The Chords, a South East London group, formed in 1978 when singer/guitarist Billy Hassett and his bassist cousin, Martin Mason, advertised for musicians in the NME and found guitarist and songwriter, Chris Pope. Original drummer Paul Halpin did not stay long, at least behind his drum kit, and eventually became the group's tour manager. In his place came Brett "Buddy" Ascott, and by March 1979 The Chords were taking the stage. They gigged continuously over the spring and summer, headlining two mod festivals at London's Marquee Club and recording their first BBC Radio 1 session for DJ John Peel in early July. They also featured, along with some of their fans, on the cover of Time Out magazine. Amongst their early supporters were Paul Weller, who saw one of their first concerts, and Sham 69's Jimmy Pursey, who signed the group to his JP Productions company. The quartet recorded a handful of demos for Pursey, before the relationship allegedly soured after he heckled The Undertones at a concert which The Chords had opened. Polydor then signed the band to a recording contract. For their debut single, The Chords chose one of the songs recorded for Pursey, Now It's Gone, re-recorded it and had it released in September 1979. It rose to #63 in the UK Singles Chart.