Between the Songs: Meet the Band of Always, Adele

Christopher Allis - Drummer

We're fortunate to have a stellar band that brings Adele's music to life seamlessly at every performance. In this series, we ask our band members about their experience with Always, Adele and about Adele herself. Today, we're talking to the man who holds down the rhythm section, our indelible drummer Christopher Allis

1. What was the first tribute (or cover) band you ever played in, and what did you enjoy about it?

   I've not necessarily done the tribute ban thing seriously until "Always, Adele". I have subbed for different tribute acts when their regular drummer couldn't make it. I've also done many tribute nights where you are playing the music of say; Kate Bush, or Siouxsie and the Banshees, or The Smiths, or Rush or what have you. It is fun to really immerse yourself in the music and focus on the specifics; particularly when the songs have very specific parts. There have been so many cover bands over the years that I've lost count to be honest. My first bands were way back in grade school so, a very long road of music that has been traversed so far. 

   
   

   The bottom line for me is (and always has been) - I love music. I love playing it and I love experiencing it. So, any chance I have to play music at a high level is going to be enjoyable. “Always, Adele” does that.

   
   

2. What's your favorite Adele song to perform? Which is your favorite to listen to?

   I'd say "Chasing Pavements" is my favorite to play. "When We Were Young" is my favorite to listen to.

   
   

   

   
   

3. What inspires you most about being part of Always, Adele?

   It is a really well balanced group: personality-wise and talent-wise. Everyone gets along really well and we're all consistently focused on putting the music first. That is inspiring to me - we're all reaching for the best. The music is always the main thing. 

   
   

   I wasn't necessarily well versed in Adele’s catalog beforehand; just the hits really (a sizeable number either way). In talking with Sarah at the very beginning of this concept, I really believed in what she was going for and was honored she would ask me to be involved. Now, after so much rehearsing and gigging, I can definitely say I'm a fan of Adele.

4. If someone asked you why they should come see this show, what would you tell them?

   I've told people on a number of occasions that the beauty of this show is that it is an honest rendering of what you'd get from an actual Adele show. There's a lot of thought that is put into the set list, the look of the band, the videos we show, and most importantly: we take our sound really seriously. So, you're going to get a lot of value for your hard earnt when you buy a ticket. You're going to walk away having experienced a really professional, high quality concert.

   
   

   

   
   

5. If you had the chance to meet Adele and ask her one question, what would it be?

   I would really be interested in talking to her about her writing process. So much of her music is culled from her life experience. I'd love to know how she frames those experiences and puts them to music. Who are her inspirations and how does she feel being such an inspiration for so many people? I'd also be interested in finding out if she was always so open, or whether it was something she simply became comfortable with after she started writing.

   
   
   
   

   Is there another topic you'd like us to cover? Contact us and let us know!