Chad began playing at 12 and by 14 was performing professionally. In 1985, he began working with Heaven's Flame, in 1987 he was with Mary Burns, in 1990 with Anacrusis, in 1992 with London Calling, in 1994 with Pavlov's Dog, and in 1997 he replaced Deen Castronovo in G//Z/R. Chad's playing is a combination of influences ranging from John Bonham and Tommy Aldridge to Clyde Stubblefield and Steve Gadd.