Introduction
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 Mackay's project with the Metaphors and joined the reformed Lindisfarne in 2013.
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
In 1965, Thompson joined The Tyme who played at local youth clubs. His 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.
Alongside John Miles, he was a member of The Influence. 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, owing to musical differences between himself and Bryan Ferry. During this period Thompson played with rock band Concrete Blonde.
In 1987 Thompson joined the RAF in Squadron 2624 RAuxAF (County of Oxfordshire) attaining the rank of corporal, he left in 1993.
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 Metaphorsand was credited on their C.D "London! Paris! New York! Rome!" in 2009. He joined the Newcastle upon Tyne 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.