Interview: Porcupine Tree drummer Gavin Harrison
by Dave Morton, Evening Chronicle
LONDONER Gavin Harrison has played with everyone from Kim Wilde to King Crimson and from Lisa Stansfield to Iggy Pop.
But it was not until the prolific but anonymous session drummer hooked up with the band Porcupine Tree in 2003 that he was propelled – among the drumming community at least – to superstardom.
Voted by the readers of Modern Drummer magazine as progressive drummer of the year 2007, 2008 and 2009, Gavin is lauded across America and Europe by fellow professional drummers and fans alike.
Neil Peart of Rush, Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater and session legend Simon Phillips are just a few of the big-name drummers knocked out by Gavin Harrison’s playing.
So how does he feel to have gained the respect of such illustrious drumming peers?
“Honestly, very surprised,” says Gavin.
And how would the drummer describe the music of Porcupine Tree, a band labelled in the music press recently as ‘the best band you’ve never heard’?
“Well I guess I’d say you could call it modern, adult, experimental, even grown-up music. It’s music you really need to listen to, music with a bit of depth,” explains Gavin, 46.
“We have been labelled as ‘prog rock’, but maybe that’s been a bit of a kiss of death. That term suggests we’re maybe like Yes or Genesis – but I’d say we explore similar areas of music to say Radiohead or Tool.”
The drummer might well disagree with me, but for those who haven’t heard Porcupine Tree, you could maybe say their music is like Pink Floyd meets Rush meets the Beach Boys meets Metallica meets Crosby Stills Nash and Young. Throw in some electronica, crazy time signatures, haunting acoustic guitar work and poetic lyrics and mix it all together…
But then again, that maybe doesn’t do the band justice at all.
Again, recently, in the music press, the group was described as “impossible to classify”.
The band are at the Newcastle O2 Academy tonight promoting their latest album The Incident, which has been a top 20 success in Britain, America and across the Continent.
Nearing the end of a lengthy tour that’s covered the States, Europe and now Britain, Gavin admitted: “Like any job, it can become tough after weeks on the road. Sometimes I’m playing away on stage wishing I could just have a week’s break – or even an office job – but then I remember I’m doing a job I love.”
The drummer must have played in the North East many times over the years with different bands and artists on tour?
“Yeah, I’ve played the City Hall and Whitley Bay Ice Rink, as well,” said Gavin.
Whitley Bay? With Who?
“Well, I’d rather not go into that,” laughed the drummer. But looking at his lengthy list of touring credits, I’m guessing maybe it was Bananarama. Come on, own up mate!
Finally for those of us who play the drums, things have come a long way since the instrument gained prominence in the 60s when the likes of Keith Moon, Buddy Rich and Ringo became household names.
The musician that is Gavin Harrison is revered among us time-keepers for his brilliant technique, super smooth grooves and his beat manipulation.
Just check out his best-selling tuition DVDs Rhythmic Visions and Rhythmic Horizons. He has a brand new DVD out in January called Rhythmic Designs. Or tap his name into YouTube where you’ll find dozens of clips of his devastating playing.
Better still, to see the man in action with Porcupine Tree, get down to the Newcastle Academy tonight.
Porcupine Tree website: www.porcupinetree.com
Gavin Harrison website: www.drumset.demon.co.uk
