Slim Jim Phantom’s Blog |
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Slim Jim Phantom has secured his place as a true rock n roll icon. As the legendary drummer for the Stray Cats, Phantom (alongside band mates Brian Setzer and Lee Rocker,) spearheaded the neo-rockabilly movement of the early 80s. With a love for 50s rock n roll, the Stray Cats took inspiration from the bygone era and mixed it with their youthful energy and aggression. This produced an updated hard-edged rockabilly sound that saw them conquer London, Europe and later the US, gaining fans among the likes of Keith Richards, Mick Jagger and Robert Plant along the way.
Born in the Brooklyn Borough of New York City, Jim grew up listening to his parents’ jazz records and by the age of ten took up the drums. “To be honest I think the drums chose me, I can’t remember ever wanting to do anything else.” remembers Phantom. Immersing himself in the art of drumming and the world of music, Jim took lessons with Mousie Alexander (who played with Benny Goodman) which included the study of jazz and working through books by Jim Chapin and Ted Reed.
By the late 70s Jim was playing in bands with school friend and bassist Lee Rocker and they soon joined forces with guitarist Brian Setzer. The rest, as they say is history. During downtime from the Stray Cats Jim has worked with some of the world’s top artists and has played a part in many successful groups notably “Phantom, Rocker and Slick” featuring guitarist Earl Slick which produced two popular albums and “The Swing Cats” featuring guitar ace Danny B Harvey. Jim also enjoyed a stint playing with “The Killer,” rock n roll originator, Jerry Lee Lewis.
Over 25 years and millions of record sales later, Slim Jim Phantom continues to inspire and excite audiences worldwide. With a sound, style and image that remains as fresh today as it ever was, Phantom has cemented his place among rock royalty. Considered by many as the coolest drummer in rock n roll, Phantom’s influence is still clearly felt on today’s music scene with countless rockabilly drummers imitating his pioneering stand-up style.
Between tours Jim can often be found jamming with friends at the world famous “Cat Club” on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip, a nightclub that he owns and runs. The Cat Club will be celebrating their 8th Anniversary on July 8, 2007.
Most recently Jim has been involved with three main projects; his own explosive self-named roots-rock trio, “Dead Men Walking” with Kirk Brandon, Mike Peters and Captain Sensible and “The Head Cat” starring Lemmy Kilmister and Danny B Harvey. 2007 will mark the release of Dead Men Walking’s long awaited originals album and sees Jim preparing for tour dates in the US, Europe and Australasia.
Contact: Deborah Radel or Heather Lindner at DRPR, 310.360.3997 or email deborah@drpr.us
www.SlimJimPhantom.com.
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Good luck Jim!
Faith
September 17th, 2007 | #
Jim
Wish you well on this trek.
Found out recently I have my own moutain to climb now.
Phil B
Leeds
September 18th, 2007 | #
Jim
You are a very good jumper, so reaching the top will be a piece of cake for you …
My best wishes to you and I hope to see you soon rocking Madrid again!
Good Luck!
Veronica Vigil
September 18th, 2007 | #
Good Luck Jim.
As a former cancer patient myself i am always trying to think of fundraising ideas for my own favourite cancer related charities but this together with the previous Snowden Rocks is brilliant.
Good luck to you all.
Kenx
September 22nd, 2007 | #
Good luck Jim. Safe travels. S.:cool:
October 3rd, 2007 | #
Jim
Good luck with you trek - amazing what you are all doing and look forward to watching you all. Enjoy - look after your feet and please take care of my boy!!
Best wishes
jen
October 3rd, 2007 | #
Hi Jim, the man of our house and the love of our life. We are so proud of you and cant beleive you are leaving for this amazing adventure today! You will be in our thoughts every minute of the day. Be safe, have fun and take lots of pictures. We love you lots!!
October 9th, 2007 | #
You are the only trekker I know personally. As one who has shared the stage with you, if only for a brief time, I feel a connection. My thoughts and prayers are with you folks! Ever upward and onward, James!
October 10th, 2007 | #
You never fail to amaze me with the charity work you constantly do Jim. Best wishes for the trip, have a great time and have Cherie forward some pics to me after you get home.
Mike
October 11th, 2007 | #
Hi Jim, i´ve been a Stray Cats fan since 81-82 and even have your Cat tattoed on my arm!
Have a great trip with Mike and the others!
Take care,
Pertti, Sweden
October 12th, 2007 | #
Hey Jim,
What a fantastic thing you are doing! I’m proud to call you my friend. Call me as soon as you get back I got to hear abut everything, and watch out for the yeti I hear they got a lot of em over there. Send my hello to Mike.
love ya
Lee Rocker
October 16th, 2007 | #
This is an inspiring challenge for you all. Take care - and be safe!
Noddy
October 20th, 2007 | #
thanks a ton for being here, in kathmandu, and the appreciable help to the cancer patients, in nepal!
swagatom(welcome)!swagatom(welcome)! swagatom(welcome)!
October 29th, 2007 | #
Jim,
WOW…most impressive! Big Jim sent me the info. Sorry I missed you at my last visit to the Cat Club. Happy to donate. Glad to have such a cool cuz!
Love,
Susan
November 7th, 2007 | #
I think it’s a great project… thank you for this charity work!It’s great! I hope to see you soon in France.
From a french fan…
November 15th, 2007 | #