Tony was born in Birmingham, England and has toured, recorded or performed with many bands & artistes over the years, including:
1979-1983. Formed Overdrive, whose line-up included Tony Mills (Shy,TNT) on vocals, and managed by David Brockenshaw, who worked for RCA Records. After seeing the band support Tygers Pang Tang at The Marquee Club, London legendary record producer/manager Chas Chandler (The Animals/Hendrix/Slade) invited the band to record at a his studio in Portland Place London. Popular on the local scene in the Midlands, Wales and London the band eventually folded when Tony Mills left to join Shy.
1985-1987. Co-produced Black Fox Album (#3 line up) with Mike McEvoy, keyboards/joint lead vocals. (Traffic – Ian Dury) They had a production deal with Nigel Frieda of Matrix Studio´s London. The line up also included Bryson Graham (Girl, Spooky Tooth, Jim Capaldi) – Drums’ and guest artist, Gerry Laffy (Girl) on Lead Guitar. The Album was never released as it was a hybrid of Funk and Rock and the record companies were not willing to take the risk at that time.
1989. Bambalam. Co-formed, what was to be an all black rock band, with Rudi Riviere, Guitar/Vocals (Terraplane, Phil Collen – Delta Deep). Darren (DeeRall) Aldridge, Guitar/Vocals – (Battlezone). Over a 18 month period, toured and showcased a routine choreographed live show to major labels at such venues as The Hippodrome, Astoria and Marquee gathering favourable music press coverage along the way in Raw, Kerrang, Music Week. They were offered a record deal by, what was then a fledgling, Music For Nation at their very first gig, An offer by their manager turned down! The band split in early 1990. Past band members included Mark Brabbs – Drums (Tank)
1990. Recorded with Gerry Laffy (Girl) on his solo album ‘The Money And The Magic’ for Die Laughing Records. Playing bass, arranging vocal harmonies as well as co-writing three tracks of which one, called ‘Shoot Em Down’ , became part of the Highlander 2 movie soundtrack (European release). Featured in promo-video for the albums title track , which was given heavy rotation on M.T.V. Other musicians on the album included, John Taylor – Bass (Duran Duran), Slim Jim Phantom – Drums (The Stray Cats), Simon Laffy – Bass (Man Raze) and Phil Collen (Def Leppard, ManRaze, Delta Deep) Pete Barnacle – Drums (Gillan), Ric Parnell – Drums (Atomic Rooster)
1992. Began recording the follow up to 1990 album with Gerry Laffy ‘Sheer Greed’ album ‘Sublime To The Ridiculous’ for Die Laughing Records/Zero Corporation Japan. As before co-writing ‘Baby Gets Kix’ as well as contributing vocal harmonies. Guest Musicians include Phil Lewis on Vocals (Girl, L.A. Guns), Phil Collen, Guitar, Backing vocals. Executive Producers Phil Collen and Toru Hashimoto. The Album was released that same year.
1993. Rehearsed with Gary Marx (Sisters Of Mercy) for around 6 months, preparing material written by Gary for major label showcases at Ezee Hire Music Complex. But due to constant line up changes and management problems and changing trends the project was eventually shelved.
1994. Completed work on ‘Lying with Angels’ – Die Laughing Records, his third Studio Album with Gerry Laffy. Writing the piano intro to ‘Lying with Angels’ as well as contributing backing vocals. Looking for a change of direction he started working with Darren Aldridge (Battlezone) on his Deeral project. Showcased for various major labels at Nomis Studios, London followed by a few live dates at London venues and several appearances on Mike Mansfield T.V. Productions, including The James Whale Show. The line up included Russell Gilbrook – Drums (Uriah Heep). This band folded when DeeRall Joined Go West.
1995. Joined 2Karsex, which also included Russell Gilbrook – Drums (Uriah Heep) The band did lots of live dates, mainly in the London area, and built a solid reputation. 2Karsex played at Wembley Arena and Iron Maiden’s Manager Rod Smallwood was on the verge of taking the band on when he decided to divest himself of the rest of his management portfolio and just focus on Iron Maiden. The momentum was lost and the band folded shortly afterwards!
1996 – 2012. Took a self imposed exile.
2013 – 2016. Joined Rogue Male. The line up consisted of founder members Jim Little- Guitar/Vocals (Pretty Boy Floyd, The Gems) and John Fraser Binnie – Guitar/Vocals (Dirty Tricks, Paddy Goes To Holyhead). Mauricio Chamucero, Drums (Blaze Bailey, Savage Messiah). In 2016 Tony, along with drummer Mauricio, parted company with the band.
2017. Joined Weapon UK. The current line up consists of founder members, Danny Hynes – Vocals & Jeff Summers – Guitar/Vocals, along with ‘new boy’ Darren Lee – Drums The band kicked off the first leg off their European ‘Rising from the Ashes 2017’ Tour in Motala, Sweden on Thursday 26th January, Tony’s very successful debut…
Forewarned Is Forearmed!
