People that Rock: James Stamper and His Infamous Vest: A Look Back at Heavy Metal Patches and Denim

By: Lucy Hall

James Stamper, shows off his patches

     Just as any other genre has fundamental fashion themes that help to identify and set members apart from other groups, heavy metal music also has their own dress code.
     Regarding fan’s appearance, wearing lots of black clothing and rock tees appears to be the primary staples of the heavy metal uniform. In addition, the metal wardrobe would not be complete without ripped denim jeans, denim jackets and vests loaded with rock patches and button badges. Although there are many accessories that complete a heavy metal wardrobe, patches are one fashion trend that never went out of style. Often times seen at concerts, fans wear their patches as if they were badges of honor to show others they are part of this edgy elite group. Fans may not be going to concerts wearing zebra print spandex leggings or styling their hair teased to the ceiling with Aqua Net these days however, you will definitely see fans sporting their patches on denim.

Metal Fans David Jones, Lucy Hall, and James Stamper at Hazard’s The Forum venue
 

     In the 80’s fans hanging out in rock venue parking lots could be seen wearing denim jackets with their pack of cigarettes hanging out the chest pocket, usually with one large back patch of their primary “favorite” band which would be surrounded with smaller patches in various other areas. Along with band logo badges pinned to the collars or pocket flaps.

     Reflecting back on denim, patches, and badges, I have recalled several moments in metal history when icons of the business either mentioned or paid tribute to these metal essentials. I recall watching the documentary series, Metal Evolution in which Metallica’s Lars Ulrich interview segment pertained to denim. In the series, Lars explains the difference between the thrash metal kids’ attributes compared to other metal genres of the 1980’s. He describes thrash kids as wearing denim jackets.

     Saxon sang that filling the concert halls, listening to the radio on Friday night, and hanging out at your local record store is not the only things that bring us metal heads together. But it was Denim and Leather that brought us all together. While, Twisted Sister’s unforgettable cult classic video for the song, “We’re Not Gonna Take It” has the father figure scolding his kid for wearing a Twisted Sister pin on his uniform.

 

James has a vest admirer gone sour

     Unlike the standard rock t-shirt; patches showcase a fan’s admiration for not just a single band but many, many bands at once. Regardless of which bands or subgenre of the music you prefer, patches remain one of the most important articles of metal fashion. Akin to military patches, band patches show others that you are a dedicated soldier of rock. Patches often give a metal head hopes of finding new friends at shows. Patches are definitely conversation starters. No one knows this as much as my friend, James Stamper. He has quite an impressive collection of patches on his denim vest. He wears this vest like a suit of armor at every rock show. He has concertgoers asking to pose with his vest. Hell, he has even had many who offer to buy the vest, in which he quickly refuses. On several occasions, concert attendees have been caught giving James the evil stink eye due to jealousy of his infamous vest. Yes, even I have succumbed to coveting James’ vest.
 

Lucy is caught in the act of eye balling James' vest

I caught up with James to discuss his love of heavy metal and his collection of patches as part of HEAVY MAKEUP'S People Who Rock Series. 

HEAVY MAKEUP: When did you discover metal? How old were you? Do you remember who intially introduced you to the music or did you discover it on your own?

James Stamper: Music has always been a part of my life. Dad brought me up on people such as Johnny Winter, Robin Trower, Lynyrd Skynyrd and so on...I recall hearing Led Zeppelin when I was younger as well. I  really got into metal when I was around 14 years old maybe. Somewhere around there haha. I started listening to bands like Ratt, Whitesnake, Dokken, Motley Crue and many more of the genre. Everything I know about music, I learned from my Dad. 

HEAVY MAKEUP: Do  you remember what the first metal song you heard was? How did the music make you feel?

James Stamper: I want to think the first metal song I heard was "Iron Man" by Black Sabbath. Once I heard that I knew metal was for me. Then I started to hear songs such as "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC, "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple and I loved it. It was wild listening to these songs for the first time. I'm so glad I did!

HEAVY MAKEUP: What are the elements of metal that inspire you? What makes metal special to you?

James Stamper: Music has always been there for me. It has gotten me through hard times. It plays a huge role in my life. When I get angry or feeling down or whatever, I feel I can crank Metallica or Def Leppard and the music helps you forget your problems. Music is powerful. 

HEAVY MAKEUP: What is your top three favorite bands?

James Stamper: It changes a lot haha. But as of now, it's Motley Crue, The Biters, and Ghost. 

HEAVY MAKEUP: If you could form a supergroup who would be in it?

James Stamper: That's a tough question. But I think on vocals I would have Don Dokken from Dokken or Rob Halford from Judas Priest. I mean, those guys have some pipes! On guitars, I would probably have Vinnie Vincent from Kiss, Vinnie Vincent Invasion and Tony Iommi from Black Sabbath. Two Killer guitarists! On bass, no doubt I would have Billy Sheehan. He can shred a bass period. On Drums, I would have Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater, The Winery Dogs or Tommy Lee from Motley Crue. What a dream come true that would be if a supergroup like that formed!

HEAVY MAKEUP: What was the first concert you went to?

James Stamper: I think the first concert I saw was John Corabi of Motley Crue in Whitesburg. John did one album with the Crue and it was killer! The first really BIG concert I saw was Alice Cooper and Motley Crue in Lexington, KY at Rupp Arena in 2015.

HEAVY MAKEUP: How many concerts have you attended, or have you lost count? Or, should I ask how many concerts has the denim patch vest been to?

James Stamper: Oh man haha. I've lost count of how many I've seen. The vest has been to at least 10 concerts I'm sure.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Being a metal fan as you are, can you highlight any special moments that you will remember forever?

James Stamper: One of the moments I will highlight for sure is seeing Ghost for the first time. When I first saw them, I didn't know much about them, but seeing them open for Iron Maiden in June of 2017 really turned me into a huge fan. That and I think it was one month earlier before Ghost and Iron Maiden, which would be May, I saw Station at Summit City in Whitesburg. Chris Lane, the guitarist of Station, let me shred his guitar on the ending of one of their songs. That was a very awesome moment! 

HEAVY MAKEUP: For metalheads collecting the merchandise is essential. For some, it is records, concert tees, posters, autographs or action figures/comics. I collect a range of items, but my prize possessions are my two picture disc records of Slayer and Thor. For you, it appears to be collecting patches other than your patch collection, what is your prized possession in your metal collection?

James Stamper: The patches do mean a lot, but I say my prize possession is my record collection. I have everything from Iron Maiden to Ratt to Def Leppard to Motorhead.

HEAVY MAKEUP: What made you decide to cover your denim vest in patches? What was the first patch you bought?

James Stamper: To be honest, I thought it would look cool haha. I wanted to not just wear one band, I wanted to wear all of the bands I listen to! The first patch was probably the Kiss ones I have.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Have you covered exactly every possible inch of denim on your vest with patches? If not what do you plan to patch next?

James Stamper:  I have got it pretty much covered, but I will find room for a Ghost patch?

HEAVY MAKEUP: I am aware that this is a very difficult question, however, if you could pick one patch which would be your favorite and why?

James Stamper: I will have to say my Iron Maiden back patch because it looks so cool and the patch has written on it "Somewhere In Time" and that is one of my favorite Iron Maiden albums.

HEAVY MAKEUP: I know you have gotten many compliments on the patch vest. I know that for a fact because I have been there and was one of the admirers. In particular, what is the greatest compliment you received while wearing it or any one person that stands out? other than myself that have complimented the vest?

James Stamper: I love it when people compliment my vest. It makes you feel good haha. I would say there are two compliments that I have received that have been my favorite. The first one being a good friend, Ben Rosen, who comes to some Hazard rock shows that I attend. He told me it was the greatest jacket that he had ever seen and wanted it for himself. (I have to watch my back, he's sneaky haha) and the President of the college I attend said my jacket rules!! That was very cool!

HEAVY MAKEUP: What new bands are you discovering?

James Stamper: I have been discovering a lot here lately. Battlebeast, Blood Red Throne, Bolt Thrower, Ghost, Hammerfall, Astral Doors, and The Biters, just to name a few.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Is there anything else you want to tell other metal fans about yourself or any advice to them?

James Stamper: Just stay metal and keep discovering new bands. It can't be heard if you won't listen to it! Rock on!! \m/

Check James out on his radio show every Saturday 2-8 p.m. on WMMT 88.7 FM.

Displaying your patches is easy to do all year round, and all seasons because it is the most versatile garment in your metal wardrobe. You can wear your denim jacket in cool weather and your vest in warm. If the temperature drops very low you can always rip off the sleeves of your denim jacket or use a vest you already have to wear over your motorcycle jacket. Not only should metal fans be proud to publicly advertise their musical preferences, in addition, these rock stars should feel loads of gratitude towards their loyal fans for basically being walking billboards of free advertisement for their music.

Remember…

Respect your idols or (“vice versa” your fans) for they will turn on you.

How to Make Sure Your Rock Patches Stay in Place:

If you want a guarantee that once applying your rock patches that they will not come back off, here are some tips. This process may take longer than simply ironing a patch but this is the method I use.

Materials:
 

Needle

Needle Threader

Thread

Thimble

Fabric Glue

Art Brush

Iron

Directions:

1. Apply fabric glue to back of patch using a painter’s brush. Brush on only a tiny amount.

2. Once glue is dry, thread your needle, and sewing on your patch. Denim and patches are thick so use your thimble to push the needle sternly in the materials.

3. Once patch is completely sewn on, then you can iron the patch.

Lucy’s Motorhead Vest

Lucy

Thunderstick Retrospective and Interview with the Man behind the Mask, Barry Graham Purkis:

By: Lucy Hall

Barry Graham Purkis, AKA Thunderstick

     Barry Graham Purkis, the virtuoso drummer with the primal, otherworldly persona known as Thunderstick has been creating experimental, transcendent, hypnotic hard rock music for over four decades. Thunderstick’s rhythmic, rolling, thunderous drum patterns and his sinister image has become legendary trademarks. He cites theatrical acts such as Alice Cooper and The Tubes as his primary musical influences and has said he has been greatly inspired by horror films. These influences are evident as demonstrated in his unusual, experimental sound and look. 

 

Thunderstick Onstage

     Thunderstick wore and continues to wear his ominous trademark masks which consist of various ski style masks of leather, rhinestone, mirrorball rhinestone covered, tassel-topped, and black cotton. His stage attire has also included black and white makeup, a Halloween (old man) rubber mask, collars, capes, chains, animal print jumpsuits, gloves, studs and lots, and lots of leather. Thunderstick often played onstage in a closed cage, which marketed his concept of a drummer as a savage animal with whom needs to be retained. Thunderstick’s groundbreaking conceptual ideals made him the most memorable British artist in heavy metal music.

Thunderstick Promotional Photo

      No two bands have been as intertwined through the years as Samson and Iron Maiden. Not only did they tour together, but Thunderstick was initially Iron Maiden’s drummer (1977-78) until swapping places with Samson’s drummer Clive Burr. In 1980 Thunderstick was asked to re-join Iron Maiden, however, he remained with Samson. Later on, in 1981 preceding the Live at Reading (live album released in 1990) festival performance, bandmate Bruce Dickenson switched over from Samson to Iron Maiden as their vocalist. Samson was originally formed in 1977 by guitarist/vocalist, Paul Samson. The band had several incarnations with various band member lineups. The classic line up consisted of Bruce Dickenson (vocals), Paul Samson (guitar/vocals), Chris Aylmer (Bass), and Thunderstick (drums). Everything about this line up was masculine, commanding and primeval. From the band’s name Samson (which invokes images of the mighty Samson Biblical figure knocking down stone pillars) to Bruce Dickenson’s stage name being known as simply Bruce Bruce, to Thunderstick’s persona and the band’s film Biceps of Steel.     

Samson Promotional Photo

     Samson’s debut album, Survivors was released in 1979. However, it was their 1980 sophomore album, Head On, featuring a menacing pose of Thunderstick in his leather mask as an executioner on the album cover that put the band on the metal map and peaked in the UK charts. Samson has had several reunions until the early 2000’s. They officially disbanded in 2002 with Paul Samson’s death.

Samson Album, Head On Cover

     Samson embarked on a wholly unique venture when they appeared in their film, Biceps of Steel in 1980. The plot played out the biblical story of Samson, heavy metal style. Thunderstick had a rare appearance without his notorious mask in the film. He starred as the main character, while his brother in law Ben K. Reeves switched places with the drummer as his double and donned his mask. Thunderstick’s character was a heavy metal roadie with supernatural strength. Instead of stone pillars, this personage of Samson as a roadie knocks over stacked amps, in the very metal scene. The film was a surreal fifteen minutes used as a promotional piece for the band. The film was released on DVD as part of Bruce Dickenson’s Anthology DVD. I received my copy of the Deadline Records DVD release (2003) of the film as a gift. 

     In 1981, Samson appeared in the cult horror film, Incubus. In this film, a clip from Biceps of Steel of Samson performing the song, “Vice Versa” was used. The band’s performance and eerie sound transports the viewer to another time and place.  A place where concert-goers are stalked by a mysterious monster and a murder scene in the venue’s toilet becomes conceptual art with the addition of the Samson track. Because of Samson’s appearance, I have replayed the film dozens of times and have also skipped through to the performance scene numerous times. Although there were murders and monsters at hand, I still wish I were part of that audience. Now that’s an intense and extreme statement that I would risk being stalked by a creature just to be able to see Samson in concert but that is just a testimony of how the band’s performance draws in an audience. I could simply watch the music video of the song on Biceps of Steel, however, I enjoy watching the sequence with the murder scene while the song plays out. Samson’s “Vice Versa” track warrants its place in the film and is a more than perfect fitting.

 

Incubus Official Movie Poster

     Thunderstick’s solo career began after he left Samson in the early 80’s and formed his self-titled band, Thunderstick. This group had several female lead vocalists these consisted of Vinnie Munro, Anna Marie Carmella Borg, Jodee Valentine, and recent vocalist Lucie V.  Thunderstick has been known for his bold statements. In particular, there is his concept of the drummer as a faceless, primal animal. Drummers have often been viewed as the rhythm section behind prominent front men, who are the most recognizable. However, the imaginative Thunderstick brought the drummer figure to the frontlines. Whenever I see promotional photos of Samson or the Thunderstick band my eyes inadvertently focus on Thunderstick as do anyone else who views them. He experienced some controversy during the beginning of his career due to his persona of the wild, masked, caged drummer. At that time in news headlines, there was a masked rapist stalking women, which in no way or form was Thunderstick glorifying or endorsing these crimes. Never the less like most rock stars, he received backlash and was blamed for promoting crime simply due to his heavy metal image. Having had female vocalists fronting his band was a type of throwback to all the controversy. In addition, he proposed that his animalistic drummer image vs. the beautiful female vocalist was a type of beauty and the beast concept for the stage.

Thunderstick Album, Echoes From The Analogue Asylum Cover

     The heavy metal genre known as The New Wave of British Heavy Metal took place near the end of the 1970’s decade. This occurred near the two-decade mark of the godfathers of heavy metal Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin reign, which ushered in a harder sounding new generation of British metal. Thunderstick is considered the godfather of the “New Wave”. His dominant presence energized the movement and he became the face of the scene. The best-known bands from the genre were Samson, Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, and Saxon. There were many other groups that made significant contributions to the movement. The New Wave of British Heavy Metal ’79 Revisited is a compilation album featuring various artists of the movement which included some unbelievable heavy hitters. The album was assembled by Metallica’s drummer, Lars Ulrich and music journalist, Geoff Barton and was released in 1990. Not only was the amazing Samson featured on the album but also Diamond Head, Saxon, Raven, Def Leppard, Girlschool, Iron Maiden, Tygers of Pan Tang, Venom, Angel Witch, Witchfinder General and Blitzkrieg. Several of the band's concert or promotional photos were presented on the album cover, however, Thunderstick was dead set in the center with a bigger promotional photo wearing his mask which in turn declared him to be the “new face of the new wave of British heavy metal”.

New Wave of British Heavy Metal ’79 Revisited Album 

I recently had the opportunity to interview the masterful man behind the mask, Thunderstick:
 

HEAVY MAKEUP: When did you get into playing drums and why?
 

Thunderstick: Hi Lucy, The way I got involved did have a defining moment.  I was a young kid helping my uncle collect stuff for a jumble/garage sale.  Somebody threw out a pair of military drumsticks for the sale.  Guess what …they didn’t make it - I kept them.  The flame had been lit.  I started beating up on my parent's furniture until they were forced into buying me a drumkit just to stop the carnage……I was 9! 

HEAVY MAKEUP: Do you remember your first professional gig? What was that like?               

Thunderstick: When I was 17, I left home and I went to Sicily and moved in with a band that had been going since the 1960s, a band called "The Primitives". It was a band that had done really well in those days and had huge hits in Italy and throughout Sardinia, Greece and all the Mediterranean area.  The people that were listening to the band didn't really mind who was in it as long as it existed, so we were doing all this stuff in Italian and stuff like that but in between, we were doing numbers like "Jumping Jack Flash" and stuff that we were writing as well. I think that that's when I really did learn because I went out as a boy with a lot of young ideas, got experienced and came back to the UK with a far more ‘Grown Up’ attitude.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Who are your favorite drummers? Also, what artists or bands do you currently listen to?

Thunderstick: My favorite drummers? Well, I really like to think that my musical ‘likes’ are quite diverse and eclectic this also applies to drummers that I regard as big influences. So they are: Pierre Moerlen (GONG) RIP, Prairie Prince (The TUBES), Guy Evans (Van Der Graaf Generator), Keith Moon (The Who) RIP, Ian Paice (Deep Purple) and John Bonham (Led Zeppelin) RIP. 

HEAVY MAKEUP: What is your favorite song to perform live?

Thunderstick: ‘Thunder Thunder’ 2017 version on the new album. 

HEAVY MAKEUP: What advice would you give to a young drummer?

 

Thunderstick: Find your own style. Of course, it is great to know your rudiments but if you sound like every other technical drummer you aren’t going to ‘stand out’. I have never had a lesson in my life and my playing just comes from my heart. I should’ve had a few lessons I suppose to help with the fundamentals of playing but I was too busy having fun learning my own particular way of playing. 

HEAVY MAKEUP: You are one of the forefathers of heavy metal, with that said, what do you think about the changes in metal music today? Are you inspired at all by what’s going on in music today? 

Thunderstick: Yes and No…..  I think that ‘Metal’ or ‘Rock’ has become far too fragmented. Why does everything have to be so compartmentalized? Doom Metal/Speed Metal/Heavy Metal/Death Metal/Funk Metal/Alternative Metal….blah blah blah…… I have however never really regarded my band to be HM I have always maintained that it is a ‘Rock’ band. On the positive - technology has enabled musicians to find new and innovative ways of recording sound so that we are able to constantly evolve. Having said that though, the remit that I tried to stay true to on the new THUNDERSTICK album was trying to find balance  - digital music with an analog feel. In other words capturing both sounds and arrangements of a time when ‘Heavy Metal’ was in its infancy coupled with today’s techniques.  

 

HEAVY MAKEUP: Will there ever be a chance of a Samson reunion?

Thunderstick: Seeing as though the only original Samson members that are still alive are Bruce and myself it is pretty unlikely. Paul and Chris RIP. 

HEAVY MAKEUP: The film, Incubus is in my collection of rock horror films. When I watch the Samson scene in the film I feel like I am in a dream sequence and transported to an alternate realm of reality. I could literally watch it every day. Can you tell me about your initial thoughts on starring in a rock horror film? Were you excited? Did you have any concerns on how you or the band would be portrayed? Any highlights that stand out? 

 

Thunderstick: Samson had nothing to do with the inclusion of using part of our ‘Biceps of Steel’ footage within ‘Incubus’ I think that it had something to do with the label that we were signed to ‘Gem Records’ placing it within the film.  However, the making of ‘Biceps’ was pretty crazy for me. I played the super strength roadie as myself then for close-ups of Thunderstick in his cage donned the mask. The audience that we had in the film were not aware that I was playing both the Roadie and Thunderstick. We had a stand-in (my brother in law at the time) to put the mask on and be Thunderstick whilst both were in a shot at the same time.  It was all shot on film rather than video, using five cameras. 

HEAVY MAKEUP: As an early member of Iron Maiden, and being in a band with Bruce Dickinson who appeared to have a very manic stage presence, out of all the musicians you have worked with who in the business has left the greatest impression on you?

Thunderstick: THUNDERSTICK… 
 

HEAVY MAKEUP: Have you ever had any mishaps or Spinal Tap type experiences?

 

Thunderstick: Oh Yes…The more that you put into a stage show the more there is to go wrong until you become a well-oiled machine like Maiden, doing the same each night.  Samson would regularly have ‘tapisms’  we were using a large amount of ‘pyros’ each gig, nothing like Rammstein but still quite a large amount. On one occasion our roadie/pyromaniac decided it would be good to pull apart the explosives and put a trail of gunpowder right across the front of the stage for the ‘first chord’ of our set detonation.  So we go into the first song…and BANG… a six-foot high sheet of fire roars itself across the stage taking the front row of the audience completely by surprise, removing their eyebrows as it goes. We the band, are left temporarily blinded for almost the whole of the first song unable to see the tiny bits of molten shrapnel cascading down on top of both band and audience, stinging as they land on bare flesh…After the gig my drum tech pointed out that my cymbals were completely covered in small particles of metal that had actually welded themselves to their surface. It’s only rock’n’roll but I like it….    

 

HEAVY MAKEUP:  The film Biceps of Steel, is a musical parody of the band’s namesake, Samson and a retelling of the Biblical Samson and Delilah. The epic tale follows the hero Samson as he is portrayed to be a heavy metal roadie. You were actually the actor portraying Samson, and your brother-in-law portrayed the role of you and wore your mask. Who made the decision for you to switch places with your brother-in-law for that role? Also, the story and film was a brilliant concept. Who came up with it?

 

Thunderstick: As soon as the film company decided to use me as the roadie I came up with the idea of having a stand-in THUNDERSTICK when we were both in the shot.  As already explained in question 8 my (then) brother-in-law at the time stood in for me and he would much later become my bass player in THUNDERSTICK. The idea of the ‘Samson & Delilah’ storyboard was presented by the film company, then we (the band) added any additional ideas of our own to it. 
 

HEAVY MAKEUP: Your self-titled band, Thunderstick had three different female singers, which appeared to have punk and pop elements. How would you describe the differing musical style of Thunderstick compared to Samson? What was it like working with female singers? 

Thunderstick: The concept of using a female vocalist to front a metal/rock band was comparatively new at that time (the 80s).  There were all female bands such as Rock Goddess and Girlschool, but not females fronting a testosterone-fueled male bunch of hard rockers.  I wanted to change that.  The punk and pop influences came about really because as already stated my tastes in music are quite eclectic and I wanted to bring a little more ‘coloration’ to my compositions. Also, I have always regarded myself as first and foremost a musician more than just a drummer. I wanted to embrace my influences by putting them into my songwriting. Although Samson had variation its music there was always a formula and we wouldn’t stray too far from the ‘safe’ musical path. Unfortunately for me though the listeners that ‘got it’ fully understood my reasoning and fully supported it but they were however in the minority. So the ones that never understood the thinking behind it missed it…By Miles!  That was the gamble I took. 

 

HEAVY MAKEUP: You had said in past interviews that you based your masked persona on your love of horror, in particular, Hammer House films. I am a huge Hammer fan. My favorite film is The Devil Rides Out, and I would love to know, what is your favorite film from Hammer studios?

 

Thunderstick: I would have to agree with you on that one ‘The Devil Rides Out’…so much so that at one time I wanted to call our daughter Tanith...Have you noticed that Iron Maiden now use the exact replica of the Goat of Mendes in their stage show. Do you think that they had to buy the copyright for it?

 

HEAVY MAKEUP: Very interesting!

 

Thunderstick: On another point, I once took Ingrid Pitt (Vampire Lovers, Countess Dracula, Where Eagles Dare) to lunch...! 

 

HEAVY MAKEUP: Very cool! Wish I could have been a dinner guest with you two great horror icons. You have one of the most truly unique theatrical images in heavy metal music. You clearly stood out then and you continue to be recognizable today and your image has never been out of date. You wore leather, face paint, and performed inside a metal cage. In particular, you are known for wearing sinister masks. Do you still have your original masks? How do you display or store your masks?

 

Thunderstick: I am quite unceremonious about the masks, they are stored in a stage clothes box that is in the loft at my house. The only time my main one makes an appearance is when I metamorphosis into ‘him’. As far as the other masks are concerned, yes I still have most of them…including the original one that I wore throughout my time with SAMSON. 

 

HEAVY MAKEUP: You are one of rock’s radical musical innovators who incorporated your own distinctive persona and talent for incredible drum patterns into your stage performance. When you are writing your music, where does your inspiration come from?

 

Thunderstick: I think that we have covered this question really already, but thank you for the praise. The inspiration for a particular song will, like so many other songwriters, come from anywhere and also when you least expect it.  It is great that smartphones now all have facilities that enable recording of the ideas as and when they come. I have been known to get up in the middle of the night and start singing at my phone and then go back to bed.  

 

HEAVY MAKEUP: You are known for your huge drum sets have you kept them all?

 

Thunderstick: Yes! The main one being the Pearl Chrome kit circa 1980 as used on the latest album ‘Something Wicked This Way Comes’. 

 

HEAVY MAKEUP: You were the face of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal ’79 Revisited. A compilation compiled by Metallica drummer, Lars Ulrich and Music Journalist, Geoff Barton. Samson had tracks on the album alongside Angel Witch, Venom and Diamondhead. How does it feel to be the face of a nationwide musical movement? Did you think Samson’s music was a good fit for this compilation? 

 

Thunderstick: I was quite disappointed that the compilers of that particular album found it necessary to cover up the main picture of THUNDERSTICK on the front cover by placing pictures of the other bands over it. Apparently, it was deemed to be too contentious and could somehow limit the amount of mainline shops that would be prepared to stock it. Pathetic, If that were to still be adhered to there would be no ‘Slipknot’. Lars Ulrich did say that I was an early influence which was a great compliment. Did you know that Metallica once supported THUNDERSTICK at a KERRANG party? Where did I go wrong???!!! LOL  

 

HEAVY MAKEUP: Your face should have been on the only image on the cover and should have extended to the back cover also. Whoa! I did not know that, very cool. You have had an extensive background in music. What else do you do outside of music? Is there anything that would surprise fans? Do you have any upcoming projects? 

 

Thunderstick: Upcoming projects really are still music based as I am concentrating on trying to promote the new album. Outside of music…Cycling…I have recently had a knee operation and am slowly building up my stamina but before I had it done I was cycling around 150 miles a week.  I do have a couple of new projects on the go at the moment and more will be revealed next year! 

 

Thanks for all of the cool questions and of course your support…

Luv, B THUNDERSTICK.

 

HEAVY MAKEUP: Thank you Thunderstick for being an inspiration and entertaining us all! Much love and good luck with the new album and your knee.

    Thunderstick keeps busy with various projects. He not only is a great musician but he also is a sound engineer/producer for other musicians and has been a club promoter. He continues to write music and perform. Thunderstick’s new album, Something Wicked This Way Comes was released August 2017. Thunderstick has laid down the foundation for future mask bearing metal musicians as exampled by such bands as Slipknot and Gwar. Very few artists have been successful at creating their own unique rock image as a brand and became an icon due to it. However, Barry Graham Purkis pulled it off. He is a master visionary whose talent, focus and ambition are more than inspiring.

Thunderstick Band Line-Ups

1981-82: Vinnie Munro (vocals), Neil Hay (guitar), Colin Heart (guitar), Ben K. Reeve (bass), Thunderstick (drums).

1982-83: Ana Marie Carmella Borg (vocals), Wango Wiggins (Neil Hay's new stage name, guitar), Cris Martin (guitar), Ben K. Reeve (bass), Thunderstick (drums).

1983-84: Jodee Valentine (vocals), Wango Wiggins (guitar), Christopher Martin (guitar), Ben K. Reeve (bass), Thunderstick (drums), Ana Marie Carmella Borg (vocals for the 1983 EP were provided by Ana but the cover featured a photo of Jodee Valentine who had by then replaced her and was touring with the band).

1984-86: Jodee Valentine (vocals), Wango Wiggins (guitar), Bengt Sorenssen (guitar), Ben K. Reeve (bass), Thunderstick (drums).

1987-88: Jodee Valentine (vocals), Dave Kilford (guitar), John Slight (bass), Thunderstick (drums).

2017 Studio Line-Up: Lucie V (vocals), Martin Shellard (guitar), Dave Kilford (guitar), Rex Thunderbolt (bass), Thunderstick (drums)

Discography:

Studio albums with Samson:

·         Survivors (1979)

·         Head On (1980)

·         Shock Tactics (1981)

·         Head Tactics (1986)

·         Past Present & Future (1999)

·         The Early Singles (2011)

Studio albums with Thunderstick:

·         Feel like Rock 'n' Roll? (1983)

·         Beauty and the Beasts (1984)

·         A Bolt from the Black (1984)

·         Don't Touch, I'll Scream (1985)

·         Just'In Power (1987)

·         Best of British Metal (1999)

·         Echoes from the Analogue Asylum (2011)

·         Something Wicked This Way Comes (2017)

Thunderstick Filmograhy:

·         Biceps of Steel (1980)

·         Incubus (1981)

·         Thunder, Thunder (1985).

·         The History of Iron Maiden – Part 1: The Early Days (2004)

·         Iron Maiden and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (2008)

Thunderstick Official Website:

http://www.thunderstick.co.

Something Wicked This Way Comes… Album Cover

Lucy

Coming Soon: Cult Movie Review: Incubus