Chris Sievey, born 25 August 1955 in Ashton‑on‑Mersey, Cheshire, was an English songwriter and comedian who became known as the comic persona Frank Sidebottom. After early attempts at recording in the mid‑1970s, Chris Sievey formed the band The Freshies in 1977, releasing singles such as "I'm in Love with the Girl on the Manchester Virgin Megastore Checkout Desk" in 1978 which reached Number 54 on the UK Singles Chart. The Freshies issued several EPs and cassettes until 1982, when the group disbanded and Chris Sievey focused on his solo work. In 1984, Chris Sievey introduced Frank Sidebottom, a character distinguished by a papier‑mâché head and a 1950s suit; the character gained television exposure on No 73 and Granada Reports and released the EP Frank's Firm Favorites in 1985, peaking at Number 97. Subsequent releases included "Oh Blimey It’s Christmas" in 1985 and the Sci‑Fi EP in 1986. After a brief television series, Chris Sievey shifted to stop‑motion work on Bob the Builder and Pingu in the early 2000s. Frank Sidebottom returned to the stage in 2005, culminating in a final performance in June 2010; Chris Sievey died on 21 June 2010 at Wythenshawe Hospital. Posthumously, his single "Guess Who's Been on Match of the Day" entered the UK Singles Chart at Number 66 in 2010, and a statue of Frank Sidebottom was unveiled in Timperley in 2013.
