Follow Phil Jones from his musical debut with Swinging Clit in 1977, through 23 years of live performances to the current Phil (Divel) Jones set.   Use the Up & Down arrows to move through history by band.

Most of the information was provided by Phil himself but if you have anything of interest you can add, especially from the early days, we'd love to hear from you.

WC WARDROBE'S SWINGING CLIT - (1977)

Philip Franz Jones joined his very first band while still at school.However, he very quickly became frustrated with W.C.Wardrobe's Swing Clit's line-up of bongos, flute and rhythm guitar and left.

SKYFALL - (1977)

On leaving school Phil became a window dresser but, when it came to the time to attend University, he handed in his pins and returned to pop. He joined another band, Skyfall playing at night while by day he took up employment with a mid-European psychopath as a telephonist (but wasn't allowed to take messages). After just eight days he left to become a tinsel salesman.

Band line-up -
Phil Jones (guitar/vocals) - Dave Cunningham (guitar/vocals) - ??????

NEXT - (1977 / 78)

Steve Emberton joined and Phil's band evolved into Next. At that time Geoff Kelly played in 'The Strange Band' but made a bizarre decision to become a civil servant - sorting sickness benefit applications. After this he left to go into teacher training college, where he was approached by Next to join them as their bass player.
Next signed to CBS.They produced one album in 1978 called "Next" under producer Rupert Hine but soon departed because they didn't get on with CBS.Charlie Griffiths played session on the album. Charlie went on to play with Simply Red & James.
To find out more about Charlie Click here

Band line-up -
Phil Jones - Geoff Kelly - Steve Emberton - ??????

BEANO - (1978 / 79)

Following their split with CBS, Phil and Geoff spent a year in the cold before recruiting drummer Clive Gee.He had been a member of 'Hitler's Underpants' and worked as an optical mechanic. Steve Emberton left and went on to join "Motion Pictures". The band name changed often as they searched for a suitable line-up. They went under the name of "Beano", "The Press" and "The Jones'" before settling on "Afraid Of Mice".
They mainly performed cover songs in Liverpool pubs, performing Pretty Woman etc. regularly at the Bow and Arrow in Cantril Farm.Phil was also writing his own stuff and songs like 'Sugar Mummy' and 'You look like you've got a Problem' became favourites with the audiences .Phil was a real showman and performer and always gave 100% at every gig.

Band line-up -
Phil Jones - Geoff Kelly - Clive Gee - ??????

AFRAID OF MICE - (1979 / 86)

      And the rest is history.... The band lineup changed slightly between 79/80 with guitarists Ronnie Stone (left to form Freeze Frame) and Roddie Gilliard (to "Windows") spending time in the group. Two of their songs, I'm Not A Fighter and Transparents, appeared on a compilation LP - A Trip To The Dentists - before Sam Brew joined in 1981. Sam was spotted playing a borrowed guitar in a band called Visual Aid at the legendary Brady's and was asked to join.

       The band were now attracting major interest and they signed up with Charisma Records.They managed to persuade Tony Visconti to produce them. Tony had produced many leading names, including David Bowie.

      In 1981, they released 7" singles I'm On Fire and Intercontinental and in 1982 the long-awaited LP Afraid Of Mice.

AFRAID OF MICE - (1979 / 86)...continued

They had a busy gig-schedule, including a TV appearance on a David Essex show, and this culminated in a sell-out concert at Liverpool Empire. The 7" singles Transparents / That's Not True and At The Club followed but the group were about to embark on a long legal battle with their record label Charisma which would halt any progress outside of Liverpool.
Over the next two years the band changed their name and line-up regularly , releasing the Official Bootleg album in 83.Geoff eventually left the group to form Now Is The Time To Forget The Whimpering Child - Become The Warrior

Band line-up -
1979 - Phil Jones - Geoff Kelly - Clive Gee - Ronnie Stone
79/80- Phil Jones - Geoff Kelly - Clive Gee - Roddie Gilliard
1981 - Phil Jones - Geoff Kelly - Clive Gee - Sam Brew
84/85- Phil Jones - Singo - Mark Coleridge - Mike Hayes

TWO'S A CROWD - (1986 / )

Band line-up -
Phil Jones - Alex McKechnie

UP & RUNNING - ( / 2000 )

Phil Jones - ( 2000 / )

In August 2000, Alex decided to leave the band to concentrate on business commitments and is currently the manager of the world famous Cavern Club in Mathew Street, Liverpool. To catch up with Alex online at the Cavern click here and then click on 'RECORDS' option for Up And Running stuff!
Phil now works twice as hard on stage in his solo show, which has become much more personal. After twenty years his one-man show has finally become a one-man show, allowing him to intertwine a warm wit and wicked sense of humour with his endless repertoire of original songs.
With such a loyal following, the current Spartacus set could not be more appropriate - " I'm Spartacus .... and so are all my mates "