Blowing Up A Storm - Again?

Whirlwind, legendary Teddyboy band of the late 70s, is back! As you all will agree, their first album 'Blowin' Up A Storm', released early 1978, is a must-have for every true Teddyboy and every serious fan of Revival Rockabilly. Opposite to many Revival bands of the time Whirlwind played Rockabilly and not 50s Rock'n'Roll. And they did this with the same energy and drive the forefathers had in the mid-50s. The follow up and same time last album 'Midnight Blue' was a bit lame compared to 'Storm', but still had some arse-kicking songs on it. Whirlwind were able to gain fans not only amongst the Teddyboys and Rockabillies but also among popular Punk and Rock bands of the time, Blondie and the Clash for example. Singer Nigel Dixon later(1986) even moved to the States to form the band 'Havana 3:AM' together with Clash's bass-player Paul Simonon.

Whirlwind existed between 1976 and 1980. That year drummer Gary Hassett became ill while the band was on UK tour supporting Blondie. At the end of the tour the band decided to call it a day. Sources on the internet on this differ. Some say that at this point 'Midnight Blue' wasn't even released(Raucous Records web-page), some say that Hassett's health problems was the reason for the split(Ace Records web-page), others say 'Midnight Blue' had been released, the tour with Blondie was to support the album and that bad sales and the drummer's health problems together lead to the decision to split up(Mark Deming, All Music Guide).

Singer Nigel Dixon died April 1993 from cancer, some month later original drummer Phil Hardy did due to cancer, too.

But now Whirlwind is back! The line-up concists of original guitar-player Mike Lewis, on piano and vocals Rob Russell(who joined the original Whirlwind after 'Storm' was released and left again before 'Midnight Blue' was recorded) , Miss Jean Vincent on vocals, Nick Dadd(Roof Raiser) on vocals and guitar, on drums Matt Russell(nephew of Rob Russell) and on upright-bass Finley Malcom. 

After listening to the Roof Raisers I can say that Dadd has a good Rockabilly voice, but I don't know what to make of Jean Vincent's involvement. It is questionable anyway to reform a legendary group after 30 years and not having the original singer. But it worked for other bands before, maybe it will work for the new Whirlwind as well. Time and their live gigs will tell. The band is currently rehearsing and they start gigging in November. The first international appearance booked so far is at Screamin' 2011 in Spain. For more info and updates surf to the band's webpage: WHIRLWIND