Simply Rhythm: Britain’s Oldest Female Drummer Finds a New Beat at 90 With Lessons from Chris Joyce

Latest Drumming News

In the heart of Lancashire, where the sea whispers tales of times gone by, a 90-year-old great-grandma is rewriting the script of her life, marching to the beat of her own drum. Meet Barbara McInnis, a retired head teacher turned rocking percussionist, claiming the title of Britain’s ‘oldest female drummer.’ This extraordinary tale of rhythm, resilience, and rediscovery unfolds in the charming coastal town of Morecambe.

Barbara’s journey into the world of drumming began six months ago, and little did she know it would lead her to roll back the years and become a musical sensation in her own right. Her tutor, none other than Chris Joyce, the legendary drummer who once set the rhythm for Simply Red from 1985 to 1991.

Intriguingly, Barbara confesses she wasn’t well-versed with Simply Red’s repertoire when she initially booked lessons with the renowned percussionist. However, the magic of Chris’s drumming quickly captivated her, particularly his contributions to chart-toppers like ‘Holding Back the Years’ and ‘If You Don’t Know Me By Now.’

Widowed and a great-grandma of ten, Barbara now finds herself immersed in three different musical groups, embracing the joy that drumming has injected into her life. “It’s helped me roll back the years… It’s given me a new lease of life, a new interest, which I think is good at my age. It’s keeping me young,” she exclaims with contagious enthusiasm.

Barbara’s musical journey took an unexpected turn when she stumbled upon Simply Red, a band she admittedly didn’t resonate with initially. “Of course, I listen to it now. I’m a cross between Chris [Joyce] and Ringo Starr – but I’m not after Ginger Baker,” she chuckles. It’s this infectious spirit and humor that define Barbara’s approach to her newfound passion.

Taking up drumming in her late 80s, Barbara’s musical adventure gained momentum after experimenting with percussion instruments in her local ukulele band. Little did she anticipate the treasures that awaited her when she stepped into Chris Joyce’s studio, where gold and platinum records adorned the walls.

Her nerves were palpable when she discovered Chris’s illustrious musical history, but under his expert tutelage, Barbara has blossomed into an impressive drummer. From Chuck Berry to The Beatles, she now revels in playing along to classic rock and pop hits, citing ‘Octopus’s Garden’ and ‘Johnny B. Goode’ as personal favorites.

For Chris Joyce, Barbara, affectionately known as Babs, stands out as one of his most dedicated students. At 66, he finds inspiration in her commitment to learning a new instrument. “At her age, it’s inspiring for me and it’s inspiring for a lot of people that she’s so enthusiastic and has so much energy,” he remarks.

Reflecting on his time with Simply Red, Chris reminisces about the incredible journey, from humble beginnings to the grandeur of international tours. “I’ve experienced all levels of the music industry,” he shares, encapsulating the vast tapestry of his musical career.

As Barbara McInnis prepares to celebrate Lancashire Day with a performance alongside her band, the narrative of Britain’s ‘oldest female drummer’ continues to resonate, echoing the sentiment that age is no barrier to rediscovering one’s rhythm and joy. Simply put, Barbara McInnis is a testament to the timeless power of music to rejuvenate, reinvent, and roll back the years.