| China Drum | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | The Drum |
| Origin | Ovingham, Northumberland, UK |
| Genres | Punk rock |
| Years active | 1989–2001 |
| Labels | Fluffy Bunny Mantra |
| Past members | |
| Bill McQueen Dave McQueen Adam Lee Jan Alkema |
|
China Drum were an English punk rock band from Ovingham in Northumberland active from 1989–2001, playing their final years under the name The Drum.
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China Drum were formed in 1989 by brothers Bill and Dave McQueen, who played guitar and bass respectively, and singing drummer Adam Lee. In 1993, the band released their debut single, "Simple". This was followed the next year by a second single, "Great Fire", released by Fluffy Bunny Records, to coincide with a UK and European tour with Green Day.
After The Barrier EP, numerous other EPs and support by BBC Radio One, they released their debut album, Goosefair, in 1996. Their breakthrough hit was a high-tempo cover of Kate Bush's "Wuthering Heights", released as the B-side to 1996 single "Can't Stop These Things". They later recorded Crowded House's "Fall at Your Feet" in a similar vein. The theme tune to the television programme The Adventures of Rupert Bear was a fan favourite at concerts.
Live drummer Jan Alkema eventually joined the band, allowing Lee to solely perform vocal duties. In 1997, they released their second album, Self Made Maniac. After renaming themselves The Drum, they released their final album, Diskin, in 2000. They disbanded the following year.
Leatherface included a cover of China Drum's "Meaning" on their "Little White God" single, whilst Bodyjar covered "Fall Into Place", amongst a number of other covers, on You Got Me A Girl's Bike You Idiot.
In Green Day's music video for "When I Come Around", Mike Dirnt can be seen wearing a China Drum t-shirt.