Tony McPhee, English singer-songwriter and guitarist

Anthony Charles McPhee, born on March 23, 1944, stands as a foundational figure in the landscape of English blues rock. A guitarist of considerable renown, he is best known as the founder of the influential band Groundhogs, a group that would leave an indelible mark on the British music scene.

The Genesis of a Blues Rock Legend: Tony (T.S.) McPhee and The Groundhogs

In the mid-1960s, an early iteration of Groundhogs quickly established their blues bona fides, providing backing for celebrated American blues legends like Champion Jack Dupree and John Lee Hooker during their UK concert tours. This early experience immersed McPhee in the authentic sounds of the blues, shaping his unique guitar style.

It was during this vibrant period that McPhee acquired his distinctive moniker, 'Tony (T.S.) McPhee'. The story goes that in 1966, producer Mike Vernon, keen to give McPhee a more "official blues name" when releasing a duet single with Champion Jack Dupree titled "Get Your Head Happy!", suggested adding 'T.S.' to his name. The rather cheeky and memorable acronym, which stands for "Tough Shit," instantly became part of his identity, reflecting the grit and spirit of the blues.

As the years progressed, The Groundhogs evolved into a powerful blues-rock trio, crafting a sound that resonated deeply with audiences. Their efforts culminated in remarkable commercial success, with three of their albums soaring into the UK Top 10 on the Albums Chart in the early 1970s. This period solidified their reputation as a band capable of blending raw blues energy with sophisticated rock dynamics. Although the band continued to perform in various line-ups over the decades, McPhee officially retired from his groundbreaking group in 2015, marking the end of an era for the legendary Groundhogs.

A Journey Beyond the Groundhogs: Solo Explorations and Collaborations

Beyond his pivotal role in Groundhogs, Tony McPhee embarked on diverse musical explorations, showcasing his versatility as a musician. A standout achievement in his solo career is the innovative album The Two Sides of Tony (T.S.) McPhee, released in 1973. This record truly lives up to its name: Side A delivered the gritty, familiar blues rock that fans adored, while Side B ventured into entirely new territory. It presented a single, sprawling psychedelic art rock electronic composition in four movements, a bold departure featuring cutting-edge instruments of the time such as Arp 2600 Synthesizers, Electric Piano, and The Rhythm Ace Drum Synthesizer. Entitled "The Hunt," this ambitious piece explored McPhee's strong, principled stance against fox and stag hunting, demonstrating his willingness to infuse his music with profound social commentary.

McPhee also enriched the blues canon with many other solo acoustic blues records, offering intimate and traditional interpretations of the genre. His collaborative spirit was further highlighted through duets with the acclaimed blues singer Jo Ann Kelly, cementing his status as a respected figure within the wider blues community. Throughout his career, McPhee lent his formidable talent to numerous other projects and bands, including Herbal Mixture, the John Dummer Band, Hapshash and the Coloured Coat, Tony McPhee's Terraplane, Tony McPhee's Turbo, the Tony McPhee Band, and the experimental group Current 93, showcasing his enduring influence across various musical landscapes.

Later Years, Challenges, and Enduring Legacy

In 2009, Tony McPhee faced a significant personal challenge when he suffered a stroke. This unfortunate event profoundly affected his speech and his ability to sing, impacting the expressive capabilities of this remarkable artist. Despite these difficulties, his legacy continued to be celebrated and documented. In 2012, Paul Freestone published the definitive biography of McPhee, providing a comprehensive account of his life and extraordinary musical journey. McPhee's contributions to blues rock, his innovative spirit, and his powerful guitar work ensure his place as a revered and influential figure in British music history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tony McPhee

Who is Tony McPhee?
Anthony Charles McPhee is an influential English guitarist and the founder of the seminal blues rock band, Groundhogs. He is widely recognized for his contributions to British blues and rock music.
What is Tony McPhee best known for?
He is primarily known as the founder, guitarist, and main songwriter for The Groundhogs, a band that achieved three UK Top 10 album hits in the early 1970s. He is also celebrated for his innovative solo work and collaborations.
What does the "T.S." in his name stand for?
The "T.S." in his stage name, 'Tony (T.S.) McPhee', stands for "Tough Shit." This moniker was suggested by producer Mike Vernon in 1966 to give him a more authentic blues name.
Did Tony McPhee release solo material?
Yes, he released notable solo albums, including the critically acclaimed The Two Sides of Tony (T.S.) McPhee (1973), which famously featured both blues rock and pioneering electronic art rock compositions. He also released many acoustic blues records.
When did Tony McPhee retire from The Groundhogs?
Tony McPhee officially retired from the Groundhogs in 2015, although the band had continued to perform in various line-ups until that point.
What significant health issue did he experience?
In 2009, Tony McPhee suffered a stroke, which subsequently affected his speech and his ability to sing, impacting his performing capabilities.