Phil Wright - Drummer

Phil started banging and shaking things at an early age, much to his
mother's annoyance. However, this didn't reach its obvious conclusion -
drumming - until he was 28.

In the meantime, his musical education took a detour via the clarinet,
choral singing (Monteverdi - nice!) and amateur dramatics. Having failed O
level music (shameful!), Phil concentrated on the sciences. Maths A level
revision was accompanied by Genesis, Pink Floyd, Camel and Led Zeppelin,
courtesy of Radio Caroline (great!).

Four years at Surrey University resulted in BSc in mechanical engineering
and lead to 15 happy years breaking artificial hips and bus axles as a
Research and Design Engineer (smashing!). Phil currently works as a
Research Assistant in Robotics at Leeds University.

Having finally bought a drum kit, Phil set about teaching himself and
quickly developed by playing each week at St George¹s church. Later he
learned to play the djembe at Knock on Wood and began gigging with Carabali
who play West African polyrhythms.

Phil was delighted to be invited to join the Strawberry Thieves (fruity!)
and would like to think he brings influences from Sting, U2, Iona and Pat
Metheney (mellow!).