China Drum
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Headquarters | Ovingham , England, United Kingdom |
| Products | Punk rock music, albums, singles |
| Website | www |
China Drum is a punk rock band originating from Ovingham, Northumberland, England. Initially active between 1989 and 2000, the group briefly adopted the name The Drum from 1999 to 2000 before reuniting in 2013. They produced three albums that achieved moderate success and toured alongside notable punk and alternative rock bands such as Green Day, Ash, and Supergrass.
Formation and Goosefair era (1989–1996)
Established in 1989 by siblings Bill (guitar) and Dave McQueen (bass), along with drummer and vocalist Adam Lee, China Drum independently released their first single "Simple" in 1993. This release earned them recognition from UK radio stations and punk icons like Frankie Stubbs of Leatherface. Their 1994 single "Great Fire" led to a UK tour supporting Green Day, which included their debut international performance in Amsterdam. Notably, Green Day’s bassist Mike Dirnt appeared wearing a China Drum shirt in the "When I Come Around" music video.
The band signed contracts with Mantra (Beggars Banquet Europe/Japan) and MCA Records (US), culminating in their debut album Goosefair, released on 26 April 1996. The album reached number 53 on the UK Albums Chart and garnered favorable reviews for its energetic fusion of pop hooks and rock vigor. Following the release, China Drum embarked on extensive tours across North America, Bosnia, and Sarajevo, sharing stages with bands like Ash and Supergrass.
Their prominence grew with a fast-paced punk rendition of Kate Bush's "Wuthering Heights," originally a B-side to the single "Can't Stop These Things" from Goosefair. This track sparked a series of punk covers of pop songs including Crowded House's "Fall at Your Feet" and the theme from The Adventures of Rupert Bear, which became staples in their live performances.
Self Made Maniac, Diskin, and disbandment (1998–2000)
On 24 April 1997, China Drum released their second studio album, Self Made Maniac, through Beggars Banquet. The album received mixed critiques; some appreciated its blend of British rock and punk elements, while others criticized it for lacking melodic depth. In 1998, Jan Alkema, formerly of Compulsion, joined as a live drummer, allowing Adam Lee to concentrate exclusively on vocals.
In 1999, the band rebranded as The Drum and integrated alternative rock alongside electronic influences into their music. Their third album, Diskin, launched in 2000 via Mantra Records, divided fans and attracted lukewarm critical responses. After being dropped by their label and experiencing an unsuccessful tour supporting Suicidal Tendencies, The Drum dissolved in September 2000 due to financial difficulties and personal challenges.
Following the breakup, the McQueen brothers formed the band Servo; Alkema went on to establish Driven to Collision; and Lee initiated the indie project Sickhoose. Despite disbanding, China Drum retained a dedicated cult following and influenced acts such as Australian band Bodyjar.
Reunion period (2013–present)
China Drum reunited in 2013 with original members Lee and the McQueens joined by John Steel (guitar) and Kate Stephenson (drums). Concentrating on their early repertoire, they resumed touring throughout the UK and released the single "Water" in 2014. After a break following their shows that year without Bill McQueen’s participation, they resumed live performances in 2018.
In 2024, Bill McQueen rejoined for acoustic concerts in Northeast England as well as an intimate Japanese tour titled "Japan Tour of Mintness 2024," supported by touring musicians Kev Watson on bass and Damian Harris on drums. Plans for additional shows in 2025 were announced with Dave McQueen returning on bass while Harris continued on drums due to Stephenson’s family obligations.
Current
- Adam Lee – vocals (1989–2000, 2013–2014, 2018–present), drums (1989–1999)
- Bill McQueen – guitar, backing vocals (1989–2000, 2013–2014, 2024–present)
- Dave McQueen – bass, backing vocals (1989–2000, 2013–2014, 2018–present)
- John Steel – guitar, backing vocals (2013–2014, 2018–present)
- Kate Stephenson – drums (2013–2014, 2018–present)
Former
- Jan Alkema – drums (1999–2000)
Touring
- Jan Alkema – drums (1998-99)
- Kev Watson – bass (2024)
- Damian Harris – drums (2024–2025)
Albums
- Goosefair (1996) – UK No. 53
- Self Made Maniac (1997)
- Diskin (2000) – under The Drum
Singles and EPs
- "Simple" (1993)
- "Great Fire" (1994)
- Barrier EP (1995)
- "Can't Stop These Things" (1996) – UK No. 65
- "Last Chance" (1996) – UK No. 60
- "Fiction of Life" (1997) – UK No. 65
- "Somewhere Else" (1997) – UK No. 74
- "Stop It All Adding Up" (1998)
- "Horns Front" (2000) – as The Drum
- Reasons EP (2000) – as The Drum
- "Water" (2014)
Compilation appearances
- Snakebite City 3
- Best Punk Rock in England Son
- Built to Blast EP (1994)
- Alternator
- Vans Warped Tour 96
- Masterminds OST