Jimmy Copley (2007 - to date)

Drums

Born in London in 1953, Jimmy started playing drums at the age of 5 years old, accompanying his Mother's (Nina) Jazz piano at parties. Jimmy turned professional joining the band 'Spreadeagle' who had just signed to Charisma Records and performed live, opening for various headlining acts such as 'Genesis', 'Lindisfarne' and 'Audience'. Jim recorded the Spreadeagle album 'The Piece of Paper, produced by Kinks and Who producer: Shel Talmy.

Later on, Jimmy formed the band 'UPP'  with Andy Clarke and Stephen Amazing and whilst rehearsing with UPP at Leslie Copley's 'Underhill Studios' Jeff Beck heard them and immediately took them into 'Escape Studios' and recorded the debut album for CBS Records entitled 'UPP' which Jeff Beck not only played on but also produced. UPP toured Europe and the UK with Beck, Bogart & Appice and in 1976 went on to record a second album entitled 'This Way UPP' produced by Hall & Oates producer 'Chris Bond' which also featured Jeff Beck and Tom Scott on sax.

During the summer of 1976 Jimmy toured the USA with Jeff Beck.

Turning to session work for much of the 80's & 90's, Jimmy worked with many renown artists such as Graham Parker, Ian Gillan, Paul Young, Killing Joke and in 1987 Jimmy joined Go West and recorded and toured extensively with them including a USA tour as special guests for Tina Turner.  In 1989 Jimmy was invited to join 'Tears for Fears' for their massive 'Seeds of Love' world tour.  After this Jimmy teamed back up with close friend Jeff Beck to record for the Jimi Hendrix tribute album 'Manic Depression' which also featured 'Seal' and Pino Pallidino on bass, this work achieved a Gold album in the USA.

Jimmy later worked with the 'Pretenders' and recorded the album: 'Last of the Independents' as well as recording two albums with Curt Smith (Tears for Fears),  Jimmy then recorded an album for songwriter 'Martin Page'.

During 1988 Jimmy teamed up with Japanese guitar legend 'Char' for recording and touring and in 1991 with Char formed the band 'Psychadelix' which also featured close friend and former Go West band member Jaz Lochrie on bass and recorded four albums. First album 'Psychadelix' ''Psychadelix two' 'Stand' and 'Smoky'.

During 1995 Jimmy joined the 'Paul Rogers Band' also featuring Jaz Lochrie and Paul Whitehall, touring the world and recording three albums 'Now', Electric' and 'The Lorelley tapes live'

In 1996 Jimmy performed live with Char for his 'twentieth anniversary' which also featured Herbie Hancock bassist 'Paul Jackson'. Jimmy then co-wrote and produced the 'Sacred Hills' album with Char in his hometown of Bath.

During 2000 Jimmy worked with Black Sabbath legend Toni Iommi recording tracks for his solo album entitled 'Iommi' featuring Henry Rollins on vocals.

Jimmy continued to work, write, record and perform with Char from 2001, 2002, and 2003.

During 2003 former Whitesnake guitarist 'Bernie Marsden' invited Jimmy to join and form the band 'M3' also featuring  former Whitesnake members Micky Moody and Neil Murray and Magnum's keyboard player Mark Stanway and Vocalist Stefan Berggren.  Jimmy has toured with M3 extensively as well as recorded live albums and DVD's.