Paul Thompson (musician)

Paul Thompson

Thompson with Roxy Music, LG Arena, Birmingham, England, January 2011
Background information
Birth name Paul Thompson
Born (1951-05-13) 13 May 1951
Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom
Genres Glam rock, rock, art rock
Occupation(s) Musician
Instruments Drums, guitar
Years active 1970–present
Labels Island
Associated acts Roxy Music, Angelic Upstarts, Concrete Blonde, Lindisfarne
Website pauldrum.com

Paul Thompson (born 13 May 1951) is an English drummer, who is best known as drummer for the rock band Roxy Music (from 1971 to 1980 and then from 2001 onwards).[1] He was also the drummer for the Oi! band, Angelic Upstarts and the American alternative rock band Concrete Blonde. He is a member of Andy McKay's project with the Metaphors and joined the reformed Lindisfarne in 2013.

Early life and education

Thompson was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland.[2] He lived in Jarrow, north east England, from the age of six months and attended West Simonside Infants and Junior School.

Career

He joined The Tyme in 1965 who played at local youth clubs.[3] Thompson's next group was a local band called The Urge which he joined when 17 years old. Fatigue from performing with them seven nights a week in local clubs and pubs led him to fall asleep on his job as an apprentice metalworker, which resulted in his dismissal.[4]

He was a member of The Influence with John Miles. Thompson joined Roxy Music in 1971 and was credited as drummer on six albums, as well as touring and performing on solo records with his bandmates Bryan Ferry, Brian Eno, Andy Mackay and Phil Manzanera. In 1980, Thompson took leave from Roxy Music due to a thumb injury. Later that year he left the band due to musical differences between himself and Bryan Ferry.[5] During this period Thompson played with rock band Concrete Blonde.

In 2001, he reunited with fellow Roxy Music band members for a tour. He also toured with Ferry, supporting his Frantic album in 2003 and also appeared at the Isle of Wight Festival 2005 on 11 June 2005.. Thompson played live gigs with Andy Mackay The Metaphors [4] and was credited on their C.D "London! Paris! New York! Rome!" in 2009.[4] He joined the English Newcastle upon Tyne band Lindisfarne in 2013.[2]

Influence and following

Drummer Roger Taylor of the new wave band Duran Duran has stated that Thompson's drumming was a big influence over his development.[6]

Fans of Thompson nicknamed him "The Great Paul Thompson", because of his drumming skills and power.[7]

References


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