Biography
Doug Gibbons launched his recording career under the name Thane Russal, issuing his first ballads for England’s Decca Records in 1965. Although the debut failed to register on the charts, it drew the attention of the Rolling Stones, who recognized greater potential in the singer beyond his initial ballad style. That connection, formed while Russal traveled with the Stones’ entourage, secured him a fresh deal with British CBS in 1966. At that juncture he shifted direction to become a soul singer, releasing the powerful single “Security,” produced by Paul Raven—later known throughout the 1970s as Gary Glitter. Raven also helmed a follow-up 45, “Drop Everything and Run,” issued the same year; despite the strength of both performances, neither reached the charts. Prospects appeared stronger elsewhere in Europe, prompting Russal’s move to Italy, where he recorded the 1967 Italian CBS single “Adesso Tardi” b/w “If I Were a Carpenter” and another release the following year. While based there he fronted the bands The Electric Heart and Beggars Farm.