Tommy Thayer
Tommy Thayer
KISS: "The Spaceman"
Known as "The Spaceman", Tommy Thayer is the current lead guitarist for the hard rock band KISS, as well as the former lead guitarist for the band Black 'n Blue.
Tommy grew up in the suburbs of Beaverton, Oregon amidst the sounds of the Beatles and other classic '60s pop music. His passion for early 70s hard rock bands drove his desire to pick up electric guitar at age 13. After graduating from Sunset High School in 1978, he played in many local garage and club bands, eventually forming his own serious hard-rocking act, Black 'N Blue.
With a life-changing move to Southern California in early 1983, Black 'N Blue had immediate success packing Hollywood's rock clubs, and within six months signed a major worldwide recording contract with Geffen Records. His dream of making records, videos and touring the world suddenly became a reality.
Touring for two months as opening act for KISS in fall 1985, Black 'N Blue soon befriended bassist Gene Simmons and asked him to produce the band's next studio album. Gene noticed Tommy's skills and work ethic, in turn asking him to write and record song demos with him for KISS.
By the late 80s Black 'N Blue had run its course, leading to part-time employment in the KISS camp, writing songs, recording demos and taking care of day-to-day business. By the early 90s, it had become a full-time job.
Tommy officially took over the coveted KISS lead guitar spot on February 28th, 2003.
With a desire to get involved and give back to the community where he grew up, Tommy was elected to the Board of Trustees at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon in September 2005.
Through 2006 and 2007, Tommy has continued his interest in helping inspire kids with a commitment to support school programs, particularly in music. He arranged for new musical instruments to be donated to jump-start ailing school band programs in Oregon. Tommy has made appearances at middle and high schools in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, and Lake Oswego, Oregon speaking to students with hopes that they will follow their dreams and accomplish all that they aspire to do. In February 2010, Tommy & KISS were featured in ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition helping a family in need with new instruments for their home-based, non-profit music school.
In March 2007, Tommy along with Gene Simmons visited the Marines of Camp Pendleton again, as well as members of the US Army, Navy and Air Force, to honor their brave commitment to our country with a rally and live performance featuring a medley of the armed forces anthems that was filmed for an hour-long Gene Simmons Family Jewels TV special on A&E that aired on Memorial Day 2007.
In summer 2007, Tommy's passion for golf inspired the now annual Pacific University Legends Golf Classic, hosted by Tommy Thayer. The premier golf and entertainment event features Tommy along with a line-up of PGA pros and other celebrity friends and musicians who help raise money for Pacific University's Athletics Program in Oregon.
In 2008, Tommy proudly announced the launch of his own line of Tommy Thayer Signature Edition guitar amplifiers. Working together with German amp manufacturer Hughes & Kettner, the Tommy Thayer Signature Edition Duotone amplifier soon made its debut on the KISS stage. Tommy decided to donate all his royalties earned from sales of his signature amp to the Children's Hospital Los Angeles, to support the important medical needs of sick and injured children.
Tommy Thayer Official Website