Outlaws
Biography
When Southern rock was reaching its swaggering peak in the mid-1970s, few bands embodied the genre's twin-guitar attack and outlaw mystique quite like Tampa's Outlaws. Emerging from Florida's sun-baked highways with a sound that married Lynyrd Skynyrd's rebel yell to the Allman Brothers' musical sophistication, the Outlaws carved out their own territory in rock's Wild West with a relentless commitment to guitar-driven mayhem and songs that celebrated the restless American spirit.
The band's genesis traces back to 1967 when guitarist Hughie Thomasson formed a group called the Rogues in Tampa. After various lineup shuffles and name changes, the Outlaws crystallized in 1972 around Thomasson's vision of creating the ultimate guitar army. The classic lineup featured Thomasson alongside fellow six-stringers Billy Jones and Henry Paul, with Frank O'Keefe on bass and Monte Yoho behind the kit. This three-guitar assault became their calling card, creating a wall of sound that could level concert halls and leave audiences breathless.
Their self-titled 1975 debut album announced their arrival with the subtlety of a freight train collision. The record's centerpiece, "There Goes Another Love Song," became an instant classic, showcasing their ability to blend country-tinged melodies with hard rock muscle. But it was the album's epic closer, "Green Grass and High Tides," that truly established their legend. Clocking in at nearly ten minutes, this guitar symphony became a radio staple and concert showstopper, with its soaring harmonies and extended instrumental passages that seemed to capture the very essence of American wanderlust.
The band's follow-up, "Lady in Waiting" (1976), proved they were no one-hit wonders. The title track became another radio favorite, while songs like "Stick Around for Rock and Roll" demonstrated their ability to craft anthems that spoke directly to their blue-collar fanbase. Their sound during this period was pure Southern rock gold – equal parts defiant and melodic, with lyrics that celebrated freedom, rebellion, and the open road.
As the 1970s progressed, the Outlaws maintained their momentum with albums like "Hurry Sundown" (1977) and "Playin' to Win" (1978), though internal tensions began to surface. Henry Paul's departure in 1977 marked the beginning of a series of lineup changes that would plague the band throughout their career. Despite these upheavals, Thomasson remained the band's creative anchor, his distinctive guitar tone and songwriting serving as the thread connecting various incarnations of the group.
The 1980s brought commercial challenges as musical tastes shifted, but the Outlaws adapted, incorporating more contemporary production techniques while maintaining their core identity. Albums like "Ghost Riders" (1980) and "Los Hombres Malo" (1982) showed a band willing to evolve, though they never quite recaptured the commercial heights of their mid-70s peak.
Throughout the decades, the Outlaws' influence on Southern rock and country rock remained undeniable. Their three-guitar approach inspired countless bands, while "Green Grass and High Tides" became a rite of passage for aspiring guitarists. The song's enduring popularity on classic rock radio helped introduce new generations to the band's music, ensuring their legacy extended far beyond their commercial heyday.
Tragedy struck in 2007 when Hughie Thomasson, the band's heart and soul, passed away unexpectedly. His death marked the end of an era, but surviving members, led by Henry Paul who had rejoined the fold, continued to carry the Outlaws banner. They've maintained an active touring schedule, introducing their brand of guitar-heavy Americana to new audiences while satisfying longtime fans hungry for those familiar anthems.
The Outlaws may never have achieved the household name status of some of their Southern rock contemporaries, but their impact on American rock music remains significant. They represented the genre's more adventurous side, willing to stretch songs beyond conventional boundaries and explore the outer limits of guitar interplay. In an era when rock music often feels sanitized and predictable, the Outlaws' commitment to musical exploration and their celebration of America's restless spirit feels more relevant than ever. They remain proud outlaws in rock's increasingly corporate landscape, still riding those high tides wherever they may lead.
