THE PHANTOM ROCKERS started in 1988 in the U.K. after Mark Burke left
The Krewmen, one of the most popular psychobilly bands in Europe. In
1993 they became the first band, along with the Meteors, to bring
psychobilly to the U.S. Since then they have traveled all over the
world, playing numerous U.S. and European tours as well as Mexico,
Japan and Korea. In addition to the Meteors, the Rockers have shared
the stage with many influential bands including The Guana Batz,
Anti-Nowhere League, The Dead Milkmen, The Specials and most recently
the Exploited in the British Are Coming Tour 2007.
The Phantom Rockers formed while Mark was living on a British Air Force
base in Germany. It was there he met Mick Carroll also from England,
Marcus Losen who was Dutch, and Olaf Schubert from Germany. The four
got together and named the band after the comic figure The Phantom.
After only three months and two shows the group landed a record deal
with Tombstone Records. The band then released their first album
“Kissed by a Werewolf,” which became the best selling LP on the label
in 1989. In 1991 they released "Demon Lover" on Tombstone which sold
over 50,000 units in Europe and established the Phantom Rockers as one
of the top psychobilly bands in the world. Their next album "Born to Be
Wild" (Tombstone Records) was met with critical acclaim and went on to
hold a Top Ten position on the European charts. Support for their
fourth album "Search and Destroy" (Tombstone Records) included major
touring which first brought the band (and psychobilly music) to North
America. After two more albums, several lineup changes and many years
of extensive American touring, the European lineup split up and went
back to the U.K. Mark, however, decided to stay in the U.S. In 1998
while hanging out in a bar in Dallas he met ex-Exploited guitar player
Karl Morris, who also found his way to Texas via the U.K. The two
reformed the Phantom Rockers and created a U.S. lineup. Two albums and
many tours later, Karl decided the U.S. was not for him and he returned
home to the U.K.
The Phantom Rockers, now based in Texas, are Mark Burke on lead vocals
and upright bass, Scotty Tecce on drums (Kim Lenz, The Fabulous
Harmonaires) and Vinny Badblood (The Livends) and Pat Pending on
guitar. Previous guitar players including Mick
Carroll, Harty Henning and Karl Morris can also be seen making
appearances at select shows as well. The Rockers have now been going
strong for 20 years and have released 10 albums, the most recent being
a 2-disc compilation of the bands entire career (SOS Records). A new record is
in the works for this year as well as more U.S. and European dates
so be sure to keep an eye out for The Phantoms as they pass through your town!
Cheers!