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Pick Withers
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Key Information
David "Pick" Withers (born 4 April 1948) is an English drummer. He was the original drummer of the rock band Dire Straits and played on their first four albums, which included hit singles such as "Sultans of Swing", "Romeo and Juliet" and "Private Investigations".[1] Withers was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Dire Straits in 2018.[2][3]
Biography
[edit]Taught by childhood friend Richard Storer, Withers first played a drum in the Boys' Brigade in his home city of Leicester.[4] He became a professional musician at the age of 17, in an Italian band called The Primitives. This was followed by a band called Spring who had a record contract but little success; they released one album on the RCA label. In the mid-1970s Withers was a house drummer at Rockfield Studios near Monmouth, Wales. He played on records by Dave Edmunds, Michael Chapman, Hobo, the John Dummer Band and the Gary Fletcher Band, amongst others.[5] He was also briefly with Magna Carta.
His nickname has been subject to some variations in spelling. During his time with Spring, he was billed as "Pique Withers". He is billed as "Pic Withers" on the second Brewers Droop album.
Withers has also studied at Drumtech drum school in London.
Dire Straits
[edit]He met Mark Knopfler c. 1976 in North London. Knopfler called around to the house Withers was living in to borrow Simon Cowe's reel-to-reel tape recorder, and recorded some music with Withers that same day.[6] Withers was briefly a member of folk-rock outfit Magna Carta in 1977, but once Dire Straits gained a recording contract, turned to drumming for that band full-time.
His style with Dire Straits is distinctive for being restrained, favouring sparse snare drum and hi-hat combinations rather than heavy beats, speed and technical flourishes. He played on the Dire Straits albums Dire Straits (1978), Communiqué (1979), Making Movies (1980) and Love Over Gold (1982).
Withers left Dire Straits in the summer of 1982, soon after completing the Love Over Gold sessions. In a 2021 interview in which he was asked why he left, Withers said that the band was becoming too loud, he was tired of the treadmill, and he wanted to try new things.[7] His replacement in Dire Straits was Terry Williams, who like Withers had been a Dave Edmunds sideman.
Later career
[edit]In 2021, Withers re-surfaced with a new rhythm and blues band called 'Slim Pickin's',[8] later renamed 'Pick's Pocket'.[9]
Discography
[edit]With Dire Straits
[edit]With others
[edit]- Spring (1971), Spring
- Wrecked Again (1971), Michael Chapman
- The Booze Brothers, (rec. 1973, rel. 1989) Brewers Droop
- How Long Is Forever? (1973), Prelude
- A Rare Conundrum, (1977) Bert Jansch
- Slow Train Coming (1979), Bob Dylan
- Sleepwalking (1982), Gerry Rafferty
- Giant From The Blue (2011), Gary Fletcher Band
References
[edit]- ^ Wright, Jade (7 January 2011). "Pick Withers: From Dire Straits and Bob Dylan's drummer to putting on his own gigs in Liverpool – Liverpool Arts – Entertainment". Liverpool Daily Post. Retrieved 31 October 2011.
- ^ "Bon Jovi, Dire Straits Lead Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2018 Class". Rolling Stone. 13 December 2017.
- ^ "Dire Straits". Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
- ^ "Dire Straits - Live BBC Arena". Dailymotion.com. 16 December 2018. Retrieved 6 December 2023.
- ^ "Gary Fletcher Official Site". garyfletchermusic.co.uk. Retrieved 31 October 2011.
- ^ Pick Withers - Percussion Discussion. Percussion Discussion - N Wales Drum Promotions. 5 September 2020. Retrieved 1 December 2022 – via YouTube.
- ^ Interview - Why Did Drummer Pick Withers Leave Dire Straits?. Rock History Music. 1 March 2021. Retrieved 1 December 2022 – via YouTube.
- ^ Withers, Pick [@pick_withers] (24 February 2021). "Saturday 6th March 2021 at 8pm My new band, 'SLIM PICKIN'S' will be Live from a Theatre in Liverpool! Tickets are selling fast. ■Limited Tickets left!!!■ 'PICK' your ticket NOW! Don't miss out! https://t.co/hlifWlDHSu https://t.co/9PkXjnRSpe" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 24 February 2021. Retrieved 1 December 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ Withers, Pick [@pick_withers] (3 August 2022). "BOOK NOW LIMITED TICKETS LEFT! https://t.co/zagep1DqEY https://t.co/cU1y1BLHsz" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 28 August 2022. Retrieved 1 December 2022 – via Twitter.
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Pick Withers
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Early Years
Childhood and Influences
David Withers, professionally known as Pick Withers (with occasional variations such as "Pique" or "Pic"), was born on 4 April 1948 in Leicester, England.[7] Growing up in post-war Leicester, a working-class industrial hub in the East Midlands dominated by hosiery, footwear, and engineering sectors, Withers experienced a provincial environment shaped by economic recovery, slum clearances, and community institutions amid the austerity of the 1940s and 1950s.[8] His family initially resisted his interest in music, reflecting the modest circumstances of many local households focused on post-war stability.[3] Withers began drumming at the age of 12. His initial exposure to music occurred in childhood through the marching bands of the Boys' Brigade, a Christian youth organization active in 1950s Leicester that provided structured activities for boys in working-class communities.[3] Fascinated by the drums he observed during parades, he joined the local group, starting with the bugle before transitioning to percussion after persistent practice on household items like biscuit tins struck with knitting needles.[3] His parents eventually relented and purchased a basic Ajax drum kit—covered in Fablon and lacking a floor tom—rewarding his dedication demonstrated in the Brigade.[3] Basic lessons there introduced him to fundamentals like five-beat rolls and paradiddles, laying the groundwork for his rhythmic development in an era when access to formal music education was limited outside such groups. He left school at age 15 to train as a ladies' hairdresser.[2][4]Musical Beginnings
Withers' early exposure to drumming came through the marching bands of the Boys' Brigade in 1950s Leicester, where he first played rudimentary percussion as a child, often improvising on household items like biscuit tins with knitting needles. This initial spark led him to join the organization formally, gaining access to proper drums under the guidance of band master Barry Bond, a local bicycle shop owner who taught basic techniques such as five-beat rolls and paradiddles.[3][9] Following his progress in the Boys' Brigade, Withers' parents rewarded him with his first drum kit—a modest, Fablon-covered Ajax set that omitted a floor tom—marking the beginning of dedicated home practice. Largely self-taught, he supplemented these early lessons by studying instructional books, including Eric Little’s drum manual, and honing his skills through relentless repetition, which built a foundation in rhythm and timing suited to the era's evolving sounds.[3] In the vibrant 1960s beat music scene of Leicester, Withers began performing local gigs with a Boys' Brigade ensemble at youth clubs, interpreting covers of influential tracks by Chuck Berry and The Beatles, which helped refine his ensemble playing amid the growing British rock wave. Exposed to contemporary rock and folk scenes through radio, records, and nearby performances—including The Beatles' breakthrough hits and various local folk acts—Withers found inspiration in their accessible energy and instrumental focus. At age 17, around 1965, Withers left his apprenticeship as a ladies' hairdresser to pursue music professionally.[3][9][2][4]Pre-Dire Straits Career
Early Bands and Tours
Withers began his professional career at the age of 17 in 1965, touring Germany for six months with The Berkeley Squares, another early rock outfit that performed in the country's vibrant club scene, further solidifying his experience with international live work.[6] These European tours exposed him to diverse audiences and demanding schedules, building on the drum techniques he had developed from his youth.[3] After returning to England, Withers joined the British beat group The Primitives, which relocated to Italy for performances.[4] The band, known for its mod and freakbeat style, undertook extensive tours across Italy from 1966 to 1969, where Withers honed his live drumming skills through rigorous club and venue circuits.[4] In 1970, Withers co-formed the Leicester-based progressive rock band Spring, serving as the drummer alongside vocalist Pat Moran, guitarist Ray Martinez, bassist Adrian Maloney, and keyboardist Kipps Brown.[10] The group signed with RCA Records and released their self-titled debut album Spring in 1971, featuring psych and prog elements recorded at Trident Studios in London.[11] During their active years from 1970 to 1972, Spring performed numerous regional gigs in South Wales and Herefordshire as part of a three-year promotional contract, establishing a local following through live sets that showcased their atmospheric sound.[3] After Spring disbanded, Withers briefly engaged with London's emerging folk-rock scene in the early 1970s, contributing to live performances with artists such as Bert Jansch and Ralph McTell.[3] These collaborations immersed him in the intimate club environment of the city, blending his rock background with acoustic traditions.[9]Session Work
In the early to mid-1970s, Pick Withers relocated to Rockfield Studios near Monmouth, Wales, where he took on the role of house drummer for approximately three years, supporting a wide range of recording sessions in the burgeoning rock and folk scenes.[4][3] This position allowed him to contribute to diverse projects, showcasing his adaptable style on drums and percussion while adapting to various artists' needs in the studio environment.[12] Among his notable contributions during this period was drumming on Dave Edmunds' 1975 album Subtle as a Flying Mallet, recorded at Rockfield, where Withers provided a solid rockabilly-infused rhythm section alongside musicians like Nick Lowe and Brinsley Schwarz.[13] He also played on sessions for Michael Chapman's folk-rock recordings, including contributions to albums like Wrecked Again (1971).[6] Additional sessions included the South Wales-based folk-rock band Hobo's self-titled 1976 album, also tracked at Rockfield, highlighting Withers' involvement with local acts.[14] In 1977, Withers had a short stint with the folk-rock group Magna Carta, drumming on their album Putting It Back Together and participating in rehearsals for a European tour, which added to the band's harmonious acoustic sound before he shifted focus to Dire Straits upon their recording contract.[15][16] Throughout his time at Rockfield and in the surrounding area, Withers combined these studio efforts with live gigging in South Wales and Herefordshire, often as part of house bands or ad hoc ensembles, which further solidified his reputation for reliability built from earlier touring experiences.[3]Dire Straits Period
Formation and Breakthrough Albums
Dire Straits was founded in 1977 in London by brothers Mark Knopfler on guitar and vocals, David Knopfler on guitar, and John Illsley on bass, with Pick Withers recruited as drummer through connections in the local music scene, including ties to North-East England musicians like those from Lindisfarne.[3] Withers, who had prior session experience, joined the nascent group during rehearsals in Deptford, helping solidify their lineup without a manager as they pursued a record deal.[17] The band's name originated from a suggestion by a flatmate of Withers, reflecting their financial struggles, during an early rehearsal in the kitchen of their shared house in Deptford.[18][19] The group's self-titled debut album, Dire Straits, was recorded in February 1978 at Basing Street Studios in London, drawing from live demos taped at Pathway Studios the previous summer, including tracks like "Sultans of Swing" and "Down to the Waterline."[20] Released in June 1978 by Vertigo Records, the album featured hits such as "Sultans of Swing," which reached number 8 on the UK Singles Chart and number 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and "Romeo and Juliet," which peaked at number 8 in the UK.[21] The record itself achieved commercial success, hitting number 5 on the UK Albums Chart and number 2 on the US Billboard 200, marking an initial breakthrough in both markets after modest UK sales built through radio play.[22] This success propelled early tours, including support slots for acts like Talking Heads and their first headlining shows across Europe and North America.[23] In 1979, Dire Straits released their follow-up album Communiqué, recorded at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, which refined their rootsy rock sound with a more polished edge while retaining the understated grooves that defined their early work.[24] Withers' steady, laid-back drumming provided a precise foundation, emphasizing swing-influenced rhythms that supported Mark Knopfler's intricate guitar lines without overpowering the arrangements.[3] The album, featuring singles like "Lady Writer" (number 45 on the US Billboard Hot 100), reached number 5 on the UK Albums Chart and number 11 on the US Billboard 200, alongside topping charts in Germany and other European countries.[25] This led to an extensive world tour, including a notable US leg in March 1979, solidifying their international presence and fanbase.[26]Later Albums and Departure
Following the success of their earlier albums, Dire Straits released Making Movies in October 1980, an album that showcased Withers' evolving role in the band's rhythm section alongside bassist John Illsley.[27] The record featured standout tracks like the atmospheric "Tunnel of Love," with its driving percussion underscoring Mark Knopfler's intricate guitar lines, and a re-recorded version of "Romeo and Juliet," where Withers provided a more nuanced, laid-back groove compared to the original demo.[28] Production, produced by Jimmy Iovine and Mark Knopfler, with engineering by Shelly Yakus, at Power Station Studios in New York, introduced a fuller, more muscular sound to Withers' drumming, achieved through techniques like EQ'ing dull hi-hats to reduce bleed and using Remo Diplomat heads on his kit, though tuning proved difficult and required frequent head changes during sessions.[3] These sessions were marked by broader band tensions, including rhythm guitarist David Knopfler's mid-production departure due to creative differences with Knopfler, which necessitated re-recording several parts and added logistical strain to the overall process.[27] By 1982, Dire Straits had shifted toward a more expansive, progressive sound on Love Over Gold, their fourth studio album, where Withers contributed to its ambitious, extended compositions.[4] Key tracks like the epic 14-minute "Telegraph Road" highlighted this evolution, building from sparse acoustic beginnings to a thunderous climax driven by Withers' steady, building rhythms; however, recording the song presented technical hurdles, as his snare drum lost tension midway through takes, requiring the track to be split into two parts for completion.[29] Withers' precise, restrained style complemented the album's moody, keyboard-infused arrangements by new member Alan Clark, while the intense eight-month Love Over Gold Tour that followed amplified the band's growing stadium-rock ambitions, with Withers navigating increasingly demanding live sets across Europe and North America.[3] This period marked a maturation in the band's sound, but the grueling schedule began to take a toll on Withers personally.[4] Withers departed Dire Straits shortly after the Love Over Gold sessions wrapped in early 1982, citing a combination of physical and personal factors that made continuing untenable.[3] The relentless touring had left him exhausted, compounded by the deafening stage volumes in large venues that strained his hearing and enjoyment of the music.[3] Prioritizing time with his young family over the hedonistic lifestyle of global superstardom, Withers sought a return to more intimate, jazz-influenced playing rather than the escalating rock spectacle.[3] He was promptly replaced by Welsh drummer Terry Williams for live performances, allowing the band to proceed with the tour and future recordings without interruption.[3] In the immediate aftermath, Dire Straits pressed on with Williams, completing the Love Over Gold Tour successfully and laying the groundwork for their blockbuster 1985 album Brothers in Arms, which propelled them to even greater commercial heights.[4] Withers' exit, while bittersweet, preserved his contributions to the band's classic era intact.[4]Later Career
Key Collaborations
Following his departure from Dire Straits in 1982, Pick Withers leveraged his reputation as a versatile session drummer to embark on a freelance career emphasizing pop, rock, and folk projects throughout the 1980s and 1990s.[4] Withers contributed to studio sessions for Scottish singer-songwriter Gerry Rafferty in the 1980s, including drum work on the album Sleepwalking (1982), which featured elements of Dire Straits' sound through Withers' participation alongside keyboardist Alan Clark.[30] In 1987, Withers joined Phil Carmen's band for a live performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival, captured on the album Live in Montreux, where he provided drums alongside keyboardist Brian Auger and saxophonist Dick Morrissey.[31] He also collaborated with Robert Plant during this period, drawing on his rock pedigree to deliver understated, groove-oriented drumming.[4] Withers toured with folk icon Joan Baez, contributing to her live performances and reinforcing his adaptability across acoustic and folk-rock styles.[4] Additional collaborations included work with The Blues Band, led by harmonica player and vocalist Paul Jones, as well as sessions and tours with Scottish artist Rab Noakes, notably as part of the backing group Varaflames alongside Lindisfarne's Rod Clements and harmonica player Fraser Speirs in the late 1980s and 1990s.[32]Recent Projects
Following decades of session work and collaborations, Pick Withers adopted a lower profile in the 2000s and 2010s, residing in Europe and focusing on occasional performances while continuing to educate aspiring drummers on developing their unique sound.[33] In 2021, Withers formed the rhythm and blues band Slim Pickin's, which he later renamed Pick's Pocket, to revisit classic R&B and soul tracks from the 1960s through 1990s through live performances.[4] The ensemble features bassist Marcus Cliffe (formerly with Mark Knopfler and Eric Clapton), guitarist Luca Boscagin (known for work with the Cinematic Orchestra), keyboardist Jim Watson (collaborator with Sting and Peter Gabriel), and vocalists Megan Thomas and Daniel Walker.[34] The band debuted with streamed shows from Liverpool and emphasized Withers' return to his early blues influences, drawing from his time in groups like the Blues Band.[35] During 2020–2023, Withers engaged in multiple interviews and Q&As reflecting on his career trajectory, from his jazz and blues beginnings to his Dire Straits tenure, while underscoring his preference for lighter, groove-oriented drumming over arena-scale production.[33][36] He has not released any major solo projects in this period, prioritizing live ensemble work rooted in R&B traditions.[4] As of 2025, Withers remains active through small-scale gigs with Pick's Pocket, for example, performances in 2022 at West Kirby Arts Centre and Piano Smithfield, and in February 2025 at Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, while maintaining a low-key presence focused on intimate settings rather than large tours.[34][37]Discography
With Dire Straits
Pick Withers served as the drummer for Dire Straits' first four studio albums, providing rhythmic foundation across all tracks on each release.[38][39][40][41] On the band's self-titled debut album Dire Straits (1978), Withers performed drums on every track, including the breakout single "Sultans of Swing," where his steady, understated grooves complemented Mark Knopfler's guitar work.[38] His contributions spanned the full nine-song set, from "Down to the Waterline" to "Lions," helping establish the band's blues-inflected rock sound.[38] For Communiqué (1979), Withers again drummed on all tracks, notably driving the energetic rhythm of "Lady Writer," a track that highlighted the band's evolving pop-rock accessibility.[39] His playing supported the album's nine songs, including "Once Upon a Time in the West" and "Single-Handed Sailor," maintaining a consistent pulse amid the group's touring-honed intensity.[39] Withers' drumming appears on every song of Making Movies (1980), with standout work on the expansive "Tunnel of Love," where his precise fills enhanced the track's narrative drive and orchestral elements.[40] Across the seven tracks, such as "Romeo and Juliet" and "Skateaway," he provided a solid backbone during a period of lineup changes and production challenges.[40] Love Over Gold (1982) marked Withers' final studio album with Dire Straits, featuring his drums on all five extended compositions, including the epic 14-minute "Telegraph Road," which showcased his ability to sustain dynamic builds over long forms.[41] Tracks like "Private Investigations" and "Industrial Disease" benefited from his economical yet expressive style, contributing to the album's atmospheric depth.[41] As a founding member, Withers was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Dire Straits in 2018, recognizing his role in the band's early success.[42] He did not attend the ceremony, later describing it as feeling "artificial" despite his appreciation for the music they created together.[43]Other Bands and Sessions
Withers' contributions to other bands and session work span a diverse range of artists and genres, from progressive rock to folk-rock and blues, showcasing his versatility as a drummer throughout his career. His early band involvement included the Leicester-based progressive rock group Spring, where he served as the drummer on their sole album, Spring, released in 1971 by RCA Neon.[11] This recording, recorded at Rockfield Studios for some tracks, featured Withers (billed as Picque Withers) alongside vocalist Pat Moran, guitarist Ray Martinez, bassist Adrian Maloney, and keyboardist Kips Brown, blending psych and prog elements in tracks like "Box of Lights."[11] In 1976, Withers briefly joined the folk-rock band Magna Carta, contributing drums and percussion to their album Putting It Back Together, issued on Vertigo in Europe and Ariola in the US.[15] The lineup included Chris Simpson on vocals and guitar, with additional support from David Bromberg on guitar, marking a short-lived stint before Withers committed to Dire Straits' rising success.[15] This period also saw him rehearsing with the band for a tour of Holland, though no live recordings from those sessions have been widely released.[44] Withers' session work, often as a house drummer at Rockfield Studios, encompassed over 20 credits from the 1970s through the 1990s, frequently collaborating with British rock and folk artists. The following table highlights select appearances, grouped by decade and primary artist, focusing on key albums where his drumming provided rhythmic foundation.| Decade | Artist | Album | Year | Role | Label |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970s | Michael Chapman | Wrecked Again | 1971 | Drums | Harvest |
| 1970s | Dave Edmunds | Subtle as a Flying Mallet | 1975 | Drums (on tracks including "Baby I Love You" and "Here Comes the Weekend") | RCA |
| 1970s | Magna Carta | Putting It Back Together | 1976 | Drums, Percussion | Vertigo |
| 1970s | Bob Dylan | Slow Train Coming | 1979 | Drums | Columbia |
| 1970s | Andy Fairweather Low | La Booga Rooga | 1979 | Drums | A&M |
| 1980s | Gerry Rafferty | Sleepwalking | 1982 | Drums | United Artists |
| 1970s | Bert Jansch | A Rare Conundrum | 1977 | Drums | Independence |
| 1990s | Gerry Rafferty | Over My Head | 1994 | Drums (select tracks) | Avalanche |
| 1990s | Ralph McTell | A Friend of Mine's Guitar | 1994 | Drums | Leola |
| 1990s | Nick Lowe | The Impossible Bird | 1994 | Drums | Upstart |