The Other Chaps

“We are The Other Chaps and we wear cravats!”

The Other Chaps is an eccentric novelty blues/rock outfit (well, a duo, to be exact) that specialises in style over content.  Purveyors of “spiffing riffery” in a “chap” style, the two gentleman dandies who make up the brace of be-suited rogues are often to be found quaffing peppermint tea or a cortado when not plying their dubious musical trade in Bournemouth hostelries.

Wait…  Who are The Other Chaps again?

The Other Chaps are a British chap-rock duo that mix vintage charm with modern humour, creating a delightfully offbeat, eccentric musical style that fuses elements of vaudeville, hard rock, blues rock heavy metal and absurdist pop. Their music is a cocktail of wit, satire, and playful mischief, reminiscent of musical comedy acts like Flight of the Conchords or Hinge and Bracket, but with a uniquely British twist that feels somewhere between Monty Python and Edwardian-era music hall. Sporting tweed suits, bowler hats or Fedoras, and a waxed moustache or two, The Other Chaps are a nostalgic throwback to old-fashioned British sensibilities, infused with a modern, self-aware irony that keeps their style fresh and unpredictable.

The band’s two members, who perform under the whimsical monikers Brigadier Deejman Lord Reginald “Reggie” Fiddlesticks Chap and Major Ratman Sir Barnaby “Barnes” Jollyweather Chap, are as much actors as they are musicians, slipping in and out of exaggerated characters that play on aristocratic British stereotypes.

Ratman, with his exaggerated upper-crust accent and penchant for quoting Shakespeare mid-song, is the high-energy, hyperactive half of the duo. His instruments of choice include an acoustic guitar, a old banjo, and a kazoo, each of which he uses to infuse their songs with a jaunty, often manic energy.

Deejman, in contrast, is the quieter, slightly morose “straighter man” of the duo, playing his drumkit or tapping out a rhythm on a bone china teacup with a bemused expression that suggests he’s just as bewildered by Ratman’s antics as the audience. Together, their onstage chemistry is magnetic, a back-and-forth interplay that showcases the inherent absurdity of their stage personas and adds a layer of theatricality to their performances.

Musically, The Other Chaps blend catchy, AC/DC-light riffs or traditional blues melodies with unconventional lyrics that explore everything from the inconveniences of afternoon tea etiquette to the woes of modern dating. Their songs often tell elaborate, humorous stories set in the imaginary realm of “Chapland,” a surreal, slightly art deco version of Britain where “gentlemanly duels” involve flinging insults rather than daggers and where love letters are delivered by homing pigeons wearing monocles. Their lyrics are filled with puns, archaic language, and nonsensical rhymes, transforming everyday experiences into hilariously over-the-top scenarios. Despite their comedic approach, their musicianship is surprisingly toned down, with simplified harmonies, very basic chord progressions, but genre-blending arrangements that showcase genuine lightweight musical talent.

The duo’s live performances are charming, if not quite captivating, turning their shows into an immersive experience that feels more like a comedic theatre production than a traditional concert. They involve the audience in mock debates, Victorian parlour games, and even have a “politeness-off” where Ratman and Deejman attempt to outdo each other in increasingly elaborate expressions of courtesy, with audience members judging the results. Their use of props—like a vintage phonograph that plays “intermission” music or an old pocket watch used to “time” their more energetic songs—adds to the overall spectacle, while their clever banter and improvisational skills keep each show unique and unpredictable.

In an age where music is often polished and serious, The Other Chaps offer a breath of fresh air, reminding audiences that music can be silly, playful, and unpretentiously entertaining. Their quirky, tongue-in-cheek style resonates with fans who enjoy both humour and musicality, making The Other Chaps a cult favourite among those who appreciate the art of whimsy and eccentricity in rock music.

The Other Chaps are:

Guitar, vocals, monocle and fedora: Major Ratman Chap.
Drums, congas, bongos and flat cap: Brigadier Deejman Chap.

To book The Other Chaps or to solicit an audience with one or other of them, please contact:

Brigadier Deejman Chap on Mobile: 07966 578999.

To complain about noise pollution in the BCP area, please contact someone else.