Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom Toomey.
Hi Tom, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In addition to Tom being the lead guitarist for Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, the legendary band ‘The Zombies’, he also writes, produces, plays and tours as a solo artist.
His music includes work with ‘The Tom Toomey band’, ‘The Monficats’,’Jingo Santana’, as well as solo electric guitar and acoustic shows.
Tom is honored to be endorsed by PRS Guitars, TV Jones and G7th Capo.
Tom is also the proud developer/creator of the charity ‘Music for Africa’ which he promotes on a regular basis. You will find more information about this amazing charity here on Tom’s website.
AND A LITTLE MORE MUSIC BACKGROUND ABOUT TOM…..
Tom started playing in 1967. His first tune ever performed on stage at the age of 13 was ‘House of the Rising Sun’. Bands include – ‘The Epidemic’ ( first band), ‘The Drill’ (punk), ‘Tom has just signed a deal 2026 with Cherry Red Records and will be releasing vinyl from the post punk era in the 70s soon, Invisible Sex’, ‘Friends of Jack’, ‘Monficats’ and ‘Jingo Santana’,
Albums include ‘Iron on Stone’, ‘Monficat’, ‘Turquoise’ ,‘Gambia’, ‘Echo Bridge’, ‘Ghost of You and Me’, (Colin Blunstone), and with The Zombies -‘Breathe Out Breathe In’, ‘Live in Uk’, ‘Metropolis Sessions’, ‘Still Got That Hunger’ and most recently, ‘Different Game’. There are quite a few other albums as well as his new one, ICE CUBE, available now on all of your favourite streaming platforms.
Tom has also worked with numerous great artists throughout the years. His list (both live and recording) includes – Don McLean, Jon Anderson, Sir Cliff Richard, Leo Sayer, Paul Young, Gene Pitney, Marc Almond and of course The Zombies. Tom gigs regularly with ‘The Tom Toomey Band’
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a professional Guitarist and Composer specialising in Acoustic and Electric Guitar. I have been a session guitarist working with many famous people.
I worked with Colin Blunstone, singer with The Zombies for over 25 years and as guitarist with The Zombies for 15 years. I compose all genres of Music and Library Catalogues.
What makes me proud is the fact that at a gig when I was only playing covers for a living, someone asked me if I wrote my own music. The fact was I had been writing since I was 13 years old but when I flippantly said no he called me a w….r. Interestingly it was quite a shock…. I’m very proud I just walked away and just carried on being me and writing some incredible music.
There are many amazing musicians and artists in this world but what sets me apart I guess is a no brainer. We all have something to offer , you just have to believe you can do the impossible. I remember going into a music shop and asking for the music to ‘ Flight of the Bumble Bee’ the owner laughed and gave me the music. Well, 25 years later in lockdown covid I learnt it. Look at YouTube. We are all gifted in something and I still can’t believe I can play, I’m so grateful for all the support from fellow musicians without whom I would not be writing this now.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Ok, the industry as it stands for most musicians, composers financially is totally screwed. Spotify and
F R E E music is scandalous. If you can ‘ make it’ today you have to be extremely lucky and have the right backing and of course be talented and have something different to offer. ( don’t get screwed by the way) .
Regarding AI I think most people would agree there is nothing like a real human playing a real instrument and I would seriously like to think that laws will be in place soon making sure there are no unscrupulous so called AI artists stealing original music and calling it their own. This is happening now 2026.
If I was a person calling the musical shots in TV , Film, etc for accompanying music I personally no matter how much it costs use MUSICIANS AND SINGERS.
Playing live music with live musicians is a blessing. I had to make a living going solo for 10 years. I had no choice so I do not judge anyone for doing this. I’m lucky I don’t need to do that anymore.
Regarding the future for music. No matter what I have to make music, it’s in our blood, it’s what gets us up in the morning, it’s the air we breathe and the food of Love. Just don’t let anybody screw you!
Pricing:
- Erm do I get paid for this interview then?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://manylink.co/@Tomtoomeymusic
