GEORGE TOMSCO
OF THE FIREBALLS
Hailing from Raton, New Mexico, in the late 50's, the Fireballs were New Mexico's first rock and roll recording band to become internationally known. The group was christened The Fireballs after their standing ovation performance of "Great Balls of Fire" at the Raton High School PTA talent contest in New Mexico, in January 1958.
By the year's end they had auditioned for the late Norman Petty at his already internationally famous recording studio in Clovis, New Mexico. Petty acknowledged his interest in the way the group performed their original guitar instrumentals and vocals, penned by members George Tomsco and Chuck Tharp.
The groups first single was on KAPP records, but Petty soon negotiated a contract for the group with a new aggressive British label in the US, Top Rank records. They charted instrumental singles and albums and appeared on Dick Clarks American Bandstand as well as other various national and regional television shows. They were also released on the Warwick, Dot, and Atco labels.
The Fireballs found that western Canadian fans were especially receptive to their style of music, and they toured the area extensively. In 1963 they met Wes Dakus and The Rebels and George Tomsco persuaded them to try Norman's Studio. Soon the Rebels and many other western Canadian artists were traveling to New Mexico to record. George appeared on a few recordings with them, as well as hanging out at the studio & pitching groups his songs. Gainsborough Gallery charted with his composition of "Life Is A Song", and Happy Feeling scored with another George Tomsco tune, "Hey Little Man". George also appeared on the Rebels LP playing guitar & harmonica, as well as on recordings by other Canadian artists.
George still continues to front Fireballs shows in both the US and Canada.
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Concert photos by Drew BorgwardtI
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