The General Store's biography
"Tape recorder" were the first words spoken by Tam Johnstone, AKA The General Store. How apt. Born to singer, Diana and musician, Davey - full-time guitarist with Elton John since 1972 - Tam was born into music, grew up on music, and now continues as seemingly destined from the off - by making his own. And how.
Starting by playing drums at the age of five when growing up in London, George Martin's AIR studios offered the teenage Tam gainful employment, where he passed the days making tea for rock legends, and discovering that £200 in sushi is best not heated in a microwave. By age 17, he was on the road for the first time in support to '80's Norwegian megastars Aha. Drumming for a succession of pure pop outfits followed, including mini cult the Green Tambourines and Warner Bros signings, Jaguar.
In April 2000, the doors opened at The General Store. Inspired by Neil Young, The Byrds and The Beatles, the acclaimed debut album, ‘Local Honey’ (released by revered American power pop label, Not Lame in 2002) was recorded at home on a 4-track machine. Live shows in England and America followed, boasting an impressive band line-up featuring members of Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, the Elton John band, and Badfinger.
The new album, 'Mountain Rescue' (released by California’s Brewery records) was recorded with producer, Paul Reeve (Supergrass, Beta Band, Ruarri Joseph) and a host of guest musicians including Nick Zala (Mojave 3, The Loose Salute), singer/songwriter, Mike Silver and Jo Partridge (David Essex, The Who, Kiki Dee.) This time around, the Beach Boys and early ‘70’s Elton John join the list of The General Store’s musical inspirations.
Tam also fronts up and coming disco-punk power trio, Glass Shark and has worked with a wide range of artists from French rock star, David Hallyday to Eagles singer, Don Henley
By Tom Sheriff (updated by TGS, February 2008)
Mr. Johnstone's selected discography
The Orgone Box 'Confectionary' - album
(1996/Minus Zero) Drums.
Cathy Dennis 'Am I The Kind Of Girl' - album
(1997/Polydor) Drums.
Jaguar (AKA Carson) 'A Vision' - album & singles
(1997/Warner Bros.) Drums, keyboards and backing vocals.
Jamie Hartman 'Raid Your Head' - single
(1998/Righteous) Drums.
'The Young Persons Guide To Becoming A Rock Star' - OST (1998/Virgin.) Soundtrack to the Channel 4 series. Drums.
Neil Halstead 'Sleeping On Roads' - album
(2000/4AD) Banjo and lap steel.
The Loose Salute - EP
(2003/Best Before) Banjo.
Louis Eliot 'The Long Way Round' - album
(2004/Independent) Instruments, vocals and production.
David Hallyday 'Satellite' - album
(2004/Mercury) Bass guitar and percussion.
Sarah Hepburn 'Stars And Haze' - album
(2005/Copenhagen) Banjo.
Stan Halen 'Runnin' With The Devil' EP
(2004/The Harmonic Recording Co.) Production.
The Vitamins - 'Medecine' single
(2006/Red Flag.) Instruments and production.
Seth Lakeman - forthcoming release
(2007/EMI) Drums.
Ben's Brother - forthcoming release
(2008/EMI) Drums and bass.
Kevin Pearce - forthcoming release
(2008) Drums. |
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Mr. Johnstone's selected live history
Kik - UK tour supporting A-ha (1988) Drums.
Green Tambourines - UK dates (1990-92) Drums & BVs.
Paint - UK dates (1995) Drums & BVs.
Jamie Hartman - UK dates (1995-96) Drums.
Jaguar (AKA Carson) - UK & Japan tours (1996-98) Drums, keyboards & BVs.
Tammy Wynette - USA concert (1995) Acoustic guitar.
Don Henley - USA concert (1995) Acoustic guitar.
Louis Eliot - UK & USA dates (2001) Drums & BVs.
John Jorgenson - UK tour (2002) Drums.
David Hallyday - France tour (2004-05) Drums & guitar.
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