Interview with Black Dyke’s Logan Thompson
In advance of Black Dyke Band’s 11 January 2025 appearance at Leeds Town Hall as part of the Leeds International Concert Season’s Best of Brass series, Aimee Wood catches up with one of the band members, percussionist - Logan Thompson
What’s the best thing about playing in a brass band?
The variety of different music styles you get to play, it can be anything from classical to pop. The amazing places we visit and get the opportunity to perform at is also up there – we recently performed at the Royal Albert Hall and Glastonbury Festival, and have visited Switzerland, Italy, Japan and of course Huddersfield Town Hall (in my home-town!). Creating music with other fantastic musicians and friends is also one of the best things.
What’s your highlight so far with the Black Dyke Band?
Performing at Glastonbury Festival on the Pyramid Stage, I had to set the drum kit up on a platform and got wheeled out for the performance. The way the drum kit was mic’d up was incredible, and it was great to speak with other drummers and see their drum kits backstage. A few of us camped in the VIP section for the whole weekend and had the most amazing time, we met several celebrities and even danced with Stormzy in the bar on the Friday!
How did you get involved with playing a brass band?
I was on my way home from Music Centre with my dad and I got out of the car with some drumsticks. The local pub landlord happened to be outside and shouted “Do you want to be in a band?” I thought he meant a rock or pop band so I said yes. The next week I arrived at the local brass band (Golcar Band) and here I am, 20+ years later, still playing in a brass band.
What was your earliest musical experience?
An experience that stands out for me was playing the timpani in my first Yorkshire Areas aged nine at St Georges Hall, Bradford. I remember being amazed by the size of the hall and the amount of people that actually take part in my new hobby of brass banding.
Who has been your biggest influence?
My first drum teacher, Matthew Delaney, who made me fall in love with percussion from a really young age. Without his expertise and encouragement I would not be where I am today in the banding world. My parents have also been a massive influence on me, always supporting me and making sure I could take up every opportunity that came my way.
Do you enjoy practising or find it a chore?
I find practising hard at times as I’m out all day as a percussion teacher. Sometimes the last thing I want when I get home is to hear another drum! But when you’re surrounded by amazing musicians it really encourages you to practise and make sure you’re at the same standard as everyone else. You can’t let the team down!
Were your parents musical?
Yes, my dad is very musical, he plays the cornet and has played in several of the same bands as me; Golcar Band, Yorkshire Coop and Slaithwaite Band, which he is still a member of to this day. My mum played the flute but this didn’t last long, she now just loves singing loud and out of tune when doing the ironing. Sorry, Mum!
What piece of music do you most enjoy playing?
At the moment, it’s probably the Black Dyke Big Band Set as I get to play Old Man River as a drum kit solo which is really fun to play!
What’s the best and worst thing about performing?
The best thing for me is when you can see the audience really enjoying the performance, it makes all the hard work worth it! The worst thing is definitely setting up and packing down!
What can audiences in Leeds expect from Black Dyke Band’s performance in January?
A fun and varied programme played to the highest standard with something for everyone, ranging from brass band overtures to famous film music.
