Matchbox (band)

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Matchbox is a British rock and roll band formed in 1971 and still active as of 2006. Since 1978, the lineup consists of Graham Fenton (lead vocalist), Steve Bloomfield (lead guitar, vocals) (ex The Count Four), Gordon Scott (rhythm guitar) (ex The Rocking Pneumonia, The Cruisers), Fred Poke (bass) (ex Contraband), and Jimmy Redhead (drums) (ex The Cruisers, Contraband). The original line-up was Wiffle Smith, Steve Bloomfield, Fred Poke, Wild Bob Burgos drums and Rusty Lupton on Piano & rhythm guitar.Jimmy Redhead left in 1973 and Wiffle Smith, lead vocalist joined, still considered the best vocalist that Matchbox ever had. However, Smith left in 1977 and Lupton in 1978 to tour with Chuck Berry,and in came Gordon Scott (exCruisers) to cover for Rusty Lupton's departure. Rusty Lupton joined Cadillac to go on tour with Chuck Berry in 1978, after this tour Dick Callan then joined Matchbox on guitar, sax and violin until approximately 1985, writing many of the bands "B" sides.

The band's greatest hits include Rockabilly Rebel (1979), Midnite Dynamos (1980) and Over The Rainbow (adapted Musical song, 1980). Their last Single I Want Out (1983) from the Album Crossed Line was produced together with Kirsty MacColl.

[edit] See also

• Matchbox website