Ph.D. (band)

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Ph.D.

Jim Diamond and Tony Hymas
Origin United Kingdom
Years active 1981-1983
2006-
Genres Blue-eyed soul
Labels WEA
Atlantic

Ph.D. was a short-lived British group that managed a UK Top 10 hit with "I Won't Let You Down" in 1982. The band took its name from the initial letters of its three members' surnames; Phillips, Hymas and Diamond.

Contents

[edit] Band history

Singer Jim Diamond formed the group with former Jeff Beck Group members Tony Hymas and Simon Phillips in the early 1980s. Their self-titled début album, originally released in 1981, spawned a big hit with the ballad "I Won't Let You Down" which peaked at number three in the UK Singles Chart in 1982 and number five in Australia. Following the single's success the album was re-issued and finally entered the UK Albums Chart. Their video for "Little Suzi's On The Up" was notable for being one of the first five videos shown on MTV's first broadcasting day, being 1 August 1981. They came out with their second album Is It Safe? in 1983. The first single, "I Didn't Know," failed to make the UK Top 40, but did well in Europe. The albums have never been released officially on CD except in Japan.

A short time later Diamond contracted hepatitis. Prevented from touring, by Diamond's illness, the group disbanded. Diamond would come back some time later as a solo artist.

In 1986, hard rock band Tesla would cover "Little Suzi's On The Up" and re-badge it "Little Suzi" giving the song a new audience through American radio airplay.

Diamond has recently confirmed that the two studio albums may be added to iTunes. He also announced a reunion with Hymas, and they returned to the studio in November to commence recording for a new album due out in 2007.

[edit] Discography

[edit] Albums

Year Album
1981 Ph.D.
1983 Is It Safe?

[edit] Singles

Year Song UK Album
1981 "I Won't Let You Down" 3 Ph.D.
1981 "Little Susie's On The Up" - Ph.D.
1981 "There's No Answer To It" - Ph.D.
1983 "I Didn't Know" - Is It Safe?
1983 "Fifth Of May" - Is It Safe?
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