john roberts

I started drumming at the age of 12. My first tutor was the excellent John Hammond. He taught me to read music and to play all the rudiments. He also got me to play lots of different styles of music which at that stage really helped to set me up. I then joined the school Big Band and Wind Band which put my reading into practise and also was a big lesson in how to keep time. We did various School concerts and I did my first paid gig at 14. I carried on drumming at School playing at concerts and Drama produtions and left in 1992. After school I studied Engineering for a year at college. I enjoyed this but I really wanted to be a Drummer. I then was told about the BTEC National diploma in popular music that was taught in Chichester. I auditioned and was excepted and from 93-95 had a great time studying Music theory, Live workshops, Music Tech and Composition. During this course I met Harun Kotch who has been a best mate ever since and is now my Brother in Law. I also recieved drum tuition from Ron Parry who showed me how to be musical on the drums which really helped me. In 1995 after college I studied at the Musicians Istitute London for a year. I was fortunate enough to get taught by a very young Thomas Lang and Mike Sturgis along with other great tutors I once played in front of Burnard Purdie which was scarey. After MI I studied privately with Thomas for a few years forming a friendship and basicly hasseling the guy for advise all of the time. In 1997 I landed my first proper job it was drumming on Channel 5s show The Mag. This was a weekend Magazine show and I was in the house band. Live TV experience was good for my playing Big Time. Chris Pearce was on guitar and we became good Friends. We got to perform with Cathy Dennis and 911 which was good fun. In 2001 Thomas Lang introduced me to the Blockheads which has been great. It has opened quite a few doors for me and improved my drumming more than anything, those guys really know about light and shade. In 2004 I married Emma who understands me very well. From then on its been great I have been making my living from Music playing in great bands, Recording and teaching induvidual lessons and I feel very Blessed doing what I do.My drumming is groove based with a bit of muso put in from time to time. I have performed and recorded with various artists inc Wilko Johnson, The Blockheads, Cathy Dennis, Wreckless Eric, Suggs, North and South, Bryn Haworth, Dr and the Medics, Phill Jupitus, John Otway, Harun Kotch and Freeslave.