A multi-talented, award-winning producer, singer/songwriter, composer and sound engineer, Chris’ music collaborations with A-list international artists like Sinead O’Connor, Alison Moyet, Dexys Midnight Runners, Talking Heads, The Pogues, Bob Geldof, Quincy Jones, Mel Brooks, Buffy Sainte-Marie and Steve Earle have sold over 100 million records and earned four Canadian Junos, a Grammy, a Polaris Music Prize, a Canadian Screen Award, and three international AMPEX Golden Reel Awards for excellence in the music business.
Born in the UK, Birkett’s career began as a guitarist, playing in London clubs before touring with Memphis artists Rufus Thomas, Ann Peebles and King Floyd. At 23, Chris was performing with the pop group Love Affair, whose song “Everlasting Love” ruled the UK charts. The following year, he joined the band Omaha Sheriff who had just signed a major recording deal with Tony Visconti, manager of Good Earth Records and producer for David Bowie and the Moody Blues.
With Visconti as a mentor, Chris expanded his career to include producing, engineering and mixing many UK and international hits including Sinead O’Connor’s #1 song “Nothing Compares 2 U”. His London studio was a beehive of activity that was rated #2 in the world on Billboard’s top studio charts. At the same time, Chris’ own single “Where Do We Go From Here?” was picked by Ed Bicknell (Dire Straits’ manager) to play alongside U2, Peter Gabriel, Bob Marley, Tears for Fears and Queen on Polydor Record’s “One Voice One Love” album.
Chris moved to Toronto in 2012 where he released his third album “Be Creative” featuring performances from many talented Canadian artists including Glen Milchem (Blue Rodeo) and Rik Emmett (Triumph). Chris performs regularly around Toronto, releasing his fourth album “She’s My Guitar” at Hugh’s Room Live in August 2024.
With the release of the single “The Voice”, Chris continues to write, sing and record with the passion that drives him.
https://chrisbirkett1.bandcamp.com/album/the-voice
“My ideas for songs come from observing society, humanity, and the mystery of life on earth. I’m a lifelong truth seeker committed to sharing my insights and discoveries through the universal language of music.”
He is currently on tour, which culminates with THE VOICE album release concert at The Redwood Theatre in Toronto on January 31, 2026.
For more on this legendary music icon visit: https://chrisbirkett.ca/