Tom Relihan (born Thomas Joseph Relihan, 27 May 1995) is an accomplished English drummer, songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist. Known for his dynamic style and versatility, Tom has made a name for himself in both live performance and studio work, collaborating with artists across genres and continents.
Tom’s passion for drumming began at the age of nine, inspired by legendary drummer Phil Collins of Genesis. Fascinated by the role of the drummer as the “engine” of a band, he immersed himself in music, collecting CDs and DVDs of drummers such as Steve Gadd, Danny Cummings, Steve Jordan, Buddy Rich, and Chester Thompson.
His dedication to drumming was evident early on. While most children were playing football or collecting trading cards, Tom was crafting makeshift drum kits out of household items. Recognizing his potential, Tom’s parents gifted him his first drum kit before his 13th birthday. From that moment, drumming became a daily obsession, with Tom practicing for up to eight hours a day, playing along to a wide range of music including progressive rock, blues, and R&B.
As a teenager, Tom showcased his talents in school bands and was house drummer for musicals such as We Will Rock You and Saturday Night Live, and community events. These experiences solidified his commitment to pursuing a career in music.
After leaving school, Tom studied music at Peterborough Regional College for three years. During this time, he founded Jam & Tunes, a funk, jazz, soul, and jam night held twice a month at Peterborough’s Key Theatre. The event ran successfully from October 2012 to May 2013, providing a platform for local musicians to collaborate and perform.
Following his studies, Tom became a full-time professional drummer and educator, collaborating with numerous bands and artists around the world.
Tom gained significant recognition as the drummer for the Chris King Robinson Band. Together, they toured Europe, the UK, and the USA, earning acclaim for their energetic performances. The band released the #1 blues EP Tell Me Why You’re Scared and later transitioned into a trio in 2017. With Tom on drums, they continued to perform extensively and released their self-titled debut album in July 2021. They are currently working on their second album.
In late 2018, after a personal life transition, Tom turned to songwriting and solo music production. Under the stage name Tom Brooker, he released his debut album, Valve, in February 2020. The album received international praise, followed by his sophomore release, Any Given Situation, in November 2021.
Tom is also the drummer for Pedal Pawn, creating demo tracks and videos for the company’s YouTube channel, which boasts over 200,000 subscribers.
Relihan continues to make music and is currently in the studio working on the third Tom Brooker album.