Birth name Paul Thompson Name Paul Thompson Occupation(s) Musician Role Drummer | Years active 1970–present Labels Island | |
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Music groups Roxy Music, Concrete Blonde (Since 2002), Lindisfarne (Since 2013), 801, Angelic Upstarts (Since 1980) Albums Viva!, For Your Pleasure, 801 Live, The Best of Roxy Music, Stranded Similar People Andy Mackay, Phil Manzanera, Graham Simpson, Rik Kenton, Eddie Jobson | ||
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). 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.
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Early life and education
Thompson was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland. 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. 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.
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. 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 and was credited on their C.D "London! Paris! New York! Rome!" in 2009. He joined the English Newcastle upon Tyne band Lindisfarne in 2013.
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.
Fans of Thompson nicknamed him "The Great Paul Thompson", because of his drumming skills and power.