The Nervous Fellas
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One of Canada's premier rockabilly bands, The Nervous Fellas began in Vancouver around winter of 1986. With Butch Murphy on Vocals, Ronnie Hayward on Bass, Chris Colt on Guitar and Al Black on Drums, they played every venue possible in Canada. They were known for their exciting stage show and fast pace Rockabilly. By the winter of 1987, the band had a hugh following in Canada. They were billed as "Canada's rockabilly Madmen". They often played at "The Railway Club" in Vancouver as this is where they loved to hang out. They were one of the most exciting bands of their day.
They had several recordings on EastSide Records. "Born To Be Wild" was released on the english label Nervous Records in 1990. While the band had a strong showing on the University Radio charts, they were unable to break into mainstream radio play.
Many personnel changes happen during the fellas short life. Chris Colt left in 1987 to be replaced by Mark Johnson. Al Black left in 1988 to play fulltime in the Last Wild Sons. Butch Murphy was also in the Last Wild Sons but at the same Al quit the Nervous Fellas, Butch quit the Last Wild Sons. Al Black was replaced by John Decan who was later replaced by Billy Rogers. Billy Rogers had tasted some success with such bands as Johhny Thunders and the Ramones. Ronnie Hayward left in 1990 and was later replaced by Pete Turland, who had been in The Baskervilles along with Darrel Higham when he lived in England. The only member to stay to the end, which was in 1992, was Butch Murphy. Butch and Ronnie later teamed up to start the Bughouse 5.
Recent postings of the band on youtube has peaked the interest of rockabilly fans. There is talk of the original fellas rejoining to do a Canadian tour, as all are still active in the music business. Butch Murphy can still be found hosting the Saturday jam at the Railway Club in Vancouver. The Nervous Fellas name has since been used by a band in UK but does not have any of the Canadian members.