The Real Thing

The Real Thing is a Liverpool-based British soul group that forms in the 1970s and remains active. The lineup includes Chris Amoo and Eddie Amoo. Their sound combines brit funk, disco, funk, R&B and soul.

Origins and early development

The group grows out of the Merseybeat scene of the 1960s in Liverpool. Chris Amoo previously sings with The Chants, a beat group whose singles attract critical attention without entering the charts. The act later records under different names before adopting The Real Thing, with Eddie Amoo, Ray Lake and Dave Smith joining the lineup.

A breakthrough follows an appearance on the television talent show Opportunity Knocks. Tony Hall, a former Radio Luxembourg DJ, notices the group and plays an important role in its early development. Early record deals with major labels do not lead to lasting success, before the group signs to Pye Records in 1975.

Commercial breakthrough

A period as backing singers on tour with David Essex helps raise the group’s profile. In 1976, the single “You To Me Are Everything”, written and produced by Ken Gold and Mick Denne, reaches number one in the UK singles chart. It begins a run of nine hits on Pye over three years.

Among the group’s biggest records are “Can’t Get By Without You” and “Can You Feel The Force”, both top-five hits. Their style of commercial soul with disco influences makes them one of the most successful black British groups of the late 1970s.

Later career

The group switches to Calibre Records in 1980, after which its chart momentum slows. Later material performs less strongly, although remixes of its first two hits chart around a decade after the original releases. The Real Thing continues to perform and record, with members from the original line-up still involved.

Other notes

Chris Amoo is also active on the dog show circuit. In 1987, his Afghan Hound, Champion Viscount Grant, is crowned Supreme Champion at Crufts.