Born in Grendon, Warwickshire on March 30th 1953, Phil’s interest in music began while still
in school. Under the ubiquitous influence of
the Beatles, he played in various bands as a guitarist and vocalist, gradually encompassing the blues style of such legendary artists
as Clapton, Hendrix, and most importantly,
Peter Green. 

In the early 70’s, Phil recorded singles with groups and as a solo artist, including playing bass with the legendary Duane Eddy, before forming Trickster in 1976. They released two albums on Jet Records, with success in the UK charts and on the US airwaves. European tours with Boston and John Miles and a British tour with Mik Kaminski’s band, Violinski, led to interest from other major labels and the band almost signed to RCA before
deciding to split in 1980. 

Phil was a very busy man during the 80’s, working extensively as a live performer and as a session musician, notably with producers Colin Thurston, Martin Rushant and Tony Visconti. He also spent time on various musical projects in the Middle East before returning home to further live and recording work.

Phil Bates joined ELO Part II in the spring of 1993. He first came into contact with ELO in 1978 when his band Trickster were the support act on the Out of the Blue tour. They also served as opposition for ELO in the friendly football matches that took place as entertainment for the touring party! However, the entire 80’s elapsed before Phil and ELO were in touch again.

It was while performing as a solo artist that Phil met Kelly Groucutt, fifteen years after their previous encounter on the "spaceship tour". The band was looking to fill the vacancy in their new line-up, and Phil Bates was a perfect fit. He brought with him a fresh angle to the band’s sound and contributed some of the finest moments found on the 'Moment Of Truth' album...

Part II's most recent album, One Night – Live In Australia, highlighted his strength as a lead singer and proved that he was equally at ease with an emotional ballad as with a more upbeat rock’n’roll number, while his solo and collaborative songwriting skills revealed a man
of considerable talent. This talent also extended to the studio as Phil co-produced, edited and compiled the live album, along with top engineer Chris Tsangerides. 

Phil released his first solo album, 'Naked', and undertook a tour of more "intimate" venues with the help of Mik Kaminski, his wife Jo on vocals and bassist Mark Knight. There are more dates planned worldwide during 1999. Collaborations with Bev Bevan, Mik Kaminski, Kelly Groucutt and famed guitarist Gordon Giltrap on the
'A Little Light On An Electric Night' project
led to a CD and video.

After over five fine years on the road and in the studio with ELO Part II, Phil decided it was time to make more time for his blossoming solo career and spend more time with his family. Phil's final show with Part II was in St. Petersburg, Russia. Exstensive auditions were held to find someone suitable to fill the gap left by Phil... Enter Parthenon Huxley.

Phil has almost completed a book based on careers and opportunities that exist in the music business called 'The Iceberg Effect', with the intention of turning it into a series of workshops and a CD-ROM to be released sometime in 1999. 

His second solo album will be officially released early '99 entitled 'The Agony And The Exstacy'. A 'limited edition' of this album can be purchased through his web site and has also been made available at venues where he has played.