Bobby Cleall - Drums

Bobby has been a professional drummer since the age of 18 (about 100 years ago!).His first gigs included cruise ships, summer seasons and other 'learning the trade' gigs.In the early 70s he was Buddy Rich's roadie for three unforgettable weeks. His first job was setting up his kit for a Royal Command Performance at the London Palladium!

Bobby joined Ray McVay's band at the Empire, Leicester Square at the height of the disco boom, around 1979, and he played for the televised World Disco Championships three years running as well as Ballroom Championships, Prince Charles's 30th birthday at Buckingham Palace and other gigs too many to mention.

Around this time he was playing in a rehearsal big band that won the BBC Big Band competition and he won the Best Drummer Award presented by Jack Parnell.

Bob has always maintained a strong commitment to teaching and many of his pupils have become professional drummers.

He has also written a book with top American drummer Steve Gadd and articles in Modern Drummer magazine.

Bobby at present plays a Slingerland kit (if it was good enough for Krupa and Rich!. . . . . .) with a Ludwig 400 snare, K Zildjians and Sabian Cymbals.

You can contact him at bobcleall@blueyonder.co.uk or visit www.bobbycleall.co.uk