Taking their name from a song Charlie Rich recorded for Sun, Whirlwind were one of several British rockabilly revival bands to appear in the late '70s and early '80s. The band was formed near London in Uxbridge by vocalist Nigel Dixon and guitarist Mike "Redhead" Lewis and also featured bassist Chris Emo and drummer Phil "Foghorn" Hardy.

An independent single helped get them a contract with Chiswick, as well as opening slots for punk and new wave acts like Ian Dury, the Clash, and Elvis Costello. Their first album, the minimalistic Blowin' Up a Storm, was released in 1977. Three years later, with new drummer Gary Hassett, the band released Midnight Blue, but poor sales eventually led to a breakup. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide