Band History

The Band : a brief history

Thunder were formed in 1989 by the unholy alliance of vocalist Danny Bowes, guitarist Luke Morley and Drummer Gary 'Harry' James.

All three had served time in Terraplane, before finally throwing in the towel.

Thunder displayed a far bluesier appeal, resulting in the band finally finding their niche somewhere between Bad Company and British Music Hall (James occasionally feels the need to fly across the stage in tutu and green fright wig, or sing Frank Sinatra or Wet Wet Wet songs). Debut album, 'Back Street Symphony', went Gold in the UK as a direct result of constant touring, but follow-up, 'Laughing On Judgement Day', also failed to unlock the States. Original bassist Mark 'Snake' Luckhurst left the band under somewhat acrimonious circumstances in 1993, to be replaced by former Great King Rat bassist Mikael Hoglund.

Then came the third album, 'Behind Closed Doors'. It was only really successful with fans. The highlight of the year was supporting Bon Jovi at Wembley Stadium in June. Their fourth album, a best of, was called 'Their finest hour.....and a bit'. Thunder have now lost Bassist Mikael, so Luke played all bass guitar on latest album, The Thrill Of It All, the bands fith album to date. This new album sees the band return to their original sound, and also a change in record company. Now on their own label B. Lucky Music, distributed by Castle Communications PLC, the album was recorded last April and May. It was due to be released in September 1996, but due to benny injuring his arm, the band were unable to tour in support of the album, so the release was delayed until February 1997. The band have toured once this year, but due to illness again, some dates had to be re-scheduled, and a few extra dates were added. Now with a new bassist, Thunder are back on the road in April and May '97.
Following four sold out dates at Sheperds Bush Empire and Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall in November '97, they have just released their first live album. A live album has been requested by fans for some time now, and this sees the band starting a new record deal with 'Eagle Records'. Soon Thunder will release a Live video, filmed at these four shows, and then start another major UK tour. Details of the album can be found here, whilst a full list of UK tour dates can be found here. All their releases to date are in the discography.

Comments to: nickthun@puzlebox.demon.co.uk

Last updated on Friday, 20th February, 1998
All pages by Nick Blake