Ben Thomas

Gretsch Artist Since: 2017

Country: GB

Band or Affiliations: Rag n Bone Man

Current Kit Setup:
Brooklyn in Satin Dark Ebony
18x22” BD, 7x10” RT, 14x16” FT, 5.5x14” and 6.5x14” SD

Influences:
Chris Dave, Mark Colemberg , Dennis Chambers , Ash Soan, Mike Johnston, Nate Smith , Daru Jones, Dave Grohl , Steve Gadd, David Garibaldi, Steve Smith, Vinni Colaiuta

We asked...Why Gretsch?:
"I’ve always loved Gretsch the craftsmanship, look and most importantly the sound . They always impress across the board,in every situation."

Advice to aspiring musicians?:
"Practice, play, promote and get involved with the musical community. Get yourself along to jam nights and gigs as much as you can across different genres and places . Dont be scared to throw yourself into tricky situations as you’ll learn a whole lot more from them . Get talking to people in the industry from all levels and all professions, as they are the ones who will spread to word and if you do things the right way you will get gigs. Also, don't be afraid to put yourself out there on social media, record; gigs, solos, practice sessions butdon't sit andwait for that “perfect moment” as if you do, you will get very little done. Make short term goals and once you've reached them, make sure you’re putting them out there."

Bio:
Ben has been involved with music from a young age, Learning several instruments before focusing on the drums from the age of 11.

Growing up in the south east of the UK Ben played in many bands and projects around Brighton and London during his schools years spanning many genres.

Ben went on to study at ACM (Academy of Contemporary Music) and then at BIMM (Brighton Institute of Modern Music) to further develop his skills to pursue a career in Music. Following this this in 2012, Ben began studying under UK drummer Pat Garvey exploring many advanced techniques, styles and concepts on the instrument and for musical study.

Following and alongside his years of study Ben has worked with many bands and Solo artists across the UK again covering a wide variety of styles and set ups. In 2013 he began working with Rag n Bone Man (Columbia Records).

Since joining Rag n Bone Man he has played Festivals and Gigs worldwide playing in various Festivals , Stadiums, Arenas and Academies , including Glastonbury, Montreux Jazz Festival , Reading and Leeds , Radio 1 Big Weekend , Rock am Ring , Rock Im Park, Fuji Rock, Splendour in the Grass, Capital Ball (wembley Staduim) Ibiza Rocks, Roslilde, along with many more.

During this time, to date Rag n Bone Man has won 2 Brit Awards, 2 Echo Awards , had a UK number 2 Single with Human and a Number one album of the same name. The album has had world wide success, achieving Platinum and Gold status in many countries including the UK.

Ben has also appeared on many TV and Radio shows with Rag n Bone man including : Glastonbury (Other Stage BBC TV and Radio live coverage) Graham Norton, The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon (US), Ellen (US), Taratata (France) , Jonas Van Geel (Belgium) , Inas Nacht (Germany). The Echo Awards (Germany) as well as others and many still to come.

In the studio Ben has also been featured with Rag n Bone Man on many Radio and studio settings including live BBC Coverage of 2017’s Glastonbury Set on the Other Stage. BBC Radio 1’s Live lounge, Several Maida Vale sessions, Radio X, XFM and several online TV channels.

Along side this Ben has previously had a residency for a number of years in a studio creating library music for corporate clients, producing music spanning many different styles.

Over the years and between touring Ben is also an educator, teaching Drums and percussion. He was teaching with the East Sussex Music Service from 2008 – 2017 where he would teach 1 on 1 g, group drum kit and group percussion teaching all ages from primary schools to adults. Ben now also teaches privately in the South East.

Since he began playing Ben has been working in many Original , show and function bands across the UK and Europe and continues to do so in between touring. Ben also continues to Tour and Record with Rag n Bone Man, following the release of the single and album ‘Human’.