Bernie Tormé (born Bernard Joseph Tormey; 18 March 1952 – 17 March 2019) was an Irish rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, record label and recording studio owner. Tormé is best known for his work with Gillan, as well as his brief stints with Ozzy Osbourne. He also wrote and recorded with Twisted Sister singer Dee Snider and toured with Atomic Rooster.
The Ranelagh-born Tormé[1] was inspired by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Rory Gallagher, and Gary Moore. He formed his first band at a young age. His first paid performance came when Don Harris, a 14-year-old drummer he played alongside when he was 17, secured a gig at the local Girl Guides' dance in Kilmainham in Dublin.[2] Tormé then played in Dublin band The Urge in the early 1970s, before relocating to London in 1974, where he initially played with heavy rockers Scrapyard,[3] whose bass player, John McCoy would later be re-united with Tormé in Gillan. Inspired by England's burgeoning mid-1970s punk rock scene, Tormé formed the Bernie Tormé Band in 1976.[3] With this group, Tormé toured with successful groups of that period such as The Boomtown Rats and Billy Idol's Generation X, among many others. Tormé later revealed that his band secured the supporting slot with the Boomtown Rats, by agreeing to go around London putting up posters advertising the tour.[4]
In 1977 the band were asked to contribute two tracks to the Live at the Vortex album, "Streetfighter" and "Living for Kicks".[3] This led to them being signed to the Jet Records label, who "...paid us forty quid a week each for the next 18 months... Apart from that they just sat on us pretty much, they were more into ELO."[4]
Gillan and Ozzy Osbourne
Tormé accepted the invitation of former Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan in 1979 to join his band Gillan.[3] Over the next four years, Gillan enjoyed three Top Ten UK albums (Mr. Universe, Glory Road, and Future Shock), in addition to extensive worldwide tours of Europe, Japan, and the United States.[3]
In 1981 Tormé left Gillan, citing frustration over a lack of money despite the success the band was seeing. He was replaced by guitarist Janick Gers. He played as a live session man for Atomic Rooster and was hired in March 1982 by Jet Records, to replace the recently deceased Randy Rhoads in Ozzy Osbourne's band. Tormé flew from England to Los Angeles with the promise that the job was his, even being paid an advance by Jet before leaving England. Although Osbourne had already settled on Robert Sarzo to replace Rhoads, he was forced to abide by the record company's decision and Tormé began rehearsing with the band. After only a handful of shows it became apparent that Tormé's bluesy style was not a good match for Osbourne's brand of heavy metal, and he elected to return to England to continue work on a solo album.[5] He was quickly replaced by Brad Gillis and the tour continued.
Later career
Beginning in 1982, Tormé led his own band under various names and line-ups (including a version of Tormé with singer Phil Lewis, formerly of Girl and later with L.A. Guns).[3]
Tormé also played guitar on René Berg's solo album, The Leather, The Loneliness And Your Dark Eyes, released in 1992.
In addition to the continued release of new Tormé recordings and re-issuance of his back catalogue titles, Tormé also became involved with the 'Silver' project, which also included former Michael Schenker Group vocalist Gary Barden.
In 2006, Tormé announced the formation of Guy McCoy Tormé (aka "G.M.T"), with former Gillan bassist John McCoy and drummer Robin Guy. In 2007, Tormé contributed lead guitar and sitar parts to "Smile in Denial", track No. 4 of Yoni, a solo album from Wildhearts frontman Ginger.
Bernie successfully released 4 albums via the Pledgemusic platform between 2014 and 2018, and his last album 'Shadowland', featuring drummer Mik Gaffney (The Last Resort) and Sy Morton on bass was released in November 2018, followed by the 'Final Fling' UK tour starting on 22 November.[needs update] Unfortunately Pledgemusic did not honour their outstanding payments to Bernie Tormé on his last release.
Tormé also ran his own record label, Retrowrek Records, and recording studios, Barnroom Studios in Kent.
Personal life
In February 2019, it was reported that Tormé was "extremely ill with virulent double pneumonia".[6] He died on 17 March 2019, a day before he would have turned 67.[7][8] He is survived by his wife Lisa Valder, and their children Jimi, Eric and Tuli, and his sister, Cliodna Murphy.[9]
Discography
Solo
Bernie Tormé Band ― Live at the Vortex Vol.1 (2 tracks contributed to compilation) (1977)
Bernie Tormé Band ― "I'm Not Ready" (7") (1978)
Bernie Tormé Band ― Bernie Tormé Band (EP) "Weekend"/"Secret Service"/"All Night"/"Instant Impact" with Phil Spalding and Mark Harrison (1979)
Bernie Tormé And The Electric Gypsies ― Turn Out The Lights (1982) – UK No. 50[10]
Bernie Tormé And The Electric Gypsies ― Electric Gypsies (1983)
^ ab"Bernie Tormé interview". Retrieved 24 January 2007.
^Sarzo, Rudy (2017). Off the Rails (third edition). CreateSpace Publishing. ISBN1-53743-746-1
^Colothan, Scott (14 February 2019). "Bernie Tormé extremely ill with virulent double pneumonia". Planet Rock. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
^Blabbermouth (18 March 2019). "Former GILLAN And OZZY OSBOURNE Guitarist BERNIE TORMÉ Dead at 66". BLABBERMOUTH.NET.
^Irwin, Corey (18 March 2019). "Bernie Tormé, former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist, Dies". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
^eamoc (17 April 2019). "Bernie Tormé obituary: Irish guitarist who toured with Ozzie Osbourne". The Irish Times. Retrieved 17 April 2019.
^Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 562. ISBN1-904994-10-5.
External links
Bernie Tormé official website
Rock N Roll Universe Interview 2007
Interview at Skylight Webzine
January 21, 2023
bernie, tormé, this, article, needs, additional, citations, verification, please, help, improve, this, article, adding, citations, reliable, sources, unsourced, material, challenged, removed, find, sources, news, newspapers, books, scholar, jstor, december, 20. This article needs additional citations for verification Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources Unsourced material may be challenged and removed Find sources Bernie Torme news newspapers books scholar JSTOR December 2010 Learn how and when to remove this template message Bernie Torme born Bernard Joseph Tormey 18 March 1952 17 March 2019 was an Irish rock guitarist singer songwriter record label and recording studio owner Torme is best known for his work with Gillan as well as his brief stints with Ozzy Osbourne He also wrote and recorded with Twisted Sister singer Dee Snider and toured with Atomic Rooster Bernie TormeBirth nameBernard Joseph TormeyBorn 1952 03 18 18 March 1952Ranelagh Dublin IrelandDied17 March 2019 2019 03 17 aged 66 London EnglandGenresHard rock heavy metal punk rockOccupation s Musician songwriterInstrument s GuitarvocalsYears active1970 2019Websitehttp www bernietormeofficial com Contents 1 Early career 2 Gillan and Ozzy Osbourne 3 Later career 4 Personal life 5 Discography 5 1 Solo 5 1 1 Live albums 5 2 With Gillan 5 3 With Atomic Rooster 5 4 With Desperado 5 5 With Rene Berg 5 6 With Silver band fronted by Gary Barden 5 7 With GMT 6 References 7 External linksEarly career EditThe Ranelagh born Torme 1 was inspired by the likes of Jimi Hendrix Jeff Beck Rory Gallagher and Gary Moore He formed his first band at a young age His first paid performance came when Don Harris a 14 year old drummer he played alongside when he was 17 secured a gig at the local Girl Guides dance in Kilmainham in Dublin 2 Torme then played in Dublin band The Urge in the early 1970s before relocating to London in 1974 where he initially played with heavy rockers Scrapyard 3 whose bass player John McCoy would later be re united with Torme in Gillan Inspired by England s burgeoning mid 1970s punk rock scene Torme formed the Bernie Torme Band in 1976 3 With this group Torme toured with successful groups of that period such as The Boomtown Rats and Billy Idol s Generation X among many others Torme later revealed that his band secured the supporting slot with the Boomtown Rats by agreeing to go around London putting up posters advertising the tour 4 In 1977 the band were asked to contribute two tracks to the Live at the Vortex album Streetfighter and Living for Kicks 3 This led to them being signed to the Jet Records label who paid us forty quid a week each for the next 18 months Apart from that they just sat on us pretty much they were more into ELO 4 Gillan and Ozzy Osbourne EditTorme accepted the invitation of former Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan in 1979 to join his band Gillan 3 Over the next four years Gillan enjoyed three Top Ten UK albums Mr Universe Glory Road and Future Shock in addition to extensive worldwide tours of Europe Japan and the United States 3 In 1981 Torme left Gillan citing frustration over a lack of money despite the success the band was seeing He was replaced by guitarist Janick Gers He played as a live session man for Atomic Rooster and was hired in March 1982 by Jet Records to replace the recently deceased Randy Rhoads in Ozzy Osbourne s band Torme flew from England to Los Angeles with the promise that the job was his even being paid an advance by Jet before leaving England Although Osbourne had already settled on Robert Sarzo to replace Rhoads he was forced to abide by the record company s decision and Torme began rehearsing with the band After only a handful of shows it became apparent that Torme s bluesy style was not a good match for Osbourne s brand of heavy metal and he elected to return to England to continue work on a solo album 5 He was quickly replaced by Brad Gillis and the tour continued Later career EditBeginning in 1982 Torme led his own band under various names and line ups including a version of Torme with singer Phil Lewis formerly of Girl and later with L A Guns 3 Torme spent several years with the band Desperado with former Twisted Sister singer Dee Snider 3 Although the record saw limited release Snider re used a number of the songs for a subsequent project Widowmaker not to be confused with the 1970s English band of the same name Torme also played guitar on Rene Berg s solo album The Leather The Loneliness And Your Dark Eyes released in 1992 In addition to the continued release of new Torme recordings and re issuance of his back catalogue titles Torme also became involved with the Silver project which also included former Michael Schenker Group vocalist Gary Barden In 2006 Torme announced the formation of Guy McCoy Torme aka G M T with former Gillan bassist John McCoy and drummer Robin Guy In 2007 Torme contributed lead guitar and sitar parts to Smile in Denial track No 4 of Yoni a solo album from Wildhearts frontman Ginger Bernie successfully released 4 albums via the Pledgemusic platform between 2014 and 2018 and his last album Shadowland featuring drummer Mik Gaffney The Last Resort and Sy Morton on bass was released in November 2018 followed by the Final Fling UK tour starting on 22 November needs update Unfortunately Pledgemusic did not honour their outstanding payments to Bernie Torme on his last release Torme also ran his own record label Retrowrek Records and recording studios Barnroom Studios in Kent Personal life EditIn February 2019 it was reported that Torme was extremely ill with virulent double pneumonia 6 He died on 17 March 2019 a day before he would have turned 67 7 8 He is survived by his wife Lisa Valder and their children Jimi Eric and Tuli and his sister Cliodna Murphy 9 Discography EditSolo Edit Bernie Torme Band Live at the Vortex Vol 1 2 tracks contributed to compilation 1977 Bernie Torme Band I m Not Ready 7 1978 Bernie Torme Band Bernie Torme Band EP Weekend Secret Service All Night Instant Impact with Phil Spalding and Mark Harrison 1979 Bernie Torme And The Electric Gypsies Turn Out The Lights 1982 UK No 50 10 Bernie Torme And The Electric Gypsies Electric Gypsies 1983 Torme Back To Babylon 1986 With Phil Lewis Torme Die Pretty Die Young 1987 With Phil Lewis Torme Demolition Ball 1993 With ex Samson singer Gary Owen Bernie Torme Wild Irish 1997 A project with Anti Nowhere League members Chris Jones and John Pearce Bernie Torme White Trash Guitar 1999 A project with Anti Nowhere League members Chris Jones and John Pearce Bernie Torme Band Punk Or What recordings from 1976 to 1978 unreleased until 1999 Bernie Torme Flowers amp Dirt 2014 Bernie Torme Blackheart 2015 Bernie Torme Dublin Cowboy 2017 Bernie Torme Shadowland 2018 Live albums Edit Bernie Torme Live 1984 Torme Official Live Bootleg 1997 Bernie Torme And The Electric Gypsies Scorched Earth Live 1999 2000 2001 Bernie Torme Live in Sheffield 1983 2002 With Gillan Edit Mr Universe 1979 Glory Road 1980 Future Shock 1981 Double Trouble 1981 The Gillan Tapes Vol 1 1997 The Gillan Tapes Vol 2 1999 The Gillan Tapes Vol 3 2000 Triple Trouble 2009 Recorded live 1981 1982 With Atomic Rooster Edit Headline News 1983 Live in Germany 1983 released 2000 With Desperado Edit Demo I III Demo 1990 Bloodied But Unbowed 1996 Ace 2006 With Rene Berg Edit The Leather The Loneliness And Your Dark Eyes 1992 With Silver band fronted by Gary Barden Edit Silver 2001 Dream Machines 2002 Intruder 2003 With GMT Edit Cannonball 2006 EP Bitter And Twisted 2006 Evil Twin 2008 Raw Live 2011 References Edit Bernie Torme obituary Irish guitarist who toured with Ozzie Osbourne The Irish Times 13 April 2019 Retrieved 23 April 2020 Ten questions with Bernie Torme Retrieved 24 January 2007 a b c d e f g Colin Larkin ed 1999 The Virgin Encyclopedia of Heavy Rock First ed Virgin Books p 453 ISBN 0 7535 0257 7 a b Bernie Torme interview Retrieved 24 January 2007 Sarzo Rudy 2017 Off the Rails third edition CreateSpace Publishing ISBN 1 53743 746 1 Colothan Scott 14 February 2019 Bernie Torme extremely ill with virulent double pneumonia Planet Rock Retrieved 18 March 2019 Blabbermouth 18 March 2019 Former GILLAN And OZZY OSBOURNE Guitarist BERNIE TORME Dead at 66 BLABBERMOUTH NET Irwin Corey 18 March 2019 Bernie Torme former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Dies Ultimate Classic Rock Retrieved 18 March 2019 eamoc 17 April 2019 Bernie Torme obituary Irish guitarist who toured with Ozzie Osbourne The Irish Times Retrieved 17 April 2019 Roberts David 2006 British Hit Singles amp Albums 19th ed London Guinness World Records Limited p 562 ISBN 1 904994 10 5 External links EditBernie Torme official website Rock N Roll Universe Interview 2007 Interview at Skylight Webzine Photo galleries of Bernie live GMT and The Electric Gypsies Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Bernie Torme amp oldid 1131800673, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
