‘80s new wave psychedelic band formerly known as Mission (see bio).
Liner notes from Evolution of Thunder II “The band formed in December 1982 as ‘Mission.’ The first album was called ‘The Last Detail’ which debuted to critical acclaim and charted on dozens of college radio stations across America. The first song ‘Dreaming’ was #1 on three radio stations! The second album titled ‘When Thunder Comes’ became the new name of the band. The album was layered with dark sounds and psychedelic guitar leads. The band actively played the Balt/Wash/Phila/Va club scene and opened for many national acts like The Ventures, Lords of the New Church, 999, and Hot Tuna. ‘Eyes of the Wolf’ was the third vinyl album which again showed an evolution of musical style from the classic rock area. This album as well as the others got some college radio support which kept WHEN THUNDER COMES inspired to continue writing and performing. In 1990 the band went on tour to Florida to headline the 1235 club in Miami to over 1200 fans. At this time the last album was released entitled ‘Pride and Passion.’ This album was full of great songs and moods including the great Celtic song ‘Ireland.’
After ten years When Thunder Comes just stopped playing. The band felt we crossed oceans and planets and achieved our goals. By the end of the 1990’s vinyl records were a thing of the past. In order to preserve this great music Mike Collins, long-time producer and engineer, put together EVOLUTION OF THUNDER I and II. When all the members listened to their copies, Dave Cawkwell, Mike Collins, Norm Kraus and Tom Tate decided to re-form and play a 20-year reunion show in May 2004.” The band continued performing well in the 2020’s.
The original lineup featured Dave Cawkwell (guitar, lead vocals), Mike Collins a.k.a. Colin Michaels (drums), Harrison Tate (keyboards), Norm Krause (bass), with Tom Tate (guitar). Bassist Mike Deeley (ex-Intruders) was added for their 1987 album “Eyes of The Wolf.”
Through the history of the group Cawkwell and Tate were the mainstays. Additional members during ‘00s included Yvonne Vally (vocals, percussion), Frank McGuire (bass), Tom Burick (bass), Jack O’Connor (drums ex-Ghost Riders), Jonny Rock (drums)…
Venues included Calvert Street Café, Max’s on Broadway, Schaeffer’s (Towson), Nicky D’s…
Cawkwell released albums by When Thunder Comes on his Frantic Records label. He also released a series of local band compilations called “Essential Attitudes.” WTC’s song “Just Science” was featured on the album “8 Essential Attitudes Vol. II” (Frantic 008).
Concurrently Dave formed the progressive rock band Bastille in 2002 with Arthur Graves (guitar), Tom Burick (bass), and Paul Fraunfelter (drums). In 2003 Bastille released the CD “Off with Your Head” (Frantic frlp007).
Record releases include:
1986(LP) Frantic 004 When Thunder Comes
1987(LP) Frantic 005 Eyes of The Wolf
1990(LP) Frantic 007 Pride and Passion
1998(CD) Frantic FRLP06 Evolution of Thunder
2004(CD) Frantic FRLP009 Evolution of Thunder II
2006(CD) Frantic FRLP0010 Farewell Nostradamus
2008(CD) Frantic FRLP11 500 Miles
