Budgie on …Later With Jools Holland

Budgie – aka internationally renowned drummer Peter Clarke – is a founding member of the iconic Siouxsie and the Banshees and was recently appointed Head of Drums at our newest campus, BIMM Berlin.  On Friday Budgie joined the super-talented and much-loved American singer-songwriter John Grant on a visit to the BBC Studios for an appearance on Later … with Jools Holland.

Amongst his many musical commitments, including the exciting new role at BIMM Berlin, Budgie performed as John Grant’s drummer and Grant brought his full live band to visit the Beeb to help promote his latest studio album, Grey Tickles, Black Pressure, with Budgie providing inimitable drum support.

The band played the lead single, entitled ‘Disappointing’, which on the album features vocals from Tracey Thorn of Everything But The Girl. John was solo on vocals this time, with ample support from his touring outfit. Other artists on the same Later… bill including Sheffield’s Richard Hawley, Canadian newcomer Alessia Cara, the legendary Tom Jones,  reggae stylings from Tiggs Da Author, and London RnB up-and-comer Jones.

John Grant is the latest in a long line of talents who have sought out Budgie’s renowned drumming skills. In the past Budgie has worked with acts such as CocoRosie, Efterklang, the Japanese Taiko master Leonard Eto, and of course his own bands Siouxsie and the Banshees, and The Creatures. His work has ranged from experimental and orchestral performance, to interpretive and studio work – his versatility being one of the many reasons we wanted him at BIMM Berlin!

Budgie will head out on the road with the John Grant tour from mid-October through to February of next year, taking in the States, Europe and the UK, and Australia and New Zealand.  In June 2016 the band will play at London’s Royal Albert Hall, topping off an exciting half-year on the live circuit. In the meantime tune into Jools on Friday night for a musical treat.

Go and check both John Grant and Budgie out!