tom e. king

From Belfast, Northern Ireland, TOM E. KING was the lead vocalist with THE SUNSETS 1962, highlighted below and the following bands: 

THE SCHOLARS SHOWBAND 1964, THE DUKES SHOWBAND 1966, THE RAYDOTS SHOWBAND 1967, THE FLAIR SHOWBAND 1969 and THE GALAXY SHOWBAND, four of which were managed by ALAN JONES a young Belfast businessman,who by the way, also played a really mean baritone sax. The exceptions to these showbands that Alan managed were,   

THE SUNSETS, which was Tom's first group. After a few weeks of being influenced by their lead guitarist, John Ellison. Tom, who really had doubts about his talent as a singer, reluctantly joined THE SUNSETS as lead vocalist at the tender age of 16. 

Also, there was THE GALAXY SHOWBAND, managed by Trevor KANE, a major Belfast promoter, this was to be the last showband tom was to front as a lead vocalist, after a serious road accident in the North of Scotland THE GALAXY disbanded on their return to Belfast.

Tom then joined a show group called, THE ROUNDABOUT in 1972, playing the cabaret circuit in Northern Ireland before embarking on a solo career, first in THE TALK OF THE NORTH, Belfast and then to Englands clubland in 1976.

THE SUNSETS, BELFAST... From left to right: John, Amy, Joe, Tom, Robin & Ken. Formed by JOHN ELLISON,  their lead guitarist, who in that era was one of the best guitarists on the Belfast scene. John was dedicated to his music and helped to further my career in the music world. My thanks to you, John.

The Sunsets popularity on the dance circuit was added to by the vocal talents of AMY, a fantastic female singer who TOM shared the stage with in front of the other four great musicians.

WHAT A GROUP THEY WERE. THANKS TO ALL.