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Micky Waller
Micky Waller
Micky Waller
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Michael Waller (6 September 1941 – 29 April 2008)[1][2] was an English drummer, who played with many of the biggest names on the UK rock and blues scene, after he became a professional musician in 1960. In addition to being a member, albeit sometimes briefly, of some of the seminal bands of the 1960s, Waller played as a session musician with a host of UK and US artists.[3]

Biography

[edit]

Waller was born in Hammersmith, London.[1] Waller's first professional band, The Flee-Rekkers, had a No. 23 hit in the UK Singles Chart in 1960, with their recording of "Green Jeans" produced by Joe Meek.[4] He soon left to join a well-known band of the day, Joe Brown and the Bruvvers.[1]

In July 1963, he joined the Cyril Davies R&B All Stars, a band with a volatile line-up, replacing the band's original drummer Carlo Little. At that time the line-up was:

  • Cyril Davies (vocals, harmonica)
  • Long John Baldry (vocals)
  • Geoff Bradford (guitar)
  • Cliff Barton (bass)
  • Keith Scott (piano)
  • Micky Waller (drums)

Davies died on 7 January 1964,[5] and Waller left as the band was changed by Long John Baldry to become the Hoochie Coochie Men. Waller went on to play with Marty Wilde as one of the Wildecats.[1] While with Wilde, Waller played on two tours with Little Richard around the UK.[3]

Like many musicians of the day, Waller moved frequently from band to band, or as was often the case, the band he was in metamorphosed into another. After a short stint with Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames, a band he was to rejoin several times, he joined Brian Auger to become part of The Trinity,[1] and was soon followed by Long John Baldry. In April 1965, the group was expanded by Rod Stewart and Julie Driscoll, and evolved into a new band, Steampacket, featuring:

In April 1966, Rod Stewart left, followed by Long John Baldry. The remaining members formed the nucleus of a new band, Brian Auger, Julie Driscoll & The Trinity:

  • Julie Driscoll (vocals)
  • Vic Briggs (guitar)
  • Rick Brown (bass)
  • Brian Auger (keyboards)
  • Micky Waller (drums)

Waller subsequently joined John Mayall's Bluesbreakers for a few gigs in April 1967,[1] while Mayall looked for a permanent drummer, and was soon replaced by Keef Hartley.

In August 1967, Waller joined the Jeff Beck Group, with former bandmate Rod Stewart:

The group produced two albums. Truth in 1968 saw the four piece play a mixture of blues with guitar riffs. The instrumental, "Beck's Bolero", with Jimmy Page on rhythm guitar, The Who's Keith Moon on drums, and bassist John Paul Jones; combined with Waller's playing on the remake of The Yardbirds' hit "Shapes of Things"; set the template for a heavier blues style. The following year, a second album from the band was Beck-Ola. But by this point Waller had already departed the band,[3] to be replaced by Tony Newman. The mercurial Beck had decided he wanted a "heavier" drummer, and on 11 February 1969 manager Peter Grant fired Waller and Wood - although Wood was retained per Beck's wishes.

In 1969, Waller flew to Venice Beach Los Angeles to form the band "Silver Metre" with guitarist Leigh Stephens of Blue Cheer fame, fellow Brit Pete Sears on bass and keyboards, and Jack Reynolds (singer). They recorded one album at Trident Studios in London, England (one track, "Gang Bang", containing an extended drum solo) which was released on the National General label,[6] produced by their manager, FM rock radio pioneer Tom Donahue.

The same year, Waller sat in on An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down, Rod Stewart's first solo album (known as The Rod Stewart Album in the US). The backing band on the album also included Ron Wood, Ian McLagan, Keith Emerson, and guitarists Martin Pugh (of Steamhammer, and later Armageddon and 7th Order) and Martin Quittenton (also from Steamhammer).[7] Waller's relationship with Stewart and Wood served him well, as he would go on to join them on the next three Stewart solo albums, Gasoline Alley, Every Picture Tells a Story and Never A Dull Moment[3] The coupling meant that Waller played percussion on Stewart's transatlantic chart topping hit single, "Maggie May".[1] Waller also shared drum duties on Stewart's Smiler album - the opening song of which contained Waller's dog making noises.

In 1971, Waller joined the Long John Baldry blues band for Baldry's first tour of the United States. The band included Ian Armitt on piano, and fellow Stewart session men, Sam Mitchell on guitar, and Pete Sears on bass. Waller continued to work regularly in both rock and blues bands, and joined the original line-up of the Deluxe Blues Band, with Dick Heckstall-Smith, and bassist Bob Brunning.

Deluxe Blues Band, 1988

In the early 1980s, Waller was a member of the Terry Smith Blues Band, with Jo Ann Kelly (vocals) and Tony Ashton (organ). Over the intervening years Waller's playing experience included credits with The Walker Brothers, Cat Stevens, Eric Clapton, Bo Diddley, Dusty Springfield, Paul McCartney and Billy Bragg.[3] In the early 1980s, Waller also played in the Sam Mitchell Band.[8]

Brunning subsequently hung onto the Deluxe Blues band name, reusing it for a number of line-ups, whilst Waller went to play in Italy for a period. Upon his return to London, Waller briefly joined a revived Deluxe Blues Band that reunited him with Heckstall-Smith and Brunning, along with new members Dave Beaumont, Alan Vincent and Phil Taylor. He continued to play intermittently with a number of blues bands in the London area, including the eponymous Micky Waller Band. In his later years, he took a degree in law, and used his gained knowledge to win court claims for unpaid royalties.[3]

Waller died of liver failure[3][2] in London on 29 April 2008, aged 66.[1]

References

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Micky Waller

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Micky Waller (6 September 1941 – 29 April 2008) was an English rock and blues drummer best known for his prominent session work and band collaborations in the and , including stints with and Rod Stewart's early solo career. Born Michael Waller in , , he developed an interest in drumming after watching The Benny Goodman Story in 1955, which featured jazz legend , and became a professional musician around 1960. Early in his career, Waller played with groups such as the Flee-Rekkers, Joe Brown and the Bruvvers, and and the Blue Flames, and he even deputized for in in 1964. His style, dubbed the "Waller wallop" by peers, was characterized by a thunderously heavy approach influenced by , often emphasizing melodic tom-tom patterns. Waller's breakthrough came in 1967 when he joined , contributing to the album Truth (1968), which showcased his powerful backbeat on tracks blending blues, rock, and . He then became a key member of 's backing band, drumming on Stewart's debut solo album The Rod Stewart Album (1969) and the breakthrough (1971), including the hit single "." As a prolific , he recorded with luminaries like , , , , John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, , , , , and , appearing on over 100 albums. In the 1970s and 1980s, Waller continued session work and formed his own groups, including the Deluxe Blues Band and the Mickey Waller Band, while stepping away from music temporarily to earn a , which he used to successfully claim unpaid royalties from his recordings. He passed away from in 2008 at age 66, leaving a legacy as a versatile and influential figure in British rock history.

Early life

Birth and upbringing

Michael Waller, known professionally as Micky Waller, was born on 6 September 1941 in , , . He grew up in a working-class household as the son of a council clerk of works during the post-World War II era, a time of economic recovery and social rebuilding in Britain. As a young child during the war, Waller was evacuated from to his Aunt Nora's home in , , to escape . He later returned to his parents' home in Greenford, Middlesex, where he experienced the austere yet vibrant atmosphere of and , marked by rationing, community resilience, and the gradual emergence of . This changed around age 14 when his father took him to see the 1955 film , sparking his fascination with drumming through Gene Krupa's energetic big-band performance. By his mid-teens, Waller was immersed in London's burgeoning rock 'n' roll scene of the late , influenced by American imports via radio broadcasts and local venues that introduced him to early and rhythm elements. This period laid the groundwork for his shift toward music, leading to professional drumming pursuits by 1960.

Entry into music

Micky Waller's interest in drumming emerged during his teenage years in , sparked by exposure to American jazz influences. At age 14, his father took him to see the 1955 film , where Gene Krupa's dynamic big-band drumming captivated him and ignited a passion for the instrument. This early fascination extended to the broader sounds of American jazz, , and rock 'n' roll that were gaining traction in post-war Britain, shaping his rhythmic style from the outset. Following this inspiration, Waller pursued informal training methods in the late 1950s, practicing diligently in while taking lessons from Jim Marshall, the future amplifier pioneer who ran a local drum school. As a left-hander playing on a right-handed set, he developed a unique style. These sessions, often on basic setups in makeshift home environments, honed his skills amid the vibrant local music scene, where he absorbed the energetic pulse of emerging rock 'n' roll. In the late 1950s, Waller began performing in local gigs within London's burgeoning rock 'n' roll and circles, playing at small venues and youth clubs. These early performances allowed him to apply his growing proficiency in informal group settings. By , he had committed to music as a full-time pursuit, immersing himself fully in the city's evolving club circuit.

Career

Early bands and session work

Micky Waller's professional drumming career commenced in 1960 at age 19, when he joined The Flee-Rekkers, contributing to their instrumental single "Green Jeans"—a Joe Meek-produced track that reached No. 23 on the UK Singles Chart. The band's upbeat rock 'n' roll sound showcased Waller's emerging talent on the London circuit. He departed The Flee-Rekkers shortly thereafter to join Joe Brown and the Bruvvers in the early , a prominent and rock outfit where he supported live tours and studio recordings, honing his skills amid the burgeoning British beat scene. In July 1963, Waller became the drummer for the R&B All Stars, replacing Carlo Little and immersing himself in London's blues revival; the ensemble, featuring vocalist , emphasized raw harmonica-driven performances that captured the era's electric energy. By 1965, Waller joined , a soul and R&B supergroup with vocalists and , organist , guitarist , and bassist Rick Brown; the band secured residencies at key venues like the but released no official recordings during its brief tenure. This collaboration marked Waller's initial professional encounter with . In 1964, he deputized for in . Throughout the mid-1960s, Waller built a reputation in London's competitive studio scene via freelance sessions, including work with on organ-led jams, on guitar during a 1965 Sonny Boy Williamson collaboration, and on early solo efforts. His drumming—characterized by an energetic, heavy-hitting approach known as the "Waller wallop"—proved versatile across rock, blues, and R&B, earning him steady demand among top session players.

Jeff Beck Group

In 1967, following Jeff Beck's departure from the Yardbirds, Waller joined the newly formed as drummer through his prior collaboration with vocalist in , alongside bassist . The lineup solidified a raw, heavy blues-rock sound, with Waller's powerful, thunderous drumming—nicknamed the "Waller wallop" for its intense, driving force—providing a solid foundation for Beck's innovative guitar work. The group recorded their debut album Truth, released in July 1968, where Waller performed on key tracks such as the blistering cover of "Rock My Plimsoul," contributing loose, swinging rhythms that blended jazz-inspired fluidity with rock aggression to amplify the album's pioneering heavy blues intensity. That year, the Jeff Beck Group toured extensively in Europe and the , building a fervent following through high-energy performances at venues like East and the , though the band was scheduled to perform at the 1969 Woodstock Festival but ultimately did not due to internal tensions. Waller's dynamic style continued to shape the group's raw energy on their second album, , released in June 1969, where he drummed on tracks including the hard-hitting "Spanish Boots," infusing the sessions with his adaptable, jazz-derived grooves that propelled the blues-rock arrangements. However, amid growing creative differences and lineup instability—exacerbated by Beck's perfectionism and the band's volatile dynamics—Waller departed in early 1969, paving the way for replacements like Tony Newman during final recordings and later in the reformed group.

Collaboration with Rod Stewart

Following the dissolution of in , where Micky Waller had previously collaborated with , Waller transitioned to Stewart's backing band for his emerging solo career. Waller provided drums on Stewart's debut solo album, An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down ( in the UK, released as The Rod Stewart Album in the US), contributing to its raw, blues-inflected rock sound and marking the start of their studio partnership. Waller's drumming featured prominently on Gasoline Alley (1970), where he handled most tracks except two by Kenney Jones, supporting the album's innovative acoustic-electric blend and precursors to hits like "Maggie May" through his syncopated, laid-back rhythms that enhanced the folk-rock leanings. He played a key role on the breakthrough Every Picture Tells a Story (1971), drumming on signature tracks including "Reason to Believe" and "Maggie May," where his steady, dynamic style helped define the album's accessible folk-rock fusion that propelled Stewart toward pop-rock success. Waller's contributions extended to Never a Dull Moment (1973), drumming on all tracks except one, infusing rock energy into songs like "You Wear It Well," and Smiler (1974), where he added drums and even trombone, further emphasizing the evolving blend of blues roots and pop sensibilities. His "Waller wallop"—a thunderously heavy yet precise approach—influenced Stewart's shift from blues-heavy origins to a broader pop-rock palette during this period. Beyond the studio, Waller participated in live performances and tours supporting these albums, solidifying his position as Stewart's preferred amid the artist's breakthrough years in the early , though their regular collaboration waned after 1974 as Stewart's touring shifted.

Later projects and contributions

Following his prominent role in Rod Stewart's early solo albums during the early , Micky Waller established himself as a highly sought-after session in the London music scene. He contributed to recordings by a range of artists, including , , and , showcasing his versatile style across rock and genres. One notable credit came on Ron Wood's debut solo album I've Got My Own Album to Do (1974), where Waller provided drums for several tracks amid the album's all-star lineup. In the late and into the , Waller served as musical co-director for the London production of the rock opera , occasionally performing live on drums during the show's run. He also appeared on Mike Hugg's 1972 album Somewhere, drumming on tracks such as "Living Without You" and "." These roles highlighted his adaptability in both studio and theatrical settings. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Waller engaged in extensive freelance drumming within London's vibrant rock and circuits, contributing to various projects that underscored his reputation as a reliable session player. Notable one-off sessions included work with during earlier recordings and additional appearances with Hugg, though his output became more sporadic as the decade progressed. By the 1980s, industry shifts toward new wave and synth-driven sounds reduced his visibility in major releases, yet he maintained intermittent contributions to and endeavors. Waller's later career solidified his status as a foundational figure in rock session history, known for his steady, intuitive playing that supported countless artists without seeking the spotlight.

Later years and death

Personal pursuits and health

In his later years, Micky Waller pursued a , which he completed in the 1980s, motivated by his extensive experience in the music industry and a desire to address longstanding financial inequities. He applied this legal knowledge effectively to pursue and win claims for unpaid royalties from various past recording sessions and albums, securing compensation that had been overlooked during his active career. Waller resided primarily in London throughout his adult life, preferring the familiarity of the city over extensive travel, and he never married. He maintained a close relationship with his former long-term girlfriend Gabrielle and was the father of a daughter, Louise, who tragically died young from meningitis. A devoted dog lover, Waller owned several boxers, including one named Zak whose bark was inadvertently captured on Rod Stewart's 1974 album Smiler, and he enjoyed walking them regularly. During the 1990s and , Waller's health began to decline due to liver problems, which were likely exacerbated by his longstanding affinity for developed during years of touring. This led him to scale back from more demanding musical engagements, though he continued occasional low-key performances in pub venues with groups like the Deluxe Blues Band and his own Micky Waller Band into the early .

Death and legacy

Micky Waller died on 29 April 2008 in from at of 66. Following his death, the music community paid tribute to Waller's contributions, with a memorial event organized by the Eel Pie Club in on 11 June 2008, which raised £700 toward his funeral expenses and featured performances celebrating his career. Waller's legacy endures as a foundational figure in the British Invasion-era rock scene, where his powerful, dynamic drumming style—often described as the "Waller wallop"—helped shape the heavy blues-rock sound of the late and early . His work on Jeff Beck's Truth (1968) and Rod Stewart's (1971) exemplified this influence, providing a solid rhythmic backbone that amplified the raw energy of those recordings. Posthumously, Waller has been recognized in the memoirs of his collaborators; Rod Stewart's autobiography Rod: The Autobiography (2012) highlights his role in early solo sessions alongside . Jeff Beck, in interviews, praised Waller as the drummer closest to in style and spirit, underscoring his impact on rock percussion. Reissues of key albums like Truth and have kept his contributions prominent, ensuring his beats remain a staple in rock canon. Waller's influence extends to later generations of rock and session drummers, who admire his versatility and precision across genres, from to pop-soul. No formal awards or hall of fame inductions followed his death, but his ubiquitous presence in the 1960s-1970s UK music scene—backing icons like , , and —cements his status as an unsung architect of British rock's golden era.

References

  1. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/may/28/obituaries.mainsection
  2. https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/uk-travel/england/london-travel/mickey-waller-drummer-who-worked-closely-with-rod-stewart-and-jeff-beck-0bf8zxpk9qw
  3. https://www.musicradar.com/news/drums/veteran-drummer-mickey-waller-dies-aged-66-157218
  4. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/19600623/7501/
  5. https://www.allaboutbluesmusic.com/micky-waller/
  6. https://www.discogs.com/release/27313557-Cyril-Davies-And-His-Rhythm-And-Blues-All-Stars-Hullabaloo
  7. https://www.discogs.com/artist/402841-Mick-Waller
  8. https://www.discogs.com/release/939936-Jimmy-Page-Sonny-Boy-Williamson-2-Brian-Auger-Jam-Session
  9. https://www.loudersound.com/features/jeff-beck-group-the-story-of-truth
  10. https://www.allmusic.com/album/truth-mw0000262744/credits
  11. https://glidemagazine.com/294336/55-years-later-jeff-beck-ronnie-wood-rod-stewart-micky-waller-hit-the-vital-big-notes-on-truth/
  12. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/rod-stewart-the-jeff-beck-group-could-have-played-woodstock-176858/
  13. https://www.discogs.com/release/2293639-The-Jeff-Beck-Group-Beck-Ola
  14. https://www.popmatters.com/jeff-beck-truth-and-beck-ola-2495742831.html
  15. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/jeff-beck-group-beck-ola-album/
  16. https://petesears.com/music/1970-rod-stewart-gasoline-alley-mercury-records/
  17. https://gloriousnoise.com/2009/ron_wood_ive_got_my_own_album
  18. https://www.discogs.com/release/11083259-Mike-Hugg-Somewhere
  19. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/mickey-waller-mn0000945493
  20. https://rockandrollparadise.com/micky-waller-52008/
  21. https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/13414605-rod
  22. https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/drummer-jeff-beck-closest-to-keith-moon/
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