- Band Members: Pete Thomas, Martin Stone, Paul Riley, Diceman Bailey, Phil "Snakefinger" Lithman
- Genre: Rock & Alternative
- Similar Artists: The Residents, The Amazing Rhythm Aces, The Band, Elvis Costello, Dr. Feelgood, Dave Edmunds, Graham Parker, The Pink Fairies, The Pirates, Eggs Over Easy, Snakefinger, Ace, Bees Make Honey, Brinsley Schwarz, Bobby Charles, Charlie & The Wide Boys, Ducks Deluxe, Everyone, Jim Ford, Ian Gomm, Ernie Graham, Help Yourself, Hudson-Ford, Mickey Jupp, Kilburn & the High Roads, Kursaal Flyers, Mighty Baby, The Rumour, Eric Quincy Tate, Geraint Watkins, Tony Joe White, The Winkies, The Blue Ridge Rangers, Legend, Clover, Savoy Brown, Commander Cody, Nick Lowe, Bontemps Roulez, Frankie Miller
Chilli Willi and the Red Hot Peppers were one of the main British pub rock groups of the early '70s, playing a laid-back yet rocking mixture of rock & roll, R&B, country, and folk. The band has its origins in a folk-rock duo formed by ex-Junior's Blues Band members Martin Stone (vocals, guitar, mandolin) and Phil "Snakefinger" Lithman (vocals, guitar, piano, lap steel, fiddle). Lithman moved to San Francisco in the late '60s, leaving Stone to play with Savoy Brown and Mighty Baby. The duo reunited in the early '70s, recording Kings of Robot Rhythm with vocalist Jo-Ann Kelly and various members of Brinsley Schwarz. Kings was released in 1972; that same year, the duo expanded to a band, adding Paul "Dice Man" Bailey (guitar, banjo, saxophone), Paul Riley (bass), and drummer Pete Thomas. During the next two years, Chilli Willi and the Red Hot Peppers became a popular live act in Britain. The full band released Bongos Over Balham in 1974, yet the record sold poorly and the band split in February 1975. Thomas became the drummer for Elvis Costello's backing band, the Attractions, Riley played with Graham Parker, Bailey formed Bontemps Roulez, and Stone played with the Pink Fairies before quitting the music business. Lithman moved back to San Francisco where he began to work with his former associates, the Residents, under the name Snakefinger. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide