Biography

Born in Vancouver, BC on April 6, 1964

Early Years

Tommy’s parents divorced when he was 2. His mother moved to the US. He remained with his father in Prince George, BC, until 1972. At 8 years old, Tommy moved to Powell River, BC to live with his Grandmother. From 1977-79, he sang with the Powell River Boys Choir.

Formative Years

Floyd began his musical vocation in 1979 fronting for the Powell River, BC band “Renegade”. In 1982 after Renegade disbanded, Tommy made his way to Chilliwack, BC to sing with “Off the Hook”. He was soon joined by high school friend and guitarist Pete Parker. When the band folded in 1984, Tommy and Pete formed Vancouver, BC based touring band “Panic”. Although moderately successful, the act would cement Tommy’s reputation as an edgy and dynamic frontman. In 1986 Floyd was asked to join Vancouver, BC based “No Control”, a successful club act that had a large following and radio play. Tommy accepted, but after 6 months left to form his own band.  

Pretty Boy Floyd

In 1987, songwriting team Tommy Floyd and Pete Parker launched a hard rock quartet that paid homage to the infamous 1930’s gangster Pretty Boy Floyd. In 1988, the band released a 6 song E.P. "Bullets & Lipstik" that made top 10 on the British Indie Charts and received a much coveted 4K rating in the UK's Kerrang Magazine. As well, respected publications such as RIP, Metal Edge and Burrrn! gave supportive press. In 1989, four additional songs were recorded to complete the full length release (of the same title) for Bellaphon in Germany, and Musicline Records in Canada. However, shortly after its debut; Pretty Boy Floyd was forced into legal battle with a US band of the same name. A trademark dispute ensued, but in the end, the Canadian PBF opted to surrender its use of the name to the LA based band for an out of court settlement. At the time, Tommy Floyd was quoted as saying "It sucked to put so much work into something, and then have another band come along and capitalize on it. However, there was just too much confusion over our brand, and negative implication's from the LA act." With the departure of Pete Parker, Tommy Floyd added two guitars and retained the original PBF rhythm section for a short period prior to regrouping with a new solo line up.

Solo Career

In 1990 Tommy Floyd’s video “Black & Blue Avenue” debuted on Canada's Much Music Power Hour. Tommy co-hosted the segment with the late VJ Dan Gallagher. In 1991 Tommy Floyd received “Heavy Metal Performer of the Year” via CARAS (Canadian Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences) and, an industry salute for the AC/DC influenced track “StageDoor Jane”. His touring band consisted of black haired, leather clad musicians; Tommy fondly dubbed "The Henchman". Floyd performed relentlessly opening for such acts as Pantera, Circus of Power and Agony Column. The act was also repeatedly asked to perform at the annual Motor Metal Show in Manhatten, NY hosted by Outlaw Biker Magazine and the NYC Hells Angels. By now, Tommy’s songwriting style had evolved into hard hitting blues based rock, that appealed to a cross section of music fans ranging from head bangers to alt. country fans . In 1994 Tommy Floyd recorded the full length album “Rock & Roll Redneck” that was ultimately held back from release due to the global success of Grunge, and the subsequent decline of hard rock and heavy metal in North America. With no release date in sight, Tommy focused even more on the business side of music.

Outlaw Entertainment

In 1995 Tommy Floyd launched a music management company to lend support to a number of hard rock, punk & metal bands. In 1997, Vancouver punker’s The Cartels were signed to Tommy’s imprint Outlaw Recordings. In 1998, Shuvelhead, with Metallica influenced guitars and vocals also joined the frey. In 1999, American Dog featuring Michael Hannon of Dangerous Toys and Salty Dog were signed up. In 2000, Billy Butcher (featuring Tommy’s old band mate Pete Parker) was added to an ever growing roster. Eric Moore & The Godz, alumni of Celtic Frost, and many other notable veterans released new recordings under the Outlaw umbrella between 2001 - 2005. During its 10 year offensive, Outlaw Entertainment successfully signed numerous hard rock and metal bands to overseas licensing, publishing and recording deals that had otherwise been denied to them in the US.  Tommy has since stated that this is one of his proudest achievements.

Retirement, Motorcycles & Pinball...

In 2006, Tommy Floyd officially retired from the music business to spend more time with his wife and children, ride motorcycles and collect vintage pinball machines. He currently lives in Mission, BC and can often be found hanging out at the local Speedway when the Top Fuel Drag Bikes are in town. He founded Flipper Freaks Pinball Club in 2011 along with Nitro Amusements in 2012. Tommy is also the producer of Vancouver FlipOut the only event of it's kind in Canada attracting pinball enthusiasts from around the world.


               

      Tommy w/Julie Gray (North America's highest ranked female player)
                          At Fraser Valley FlipOut 2012 in Mission, BC