For over 40 years, The Fabulous Thunderbirds have been the quintessential American Blues band. The group’s distinctive and powerful sound manifested itself into a unique musical hybrid via such barnburners as Tuff Enuff and Wrap It Up. Co-founder Kim Wilson, the sole original member, still spearheads the group.
Muddy Waters called Kim Wilson his favourite harmonica player and vocalist. “Muddy Waters was very good to me,” Wilson says. “He almost adopted me. I’ll never forget him.”
Kim Wilson was influenced by Little Walter, George ‘Harmonica’ Smith, Lazy Lester and James Cotton, Bobby Blue’ Bland, B.B. King, Otis Rush, Jimmy Rodgers, and Muddy Waters.
Jimmie Vaughan and Kim Wilson founded The Fabulous Thunderbirds in 1974. In 1979, The Fabulous Thunderbirds released their first self-titled album. Primarily blues influenced, it became a cult classic. In subsequent releases, the band started to incorporate more Cajun, rock ‘n roll and soul influences. The album T-Bird Rhythm was produced by Nick Lowe.
In 1986, The Fabulous Thunderbirds reached a commercial peak with the album, Tuff Enuff. The single of the same title as well as the singles Wrap It Up and Look At That, all went top 40.
For the remainder of the ’80s, the band continued to record and tour, and released the album, Powerful Stuff. Jimmie Vaughn left in 1989 but Kim Wilson kept the group going, incorporating keyboards into the guitar-driven sound.
The Fabulous Thunderbirds are lead vocalist and harmonica player, Kim Wilson, guitarist Johnny Moeller, guitarist and pianist Bob Welsh and drummer Rudy Albin.
TOUR DATES 2025
January
Date | Venue |
---|---|
Fri 17th | Queen Margaret Union Glasgow |
Sat 18th | The Queen’s Hall Edinbugh |
Sun 19th | The Old woollen Leeds |
Mon 20th | 229 London |
Thu 23rd | 229 London |
Fri 24th | St Georges Bristol |
Sat 25th | The Assembly Leamington |
Tickets are now on sale