Bassist for 1960s group The Animals, Chandler was brought up in Second Avenue, Heaton, Newcastle and attended Heaton Grammar School. As well as his connection with the famous group, Chandler was a successful musical entrepreneur, helping to found the Newcastle Arena. He also promoted Jimi Hendrix, and formed the Jimi Hendrix Experience, producing their first two albums. It was Chandler who introduced Hendrix to Eric Clapton. Hendrix visited Chandler in Heaton. in 1967 and performed in Newcastle on 1 February 1967, and at the Go Go Club on 3 March. He was also at the City Hall on 4 Dec of that year.

Chandler managed the rock band Slade for ten years. He returned to the North East in 1980 and lived with his second wife (a Miss Great Britain) and their children in Cullercoats. The Newcastle Arena opened in 1995. There is now a black plaque to Chandler in Second Avenue.