Whirlwind were a British Rockabilly band in the late 1970's.1.Boppin' high school baby 2.My bucket's got a hole in it 3.My advice 4.A thousand stars 5.One more chance 6.Don't be crazy 7.Rockin' daddy 8.Slow down 9.Blue moon of Kentucky 10.Together forever 11.Who's that knocking 12.Tore apart
Whirlwind
Whirlwind began in 1976 at a rock'n'roll club in Uxbridge (Unit One). At the time there were no reissue labels to supply the kind of well-mastered rock'n'roll collections that a label like Ace now provides, so the fans relied on an underground scene of exchanged and collected original records and a few revival bands. Whirlwind quickly proved no mere imitators of earlier styles.Founded by singer Nigel Dixon (who would later go on to play in Havana 3AM with ex-Clash bassist Paul Simonon) and drummer Phil 'Foghorn' Hardy, and joined by lead guitarist Mick 'Redhead' Lewis and bassist Chris Emo, Whirlwind quickly became an in-demand rockabilly band on the rock'n'roll club circuit and surprisingly were even supported by the burgeoning punk scene. A Speakeasy residence followed and a record deal for the infant Chiswick label that resulted in Whirlwind's debut album 'Blowin' Up A Storm' (complete with Stuart Colman sleevenotes and a Barney Bubbles-designed sleeve), released in January 1978. Try to find the ten-inch version now! Phil Hardy left shortly afterwards and was replaced by Garry Hassett.
By the time the band made their second album, 'Midnight Blue', they were big enough to secure the support tour slot to Blondie, having previously worked with bands like Ian Dury & The Blockheads, The Clash and Elvis Costello & The Attractions. Sadly, during that tour, Hassett was taken ill and rather than change the line-up, they decided to call it a day. In a doubly sad 1993, Nigel Dixon succumbed to cancer and later the same year, so did Phil Hardy. This CD shows what talent has been lost to the UK scene and how vital and entertaining Whirlwind's brand of rockabilly really was.
Chris Emo later re-surfaced in a band called 'Lucky Strike' and Mick Lewis sometimes collaborates with Mario Bradley on his projects.
Original LP liner notes
The Arizona desert in mid-summer, the smoke room, Casey's Bar, Long Island, the kitchen of Greasy Lil's at two in the morning: All hot but none so hot as the latest teenabilly band to emerge from the sock hops and end of term dance circuit. When your needle hits the first groove of the first LP by Whirlwind you'd better get straight on down to your dealer and stock up with some spares 'cos buddy you're gonna need 'em.
This is the big one! Whirlwind has blown in! Still wet behind the ears in the big wide world but well versed in the noble art of Rockabilly these four young guys are set to send teenage hearts fluttering throughout the land. Lead vocalist Nigel Dixon should know as with his sharp looks and throbbing vocal chords he cuts a dash with the chicks on live dates. Brought up on a diet of Elvis, Jack Palance and The Lone Ranger, Nigel likes to relax with a tub of Southern Fried chicken whilst watching a Roy Rogers movie. But when he gets down to business just listen how he handles songs like Rockin' Daddy or One More Chance. And of course for tender moods Nigel comes on strong with the big ballads. Girls will flip over A Thousand Stars.
Behind that powerful lead voice lies a menacing guitar. Soaring away whenever Nigel yells for him to 'hit it', Michael 'Redhead' Lewis proves himself to be quite a guitarist. Dividing his time up between laying down those hot Whirlwind licks, straddling his powerful motorbike and simply cruisin' downtown to take in all the chicks, Michael likes to take time out to catch up on some good reading. He is currently deep into a documented study of the Mayas as well as never missing an episode of The Perishers.
Whirlwind's famous backbeat evolves from two guys who know their trade like fixing the mufflers on their pick-up truck. It all comes real easy for Chris Emo and Phil 'Foghorn' Hardy when they're carving out a solid foundation on the bass guitar and drums for Whirlwind fans to bop to. Jeez! I'm talking about the real McCoy with these two dudes. I mean in their final year they so impressed the folks at school when Whirlwind cut loose at the graduation ball that they were immediately forgiven for all that time they had snook off for band rehearsals when they should really have had their heads deeply in their study-books. Chris's ambitions are simple: He just wants to earn money and spend money and take in a few lady friends on the way. While Phil is made of sterner stuff. Decked out in a pair of black strides and with a packet of smokes and a stiff drink in his palm, the world is his. North, South, East, West the four corners of Whirlwind have drawn together to produce this, the best rock 'n' roll has to offer.
After being spotted by Ted Carroll one night while taking on a glow in a West End bar, the fellows were soon talking deals and contracts and were signed to Chiswick within days. The result of that chance meeting lies right here. So be the first on your block to rap about your favorite new rockin' combo, Whirlwind, and if your folks crash the scene while you're digging the goods, why not turn them on to the walkin' strollin' sound of the latest craze ... the really gone, WHIRLWIND!