Paul Thompson (musician)

Paul Thompson (born 13 May 1951 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England) is the drummer for Roxy Music from 1971 to 1980 and from 2001 onwards.

In between those stints with Roxy Music, he was drummer in the Oi! band, Angelic Upstarts and the American alternative rock band Concrete Blonde. 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 drum sticks for six albums, as well as performing on his bandmates Bryan Ferry, Brian Eno, 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 Thompson on the drum stool, performed on 11 June 2005 at the Wight Festival.

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