Stephanie Lynne's Blog. 26th September 2011- Topics: Tony Sales' birthday!

Here's a copy of a special feature I have penned for American Chronicle to celebrate Tony F. Sales' 60th birthday. Link to original feature in full: -

www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/252254

'Incendiary Soul- A Short Biographical Vignette on the Life and Loves of Bassist Tony Fox Sales'.

By Stephanie Lynne Thorburn.

Pictured: 'Tony and the Tigers'. 1965. Band comprised: -

Tony Sales (vocals, rhythm guitar), Hunt Sales (drums), Jon Meredith (lead guitar), Jeffrey Alpert (bass).


"I thought it would be appropriate to write a short, illustrative vignette on Tony Fox Sales, musician extraordinaire at the advent of his 60th birthday, (26th September 2011.) Tony Sales has become an important friend to me, Stephanie Lynne Thorburn. Since writing an eBook on Tony and brother Hunt titled 'Quintessentially Soul Brothers', 2009, I have also created a resource page on the webjam server titled, 'Sales Brothers Definitive' to assimilate internet resources, archival footage and up-to-date content. Tony and I share a natural affinity for Zen Reiki and an interest in alternative humanistic spheres. I have documented Tony's career within the music industry in my eBook and Tony has not only cultivated a notable solo album 'Hired Guns', but has an extensive career, having collaborated with Iggy Pop, Todd Rundgren and David Bowie in Tin Machine. He also has a healthy interest in acting, producing music and life-coaching,(especially sober life coaching.)

Other than 'Hired Guns', my favourite album of Tony's is Tin Machine II and I have a penchant for the musical textures conveyed in the song 'Amlapura'- hence the title of my alternative therapy website. Tony and Hunt Sales' father, Soupy Sales was a renowned comedian who sadly died in October 2009, (see my American Chronicle obituary)- although Soupy has certainly left a considerable legacy. Tony wields a distinctive Vigier bass, and is notably accomplished in playing/ composing music on guitar. He captured the imagination of the music media including Creem magazine with his all-star band 'Chequered Past' featuring Michael Des Barres, Nigel Harrison and ex- Sex Pistol Steve Jones. 'Tony and the Tigers' was Tony's first musical incarnation in Detroit 1965, hence plenty of nostalgic archival footage has been captured of the band on You Tube including 'When The Party's Over' and 'Day Tripper'; in fact the press on 'Tony's Tigers' already reflects the media's awareness of Tony's mesmeric looks- fortunately he also has always been equally blessed with an abundance of dexterous talent..

Tony's forte skills are very much in the domain of communication both through his spontaneous music and interpersonal resonance. Tony Sales developed positive interpersonal relationships with James Williamson and David Bowie during his heyday and these innate communicative skills have certainly enhanced his musical career.

Undoubtedly Tony F. Sales has many loves in his diverse life, not least of all a true 'Lust for Life', having overcome his near-fatal coma following a road accident in 1979, he has developed an understanding of the value of human life itself. He is certainly a lover of music, (especially Stax and David Bowie,) he loves spirituality, women and I'm pretty sure his greatest love is for his family, (including brother Hunt and his now adult children Tony and Valentina..)

Enjoy a wonderful birthday Tony!

Stephanie Lynne Thorburn, September 2011

Article also posted to BowieNet blogs.