Gaynor, Mel (UK)

ADAMS DRUMMERS FESTIVAL - April 12, 1999
ADAMS DRUMMERS FESTIVAL - April 5, 2009
ADAMS DRUMMERS FESTIVAL - March 14, 2010
ADAMS DRUM CLINIC - September 17, 2010
ADAMS DRUMMERS FESTIVAL - April 10, 2011

Mel Gaynor was born on May 29, 1960, in Balham, South London, UK. With Brazilian, English, and Jamaican heritage, Mel is a truly international artist.

He grew up in Colliers Wood and attended Rutlish School for Boys in Merton.

Mel began playing drums at the age of 11 using his mom’s knitting needles. He got his first small drum kit at 12 and a professional kit at 15.

After finishing school, he went on his first tour with The Flirtations. He also performed with Gonzales and played in his first band, Muscles, from Birmingham.

In the 1980s, Mel was part of the Brit funk scene with bands like Lynx, Central-Line, Heatwave, and Light of the World. He has performed with major artists such as Elton John, Tina Turner, Samson, The Associates, The Pretenders, Robert Palmer, and many more.

Mel is best known as the drummer for Simple Minds and Light of the World, and later started his solo career.

He became active in drum clinics and masterclasses. Today, Mel continues to explore new musical horizons with his band “The Fusion Project”, co-founded with French keyboardist Stéphane Deriau-Reine.