Jo James Band
Drummer
Paul Hayes
Born in
I commenced my musical career banging on dented biscuit tins in my bedroom, much to the delight of my parents! I then moved to playing guitar in a band with some friends before discovering that hitting things was much more fun! Having equipped myself with possibly the worst drumkit money could buy I proceeded to teach myself how to play along to Nirvana records in my bedroom, again, much to the delight of my parents!
My first live performance on drums was in the local church, I then played in a 3 piece rock band around the North East area before joining the Jo James Band, to whom I was introduced by that most useful of gentlemen, the “Bloke across the Road”
Musically influenced by a wide range of artists, not limited to one particular genre, a few favourites being Bruce Springsteen, Los Lobos, John Mellencamp, Morrissey, I also love folk music such as Kate Rusby and similar. My favourite drummers include Kenny Aronoff and Max Weinberg.
When I’m not playing I enjoy trying to sing and playing my Takamine 12 string, followed of course by sinking a few beers.
I play DW and Tama drums and a mixture of Zildjian and Sabian cymbals
My favourite showmans trick is playing whilst standing up! It works well as long as you don’t sit down too rapidly and put your back out!