Boff Whalley is a musician from Burnley, Lancashire, born in 1961, best known as the lead guitarist in Chumbawamba. He is also associated with Passion Killers, Chimp Eats Bananas, Skin Disease and Sportchestra!

Background

Before joining Chumbawamba, he attends art college in Maidstone and works in a supermarket and as a postman. In 1981 he moves to Leeds with fellow members of Chimp Eats Bananas, Midge and Danbert Nobacon, then studies at Leeds University without success before moving into the South View House squat in Armley.

With Chumbawamba

Whalley becomes Chumbawamba’s guitarist and says he has limited ability, but he remains in the role and also sings harmony vocals. His work with the group places him within folk and acoustic contexts as well as the wider Chumbawamba catalogue.

Writing

He also writes footnote*, an autobiographical book about his life in and around Chumbawamba.