Topper Headon
| Topper Headon | |
|---|---|
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Nicholas Bowen Headon |
| Also known as | Topper |
| Born |
30 May 1955 Bromley, Kent, England |
| Origin | Kent, England |
| Genres | Jazz, soul, R&B, rock, punk rock, reggae, rock and roll |
| Occupation(s) | Drummer, percussionist, songwriter |
| Instruments | Drums, percussion, vocals, piano, bass guitar |
| Years active | 1973–present |
| Labels | CBS, Mercury |
| Associated acts | The Clash, Mirkwood, Bobby Tench, Jimmy Helms, Mick Gallagher |
Nicholas Bowen "Topper" Headon (born 30 May 1955), known as "Topper" because of his resemblance to Mickey the Monkey from the Topper comic, is an English drummer, best known as the drummer of the punk rock band The Clash.
He Joined The Clash in 1977 and his drumming skills were a vital part of the band. He was dismissed from the band in 1982 because of his drug use.
Topper Headon spent his early childhood in Crockenhill, northwest Kent, before attending Dover Grammar School for Boys. He started playing drums at an early age and was a jazz fan, citing Billy Cobham as a strong influence. In 1973, Headon joined the cult progressive rock outfit Mirkwood. He appeared with them for a year and a half and they supported major acts such as Supertramp. He later played with a band which opened for American R&B legends the Temptations and admits to falsely claiming that he played with the Temptations.
I knew Mick [Jones] a year and half ago. For a week I played with the London SS. I really wanted to join the Clash. I want to give them even more energy than they've got — if that's possible.
Originally Headon joined the Clash in 1977 with the intention of establishing a reputation as a drummer, before moving onto other projects, but he soon realised their full potential and remained with them for four and half years. Headon appeared on the albums Give 'Em Enough Rope (1978), The Clash (1979 US version), London Calling (1979), Sandinista! (1980) and Combat Rock (1982), as well as several landmark singles the Clash recorded during their early period. Also of note are his lead vocal on "Ivan Meets G.I. Joe" from Sandinista and his work on the hit single "Rock the Casbah" from Combat Rock, on which Headon composed most of the music and played drums, piano and bass guitar. He also appeared on Super Black Market Clash (1993), which included B-sides from the band's single releases.
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