Rupert and the Thunderbirds

Great news for old time Rock and roll fans is that legendary “partyband” The Thunderbirds have reformed after 20 odd years. They used to play at Basin Street and the Garden Village and these were BIG “jols” in the late 70's and early 80's and they quickly built up a huge following. The band consists mostly of the original members, Rupert Mellor on Piano, vox & harp, Graham Merrill on Trombone and vox, Richard Black on Guit and Vox, Jerry Barnard on bass and vocals and 2 new members in Dave Evans on drums and Mark de Kock on sax.

Each member has an impressive musical history :
Rupert Mellor and Richard Black will be better known as original members of legendary Rock-bands McCully Worshop and Late Final amongst others
Jerry Barnard, ex Holy Black, Late Final
Graham Merrill ex Navy Band, Late Final
Dave Evans ex Peanut Butter Conspiracy
Mark de Kock….great musician but far too young for history!

The Thunderbirds have some stunning versions of music by Big Joe Turner, Louis Jordan, the Blues Brothers, Supercharge, and lots of good time Rock 'Roll. The moment the first notes starts up, you can feel the audience’s “exitement levels” increase at least three notches. The “brass section of the band really adds that exstra bit of spice to a great musical feast. Richard Black wrote these special trombone parts way back in the 70’s, but when the band stopped playing, they were lost somewhere in somebody’s garage. Graham rediscovered them ( 20 years later ) whilst moving house and that was the final motivation in the decision to reform the band.

Put on your bell-bottom jeans and your purple 70’s T-shirt and transport yourself back 20 years!