His early life was unconventional for a rock star as he was born into a family that can trace its ancestry back to the Norman Conquest. Born in Argentina in 1948 he traveled around with his family until he was sent to public boarding school, first in Ireland and later at Marlborough College in England. Contrary to popular opinion Chris is English - not Irish - although he holds dual nationality because of his place of birth.
After a long career in the Diplomatic Service Chris's parents settled down in Ireland where the family had strong historical ties. They renovated the run down Bargy Castle and opened it as a hotel and it was here that Chris got his first taste of entertaining an audience as he played and sang to the dinner guests.
After Marlborough Chris attended Trinity College, Dublin. While he was at university he made extra money singing at Captain America's burger bar!
Although he left with a good degree Chris was determined to make a successful career as a singer. His early attempts were a struggle but in March, 1974 he signed his first record deal with A&M.
His first album, Far Beyond These Castle Walls, was released in 1975 with mixed success. Amazingly though the single, Turning Around (Flying), was number one in Brazil for 17 weeks. This sort of thing typifies Chris's career. One country picked up on an album while it was ignored in other areas. Eastern Wind was extremely successful in Scandinavia but did very little elsewhere.
Gradually, with successive album releases, Chris's reputation grew. He supported the massive 70's rock group Supertramp on tour in Europe and North America and he built up a following in countries as diverse as Germany, Canada and South Africa.
By the time his seventh album, Man on the Line, was released in 1984, Chris and his highly talented band were selling out concerts throughout Europe and groups like U2 were supporting him.
His concerts were very successful in England as well but it wasn't until the release of the aptly titled Into the Light in 1986 along with the ubiquitous, Lady in Red, that Chris became an "overnight star" here.
Since then his career has taken many turns. Having established himself as a rock star he was encouraged to try something different when his band couldn't tour because of the illness of his long term friend and musical director Glenn Morrow. The Beautiful Dreams concert resulted in which Chris returned to his routes to play part of the concert solo and then later with an orchestra.For a few years he toured like this performing open-air concerts around stately homes in the summer.
Eventually though the rock music that he was known for called Chris back. Sadly Glenn had died of cancer and the old band had dispersed. With the help of the experienced Peter Oxendale a new group of equally talented musicians was put together and the show was on the road again.
Chris has released 12 original studio albums along with live recordings and compilations. You may not think that his style will be to your liking if you base your opinion on Lady in Red but he has one of the most veried repertoires of any performer I've heard and there is something for everyone.
If you get the chance go and see him in concert - but don't plan an early night! Chris is usually on stage for at least 3 hours - withoiut any breaks. If you go, remember to take your dancing shoes!