Gem Archer - The Edge and The Contenders

The Edge and The Contenders

Archer began his musical career in a group called The Edge in the early 80s. They released two singles Take A Walk and Little Girl Blue.

Started at Willington Parkside School in County Durham, The Edge existed in varying incarnations of Jeff Walker, Gem’s high-spirited, best friend also on guitar, with a local doctor’s son Michael Chesters on drums.

Once at Durham New College he recruited a lead singer in Simon Scott, an eclectic performer in the style of the New York Dolls.

Gem, Michael Chesters (aka Chess Chesters, and older brother of Eds Chesters of The Bluetones) and Jeff moved to London and formed The Contenders in early 1987, playing at the Bull & Gate in Kentish Town and other venues, often with friends 2 Lost Sons, who at that time were a three piece using Roland 808 and 909 drum machines for their live act. Gem's Contenders stage outfit was a black boiler suit with "THE CONTENDERS" written down the side in large white type. After The Contenders split, Chess joined the 2 Lost Sons as drummer which laid the foundations for Heavy Stereo, with Gem taking over the role of singer from Pete Downing's Buddy Holly look-a-like brother Phil. He also has a son named Joel Archer who is also a keen musician. He is an accomplished drummer who has played in various venues including the Union Chapel and with various bands.