Hubbry Logo
Kevin WilkinsonKevin WilkinsonMain
Open search
Kevin Wilkinson
Community hub
Kevin Wilkinson
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Kevin Wilkinson
Kevin Wilkinson
Kevin Wilkinson
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Key Information

Kevin Michael Wilkinson (11 June 1958 – 17 July 1999)[1] was an English drummer, who was based in Baydon, Wiltshire, England.[2]

Career

[edit]

Born in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire,[1] Wilkinson is credited as a former official member of several successful British new wave acts, including the League of Gentlemen (1980), the Waterboys (1983–84), China Crisis (1983–89) and Squeeze (1995–96), as well as drummer for Holly Beth Vincent (1981–82).[2] He also appeared in some of his affiliated bands' music videos.

Throughout the course of his career, Wilkinson was a session musician, performing with other artists as diverse as Fish, the Proclaimers and Howard Jones.[2] He was not related to Squeeze's bassist, Keith Wilkinson, although he was briefly a member of Squeeze at the same time as his namesake, and they can be seen in the video for "This Summer".

Personal life

[edit]

Wilkinson was married to Marilyn Fitzgerald. They had three children.[3]

Death

[edit]

Wilkinson died by suicide on 17 July 1999, aged 41, by hanging himself in the family home in Baydon, near Swindon.[4][3]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Kevin Wilkinson

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Kevin Michael Wilkinson (11 June 1958 – 17 July 1999) was an English drummer and session musician, best known for his long-term role as a core member of the band . Born in , , he contributed to four albums with China Crisis, helping the group achieve 5 UK Top 40 singles and extensive touring and television appearances during the and . Wilkinson's versatile playing style also led to collaborations with prominent acts including , Squeeze, (formerly of ), , and Howard Jones, appearing on albums such as Squeeze's Ridiculous (1995) and The Waterboys' Room to Roam (1990). Throughout his career, Wilkinson was praised for his solid, adaptable drumming across , and new wave genres, supporting live performances and studio recordings for artists like of and even turning down an opportunity to work with . In addition to his musical endeavors, he organized the KosovAid in in 1999, raising significant funds for humanitarian aid in . Wilkinson, who was married to Marilyn Fitzgerald since 1986 and had three children, died by at his home in Baydon, , at the age of 41. His legacy endures through his influential contributions to British and during a pivotal era.

Early life

Birth and family background

Kevin Michael Wilkinson was born on 11 June 1958 in , , . He grew up in , .

Musical beginnings

Kevin Wilkinson first encountered drums in his childhood, where his father introduced him to the instrument at the age of seven in 1965. Initially captivated by the rhythm, he practiced by tapping on containers in the family kitchen, demonstrating an early self-taught aptitude for percussion. His enthusiasm prompted his father to gift him his first shortly thereafter, allowing Wilkinson to develop his skills independently without formal lessons. By his mid-teens in the early , Wilkinson had progressed to performing in a local dance band, where he honed his technique through amateur engagements that provided foundational experience in playing. These early opportunities reflected the supportive environment that encouraged his musical pursuits from a young age. In the late , while in the area, Wilkinson joined Stadium Dogs, an band that garnered a local through performances in regional venues. The group, known for its experimental sound, represented Wilkinson's immersion in the emerging scene but remained unsigned by major labels, marking his pre-professional phase.

Career

Session work and early bands

After developing his drumming skills in the local music scene of during his youth, Wilkinson relocated to the area in the late to pursue professional opportunities in the burgeoning environment. There, he joined the art-punk band Stadium Dogs, contributing drums to their 1978 single "What's Next" on Magnet Records, which garnered a in the local underground circuit. This stint helped him establish connections within the regional scene, where emerging acts were drawing interest from independent labels amid the wave. In 1979, Wilkinson expanded into international session work, recording drums for the album Vittring by Swedish artist , a project blending rock, punk, and new wave elements that showcased his versatility as a reliable session player. By the early 1980s, he moved to to access a wider network of opportunities, participating in experimental projects such as Robert Fripp's , where he provided drums for their 1981 self-titled album on Editions EG. This period also saw him contributing to new wave band Holly and the Italians' 1982 debut album on , further building his reputation through credits on obscure indie releases and short-lived band engagements. These early freelance roles in the and new wave scenes solidified Wilkinson's profile as a dependable adept at adapting to diverse, lesser-known acts before his involvement in more prominent ensembles.

Time with China Crisis

Kevin Wilkinson joined China Crisis in 1983 as their drummer, replacing original member Dave Reilly and bringing his prior session experience to the synth-pop band's evolving lineup alongside bassist Gary "Gazza" Johnson. His arrival coincided with the recording of the group's second album, Working with Fire and Steel – Possible Pop Songs, Vol. 2 (1983), on which he provided the rhythmic foundation for tracks including the UK Top 10 single "Wishful Thinking." Wilkinson continued to contribute to subsequent releases, including (1985), What Price Paradise (1986), and Diary of a Hollow Horse (1989), drumming on four of the band's six major-label studio albums. Wilkinson's drumming style was characterized by precise, understated grooves that seamlessly complemented China Crisis's electronic and sound, emphasizing elegance and simplicity over flashy fills to support the band's layered synth textures and melodic hooks. His contributions added a subtle organic pulse to like "Black Man Ray" from Flaunt the Imperfection, enhancing the album's commercial appeal and helping it reach No. 9 on the . This approach was particularly evident in live settings, where his steady, nuanced playing provided a reliable backbone amid the band's atmospheric arrangements. During his tenure, Wilkinson toured extensively with across the and , including the 1984 Working with Fire Steel Tour and support appearances for acts like , solidifying the band's presence in the mid-1980s new wave scene. These performances, often featuring the core lineup of vocalists Gary Daly and Eddie Lundon with Johnson and keyboardist Brian McNeill, showcased Wilkinson's adaptability in translating the band's studio polish to the stage. He departed the group after the release of Diary of a Hollow Horse in 1989, though his percussion work remained credited on enduring hits such as "," which continues to define the band's legacy in synth-pop.

Contributions to The Waterboys and others

Kevin Wilkinson joined as their in 1983, serving in the role until 1984 and contributing to the band's formative sound during a pivotal period of expansion from roots into expansive folk-rock territory. He played on their debut album The Waterboys (1983), the reissued (1984), and (1985), where his rhythmic foundation supported the orchestral swells and Celtic influences that defined tracks like "The Whole of the Moon." His work on these recordings, often alongside multi-instrumentalist and saxophonist , helped solidify the band's "big music" aesthetic, blending driving percussion with atmospheric layers. In the late , Wilkinson toured and recorded with synth-pop artist Howard Jones, drumming on the live album (1998). This collaboration drew on Wilkinson's prior experience in polished pop arrangements from his time with , allowing him to adapt his precise, energetic style to electronic-infused sets that toured extensively across the and . In 1993, Wilkinson collaborated with Fish, the former Marillion frontman, drumming on the covers album Songs from the Mirror and the live album For Whom The Bells Toll. His contributions, including dynamic fills and steady grooves on songs like "Big Wedge" and "View from the Hill," infused the album's neo-progressive sound with a sense of urgency and texture, bridging Fish's theatrical vocals with intricate rhythms. Overall, Wilkinson's percussion across these projects exemplified his versatility, enhancing folk-rock expansiveness in The Waterboys and progressive depth in Fish's work while maintaining a reputation as one of the era's most sought-after session drummers.

Later projects and collaborations

In the 1990s, Kevin Wilkinson maintained a steady stream of session drumming, leveraging his versatile style across pop, rock, and folk-influenced recordings. He contributed drums to ' album (1994), providing rhythmic drive on several tracks including the upbeat single "Let's Get Married," which blended the duo's signature folk-punk energy with polished production. Similarly, his work appeared on the soundtrack for the film (1994), drumming on ' cover of "Get Ready," a lively track that captured the movie's comedic tone. Wilkinson also joined Squeeze as their drummer for the album Ridiculous (1995), delivering tight, propulsive beats that supported the band's witty new wave pop on songs like "This Summer." His collaborations extended to progressive rock with , where he played on the introspective Songs from the Mirror (1993), a collection of cover songs showcasing Wilkinson's subtle, emotive percussion. Later in the decade, he toured and recorded with Howard Jones, contributing to the live-oriented album People (1998) and supporting Jones's nostalgic revival during U.S. tours. A notable reunion came with , as Wilkinson returned to drum on the track "" for their album A Rock in the Weary Land (2000), recorded in 1999; his performance added a grounded, rhythmic foundation to the band's return to folk-rock roots amid an evolving indie landscape. Amid the shifting music industry of the , Wilkinson's independent session work increasingly embraced acoustic and indie sensibilities, including contributions to lesser-known releases like Nick Robertson and Slice's Bullet Proof Boy (1990) and Anthony Thistlethwaite's Aesop Wrote a Fable (1993), where his drumming complemented intimate, narrative-driven arrangements.

Personal life

Marriage and children

Kevin Wilkinson married Marilyn Fitzgerald in 1986. The couple had three children: one son, Finn, and two daughters, Josie and . The family made their home in Baydon, , near , which served as a stable base amid Wilkinson's frequent travels for his music career. Wilkinson was known as a doting father who cherished time at home, often renovating the family property and performing in local pubs. Despite the demands of extensive touring across and the with bands like , he prioritized family by taking breaks from his hectic schedule and even declining a major U.S. tour with to remain close to his children. He found the long absences due to touring difficult but maintained home routines post-tour to balance his roles as a musician and parent.

Interests outside music

Kevin Wilkinson embraced a quiet, rural lifestyle in the countryside, where he made his home in the village of Baydon after relocating from the urban bustle of his earlier years. This setting allowed him to cultivate a sense of tranquility, far removed from the demands of the music industry, reflecting his preference for a grounded existence centered on domestic stability. He demonstrated a commitment to his by organizing the KosovAid in in 1999, which raised thousands of pounds for in through contributions from his industry contacts. Such initiatives highlighted his low-key yet engaged demeanor, channeling his energies into causes that extended beyond his professional sphere. Wilkinson's personal pursuits underscored a deliberate avoidance of the rockstar excesses often associated with his profession; instead, he prioritized family-oriented downtime at his renovated home in Baydon, turning down extended tours to remain close to his loved ones. This choice exemplified his reflective and unassuming character, favoring simplicity and privacy over fame's glare.

Death

Circumstances and immediate aftermath

Kevin Wilkinson died by suicide on 17 July 1999 at the age of 41, hanging himself from a ceiling beam in his family home in Baydon, Wiltshire. His body was discovered later that day by his wife, Marilyn. The news of his death prompted immediate media coverage, including an obituary in published just six days later, which highlighted his esteemed reputation as one of the finest drummers of his generation and his recent performance alongside peers like Mike Scott of at a charity for Kosovan refugees. Music peers and collaborators expressed shock and sorrow, with tributes emphasizing Wilkinson's talent, reliability, and contributions to bands such as and ; the family, including his wife Marilyn and their three children, mourned privately amid the personal stresses that had preceded the tragedy.

Inquest and contributing factors

The coroner's inquest into the death of Kevin Wilkinson, held on 1 March 2000, ruled that he had died by suicide through hanging. Contemporary reports indicated that Wilkinson had been suffering from depression linked to personal and family problems, including a recent argument with his wife over a trial separation and the breakdown of their marriage, as well as fatigue from an extensive touring schedule that included a recent tour of the United States and another planned in the near future. Friends later reflected that the demands of the touring lifestyle, which kept him away from home for prolonged periods, were particularly difficult for him, contributing to a sense of isolation despite his contentment in his role as a father. The inquest found no evidence of any external involvement, such as foul play, in Wilkinson's death. While the music industry experienced a downturn in the 1990s that affected many session musicians' opportunities, specific financial difficulties were not cited as a direct factor in reports surrounding the case.

Legacy

Influence on collaborators

Kevin Wilkinson's tenure with China Crisis from 1983 onward was marked by praise from band members for his reliable and inventive drumming, which provided a solid foundation for their synth-pop arrangements. Gary Daly, the band's co-founder and vocalist, described Wilkinson as exceptionally easy to collaborate with, noting that he "never once thought I couldn’t show him any of my ideas" and that Wilkinson "could only improve whatever it was I was trying to do with a track." This creative synergy extended to live performances, where Wilkinson, alongside bassist Gary "Gazza" Johnson, formed an "amazing rhythm section" that enhanced the band's stage presence and helped transition their sound from studio sophistication to dynamic concerts. In , Wilkinson's contributions during the mid-1980s, particularly on albums like (1985), were highlighted by frontman Mike Scott for their distinctive style. Scott characterized Wilkinson's drumming as "bright and angular, an unusual sound," which added a unique texture to the band's expansive rock arrangements and distinguished it from more conventional approaches. This intuitive approach to rhythm complemented the emotional intensity of tracks like "," helping to define the era's sonic identity. Post-1999 reflections in band interviews have echoed this, with Scott recalling Wilkinson's early recruitment through a musicians' ad and his role in forming the core lineup alongside saxophonist . Wilkinson's enduring credits on seminal albums, such as China Crisis's (1985) and ' early releases, have shaped fan perceptions of those periods as pinnacles of polished yet emotive pop and rock. In post-1999 interviews, collaborators like Daly have emphasized Wilkinson's friendship and professionalism as key to the band's chemistry, ensuring his influence resonates in discussions of their classic works.

Posthumous recognition

Following his death in 1999, Kevin Wilkinson's contributions to were preserved through subsequent album reissues. The band's debut album, on which he played and provided backing vocals, received a remastered edition in 2002 with seven bonus tracks, crediting his performances explicitly. Similarly, A Rock in the Weary Land (2000), featuring Wilkinson's posthumous drum recordings from sessions completed before his passing, saw expanded reissues, including a 180-gram sky-blue vinyl edition in 2023 that highlighted original Waterboys members' roles. These releases, part of broader 2000s and 2020s anniversary compilations, have kept his rhythmic style integral to the band's catalog. A significant posthumous tribute came in the form of the 2001 double-CD compilation Green Indians: Celebrating the Life and Works of Kevin Wilkinson, organized by his industry friends including members of and . The album included covers and original tracks dedicated to him, such as Gary Daly's contribution, with all proceeds directed to the Green Indians Trust established for his children's benefit. This effort, released on Revolver Records, underscored Wilkinson's impact on 1980s session musicianship and supported family-led preservation of his memory. Fans have maintained Wilkinson's remembrance through dedicated online tributes, particularly around the July 17 anniversary of his death, via platforms that collect memories and timelines of his life. He receives occasional mentions in music histories of pop and rock, such as in retrospectives on China Crisis albums where his drumming is noted.

References

  1. https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/obituary-kevin-wilkinson-1108063.html
  2. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/19709/china-crisis/
  3. https://www.discogs.com/artist/379225-Kevin-Wilkinson
  4. https://www.classicpopmag.com/features/china-crisis-interview/
  5. https://www.discogs.com/release/2564074-China-Crisis-Warped-By-Success
  6. https://www.electricityclub.co.uk/china-crisis-interview/
  7. https://www.oocities.org/fireballdemon/kevintribute.htm
  8. https://movingtheriver.com/2015/05/11/30-years-old-today-china-crisiss-flaunt-the-imperfection/
  9. https://www.classicpopmag.com/interviews/classic-album-china-crisis-flaunt-the-imperfection/
  10. https://www.electricityclub.co.uk/china-crisis-flaunt40/
  11. https://www.bbc.co.uk/tyne/content/articles/2007/09/28/china_crisis_feature.shtml
  12. https://www.electricityclub.co.uk/lost-albums-china-crisis-warped-by-success/
  13. https://www.alltime-records.com/01-albums-0007/0007143.php
  14. https://www.mikescottwaterboys.com/waterboys-discs.php?releaseid=10
  15. https://www.discogs.com/release/1198743-The-Waterboys-This-Is-The-Sea
  16. https://waterboys.org.uk/this_is_the_sea.html
  17. http://www.howardjones.com/history.html
  18. https://www.discogs.com/master/173527-Fish-Songs-From-The-Mirror
  19. https://www.discogs.com/release/704354-The-Proclaimers-Hit-The-Highway
  20. https://www.discogs.com/release/14748995-Various-Dumb-And-Dumber-Original-Motion-Picture-Soundtrack
  21. https://www.discogs.com/master/567372-Squeeze-Ridiculous
  22. https://www.mikescottwaterboys.com/waterboys-discs.php?releaseid=12&releasepageid=44
  23. https://drummerszone.com/artists/kevin-wilkinson/14943/profile/?language=2
  24. https://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/news/7240929.no-one-can-take-place-of-kevin/
  25. https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Chart+star+hanged+himself.-a060828461
  26. https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Proclaimers+drummer+found+hanged+at+home.-a060354678
  27. https://www.theguardian.com/uk/1999/jul/21/1
  28. https://www.mikescottwaterboys.com/waterboys-discs.php?releaseid=7&releasepageid=49
  29. http://andrewdarlington.blogspot.com/2017/11/interview-mike-scott-of-waterboys.html
  30. https://www.discogs.com/release/3404988-The-Waterboys-The-Waterboys
  31. https://store.acousticsounds.com/detail.cfm?title_id=176633&print=t&n=The_Waterboys-A_Rock_In_The_Weary_Land_Expanded_Edition-Vinyl_Record
  32. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/comp/various-artists/green-indians-celebrating-the-life-and-works-of-kevin-wilkinson/
  33. http://www.cleartrails.com/comp_gi.html
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.