following year, Chris moved to Philadelphia and The Situation was able to flourish.


The Verge - photo by Danielle St. Laurent

The Situation played their first show in Philly in March 2001 with the lineup of Joe Castro on guitar, Larry "Laz" Zappaterrini on bass, John Paul Travis on drums, and Chris Tucker on guitar, keyboards, and harmonica.  They garnered lots of attention and local press following the release of their debut "The Reece Nasty EP", which featured fan favorites "Why I Can't Relate" and "The Best Prescription Pill Anywhere" and highlighted their guitar-fueled yet heartfelt pop.  The Situation played many shows throughout the area, including sharing the stage with The Teeth, LaGuardia, Elevator Parade, Three4Tens, The Capitol Years, My Wig Is On, Audible, Adam Arcuragi, Ty Cobb/Mad Action, Racoon, Cordalene, Pattern Is Movement, Dragon City, The Lilys, Photon Band, Bitter Bitter Weeks, and The A-Sides.

And that's just the local bands.  They also shared shows with The Strokes, Ok Go!, The Walkmen, Bettie Serveert, The Libertines, Nada Surf, Dressy Bessy, The Secret Machines, Eastern Conference Champions, Burning Brides, Spindrift, A Place to Bury Strangers, Apollo Sunshine, Hot Hot Heat, Louis XIV, and The Shout Out Louds.  This is a most impressive resume for a band that just had one EP out for most of its run, proving that The Situation had a formidable sound with a kick-ass lineup, led by the affable Chris Tucker.

Despite this, The Situation was shortlived.  They broke up in 2006, just after the release of their only album (self-titled), released in April that year on Elephant Stone Records and mixed by Brian McTear.  The album is filled with twelve songs, all written by Chris.  Christopher was the sole songwriter for The Situation, pouring his thoughts on life and love into his writing.  Some songs were very moving, such as "Latchkey Kids", written with nostalgia about his childhood.  Often when he played this song live, especially during solo sets, Chris would dedicate the song to his own young son.  Other times, the songs Chris wrote harboured much pain, apparent in his lyrics and sincere performances.  Chris performed with his heart on his sleeve, honestly baring his soul with compassion for himself and others.  This pathos is not easily seen and we are lucky to have witnessed it within Christopher's songs.

The Situation, 2003 - from Left: John Paul, Joe, Laz, Chris


Trailer for the Situation documentary

After the Situation broke up, Christopher focused on his side project called Meme, which he had started while still in the band.  As Meme, he released several EPs with songs written during 2005 and 2006.  Meme later morphed into band Orphan Family, with drummer Jean Paul Travis and Jared Styles, who replaced bassist Laz in The Situation a year prior to the split of the band.  Orphan Family had been playing out dates here and there, one highlight was opening for The Bird and The Bee at the North Star Bar in November '07.  Orphan Family was scheduled to play the North Star again June 13th, but only Christopher graced the stage that evening, quite possibly his last public performance.

We at Girl About Town express our sincere condolences to Christopher's family, friends, band mates, and mostly to his son and girlfriend Suzanne. 

We hope to see you again, Chris, and thank you for sharing so much of yourself in your songs and in your life.  While we listen to The Situation over and over again, and think about all the great shows you were a part of, we are sad but remain hopeful that you are in a better place with no pain and only waves of your favorite music playing over and over again.

The Situation - band site / myspace
Orphan Family - myspace

Comments

[Natalie McD]

This is very sad news. I really enjoyed The Situation's album featuring Pine Street, Let it Go and Cherry. Sadly, I never saw them perform. But I'll keep listening.

[Sarah]

Thank you so much for this warm and touching tribute.

[Ken merritt JR]

Chris you will be missed. I remember Damon, Lauren, and Chris tour (THE VERGE) made a stop at my house one evening and played all night. I was a friend and a true fan . I love u GUYS