Gary Powell (musician)

Gary Powell
Powell in 2024
Background information
Born
Gary Armstrong Powell

(1969-11-11) 11 November 1969
OriginBirmingham, England
GenresRock
OccupationDrummer
Years active2001–present
Member of
Formerly ofThe Specials

Gary Armstrong Powell[1] (born 11 November 1969) is a British musician. He is best known as the drummer for the rock bands The Libertines and Dirty Pretty Things, as well as for ska band The Specials.[2]

Career

Powell joined The Libertines in 2001 after being introduced to frontmen Carl Barât and Pete Doherty by their then-manager Banny Poostchi. He also played with the New York Dolls for their 2004 reunion shows, as well as playing with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.[3] From 2016 to 2019, he was the touring drummer for ska band The Specials, replacing the late John Bradbury. Powell is also known for being the drummer for American hip-hop soul artists Mary J. Blige and Lauryn Hill, as well as Guyanese-British reggae musician Eddy Grant.[3]

Powell also has a successful DJ career, deejaying for Club NME at London's Koko and Carl Barât's club night as well as many other venues in London.[3] He runs his own record label, 25 Hour Convenience Store.[4]

Personal life

Powell has two sons, Wolfe and Asa, with long-term partner Jude.

References

  1. ^ "American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers". ASCAP. Archived from the original on 23 May 2011. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
  2. ^ "The Libertines' Gary Powell: 'We weren't just drug-taking idiots'". NME. 2012.
  3. ^ a b c "Gary Powell". Mic UK. 2016.
  4. ^ "Playlist Profile: Gary Powell". fredperry.com/. 2019.