Chris Difford

Chris Difford

Chris Difford is a songwriter from Greenwich, United Kingdom, born in 1954. He is best known for his long-running work with Squeeze, and is also associated with Difford & Tilbrook and Ken Bishop's Nice Twelve. His songwriting is listed in pop, rock and indie contexts.

Songwriting with Squeeze

Difford writes lyrics for more than twenty-five years, most notably as part of Squeeze. The group records 13 albums and achieves many top 20 hits, and their songs including Tempted, Up the Junction, Cool for Cats and Black Coffee in Bed continue to receive radio play in the UK and US. His work with the band also includes extensive touring, with 29 American tours, 30 UK tours and other trips worldwide mentioned in connection with their career.

Solo work and releases

Difford releases his debut solo album, I Didn't Get Where I Am..., in 2002. In 2006 he issues South East Side Story, an acoustic album and DVD on Luna Records. That release includes reworked versions of classic Squeeze songs and a live performance at the Albany Theatre.

Collaborations and other projects

During periods away from Squeeze, Difford writes with Elton John, Trilok Gurtu, Marti Pellow, Lamont Dozier, Willie Mitchell and others. He also works on a musical with Guy Barker and a record with Matt Deighton. In partnership with Glenn Tilbrook, he writes the musical Labelled with Love in 1984, which runs for three months in London. With Marti Pellow, he develops a large body of new songs and also works on Pellow's second solo album.

Film, awards and workshops

Difford writes lyrics for the film Still Crazy, and this earns him an Ivor Novello Award. He also organises writer workshops, and hosts a songwriter webcast from his studio in Sussex featuring acts including Turin Brakes, The Webb Brothers, Jane Birkin and Nitin Sawhney.

Later activity

He takes part in projects beyond Squeeze, including South East Side Story and other collaborations, while continuing his work as a songwriter and lyricist.