Bit of a big old eejit
Tom got his first guitar on holiday in Spain at the age of 9 but didn't take much interest in the
instrument until about the age of 15.The first Rock 'n' Roll band he had anything to do with were "The Houseshakers" formed in 1978
with Alan and Keith Mumbray who went on to form "Red Hot" and "Lucas and The DynamosTom soon decided that crepes and drapes were not for him and put together his first "Rockabilly" band
"The Sonics" in 1981 with Andy Seed on Bass, Chris Harrington on Rhythm Guitar / vocals and
Bill Burnette on Drums. They gigged successfully under an ever changing line up
until 1985 when he and Andy were invited to join "The Roanoke Rhythm Combo" with
Neill Sanecki vocals, Julian Page on drums and Daz Whitness of "Blast Off" fame on rhythm
guitar. The much sought after limited edition single "Come On Over Baby" c/w "Swing Little Katie"
on the Blue Ridge Records Label was released by them in 1985.
In 1986 the offer of work came from "Rockin' Rocket 88" with Leroy Bradley,
Nick Linton - Smith, Chris Hughill, and Steve Matthews.
This band produced the 1988 6 track E.P. "Goin' to Chicago" which features two songs
written by Tom. Various European gigs ensued and the band made regular appearances at Rockin' Weekenders such as Hemsby, Caister and Brean Sands.Due to family and work commitments Tom finally left the band in November of
that year when Ashley Kingman of "Red Hot and Blue" stepped in to fill the
void.
In November 1992 the call to come out and play again was heard from Les Cork
and Nick Linton - Smith of "The Rockets" this band included three former members of
"Rockin' Rocket 88" and Kev Clark ex of "The Playboys" on drums.
This band were in great demand on the Rockin' circuit both in the U.K. and
abroad but unfortunately never got around to putting much down on wax.
The band finally drifted apart towards the end of 1998 and Tom was invited to play
out some of the last "Bob and The Bearcats" gigs when Darrell Higham suddenly quit
the band to pursue his solo career.
Further European work followed with "Solid Smoke" backing "Sun Records"
star Narvel Felts and Big Al Downing in early 1999.
After a brief break from music Nick and Tom went on to form
"The Flytes" with Andy Knowler and John Edwards in 2000.
This combo produced the popular "Step This Way" c.d. on their own
"Swamp Bop Records" label.
2003 saw a "Rockin' Rocket 88" reunion with Nick, a new album by the
band, "Living This Way" and a return to the Hemsby stage!
In 2004, to quote Bob "Jack Rabbit Slim!" were unleashed upon you" and their acclaimed best selling debut album "SIN-UENDO" was released in 2005
with the follow up "SLEAZEABILLY" for 2007.
Due to the bands increasing popularity and Bob and Paul's decision to take on more work Tom and Nick left JRS in April 2007 and are currently working on the next "Rockin Rocket 88" release.with Leroy, Matt and Steve.As well as Rocket88 Tom can be found playing with The Sunsetters and deping with Colin Mee's Root'n Toot'n..
Wardrobe By "Mr Dave" (Thanks Dave) !
