Neil Conti

Neil Conti (born 12 February 1959) is an English drummer and music producer who was an integral member of the pop/rock band Prefab Sprout, while continuing to be in demand as a session drummer for artists and bands such as David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Annie Lennox, Cher, Level 42, Laurie Anderson, Steve Winwood, Paul Young, Youssou N'dour, Brian Eno, Robert Palmer, Deep Forest, Will Young and many more.

The son of musically-oriented parents who encouraged him to train as a classical pianist, Neil Conti discovered another musical inspiration upon seeing his cousin Morgan Fisher perform onstage as keyboardist for the very popular 1970s band Mott the Hoople. Twelve years old at the time and inspired by Mott the Hoople's drummer, Dale Griffin, he started playing drums and, over the next few years, gained some drumming experience with numerous local rock bands while showing an interest in jazz and soul music. After completing a diploma in graphic design, he moved to London, where his musical apprenticeship included a range of styles such as reggae, calypso and funk. Among the early bands in which he drummed were Linx, Tropicana Steel Band, Kokomo and Combo Passe as well as various recording sessions with such artists such as Pauline Black.

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