Tommy Gunn (artist)

Tommy Gunn is an artist/promoter/fisherman who remains on the club scene in New York City.

The Early Club Years

Gunn worked his way up through the club scene in New York, starting as a busboy and working his way up through bouncer to doorman and promoter.

After two years, Tommy decided to become a full-time magician, often performing at Studio 54 and dinner clubs. Promoting was always in the background and after a short hiatus he was back again, doing what he loved; working the doors of New York venues.

The Music Years

While working at The Cat Club, in 1983 Tommy received an offer from Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five for a world tour. Tommy jumped at the offer and joined the band as the magician and backup singer in the group. Right before the tour began The Grand Master Flash and the Furious 5 changed the band name to Grand Master Melle Mel and The Furious 5. The tour lasted for almost 2 years and the band played in big arenas like the Checker Dome, LA Colosseum and the Super Dome. Unfortunately, at the last show, Grand Master Flash and the Furious 5, while in Hawaii, decided to call it quits.

Nightlife

After the demise of Grand Master Melle Mel and the Furious 5, Tommy returned to the New York club scene, working at Visage. Meanwhile, Tommy was hired back at The Cat Club and secured a full-time position as Club Promoter. Wednesday nights became Tommy Gunn's metal night, where he handled all bookings and promotion. Focused on the Glam rock scene, the crowds grew larger and larger every week, with major bands on the scene such as Mr. Big, Extreme, Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam eager to either play the club or host an event for little or no money. Setting his sights on The Hamptons, Tommy once again took a head doorman position at Bay Street in Sag Harbor and held a party every week.

Tommy held shows on Saturday nights at The Sanctuary on 8th street and The Gunn Club in Queens on Mondays. This led to nights at many clubs across the city including The Limelight on Sunday, Ruff [...], The Kitten Club, Jammin' on 42, Virgin Outlaw Club and The Michael Todd Room at the Palladium. Tommy was able to help spread out the bands that wanted to play at various clubs without overload.

Post-Club Life

In 1990, Tommy began working with The World Games. TDK hired Tommy to find a well-known metal band to record the opening song for the games.

Tommy joined Centerfold Stars and became an agent for adult video stars and magazine models, booking their personal appearances across the country. In the middle of all this, his partnership broke up, leaving him to court a new partner and create Acme Talent. After a year, Tommy gave the company to his new partner. He went off to learn 3D animation and promote his own events.

While involved with 3D animation, Tommy once again filled in at the door of Webster Hall. After a few weeks, Tommy was offered the Director of Promotion role. While handling both responsibilities, Tommy strayed away from metal shows, leaving another employee to handle them; however after 6 months, Tommy was finally given his infamous rock party, featuring 30 hosts and 21 bands. 1,600 people showed up to see Tommy and all the bands slated for this last night. Tommy stepped on stage and said; "good night, take care", and left the scene.

20 Years Later

Tommy went back to 3D animation. His work eventually led him to BSA Advertising, where he was Senior Director of New Technologies for all 17 locations around the country for 5½ years. Tommy quit BSA Advertising to become a Mate on a fishing boat called The Explorer and quickly moved up the ranks to become first mate and then crew boss for tuna trips. Tommy eventually got his 100 tons Captains’ license and became one of the captains of The Explorer.