It’s nearly two years since I answered James Montgomery-Wilcox’s request for a drummer for a ‘glam rock’ band. Initially nameless, we quickly morphed into the Transit Dolls.

We’ve now done over a dozen gigs, spread across the Pot Belly, the Irish Club, and Smiths Alternative. That number would be higher, but we had some trouble keeping a bass player. We are now on our fourth bassist(!) – and best – Stuart Mitchell.

James’ songs for this project are short blasts of pub and punk rock – there’s some Sweet and David Bowie influence in there, but also the New York Dolls and maybe even a little Angels. James spent years as a bassist so writes with groove and rhythm in mind, making all the songs super-fun to play! My partiality for ‘pocket’ drummers – like Al Jackson Jnr, Nick Knox, or Phil Rudd – fits well. I try and keep the songs flowing as much as possible, only adding fills as another hook.  

It’s the first time I have been a sideman and not the band leader – or at least co-songwriter – in a band. I’ve been determined to be a good ‘hang’ more than anything – to show up on time, prepared to play and up for anything.  And as I suspected from the off, it has levelled up my drumming – my speed, my fills and vocab, my confidence – in ways just practicing at home never could. Plus I love playing with James and Stu – we’re having a blast!

The above video for You’re Mine is maybe the quickest I have ever filmed and edited – shot after practice on Wednesday, edited on Thursday, and up on Friday!