The Tomcats

The Tomcats were a band from Perivale in the early to mid sixties, founder members; Tom Newman (later founder of Virgin Records with Richard Branson, and producer of Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells), Pete Cook (later luthier to John Entwhistle, and creator of the 'Ned Callan' guitar range with Tom Newman), Allan James (later bass player with Psyche legends 'July' with Newman and Jackson), and Chris Jackson, drummer - (The Devil Rides out). In the late 1960s, there was a British band called The Tomcats, which were produced by Bill Wyman, the former bass player for The Rolling Stones. They made some recordings, including renditions of The Stones' hits, such as 19th Nervous Breakdown. Terry Taylor, who was one of the guitarists for the band, is currently a member of Bill Wyman & The Rhythm Kings.

Tomcats was the name of Brian Setzer's first rockabilly group, before transforming to the widely known Stray Cats. With Brian Setzer on guitar and vocals, Gary Setzer on drums and Bob Beecher on bass, the trio began to play clubs at Long Island in 1977. At the time Brian Setzer and Bob Beecher were also participating at another group, named the Bloodless Pharaohs, which played "art rock" music (as described by Gary Setzer).

While the Bloodless Pharaohs were playing in and out New York, the Tomcats were still holding forth out on Long Island developing the sound and style that would mark the Stray Cats.

The Bloodless Pharaohs were going in one direction, while Brian Setzer was more interested in rockabilly. This resulted in the break-up of the Tomcats. Afterwards, Brian Setzer began working with a couple of Long Island buddies, Jim McDonnell (later known as Slim Jim Phantom, playing drums) and Lee Drucker (later known as Lee Rocker, playing bass). In the summer of 1980, the trio sold their equipment and moved to London, taking the name Stray Cats.

High School Confidential

Recorded Live On Stage at TKs Place, on May 24, 1980. This is Volume 2 of 7 Live Recordings, Licensed By Gary Setzer, Issued by Collectibles in 1997

Track listing

1. "Pretty, Pretty, Baby" - 4:26
2. "Drugstore Rock R Roll" - 4:43
3. "Ubangi Stomp" - 3:32
4. "Round And Round" - 3:58
5. "High School Confidential" - 3:34
6. "Every Body's Moving Tonight" - 4:18
7. "Pink Thunderbird" - 2:54
8. "Hallelujah, I Love Her So" - 2:17
9. "Say Mama" - 3:00
10. "My One Desire" - 4:07
11. "Hold Me, Hug Me, Rock Me" - 3:46