Paul Thompson (musician)

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Paul Thompson is the drummer of Roxy Music from 1971-1980 and from 2001 onwards in between he was drummer in the Oi! band Angelic Upstarts. Born in Newcastle upon Tyne on 13 May 1951, Thompson lived in Jarrow from the age of six months and attended West Simonside Infants and Junior School. He was a member of The Influence with John Miles, then joined Roxy Music in 1971 and wielded the drumsticks for six albums, as well as performing on his bandmates Bryan Ferry, Andy Mackay and Phil Manzanera's solo records and touring with them. In 1980, Thompson and his band parted ways due to "musical differences" and Thompson played with musicians like Gary Moore, Jonathon Perkins and Concrete Blonde.

Fans nicknamed him "The Great Paul Thompson", due to his remarkable drumming skills and power. In 2001 he reunited with his fellow Roxy Music band members for a tour (excluding Brian Eno, who refrained from participating). He also toured with Bryan Ferry, supporting his Frantic album. The band, again with Paul on drumstool, were scheduled to perform again on 11 June 2005 at the Wight Festival.

The band are recording a new album, where Eno participated, contributing two tracks and providing keyboards for other. It will be the band's first album since Avalon 25 years ago and the first with Paul's drumming since Manifesto (1978).

Drummer Roger Taylor of the New Wave band Duran Duran says that Paul Thompson's drumming was a big influence over his development.

Roxy Music
Bryan Ferry | Andy Mackay | Phil Manzanera | Paul Thompson
Brian Eno | Eddie Jobson | Graham Simpson | Paul Carrack | Andy Newmark
Discography
Studio albums: Roxy Music | For Your Pleasure | Stranded | Country Life | Siren | Manifesto | Flesh and Blood | Avalon
Live albums: Viva! | The High Road | Heart Still Beating | Concert Classics | Concerto
Compilations: Roxy Music Greatest Hits | The First Seven Albums | The Atlantic Years | Street Life 20 Great Hits | The Ultimate Collection | More Than This | The Thrill of It All | The Early Years | Slave To Love | The Best of Roxy Music
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