Photo of 'Malcolm Austin & The Whirlwinds' courtesy Tony BussonLeft to right: Jimmy Page, Tony Busson, Stuart Cockett and Malcolm Austin.
An obscure Rock’n’Roll band from Epsom, Surrey, featuring founder member of Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page who was just 16 and attended Epsom Art College, in 1960. The band consisted of Malcolm Austin on vocals, Stuart Cockett on rhythm guitar, Tony Busson on bass and a guy called Tom on drums.
In those days local budding musicians would all meet up for a 'jam' session, trying to copy the guitarists and groups of the time. They only actually played a couple of local gigs in Epsom.
Jimmy, who used a Futurama Grazioso guitar, was always in demand from other musicians, despite his tender years, moving on to backing Neil Christian, Eden Kane, prior to becoming a prolific session man.
Tony Busson later joined 'The Presidents' where he took over the bass player who depped for the Rollingstones in the second part of 62, Colin Golding.
Malcolm Austin & The Whirlwinds (Epsom, Early 1960)
Tony Busson
“The photo of me with Jimmy Page was taken around 1960 in Epsom, Surrey. We were both teenagers at the time and met through school friends. Jimmy was attending Epsom Art College and I was at a private school in Ashtead, Surrey.In those days local budding musicians would all meet up for a 'jam' session, trying to copy the guitarists and groups of the time.As I recall we only actually played a couple of local gigs. Jimmy was always in demand from other musicians, despite his tender years, moving on to backing Neil Christian, Eden Kane…
In the photo is Jimmy, me (glasses and sweater), Stuart Cockett on de-tuned Hofner guitar - to achieve a sound something like a bass guitar! and Malcolm Austin ,who did the main vocals. The drummer at the time was 'Tom'. We appeared as 'Malcolm Austin and The Whirlwinds'.”
In those days local budding musicians would all meet up for a 'jam' session, trying to copy the guitarists and groups of the time. They only actually played a couple of local gigs in Epsom.
Jimmy, who used a Futurama Grazioso guitar, was always in demand from other musicians, despite his tender years, moving on to backing Neil Christian, Eden Kane, prior to becoming a prolific session man.
Tony Busson later joined 'The Presidents' where he took over the bass player who depped for the Rollingstones in the second part of 62, Colin Golding.
Malcolm Austin & The Whirlwinds (Epsom, Early 1960)
- Malcolm Austin (Lead Vocals)
- Jimmy Page (Lead Guitar)
- Stuart Cockett (Rhythm Guitar)
- Tony Busson (Bass)
- Tom ?? (Drums)
Tony Busson
“The photo of me with Jimmy Page was taken around 1960 in Epsom, Surrey. We were both teenagers at the time and met through school friends. Jimmy was attending Epsom Art College and I was at a private school in Ashtead, Surrey.In those days local budding musicians would all meet up for a 'jam' session, trying to copy the guitarists and groups of the time.As I recall we only actually played a couple of local gigs. Jimmy was always in demand from other musicians, despite his tender years, moving on to backing Neil Christian, Eden Kane…
In the photo is Jimmy, me (glasses and sweater), Stuart Cockett on de-tuned Hofner guitar - to achieve a sound something like a bass guitar! and Malcolm Austin ,who did the main vocals. The drummer at the time was 'Tom'. We appeared as 'Malcolm Austin and The Whirlwinds'.”
Special Thanks to Tony Busson. Please visit the excellent site run by Robin Mayhew about The Presidents at: www.the-presidents.org.uk
If you have any further information and want to contribute to this site, please email us at: tomusicstorytellers@gmail.com
If you have any further information and want to contribute to this site, please email us at: tomusicstorytellers@gmail.com
Brilliant site/blog! I stumbled across it whilst searching for pics of Oscar (aka Paul Dean/Paul Nicholas. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteGreat to find this picture, though Malcolm Austin was lead vocalist he was and still is a fantastic guitarist, banjoist in his own right. Folks living in that Epsom neighbourhood at this time will tell you that infact Malcolm helped teach Jimmy Page guitar.
ReplyDeleteThat is so wonderful to hear about my uncle, he finally bought a left handed guitar and had to learn all over again as he played a right handed guitar for most of his years. If you ever want to reach out I live in the states but as far as I know Malc is still alive and I am going to mail this article to him.
DeleteHi Allison my name is Kris, I believe malcolm may be my grandfather can you get in touch with me please @ Kristjanbrawley@gmail.com
DeleteMy Uncle is Malcom Austin, it is so cool to see this online, I am going to print this and mail it to him.
ReplyDeleteAlison Scott
Alison please contact me,xx
DeleteHe's in a care home in blyth called blyth gate manor. I used to look after him he has dementia and is really aggressive unfortunately
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