White Lightnin'

Sent in by Phil Morris: Formed in New Moston, North Manchester in 1978, White Lightnin’ were a young (aged 12-18) Rockabilly / '50s Rock 'n' Roll band that emerged from the Manchester '50s / Teddyboy / Rockabilly scene. Original Line up: Brian Grayson – Vocals Phil Morris – Rhythm Guitar Paul Murphy – Lead Guitar Gary Leach - Drums The band were ably assisted by Mark Coley (also of Dr Filth and The Renegades) nobly standing in on Fender Bass. Phil later acquired a “slap” (double) bass and eventually the knack of playing it, which added an authentic '50s edge, which was rare at that time. White Lightnin’ gigged prolifically around Manchester’s pubs, clubs, and Rock 'n' Roll nights (The Mid, The Gorton Brook) and then also ventured farther afield to venues in London (The Royalty, Southgate) and Bristol, amongst others. Stuart Warburton later joined the band on Rhythm Guitar and Backing Vocals, then moved on to Lead Vocals following the departure of Brian Grayson in 1980. (Brian went on to front The '50s Flyers.) Not long after the band re-named themselves The Rhythmaires.