Music Business students meet rock legend
Bill Bruford
The shared visiting lecture programme for students from Newcastle University and Gateshead College hit new heights recently with a legendary guest speaker – Bill Bruford. In the blurb on Bill’s recently published autobiography he is described as:
“A rock musician with the temperament of a classical musician who became a jazz musician, Bill defies all the clichés about what drummers do, largely because he has always been out there redefining the role”
By the age of 27, Bill had already established himself as one of the greatest drummers in the biggest progressive rock groups of all time; Yes, King Crimson, Genesis, and UK. Describing himself as ‘a restless innovator uncomfortable with the well–worn path’, Bill went on to a fascinating 40-year career as a band leader and writer with his groups Bruford and Earthworks and collaborated with the world’s top rock and jazz musicians.
Dawn Weatherston who leads the Music Business Module said:
“when I first told the students Bill would be coming to talk to them there were mixed reactions. Most students were far too young to have seen Bill in the 1970s but those who knew of him were incredulous and, once the others had done their research (and in some cases spoken to their parents), the whole group was in a highly excited state. I have to admit I even brought in my old Yes albums to be signed!”
Two current students Victor and Nick said: “We had a great chance to talk to Bill about our own music over lunch and have been buzzing since, he’s such an inspiring guy!” (Victor and Nick)
