Song written by Ricky and Marty Wilde. Kim Wilde's second single and sixth track of the album Kim Wilde. The song appeared during the end credits of the movie Chalet Girl. In 2019, the song was used in an advert for Oakley.
Formats
In the UK, the single was only released on 7" format. However, in Germany a 12" single was also made and distributed around Europe. This 12" single contained no special versions, it contained the same tracks as the 7" single.
See also this page in the discography.
Versions
There are five versions of 'Chequered Love': the original album version, A live version, recorded in Bournemouth, released on the album Aliens Live in 2019, and three remixes by Matt Pop, released in 2020 by Cherry Pop: the Matt Pop Extended version, the Matt Pop Alternative mix and the Matt Pop Instrumental.
Music video
A music video was filmed to promote the single. It was directed by Brian Grant.
Go to this page for more information.
Live performances
'Chequered love' was performed live on almost every concert she has done since her Debut Tour. Notable exceptions were the Rock Meets Classic Tour in 2014, the Christmas concerts at Knebworth House in 2014, live dates in December 2015, the Here Come the Aliens Tour and during the Return of the Aliens Tour.
Cover versions
The track was covered by Exom, Hot Rod Linkun, Human Hamster Hybrids, James Last, The One, Radspitz, De Romeo's, The Shields, Smiler, Springbok, Superconnies, Lynn Sweet, the Top of the Poppers and Petra Zieger.
Marty Wilde about 'Chequered love'
This was one of the hardest songs in many ways because we had to come up with a follow-up to Kids in America and it was a really tough nut to crack. We kept coming up with different melodies and we weren't happy, neither was Mickie (Most), and it was the last song we laid down. Ricky had been up to see Mickie about three or four times and each time he took four or five songs with him. Mickie wasn't sure about any of them and time was running out - we had to get a new single out. On his last trip, Ricky played the first three and Mickie wasn't too sure about them. The last track was 'Chequered Love' and he picked that. It was the last song we had written and it was pretty near to the deadline. We recorded it in two days. (1)
Ricky about 'Chequered Love'
I remember one particular period, I think it was when we were having to come up with 'Chequered Love', I was so frightened that we didn't have a follow-up to Kids in America, I spent three days writing, no sleep at all (and no drugs!). It was literally just... I had to do it. It had to be done. As soon as we had success with 'Kids', it was mayhem, the pressure was on. Mickie said as soon as it was released and it became a huge success, 'You'd better write the follow-up then'. So I came up with three or four ideas, took them to Mickie and Mickie said 'Chequered Love', that's the one, love it, and I thought 'Thank God for that, it was just a major relief that I got the next single. And it felt like that every time with each subsequent single. It's like hitting the jackpot every time. Every time Mickie said yes, you knew it was fine. He had the vision, he knew - amazingly. (2)
Kim about 'Chequered Love'
Chequered Love was inspired by my mum and dad, who would be two of the most opposite people you could ever meet. They are like opposite magnets, so my dad wrote the song. (2)
Yeah (giggle)... 'Touch me, do what you want to'... yes, we were having a laugh at that the other day. Yes, well, a good pop song, I think it's a good pop song, it has a lot of energy, it's good fun, good entertainment and I enjoy singng it... that's what it boils down to. (3)
Rick had been up to see Mickie (Most) about three or four times and each time he took four or five songs with him. Mickie wasn't sure about any of them ad time was running out. We had to get a new single out. On his last trip Ricki played the first three and Mickie wasn't too sure about them. The last track was Chequered Love and he picked that. It was the last song we had written and it was pretty near to the deadline. We recorded it in two days. (4)
"Chequered Love" Dad wrote, but he did not have a title for it. He just wrote a song about two people who are so different from one another, but they somehow managed to be together, something like the opposite poles of a magnet. These are real difficulties in the relationship between two people. He had the title, as I said, and he asked me what I think about it. And I said you should call it 'Chequered Love'. (6)
Highest chart positions
Australia: 6
Austria: 16
Belgium: 2
Denmark: 2
Germany: 2 (24 weeks)
Ireland: 4 (7 weeks)
Netherlands: 2 (10 weeks)
South Africa: 1
Sweden: 6 (8 weeks)
Switzerland: 2 (9 weeks)
United Kingdom: 4 (9 weeks)
Interview sources
(1) Kim Wilde Fanclub Introductory Magazine
(2) I love the 80's interview for BBC (UK), January 2001
(3) Kim has music in her blood In: [unknown] (Australia), [August] 1981
(4) Wilde: Sex kitten or reluctant starlet?, New Musical Express (UK), September 19, 1981
(5) Kim Wilde, Music Collector (UK), November 1990
(6) Why does your daddy let you go alone?, Džuboks (Yugoslavia), September 11, 1981