Clive William Bunker (born 30 December 1946)[1] is a British drummer. Bunker is best known as the original drummer of the rockbandJethro Tull, playing in the band from 1967 until 1971.[2] Never a self-professed technical drummer, Bunker engaged with the essence of blues and rock and roll, influenced by Ginger Baker and Mitch Mitchell.[1] He was also inspired by Buddy Rich and The Hollies' Bobby Elliott.[3]
Bunker was born in Luton, Bedfordshire, and played in his first band The Warriors in the 1960s. With Mick Abrahams he later formed the band known as McGregor's Engine. In this early career, playing in small venues, Bunker had an extraordinary non-matching drum kit, composed of bits and pieces of various manufacturers’ equipment.[1]
Jethro Tull
Between 1967 and 1971, he drummed for Jethro Tull. However, he left after the band released its most popular album to that date, Aqualung, to get married and spend more time with his new wife. He was replaced by Barriemore Barlow, a school friend of the group's singer/songwriter Ian Anderson. Bunker said about his decision to leave Jethro Tull while its success was growing:
"I had always told Ian, 'If I find the right lady, I'll be gone,' and I did just that. That was just at the start of their world touring in '72, and I wouldn't have been back in England for ages at a time. So I thought that I might as well end it then. Besides, Barrie was always in the background anyway, so I knew I wasn't going to put them in a difficult situation. You must understand that back then, we didn't have any time off; it was non-stop work, and I wanted to spend time with my wife."[4]
In 1978, Bunker founded the band Aviator with Jack Lancaster, a former Blodwyn Pig bandmate. They later released two LPs: Aviator (1979), and Turbulence (1980).
Solo works
Bunker's debut solo album, entitled Awakening, was released in 1998.
Discography
Solo
Awakening (1998) – With Ian Anderson and Martin Barre.
1976: BBC Old Grey Whistle Test 2/11/76 "Hurdy Gurdy Glissando".
1979: Live Herald: He played drums on the tracks "Salmon Song", "The Dervish Riff", "Castles In The Clouds" and "Hurdy Gurdy Man" These tracks were recorded on the gig which was played on 26 March 1977 in the Rainbow Theatre London.
2007: Green: On the 2007 reedited version, Clive plays drums on one song recorded live at The Rainbow in 1977: "Not Fade Away (Glid Forever).
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