If you want rock ‘n’ stroll tales that will make you laugh and cry in equal amounts then you need to spend an hour with Mr Thurlow. Tales of total all consuming love of music, tales of insane behaviour from musicians and managers, girlfriends and wives. This guy could write a book. He’s seen it all and survived to tell the tale.

Tony’s career, in common with many artists, all too often depended on the record label he was contracted to or the musicians he was emotionally contracted to. (Both equally demanding). There are many ups and downs in the music industry, and just as many lies (of Smiles). But in his own words “I have always relied on content and delivery, rather than trend and fashion, and tried to put some feel and honesty into the music”.

Tony’s musical career.

1980 - I moved to London, to join East End metal band BERLYN. I was with this band for three years, writing most of the songs on our two albums, and recorded in the then famous Denmark Street Studios. Berlyn were part of the ‘Iron Maiden’ family tree as our guitarist and bassist were in Urchin with Adrian Smith and Dave Murrey.

1983 - Joined short lived band SAHARA who were managed by Bronze Records.

1985 - I was offered the job as the new vocalist with BLACK SABBATH replacing DEEP PURPLES Ian Gillan.

1986 - Formed the rock band PANAMA with former White Spirit Drummer Graeme Crallen. We became very popular at the world famous Marquee Club, selling it out every time we played there. We did a headline show at the Astoria Theatre and toured around the country. Also in this year, I did some work for a band consisting of ex Thin Lizzy guitarist Brian Robertson, Motorhead Drummer Phil Taylor and ex Alex Harvey bassist Chris Glenn. Panama were contacted by the group The Little Angels, with a view to using some of our songs. We turned them down as we wanted to use them ourselves, but unfortunately they never saw the light of day.

1987 - I spent most of the year writing and recording with Panama, doing some live dates in between. We appeared at The British Music Fair at Wembley demonstrating Jackson Guitars and Pearl drums. Also this year did some recording for Sabbaths Geezer Butler recording at Sabbaths Barn Studios in Birmingham.

I also worked with former UFO guitarist Michael Schenker, this was the first time that I worked for him and it proved to be a very interesting experience.

1988 - I started doing some session work for various companies and even some bands without singers who needed to record a demo for the record companies. I went to Hanover in Germany to record for Michael Schenker in his brother Rudolph Schenker, from the SCORPIONS, own studio.

1989, Unhappy with Panama, I was asked to join former Nina Hagan guitarist Bill Liesegangs new band and again wrote and recorded in his home studio. We did a show case gig at the London Astoria for producer Trevor Horn, but he thought we were too heavy for him. We also had a session on radio 1’s Friday Rock Show, with the legendary Tommy Vance. While with the Bill Leisegang Band we recorded our session for Radio One’s Friday Rock Show at B.B.C. Maida Vale. The sound men were amazing and loved the tracks, Tommy Vance liked it so much, it was repeated three times. The album also featured the now world famous drummer, Thomas Lange. We also did a photo shoot with Barry Ryan of Paul and Barry Ryan, in his studio in Chelsea.

1991 - After a break from the music business, I formed blues rock band The Pack. I wrote all the songs with our guitarist and toured the country, headlining two festivals in France. Whilst with The Pack, we went into a college as a training experiment for trainee sound engineers and recorded some of our tracks - this was great fun. The kids loved it and our guitarist, who at the time worked for Sound Craft, gave them some great tips. We also got the chance to support 70’s glam band The Sweet, this was fantastic, Andy Scott really liked us. After spending months recording, our record deal fell through, so we left the company and split up.

1993 - I was asked to sing two songs on my friend Bill Liesegangs solo album, along with ex Deep Purples Glenn Hughes and Asia’s John Wetton. I had former Rainbow and Yngwie Malmsteen vocalist Dougie White singing backing vocals with me. This was released in Japan to great reviews. It got a UK release in 2003.

I decided I needed a break from the business so I got a job, feeling disillusioned.

1996 - I was talked into joining a Deep Purple tribute band which was fun, and toured the country again. I stayed with them until 2000. This was my last professional singing job, and in 2001 we moved back to Middlesbrough.

2002 - present - I formed my own band Jump The Gun. I do it semi-professionaly now and have been on the scene ever since. We play Pubs in the surrounding area, going as far as Tyneside. We have also played the local biker rallies

2008- present - I met Dave Little again after a number of years at Graeme Crallen’s funeral. It was a very sad occasion but we talked and renewed our friendship. We have alot in common, music, books, our view of life is very similar, mainly in the fact that we won’t listen to bullshit or be messed around.

Mick Tucker from Tank suggested we work together, and get Pat involved, so we tried it and with Pat O’Neill, Mick Tuck’s nephew we carried on the next stage of Lies of Smiles. As a band and friends we get on incredibly well, and the new songs are sounding and working way beyond our expectations. They sound great!

Davy: “I always think life works in very strange ways. I had met Tony a few times over the years and I was well aware of his track record and his abilities as a singer.  I had bought the Liesegang CD with him on it! I got a call off Tony making me aware of Graeme’s untimely death, I will not forget that. The guy didn’t have to let me know, it sums him up as a man and a human being, he puts everyone before himself. He cares about people and that’s a rarity in this industry. Most musician’s favourite person is themselves! I think that may have worked against him in his career, but he has kept his dignity and his humanity and that is ultimately the important thing and he can hold his head high".

“That’s what makes the man. He has dealt with things in life that would have seen most people crumble. I always judge men on the fact that if there was a war, would you want the bastard in the trench next to you, in this case I would most certainly want this man in the trench with me. When the shit hits the fan, Tony always steps up to the line”.

A fine vocalist, guitar player and friend”.