Powerline...............in the beginning.
  
Powerline consists of 3 members from a former band, called Secretz, that toured extensively coast to coast from the mid 70's to the late 80's.   Originally spelled S-e-c-r-e-t-s, we had to change the spelling because of a copyright.  We stole the "Z" from a fellow band named Starz, whose singer, Michael Lee Smith, filled in on vocals at one point when our vocalist, David Morris, had broken his foot.  Secretz was a 5 piece band formed in Atlanta, which was often compared to Legs Diamond (Mercury Records) another 5 piece band that toured the same circuit.  After moving the band to L. A., it's ironic that Legs Diamond's Drummer, Jeff Poole, joined forces with Secretz, as it was shortly after having done a show with them in Atlanta at Alex Cooley's Electric Ballroom aka the Agora Ballroom.   Shortly after adding Jeff to the mix, we sought a recording contract - as so many bands do with some success.

Four of the songs we recorded appeared in the movie "Fast Food," which starred Jim Varney and Tracy Lords.  Additionallly, we recorded songs produced by Paul Sabu (who also toured with us  subbing on vocals when our singer, David Morris, was mending from a broken foot).  We also recorded an album that was produced by Geoff Workman, as well as a video produced by, and for, MTV - none of which made it to the market place or the airwaves. 

Sometime around 1990, after a very long run with Secretz and some discouraging efforts, it seemed like we had to change things up a bit.  We took the nucleus of the band consisting of: Nicky Ford - Guitar, Vocals, and Keyboards; Mel Tribble - Bass;  and Jeff Poole - Drums  and created a new band pumping our brand of Rebel Metal into the streets of Hollywood California.  The  band was named "Stars n Bars" after one of our Southern flags.  However, after a several year run we caught a bit of flack because we learned that some people considered it a racial statement (which it absolutely wasn't to us and was not our intention) so we changed the name of the band from Stars n Bars to Powerline.  

So there, . . . I know you thought I'd never get to Powerline, but if you're asking how we started, that is how it all began - it was us three that played in all three bands non stop.  So, we really only changed our name and revamped the tunes we were playing.  We played the Hollywood scene for many years.  During that time, Rock City records asked if they could use a song I had written called "What You Give To Me" for a best of unsigned L.A. bands compilation disc.   Soon after it was released, MTV asked to use this song in episode 11 of one of  their TV series called "Live Through This" (filmed in 2000). 

We performed as Powerline in L.A. for about 9 years then, in 2007, after many years in Los Angeles I hit the refresh button and moved back to Atlanta (my hometown) bringing the name Powerline with me.  Jeff Poole, had commitments in L.A., and Mel Tribble had loose ends to tie.   In 2008, I added Johnny Long, who is not only a great musician, but has outstanding vocals and the bass slot was revolving -  until Mel relocated.  

In addition to myself, Powerline's current line-up consists of long time bassist, Mel Tribble and drummer Steve Carlisle, and together we are Rockin' in the South.    I was very fortunate, as after two years back on the East Coast playing in the band, I was nominated and voted the "Best Rock Guitarist in Atlanta 2009"  by Hard Rockin' 80's .com ~ Metal on the Net, in their "Best of Musicians' Poll."  We play all around Atlanta and surrounding cities and venture out farther on occasions and are still Rockin' like there's no end in sight.  We are just three seasoned musicians playing whatever we can to please the masses.  Our sound is strong, yet melodic rock with three-part harmonies.  Even though I sing the majority of the leads, both members of the rhythm section are very capable lead singers as well as joining in harmonies and backup vocals.  For a three piece band  we cover a lot of ground.  Currently, we are working on originals and hope to get the opportunity to play them out soon. 

                                              
                              Nicky Ford


The individual members of Powerline have shared the staged with the following:

Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hydra, Stories, Bloodrock, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Chaka Kahn & Rufus, Pink Floyd, Ted  Nugent, Kiss, Golden Earring, Styx, Sammy Hagar, Triumph, Rush, Montrose, Alice Cooper,
Y & T, REO  Speedwagon, Nazareth, Bob Seger, Riot, Moxy, Ten Years After, Mountain, J. Geils Band, Glenn Hughes, Michael  Schenker Group, UFO, The Baby's, , Angel, Dio, Starz, Steppenwolf,  Mothers Finest,  Legs Diamond, Tommy Tutone, Pat Travers, Chambers Bros., John Kay (Steppenwolf), Ram Jam ('Ol Black Betty).



Powerline's Official Website:
www.powerlineglobal.com
Genre: Rock

You can catch Powerline at:
Blue Moon Tavern in Buford, Ga ♫ July 14th
Cooper's Corner in Grayson, GA  ♫ August 4th
Cinema Tavern in Villa Rica, GA ♫ August 10th
Powerline is:
Nicky Ford - Lead guitar, Lead Vocals & Keyboards
Mel Tribble - Bass guitar, Lead & backing vocals
Steve Carlisle - Drums, backing vocals