A WORLD-renowned drummer who helped bring an old style of music to a whole new generation is getting ready to hit all the right notes in Greenock. 

Slim Jim Phantom, drummer with The Stray Cats, is bringing his trio to The Albany on Friday night. 

The legendary musician says while he's been in Scotland before, he doesn't think he's ever set foot on Inverclyde shores so is looking forward to making his local debut.

He told the Tele: "I know that we've been in Edinburgh and Glasgow before but I don't think I've ever been in Greenock so I'm really excited about it.

"The music scene's looking really healthy out there again. 

"Everyone is really happy to be going out and celebrating live music."

Jim will appear with Mark and Andy Halligan of the Liverpool band Furious on the night. 

The rock star drummer started The Stray Cats with Brian Setzer and Lee Rocker back in 1979. 

Greenock Telegraph:

The trio were heavily influenced by rockabilly artists from the 1950s and described themselves as neo-rockabilly. 

Their love for the genre, coupled with their energetic live performances, saw them conquer the UK, Europe and the US. 

Jim was born in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up listening to his parents' jazz records, as well as rockabilly artists like Carl Perkins, Eddie Cochrane and Buddy Holly. 

He started drumming when he was 10 and was taught by the legendary Mousie Alexander. 

In his career to date, he has worked with some of the biggest names in industry including Jerry Lee Lewis George Harrison, Jeff Beck and Robert Plant - but says his original bandmates are still the best. 

He said: "The Stray Cats are the best musicians that I've ever played with and ever known. 

"They're virtuoso performers and fantastic guys. 

"We redefined the whole genre and made music available to people of a whole new generation."

Greenock Telegraph:

Jim has a very distinctive style on stage which evolved through watching early rockabilly footage. 

He stands up at the drum kit and is famed for his quirky and engaging performances.

Jim added: "I loved watching the original rockabilly artists. 

"We wanted to do something that was a bit different. 

"In 1979, no one had ever stood up at the drum kit. 

"I decided to do that and I stood at the front of the stage with the guys. 

"It's been like that ever since."

Jim said the gig at The Albany on Friday night will be a 'good old fashioned rock and roll show'. 

He added: "People can expect some Stray Cats classics, and some really great drumming and singing!

"Everyone will walk away after a 100 per cent rockin' good time."

Tickets can be booked via www.ticketsource.co.uk or via the venue.