Punk Drummer, Chiropractor, Author-to-Be

Posted by Anneli Rufus at 10:01 am, Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Terry Chimes was a worldwide punk phenomenon as the original drummer for The Clash. After leaving the band, he was replaced by Topper Headon, who was presently kicked out for drug problems, at which point Chimes was asked to rejoin. He toured the US and UK in that capacity. He also drummed in other bands including Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers briefly in 1977, Generation X from 1979 to 1980, Hanoi Rocks in 1985, The Cherry Bombz in 1986 and Black Sabbath on their Eternal Idol Tour in 1987/88. In 1994, he became a chiropractor. As Contactmusic.com reports, Chimes “has started working on a new health book. The rocker … turned his back on music to set up a chiropractic office in Essex, England and now wants to share his health tips with readers. Chimes says, ‘If you can get someone healthy, there’s a satisfaction in that which is profound.’”



56 Responses to “Punk Drummer, Chiropractor, Author-to-Be

  1. Punk Drummer, Chiropractor, Author-to-Be chiropractor poway — USChiropractor.org Says:


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    [...] In 1994, he became a chiropractor. As Contactmusic.com reports, Chimes “has started working on a new health book. The rocker … turned his back on music to set up a chiropractic office in Essex, England and now wants to share his health …ChiropractorTags: chiropractor los angeles find a chiropractor scottsdale chiropractor chicago chiropractor chiropractor dallas [...]

  2. David Salvage Says:


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    It’s so encouraging hearing this story that Chimes has moved from rock and roll to chiropractic work. As a former lead singer for the not so legendary NY based voodoo rockabilly unabashed Cramps cloned band –the Groovy Ghoulies, I find that my current career as a pscyhiatrist and author engage something present in rock and roll– the commitment to the deepest primal pulse in the human psyche, the willingness to find a deeper layer of thinking, moving, relating, and expanding sexuality and philosophy. Long live Freud, Long Live The Clash, and congratulations to Chimes on this next phase of his career.

  3. Will Riley Says:


    Visit Will Riley

    What a strange transition. Going from someone who is used to pushing their bodies to the limit to someone who fixes bodies. Love it.

  4. Jeff Says:


    Visit Jeff

    That’s a great story I never knew… I have been in a few pretty popular local bands myself and now I build websites for really cool bands, tattoo shops, pin-up models, etc… Great post…

    Jeff

  5. rob Says:


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    Having been a “bad boy” myself, I find it very encouraging to see others joing the chiropractic field. I will definately have to review his book.

  6. Vitamin Manufacturers Says:


    Visit Vitamin Manufacturers

    My oldest brother was in a terrible motorcycle accident when he was 16. The medical community told him and my parents he would never walk again without the aid of crutches. My parents began taking him 30 miles to a chiropractor. Within 6 months he had helped my brother to the point could walk without crutches and he ultimate was able to serve 4 years in the Navy.

  7. cheap drum set cymbals Says:


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    I agree that it is a drastic change to go from drummer to chiropractor. But it seems as though Chimes has found his calling and being a chiropractor is a rewarding career for him. It isn’t very often that we find a job that brings us great satisfaction and meaning. Congrats to Chimes!

  8. bargain laptop computer shop Says:


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    Aint it cool how guys in their former lives were living on the edge and then they turn “legit”. Having done all that drumming, how old is he now?

    Alice Cooper turned uber DJ is another one…but he is still rockin it though.

    Cool for Chimes though, nice to be able to do what you want!

    I can think of a few chiropractors who want to be drummers!

  9. Vancouver Chiropractor Says:


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    Interestingly enough, its not uncommon to meet chiropractors who are in their second careers. Often, its due to a personal or family experience with a chiropractor. Its nice to see!

  10. cheap drum sets Says:


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    I wonder if he still plays though…I know of may guys that get into another career, but still keep that edge going.

    There is something addictive about playing…and if he performed with the Clash, then he must still have the bug!

    I wonder if you go into his office, he has memorabilia from his drummming days!

  11. shimon Says:


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    you say: “Chimes says, ‘If you can get someone healthy, there’s a satisfaction in that which is profound.’”
    i like this essay very much. thanks!’ i always want all peoples be more haelth.

  12. buy metal detectors Says:


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    You know, that is pretty cool that he is a drummer turned chiropractor. I know of a chiropractor turned guitarist!..Well actually he plays evenings on the side. But goes to show you can do anything you put your mind to…

  13. Greek Village Says:


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    It is noce to see people actually going after what they want and not being afraid being labeled. This world needs new capable multitasking multitalented people.

  14. Chiropractic Toolbar Says:


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    Go for it! That’s all I have to say. Healers come in all different forms.

  15. Mark Says:


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    Um…. odd?? I know a person can’t be expected to follow one interest their entire life but these are two extremes! Why not drumming and goat herding, or being a pianist and then a plumber! You never can make sense of drummers.

  16. Schlagzeug Says:


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    drumming and goat herding sounds great, think about combining those two together. Bring some Goats on stage to rock out with em. Bring some Drums and Rockn Roll to the Goats!

  17. Cymbal Drums Says:


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    Chimes is a teetotal vegetarian having been cured of serious arm pain on his first show in 1985 with Black Sabbath by the band’s personal chiropractor. That is why he eventually turned to that occupation himself!

  18. Gitarren Says:


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    Nothing like beating on a goat instead of a snare drum. now thats what I call real rock n Roll!

    rock on!

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  22. Sandy Chiropractic Says:


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    What a strange transition. Going from someone who is used to pushing their bodies to the limit to someone who fixes bodies. Love it.

  23. TheFiend Says:


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    Chimes is a great drummer, But i wonder how he went from drummer to chiropractor nowhere near the same spectrum, one would expect to become a producer.

  24. Music Marketing Tools Says:


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    Very intriguing story with two such varied roles. I’d be interesting to read the book to find out which he preferred for which reasons.

    I’d personally miss the creativity… but helping people is quite a good selling point. Then again, he could cause them pain at the same time as fixing them lol – maybe that’s it!

  25. worthington chiropractic Says:


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    Pretty impressive career by the way. Cheers!

  26. Sold out concert tickets Says:


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    Interesting indeed. The transition is really a huge change. I’ve certainly heard similar stories but that was one of a kind story. great stuff. Cheers

  27. Lap dancing jobs Says:


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    Terry is certainly a huge icon in the music and show business. He’s contributions are so much. He’s such an awesome performer and his story is really interesting. Thanks for the information. Cheers

  28. LMS Says:


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    I think the punk music you get now is nothing compared to what Terry used to do. He is definitely the best I’ve heard so far! It is nice to see that he is keeping himself occupied..

  29. chris Says:


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    Few people get the chance to follow their dreams, especially twice! Great story!

  30. Klavier Says:


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    Viva la Punk Rock!

  31. Flats for Rent in Essex Says:


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    Mark Lester (of Oliver fame) became an osteopath. So there seems to be a trend here maybe?

  32. wilton @ to play drums Says:


    Visit wilton @ to play drums

    Thanks for the interesting post about Terry Chimes. I look forward to reading more from you in the future.

  33. John Howard Says:


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    My uncle met with an accident in his late 40s and was totally disabled, but after starting his chiropractic course a very charismatic thing happened and he just recovered within a year’s time…

  34. Jennifer Stevenson Says:


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    My husband tried chiropractic mode of treatment after he met with an accident last year and he got well with this mode in a very short span of time.

  35. Trompete Says:


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    I would love to play my Trumpet in a Punk Band one Time. But i dont like Ska, everything Punkrock with a Trumpet sounds like Ska Doh!

    Trompete :)

  36. John Says:


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    I missed The Clash band..I love you guyz!

  37. Bon jovi Concert Says:


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    Bon jovi Concert…

    In 1957 the composer Henry Jacobs convinced the Morrison Planetarium in San Francisco to let him use their newly renovated four- track surround- sound system for a series of concerts. Jacobs commissioned new pieces of electronic music from internationa…

  38. Mandan Chiropractic Says:


    Visit Mandan Chiropractic

    It is very encouraging to see someone come into the chiropractic field no matter where they are from. I wish there were more chiropractors because the body changes so much after age 40 that you need adjustment to keep you healthy!!

    Glad to see your in the field Terry!

  39. Orland Park Chiropractor Says:


    Visit Orland Park Chiropractor

    Most Chiropractors in fourth grade probably dreamed of being in a rock band when they grew up. Chimes settled for rock band drummer first and then switched and is living the dream of Chiropractic care.

    Think I’ll get the high school band back together. If nothing else, maybe I’ll get the old gang as new patients!

  40. HeaNut Says:


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    I guess in a way he’s “back, better than ever”, sorry bad pun. :)

  41. Greg Says:


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    Woh! That’s really interesting. Funny, I never really think much about people from bands long ago and wonder what they’re doing now.
    Good career move I reckon! :)
    Cheers for the post!
    Greg

  42. Yachtcharter Says:


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    Whenever I think about Bands from long ago I allways wonder what happened to that Bass Player Guy from Nirvana.

  43. Azoren Says:


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    I think he became a Politician!

  44. matthewroller Says:


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    That was a very interesting story. From drummer, now to being a chiropractor. He should would be able to help a lot of people.

  45. Sandy Chiropractic Care Says:


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    A very inspiring story of Terry Chimes.

  46. Will – The Metronome Guy Says:


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    I agree there is some fulfillment in helping others but c’mon, nothing beats the fulfillment you experience when playing music.

    Get back to the drums… NOW!

  47. Maximus Says:


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    Yes the one guy from Nirvana became a politician but not that Drummer hes in the Foo fighters but I dont really like them, they should have gotten a new Singer for Nirvana and rename the Band instead or something. But the Drummer is a good Singer now too I think but I dont like the Music too much…

  48. Boulder chiropractors Says:


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    I want to see some pictures of this office! I can imagine the reception lounge and the ambience that place has…grooving tunes for sure!
    Go Terry!

  49. brutto netto rechner Says:


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    yeah, let us see some pictures!

  50. Vernon Chiropractor Says:


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    I loved the Clash, and still do. It’s great to see someone I admired so greatly ending up as a chiropractor! It just goes to show that the stereotypical image of rock stars is complete nonsense and a lot of these guys are not only great businessmen but also very bright and determined people.

  51. RJ Says:


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    This just shows that people do not have to be stereotyped by what they used to do. Human beings have unlimited capabilities. And you would not know just what human beings can do.

  52. Jeff Morgan Says:


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    A very talented person indeed, there are very few people who possess such diverse abilities. I am glad to see that he has done so well for himself in such different areas. Thanks for sharing!

  53. yohimbine hcl Says:


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    to show that the stereotypical image of rock stars is complete nonsense and a lot of these guys are not only great businessmen but also very

  54. personal trainer pa Says:


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    of rock stars is complete nonsense and a lot of these guys are not only great businessmen but also

  55. personal trainer pa Says:


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    see someone I admired so greatly ending up as a chiropractor! It just goes to show that the stereotypical image of rock stars is complete nonsens

  56. George Spiteri Says:


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    It’s definitely an unusual segue for a musician in a punk rock band to start a new career as a Chiropractor. I’m not sure what the stereotypical image of a rock star is as mentioned by the previous commenter, but I always figured they were of above average intelligence and quite capable. I personally know some chiropractor’s and although the profession can be lucrative, it requires amazing due diligence. It’s not like being an MD. Thanks for the post.


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