THE PHANTOM ROCKERS started in 1988 in the U.K. after Mark Burke left The Krewmen, one of the most popular psychobilly bands in Europe. In 1993 they became the first band, along with the Meteors, to bring psychobilly to the U.S. Since then they have traveled all over the world, playing numerous U.S. and European tours as well as Mexico, Japan and Korea. In addition to the Meteors, the Rockers have shared the stage with many influential bands including The Guana Batz, Anti-Nowhere League, The Dead Milkmen, The Specials and most recently the Exploited in the British Are Coming Tour 2007.
The Phantom Rockers formed while Mark was living on a British Air Force base in Germany. It was there he met Mick Carroll also from England, Marcus Losen who was Dutch, and Olaf Schubert from Germany. The four got together and named the band after the comic figure The Phantom. After only three months and two shows the group landed a record deal with Tombstone Records. The band then released their first album “Kissed by a Werewolf,” which became the best selling LP on the label in 1989. In 1991 they released "Demon Lover" on Tombstone which sold over 50,000 units in Europe and established the Phantom Rockers as one of the top psychobilly bands in the world. Their next album "Born to Be Wild" (Tombstone Records) was met with critical acclaim and went on to hold a Top Ten position on the European charts. Support for their fourth album "Search and Destroy" (Tombstone Records) included major touring which first brought the band (and psychobilly music) to North America. After two more albums, several lineup changes and many years of extensive American touring, the European lineup split up and went back to the U.K. Mark, however, decided to stay in the U.S. In 1998 while hanging out in a bar in Dallas he met ex-Exploited guitar player Karl Morris, who also found his way to Texas via the U.K. The two reformed the Phantom Rockers and created a U.S. lineup. Two albums and many tours later, Karl decided the U.S. was not for him and he returned home to the U.K.
The Phantom Rockers, now based in Texas, are Mark Burke on lead vocals and upright bass, Scotty Tecce on drums (Kim Lenz, The Fabulous Harmonaires), Vinny Badblood on guitar (The Livends) and Julius Seizure on guitar. Previous guitar players including Mick Carroll, Harty Henning and Karl Morris can also be seen making appearances at select shows as well. The Rockers have now been going strong for 20 years and have released 10 albums. The most recent release is a 2-disc compilation of the bands entire career (SOS Records) and a new record will be in the works in 2008. Other plans for the year include tours in Mexico, Mid-west/east coast U.S., South Korea, U.K. as well as a full European tour and the Rock-N-Roll Hell Festival in Osnabruck, Germany so be sure to keep an eye out for The Phantoms as they pass through your town!
Cheers!
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