Irwin Thomas
Born in New York City, Irwin Thomas (Jack Jones) arrived in Australia as a ten year old. Even as a youngster, Irwin began showing an incredible talent with his guitar playing. At fourteen Irwin was already playing professionally. At the same time, he was earning a reputation as a very accomplished and well respected studio musician.
After heading back to the United States to further study his craft, Irwin eventually returned to Australia and joined the successful 90's band 'Southern Sons' as lead singer/guitarist. Three Albums, Multi Platinum Sales and a string of hits such as "Heart In Danger", "Always & Ever", "Hold Me In Your Arms","Waiting For That Train", "I Can't Wait Any Longer", "Lead Me To Water", "You Were There", Don't Tell Me What's Right (Feat Colin Hay'Men At Work') & "Trust In Me".
His vocal ability was highly praised by both fans and musical peers alike... He has not only enjoyed success in Australia, but in Asia, Canada, Germany, & throughout Europe. Confirming he is a major talent worthy of recognition.His touring and recording credits are equally as impressive. Working as singer/ guitarist with Multi Platinum Artists such as: Guy Sabastian, John Farnham, Glen Shorrock (Little River Band), Tina Arena, Tommy Emmanuel, Rick Price, Merryl Bainbridge, Graham Goble (Little River Band), RichardClapton, Garry Beers (INXS), Dweezil Zappa, Ahmet Zappa, Jeff Jacobs (Foriener), Schuyler Deale (Michael Bolton, Billy Joel), Crystal Talefiero (Billy Joel), Joe Travers (Billy Idol, ZappaPlaysZappa), Deb Byrne, Stoolz Roachman & the Idiot Sevilles, Renee Geyer, Bachelor Girl, Anthony Warlow, DeanGuyer, Daniel Bedingfield, Jon Stevens, Ian Moss, Doug Parkinson, Jeff Martin (The Tea Party), Mark Seymour (Hunters & Collectors), Jon Toogood (Shihad), John Waters, Dean McGrath (Hungry Kids of Hungry), Tim Morrison (Trial Kennedy), ROACHFORD and countless others.
In 2000 Irwin and INXS Bassist Gary Beers released a band project called "MUDHEAD.." (Lead Vocals, Songwriting, Guitars & assorted instruments) 2002 was a big year. Irwin released his first solo offering entitled 'The Evolution of Irwin Thomas' which received critical acclaim across the board in Australia and had him as the opening act for Matchbox Twenty on their National Australian Tour.
That same year Irwin & his band joined the likes of Garbage, Nickleback, Billy Idol, Lifehouse, The Tea Party, Midnight Oil on 'The M1 Tour' around Australia. Irwin was also asked to perform at The HMV Awards, which was the beginning of a long standing relationship with dear friend Stuart Fraser(Manager HMV Superstore in the U.K. and onto the role of Managing Director of HMV Australia & South East Asia). 'The Evolution of Irwin Thomas' wasn't HMV's 'Album of the Week.' It was their 'Album Of The Year.' A bold and unprecedented move by HMV.
2005 took Irwin to the U.K. for 9 months as a 'hired gun', playing guitar for Daniel Bedingfield on his U.K. & European Tours plus a stint writing with artist & partner in crime 'Rusty Brown (Mr. Brown, Electric Mary) for his MIDEM offering 'Made In China'.
2006. Irwin was asked to join some of Australia's finest artists in celebrating and interpreting Classic Artists such as 'Bob Dylan', 'The Rolling Stones' & 'Led Zeppelin..' Artists included Steve Balbi, Spencer P Jones, Simon Meli, Zkye & Danny Marx Young.In 2007, Irwin was approached by Tim Woods & Phil Bathols (Spriritworks) to join some of Australias most respected and iconic vocalists Jon Stevens more......