1. The Outlaws are Southern rock band formed in Tampa, FL.|2. The Outlaws were a house band for Joe Meek’s recording studio. —- 1) The Outlaws are Southern rock band formed in Tampa, FL in 1972 by singers/guitarists Hughie Thomasson and Henry Paul, bassist Frank O’Keefe, and drummer Monte Yoho. With the 1973 addition of guitarist Billy Jones, the lineup was complete, and after a year of intense touring the band became the first act signed to Arista under Clive Davis; the Outlaws’ self-titled 1975 album spotlighted their Eagles-influenced harmonies and Allman Brothers-like guitar attack, yielding the Top 40 hit “There Goes Another Love Song.” Harvey Dalton Arnold replaced O’Keefe on bass in time for the recording of Bill Szymczyk-produced Hurry Sundown. Henry Paul left shortly after the completion of that album, replaced by Freddie Salem. Old friend David Dix joined as a second drummer. Dix had played in teen bands with Thomasson. Dix was first heard on the live set Bring It Back Alive and the studio effort Playin’ to Win. The lineup shuffles continued when Arnold announced his departure following 1979’s In the Eye of the Storm, with bassist Rick Cua recruited for the next year’s Ghost Riders in the Sky, which netted a Top 40 entry with its title track, a rendition of the Vaughn Monroe favorite. Yoho left to rejoin Henry Paul soon after, and with the subsequent exit of Jones, only Thomasson remained from the original Outlaws roster — not surprisingly, the group disbanded upon completing 1982’s Los Hombres Malo. A year later Thomasson and Paul formed a new Outlaws lineup, with Steve Grisham on guitar. That resulted in1986’s Soldiers of Fortune, Paul again quit the band. Grisham also had left and was replaced by a young Chris Anderson who became an integral part of the reunion tour in 2005. In the early 90’s,Thomasson kept on with the help of Chris Hicks on guitar and they with B.B. Borden on drums and Jeff Howell on bass released Hittin The Road and Diablo Canyon. Thomasson was then offered a gig with Lynyrd Skynyrd and took it, remaining with them until the end of 2004. |In early 2005 The Outlaws reunited with original members Thomasson, Henry Paul, Monte Yoho and former Outlaw from the 80’s Chris Anderson with newcomers Randy Threet on bass, Dave Robbins on keyboards and also the return of drummer David Dix. After 2005 ended, Paul and Robbins left. Thomasson, Anderson, Threet, Dix, Yoho and Anderson continued to tour and completed an album, “Once An Outlaw”. Before it could be released, Thomasson died at his home in Brookville, Florida of a heart attack on Septemeber 9, 2007. In early 2008 Henry Paul rejoined, bringing along with him former Henry Paul Band guitarist Billy Crain, and Brothers of the Southland keyboardist Jon Coleman. David Dix was no longer part of the lineup. In July 2010, Coleman left to join Trace Adkins, and Dave Robbins came back. The current band has recorded new songs as a “Demo”. The estate of Thomasson took on a legal battle with the current lineup. After a year and a half battle the court ruled in favor of Paul and company continuing to be able to perform as the Outlaws. Mrs.Thomasson appealed, but shortly after dropped the appeal.| | |2) The Outlaws were a house band for Joe Meek’s recording studio. They were originally formed to back Mike Berry for his 1960 single “Set Me Free”, and went on to record several singles of their own from ‘61-‘65, mostly instrumental. Among their ranks were notable musicians such as Ritchie Blackmore, Chas Hodges, Mick Underwood, Bobby Graham and Hot Chocolate’s Harvey Hinsley. |
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