this is a work in progress!

© nc & harry james june 2003

HARRY BIOGRAPHY

Best known for his work with Thunder, Harry James is one of the best-loved drummers of the rock circuit.  A gigging player since his early teens, Harry discovered the drums at the age of eight and his formative years were heavily influenced by his father and the likes of Ian Paice, John Bonham, Keith Moon, Stewart Copeland, Phil Rudd, Billy Cobham, Cozy Powell and Neil Peart.

Having made his mark alongside Danny Bowes and Luke Morley in Terraplane in the late 1980s, the trio resurfaced in Thunder in the early 1990s.  The band's debut, Back Street Symphony, charted at number 21 in the UK in March 1990, and this early success was swiftly backed up with a storming set at the Donington Monsters of Rock festival later that year.

Laughing on Judgement Day (1992) saw Thunder comfortably negotiate that often 'tricky second album' and reached number 2 in the UK charts, and the band played to packed houses as fans flocked to catch their highly acclaimed live shows.

Fifteen years on and Thunder continue to add new faces to a large and loyal fanbase that stretches around the globe, with their latest and eighth studio album, Robert Johnson's Tombstone, currently serving as a springboard to further success.

In addition to his work with Thunder, Harry is also currently a member of Bad Influence, has contributed to work by Don Airey, Russ Ballard, Graham Bonnet, Paul Young and Shadowman (featuring FM's vocalist Steve Overland, Heartland's Steve Morris and Thunder's very own Chris Childs) and frequently occupies the drum stool for Magnum.
In March 2006, he appeared with the Ian Gillan Band at the Royal Albert Hall in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust appeal.

In short, Harry enjoys being a very busy man!  Backed by Paiste, Pearl and Pro-Mark, he is renowned for his distinctive and powerful playing style, love of his audience and the live arena, and his undying love and support of Crystal Palace FC!

Harry (only a baby - look at the barnet!) in one of his first gigging band on record "Silva Jade" from 1979 (ish) - picture from Frank Cokayne the bass player (ta!)

Date of birth, 14th December 1960

BANDS & PROJECTS

Silva Jade
Terraplane
Thunder
Paul Young
Bad Influence
Graham Bonnet
Magnum