Chelsea (American band)

Chelsea was an early 1970s band from New York City, best known for having drummer Peter Criss before he joined Kiss in 1973. They released one album, the self-titled album Chelsea, in 1970. Shortly after recording their unreleased second studio album, the band broke up.

In August 1971, the band became LIPS, a trio consisting of Criss and his Chelsea bandmates Michael Benvenga and Stan Penridge. By the spring of 1972, LIPS was just the duo of Criss and Penridge. They eventually disbanded completely. Their sound has been compared to the Moody Blues, Procol Harum, and The Raisins, with whom Criss recorded as a guest musician in 1968.

In 1973, Pete Shepley and Mike Brand recorded an unreleased album which included a post-Chelsea Michael Benvenga, a pre-Kiss Peter Criss, and (on two songs) Gene Simmons, as session musicians. It was titled Captain Sanity.

Chelsea
Chelsea is the only album released by the band. Peter Criss is credited as Peter Cris in the liner notes.

Personnel

 * Peter Shepley – lead vocals
 * Mike Brand – guitar
 * Chris Aridas – guitar
 * Michael Benvenga – bass, vocals
 * Peter Criss – drums
 * John Cale – viola on track 7 and 10
 * Steve Loeb – piano on track 8