Drumming News :
After five decades behind the drum kit, Paul Burgess has announced his departure from the legendary British band 10cc, as reported by Dave Eisenstadter for MassLive.com.
Burgess, who joined 10cc in the early 1970s, revealed his decision following the group’s recent three-week U.S. tour that ended in Alexandria, Virginia. In a statement on the band’s website, he cited the challenges of touring as the reason for stepping away:
“Having enjoyed many years with 10cc, I’m sorry to say that for me the rigours of touring have become incommensurate with age… it’s time to put excessive hours spent waiting in airports and sitting on tour buses behind me.”
While leaving the touring band, Burgess emphasized that he is not retiring. He plans to continue performing at a slower pace with his new project, The Guilty Men, alongside past collaborators and new musicians.
10cc co-founder Graham Gouldman paid tribute to Burgess, calling him his “longest-running musical associate” and acknowledging that it will be strange to see someone else on drums after more than half a century together. Burgess will be replaced by Ben Stone, a drummer, percussionist, and multi-instrumentalist.
Formed in the 1970s, 10cc blended pop, rock, and studio experimentation, drawing inspiration from The Beatles and The Beach Boys. The band sold over 30 million albums and produced enduring hits like “I’m Not In Love” and “Dreadlock Holiday,” both of which have appeared in major films such as Guardians of the Galaxy and The Social Network.
Original members Kevin Godley and Lol Creme, who helped create the innovative Gizmotron and later became acclaimed music video directors, contributed to 10cc’s reputation for merging art and mainstream appeal.
Burgess ended his announcement with a heartfelt message to fans:
“Thank you for your loyal support and kind words over the years, and it’s been a pleasure to meet and talk with many of you on numerous occasions.”
You can read Dave Eisenstadter’s full article on MassLive.com here.
