Although the Chilli Fighters are now a cover band playing songs from all different types of bands from all different types of genres the Chilli Fighters started life as a double tribute act with a difference, fusing songs from the two biggest bands of our time capturing the hard hitting grittiness of the Foo Fighters mixed with the distinctive funk rock sound of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
Lee Tilbury fronted The band was founded by four professional musicians with a vast wealth of experience and enthusiasm for live music. The band started with a view of being the tightest, most exciting and powerful cover band around hand picking its members from already established bands to make The Chilli Fighters. The two founding members were Lee Tilbury (present) and Lee Foster (RIP) both with the view of playing in the most exciting band around. They hand picked Andy Green (past) on drums and Steve Collinson (past) on Guitar to complete the line up. Andy was a human metronome and perfection and a true interpretation to the songs could not be anything less that just that. Steve Collinson was a lead guitarist they knew would be the only man for the job. Once again every note had to be bang on and his tone really set the band apart from your average local cover band.
No other band can boast a front man like the Chilli Fighters, Lee brings the passion and the stage presence that will hold anybody attention and you just can’t look away! Singing every song in a style of his own, never trying to emulate a vocalist but instead make it his own which is why they stand out.
Lee Foster was the glue that held it altogether, not only was he a formidable bass player he was the one that gave us direction and the one that made it work. His calm manner and natural musical instinct is what made the band unique. Just one year after forming the band Lee Foster past away in May 2009 aged just 41. Lee endured a 20 month battle with cancer and played his last gig only 6 weeks before he died. Lee was our best friend, the person we turned to, our SUPER glue and we miss him dearly. Not a gig goes by when we don’t think of him
The Chilli fighters are most comfortable when playing festivals, their show is lively, energetic and musically mind blowing! No detail is too small and nothing gets missed in all your favourite hits. Whether you’re putting on an intimate pub/club gig or a large 3 day festival, The Chilli Fighters, buoyed by an enthusiastic fan base and local critical acclaim, have quickly grown into a formidable international touring organisation headlining festivals up and down the country as well as in Europe. Their support are known to follow the band from venue to venue throughout the country to experience their energetic live show that features a cleverly constructed set list that will leave you exhausted but wanting more!
“Music you know, done our way.”
– The Chilli Fighters
Are You Gonna Be My Girl – Jet
Somebody Told Me – The Killers
I Bet That You Look Good On The Dance Floor – Arctic Monkeys
I Believe In A Thing Called Love – The Darkness
Mollys Chamber – Kings Of Leon
Pick A Part That’s New – Stereophonics
Buck Rodgers – Feeder
Get Lucky/Mammals – Daft Punk/Bloodhound Gang
Superstitious – Stevie Wonder
Dakota – Stereophonics
Basket Case – Greenday
All The Small Things – Blink 182
Use Somebody – Kings Of Leon
Teenage Dirtbag – Weezer
Feeling Good – Muse
Sweet Home Alabama – Lynard Skynard
Ring Of Fire – Johnny Cash
Johnny Be Good/Medley – Chuck Berry/Various
The Gambler – Kenny Rodgers
Morning Glory – Oasis
7 Nation Army – The White Stripes
Town Called Malice – The Jam
Bartender And The Thief – Stereophonics
I Predict A Riot – Kaiser Cheifs
Best Of You – Foo Fighters
It’s My Life – Bon Jovi
Summer Of 69 – Bryan Adams
Living On A Prayer – Bon Jovi
Mr Brightside – The Killers
Don’t Look Back In Anger – Oasis
Song 2 – Blur
Golden Touch – Razorlight
Last Night – The Strokes
Rolling In The Deep- Adele
Cotton Eye Joe – Rednex
I Like The Way You Move – Body Rockers
Hey Brother – Avici
Counting Stars – One Republic
Teenage Kicks/One Way Or Another – The Undertones/Blondie
Everlong – Foo Fighters
Master Of Puppet – Metallica
Enter Sandman – Metallica
Learn To Fly – Foo Fighters
By The Way – RHCP
Times Like These – Foo Fighters
Wonderwall – Oasis
My Hero – Foo Fighters
Holiday – Green Day
American Idiot – Green Day
Boys Of Summer – Ataris
You Give Love A Bad Name – Bon Jovi
The Day We Caught The Train – Ocs
Mile High City – Ocs
Riverboat Song – Ocs
Changing Man – Weller
Chelsea Dagger –
Eton Rifles – The Jam
Just A Day – Feeder
Dani California – RHCP
Breakout – Foo Fighters
Monkey Wrench – Foo Fighters
Sex On Fire – Kings Of Leon
Jolene – D. Parton
Rockstar – Nickleback
Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
Country Roads – John Denvor
Happy – P. Williams
I’m A Believer – The Monkeys
“The chilli fighters were amazing, they helped to make our wedding a day we’ll never forget! Having just been asked for their contact details for another event, they’ve clearly made a big impact. We’ve just got back from our honeymoon and have been inundated with friends, family and work colleagues saying how amazing the band were and that they haven’t seen a band at a wedding like it. They created such an atmosphere, I’m just looking forward to booking them again!!”
Nicky Collins Wedding, September 2012
“Reference 23 Engr Regt, WOs’ and Sgts’ Mess MESSTIVAL 2010. Firstly, can I commend you and the remainder of Chilli Fighters on what can only be described as the best Summer Ball I, and many other members, have ever attended. The quality of entertainment was superb and I would easily recommend you to anyone planning any event. It was a pleasure to have such a group of people that not only knew their music but also their client base. You provided just the type of music required for the evening and encouraged the crowd to join in, which ultimately enhanced their evening beyond expectations. I cannot praise you enough for the night and would gladly book you again. (Hence the following request). Once again, many thanks.”
Si Sparrow PEC
“The Chillifighters played at the Wild West Themed Summer Ball in July 09 in Herford, Germany and were quite simply fantastic. Not just a tribute band of the highest order but a band that are prepared to tailor their music to the requirements of your event. They prepared a Country Themed Set specifically for the function and were so original and fresh in there performance that no-one realised it had only recently been added to the bands playlist. Genuine Foo Fighters and Chilli Pepper fans were blown away by the sound these guys delivered. The interaction and enthusiasm on stage was clear to see and only served to enhance what was an incredibly visual and energetic performance. Never before have I seen the dance floor full as early as 8 o’clock as was the case on Saturday night. All faces wore a smile such was the enjoyment felt from the sound of the Chillifighters. The comments they attracted both during their performance and after were incredibly positive, earning the band several enquiries about further bookings for future events, and of particular note was the comments attracted by the VIP guests who claimed it was the best entertainment they had witnessed in years. It seems this band need to be prepared to play at our summer and Christmas Ball year after year if they continue playing with the same quality, and if word gets out, these guys had better clear their diaries as the bookings to follow will ensure the Chillifighters are kept extremely busy for some time! I have no hesitation in recommending this band to play at any event, my only request would be to let me know where they’re playing so I can come along and enjoy what I and many others believe to be one of the best unsigned bands we have ever seen.”
SSgt Chris Hanks Organiser Herford Wild West Summer Ball