Johnny and the Phantoms
Fronted by John Stroud (guitar, vocals), Johnny and the Phantoms were an original blues band that existed through the 1990's. Their first release was an EP, Treachery, in 1992. This was followed by the 1997 Under Age and Living in Paradise album on Boat Shed Recordings, Tauranga, which included the popular song Smoke da Weed. Assembly Line, from the album, appeared on the 2003 compliation Ain't that the truth.
In addition to John, Johnny and the Phantoms were Ray Stroud (bass, vocals, percussion, digeridoo, guitar) and Tony Van der Putten (drums, percussion, backing vocals). The three also recorded under the name Moby Trip. They are reputed to have averaged three four hour gigs a week in bars all over the country, over a period of more than twelve years.
