By Hollie Harris
Legendary drummer of the Stray Cats, Slim Jim Phantom, was instrumental in spearheading the neo-rockabillly movement of the early ’80s.
With a love for ’50s rock’n’roll, the Stray Cats took inspiration from the bygone era and mixed with their youthful energy and aggression produced the updated hard-edged rockabilly sound that saw them conquer London, Europe and later the US.
Over 30 years and millions of record sales later, Slim Jim Phantom continues to inspire and excite audiences worldwide.
With a sound, style and image that remain as fresh today as they ever were, Phantom has cemented his place among rock royalty.
Considered by many as the coolest drummer in rock’n’roll, Phantom’s influence is still clearly felt on today’s music scene with countless rockabilly drummers imitating his pioneering stand-up style.
In addition to the Stray Cats, Jim has worked with some of the world’s top artists and has played a part in many successful groups – notably Phantom, Rocker and Slick (featuring long time David Bowie guitarist Earl Slick) which produced two popular albums; The Swing Cats featuring guitar ace Danny B. Harvey; and Dead Men Walking, an all-star affair which has boasted original members of The Sex Pistols, The Cult and Big Country among the rotating line-up.
Jim also enjoyed a stint playing with The Killer, rock’n’roll originator Jerry Lee Lewis, and even performed in a now-mythological band called The Cheap Dates with acting legend Harry Dean Stanton, a long-time pal of his.
Slim Jim Phantom resides in Los Angeles, but in 2017 he hits Australian shores and will be at Tewantin Noosa RSL on Friday 19 May.
Tickets to this event are on sale now and as they are limited they will sell out early. Tickets are available from reception or dial’n’charge on 5447 1766 at $30 for members or $35 for non-members.
