Biography - Banner Thomas

Date of Birth:  September 6 1954

Place of Birth:  Savannah, Georgia

Earliest Musical Memories:      Although the Thomas' weren't a musical family, there was always records and the radio. His first memories are people like Nat "King" Cole, Tennessee Ernie Ford and of course Elvis.

By the mid-sixties Banner was learning to play guitar and was picking along to the likes of Donovan, the Beatles and the Stones. he eventually wound up a fan of Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Cream, and Black Sabbath.

Resume of career with Molly Hatchet:

Banner was first approached by Dave Hlubek in 1973. He was with his friend Donald Hall who was playing a guitar. Dave said to Donald ""You play pretty well. My name's Dave Hlubek. Want to join my band?" Donald apparently pointed Dave to his bass playing friend, Banner.

Banner joined Molly Hatchet as one of the three early constant band members. The other two were Steve Holland and Dave Hlubek.

Banner played on the first four Molly Hatchet studio albums: Molly Hatchet (1978), Flirtin' with Disaster (1979), Beatin' The Odds (1980), and take No Prisoners (1981). 

Other albums you can find Banner on: Molly Hatchet - Live at the Agora Ballroom, Atlanta, Charlie Daniels - Volunteer Jam Vol 7, Chris Anderson - Old Friend.

Banner left Hatchet in 1982 during the Take No Prisoners tour, to be replaced by Riff West. He recalls:  "We all started thinking we were stars, and that drove wedges into the cracks that started forming. I was as guilty as anybody else. I got into an argument with Dave, got mad, and quit. Do I regret it today? Yes and no. I'm sorry I quit the way I did, when I did, but it looks like I picked a good time to get out. Not long after, under pressure from management and the record company to produce more hit singles, the band started to lose its identity, and started to look like Loverboy. I'm glad I wasn't there for that."

He rejoined for a brief period from 1992 - 1993.

Banner has 5 platinum albums to his credit while with Molly Hatchet

Career since departing Molly Hatchet:

Since his Molly Hatchet days, Banner has continued to be a busy, working musician.

He performed with Jacksonville band "Tilt" from 1983.

Banner briefly re-joined Hatchet during the mid-nineties.

He performed for a time with Artimus Pyle in "Those Guys" (based in St Augustine, Florida). He also participated for a time in Pyle's APB band.

In 1997, Banner and guitarist Rocco Marshall recruited former Lynyrd Skynyrd Drummer Artimus Pyle to form "The Truth."

Rocco's daughter also joined in Aaron (at age 15)  to record the CD "All Things To All Men."

Banner and Artimus pursued solo projects afterwards.

Banner was also NEARLY in what would have been a great band called Bonnie Blue (which never got off the ground) - first and only rehearsal was July 21/22 1998 _ the band was - Banner (bass) Ed King (Lynyrd Skynyrd - Lead guitar, Jeff Carlisi (38 special) - lead guitar, Charlie Hargrett (Blackfoot) - lead guitar, Roy Yeager (Atlanta Rhythm Section) - drums, Jimmie Hall (Wet Willie) vocals, harp, sax.

Banner next went on to become bassist for Big Engine. 

In February 2003, Banner left Big Engine to form "Supergroup" Southern Rockers Reunion with the great Randall Hall and Mike Estes (ex-Lynyrd Skynyrd) and also Tom Curiale and Ted Patton. Within weeks, Dave Hlubek had split from SRA to join up with Banner again.

Unfortunately, the SRR and Banner parted a month or so later. Banner is presently back with the great Big Engine, (and also worked for a short time with Dave Hlubek in the short-lived Flirtin' With Disaster Band

He has plans a possible upcoming solo album too!!

Banner's latest recording is as a guest on Jim Crouch's album, Liberty in 2003.

In September 2003, Banner and his partner Dee Dee finally tied the knot.