TOM SPENCER
Born in West London and the son of novelist and musician John B. Spencer,[1] Spencer began gigging in his teens, firstly singing backing vocals for his father's bands in London and then supporting him with his own school formed bands. He continued his musical education as guitarist for his father, touring Europe for the first time.
Back home he played guitar for Motherhive in 1989 – a band fronted by Blue Zoo's Andy Overall[2] They released one album 'Richard'.
In the early 1990s he joined new wave/punk outfit Big Boy Tomato. They released two EPs 'Acton Baby' and 'Hormones and Hangovers'. Big Boy Tomato were a support band for the likes of Stiff Little Fingers, The Cropdusters, The Godfathers, Mega City 4, Die Toten Hosen and The Toy Dolls. They signed to Cargo Records but their debut album was not released at the time, instead enjoying a much-belated release in 2017, courtesy of now-defunct London label Foof Records.
During this time Spencer became guitarist for punk legends The Lurkers, joining Arturo Bassick and Dan Tozer for around 6 years, and played on the Lurkers album 'Ripped and Torn'. The Lurkers toured Germany regularly as a result of Die Toten Hosen championing them with covers of the tracks 'New Guitar in Town' and 'Shadow'. The original Lurkers in 1978 were signed to Beggars Banquet, the same recording label as The Louts (a John B. Spencer band).
Sugarsnatch, a splinter group of Big Boy Tomato, featured Spencer on lead vocals and guitar for the first time. One album 'Mad Cows and Englishmen' was written and released in the space of three weeks, drawing on influences from the trio's love of comics. Sugarsnatch only played in the UK twice, concentrating on the European circuit.
Art career
Spencer is a stained glass artist and owns a business 'Tattoo Glass' based in Chiswick, West London.[16] His work is based on panel designs inspired by tattoo art and has been commissioned throughout the UK by private collectors, shops, bars and clubs. In 2014–2015 his glass work is displayed in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London as part of the 'Tiki Love Truck' installation – a mobile mosaic mausoleum. The piece forms part of the exhibition by artist Carrie Reichardt 'Disobedient Objects', inspired by protest movements.[17] The exhibition is set to tour the world from February 2015. Spencer exhibits his work at Bankrobber Gallery, Mayfair[18] He also manages traditional stained glass restoration and commissions through 'West London Stained Glass'.
