Laurie Bell Guitar & Vocals : The Thunderbirds

Laurie, from the age of 6 studied classical violin for 9 years after which he became interested in Jazz Swing violin. At 18, he switched over to guitar and in 1957 in answer to a newspaper advertisement, joined up with Harold Frith in the initial forming of The Thunderbirds. In 1959, due to the general unavailability of solid body electric guitars he decided to build his own guitar, making the body from a piece of wood and using a neck taken from another instrument. Soon after this he also made an electric bass for fellow 'Thunderbird Peter Robinson. Being a Toolmaker by trade these efforts led to the custom building and repairs of many other guitars and electric basses which he continues to do to this day. Throughout his career he's pursued a love of jazz and worked with numerous bands from small combos such as the Billy Hamilton Quintet: to the big bands of Johnny Hawker, Max Causon, and the Williamstown Show Band to name but a few. His talent as a professional musician along with his writing and arranging skills made him a popular choice for well known performing artists when specialized musical help was required. Laurie rates any performances playing with The Thunderbirds as being "one of the best things a muso can experience. He says " The rapport, even after all these years still pumps me up"..