I won’t pretend that I am not as emotionally invested in this album as I am. I have been friends with the band for years, my husband being in the band, and so I was very close with Stuart Silcock, who sadly passed away in 2023. Today, however, is a celebration. A celebration of not only Stu’s life but predominantly the band that he gave so much of himself and time to.
To live in Worcester and not be aware of Chevy Chase Stole My Wife would be surprising, but as aforementioned, I am somewhat biased. In case you aren’t familiar, CCSMW is the brainchild of Emma Howett (Vocals & Guitar) and, alongside Stu (Lead Guitar), Neil Burton (Drums) & Jamie Raynor (bass), they gigged all over the country working their way to an incredible three performances at Glastonbury in 2023. Alongside the gigs, Emma was constantly writing songs and bringing them to the band, and through several singles, they recorded an album. Unfortunately, with the loss of Stu, the last touches were put on hold and the album put to one side, but today, the 5th of September 2025, they proudly get to release ‘French Exit’.
Opening the album is ‘OMFG Emma’, originally an electro-pop song from Emma’s solo endeavours, the band took it and made it Chevy. The song depicts the thoughts we can all have when it seems the main thing getting in our way is ourselves, and how it can look like everyone else has got it together. Into ‘Screaming In The Fridge’ we’re treated to the rare delight of backing vocals by Jamie and the face melting style solo we’d come to know from Stu. Fun insider fact this song was almost the title track.
As the album continues we are whisked along, this album takes no prisoners and is energy from start to finish. ‘French Exit’, the title track, leaves us salivating for more with its abrupt ending mimicking the act of leaving a party without saying goodbye. ‘i lost your mind’ starts off slow and melodic but quickly builds and builds into a refrain so powerful it gives me shivers still after the 20th listen.
The album ends, how most sets by CCSMW would also end, with international super hit ‘How’s Sheila’s Glass?’ into ‘My Gig’, both songs anthemic in their own different ways, but both demanding audience participation. So have a listen today (and beyond) and then come to Copper Beech Brewery and Taproom at 6-8 Britannia Road, Worcester at 8 pm (Friday, September 5th) to hear the album in full and others from the back catalogue, with the wonderful Stu Lee filling in for Stu. Entrance is free, but donations to the ‘Stuart Silcock Young Musicians Award’ are encouraged. Support is from Erica Jean & vinyls of the album with artwork by Jonathan Dukes will be available to purchase on the night.
Find out more about Chevy Chase Stole My Wife.
By: Emilie Westcott