Biography
Following the enormous commercial triumph achieved by Dire Straits through their 1984 release Brothers in Arms, frontman and exceptional guitarist Mark Knopfler decided to pause his primary endeavors temporarily. He established the Notting Hillbillies as a singular country-oriented side venture. One of the initial musicians enlisted for this endeavor was guitarist Steve Phillips, whom Knopfler had encountered in Yorkshire during 1968. At that time, the pair conducted an interview with a regional country and blues performer who shared the same name of Steve Phillips. The two prospective writers subsequently created the Duolian String Pickers duo and sustained their joint performances until Knopfler commenced his university studies in 1970. Upon completing his degree in 1973, he relocated to London, where he initiated Dire Straits.
Meanwhile, Phillips assembled the rockabilly group known as the Steve Phillips Juke Band. During 1976 he connected with Brendan Croker, previously associated with the Juke Band, leading the duo to collaborate under the name Nev and Norris. Phillips departed from musical activities by 1980 to pursue an artistic profession, allowing Croker to establish Five O'Clock Shadow. Knopfler reached out in 1986, resulting in the Notting Hillbillies' debut performance in May at a small venue in Leeds. The ensemble included Knopfler alongside Phillips, Croker, Ed Bicknell on drums—who was simultaneously managing Dire Straits—guitarist Guy Fletcher, Paul Franklin handling pedal steel guitar, and Marcus Cliffe, another member of Five O'Clock Shadow, on bass. Subsequent touring occurred, yet the project's sole recording, Missing...Presumed Having a Good Time, emerged only in 1990 after participants had resumed their primary musical commitments. On September 10, 2023, Brendan Croker passed away at seventy years old.
Meanwhile, Phillips assembled the rockabilly group known as the Steve Phillips Juke Band. During 1976 he connected with Brendan Croker, previously associated with the Juke Band, leading the duo to collaborate under the name Nev and Norris. Phillips departed from musical activities by 1980 to pursue an artistic profession, allowing Croker to establish Five O'Clock Shadow. Knopfler reached out in 1986, resulting in the Notting Hillbillies' debut performance in May at a small venue in Leeds. The ensemble included Knopfler alongside Phillips, Croker, Ed Bicknell on drums—who was simultaneously managing Dire Straits—guitarist Guy Fletcher, Paul Franklin handling pedal steel guitar, and Marcus Cliffe, another member of Five O'Clock Shadow, on bass. Subsequent touring occurred, yet the project's sole recording, Missing...Presumed Having a Good Time, emerged only in 1990 after participants had resumed their primary musical commitments. On September 10, 2023, Brendan Croker passed away at seventy years old.
Albums
