Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers were a Philadelphia-based rock band that gained prominence in the late 1980s with their energetic blend of heartland rock, blues, and bar-band swagger.
Fronted by charismatic guitarist and vocalist Tommy Conwell, the group became known for their electrifying live performances and gritty, guitar-driven sound. Their major-label debut, Rumble (1988), featured the hit single "I'm Not Your Man," which received significant MTV airplay and radio rotation.
Despite some success with follow-up albums like Guitar Trouble (1989), the band struggled to maintain mainstream momentum and eventually faded from the national spotlight, though Conwell has remained active in the Philadelphia music scene.
Listen to their debut album without interruptions use ☰ to select track
The core members of during their peak years included:
Tommy Conwell – Lead vocals, guitar
Paul Slivka – Bass
Jim Hannum – Drums
Chris Day – Guitar
Rob Miller – Keyboards
This lineup helped shape the band’s energetic rock sound, with Conwell’s charismatic stage presence and guitar work being a defining feature.
Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers were a staple of the Philadelphia music scene in the 1980s, frequently playing at popular local clubs, including:
The Chestnut Cabaret – A legendary West Philly venue known for hosting rising rock bands.
The Empire Rock Club – A Northeast Philly hotspot for live rock and metal acts.
JC Dobbs – A famous club on South Street that helped launch many local and national acts.
24 East – A Main Line club in Ardmore where they played regularly.
The Ripley Music Hall – A key Philly venue before it became part of the TLA (Theatre of Living Arts).
These clubs were instrumental in building the band’s reputation as one of the most electrifying live acts in the region.
listen to WMMR Radio Broadcast - Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers, Live 1987 opening for Bryan Adams at the Spectrum