Biographies: Gerry Conway – drums and percussion

Gerry was born on 11 September 1947 and grew up in London. He joined Fairport Convention in 1998.

Even as a toddler, Gerry wanted to be a drummer and he got his first full drumkit at the age of 11. By the time he left school, his vocation was clear and he went to work at EMI hoping for a chance to audition.

The chance came and Gerry found himself the drummer with The Jet Set, playing ska and soul. His next move was to blues legend Alexis Korner's band. After a year with Korner, Gerry joined Trevor Lucas in Eclection.

Eclection folded in the early 1970s and Gerry joined Fotheringay which featured Sandy Denny and Trevor Lucas but, despite critical acclaim, the band proved short-lived.

After playing a studio session with Cat Stevens, Gerry was invited to join the band and spent six years touring the world with Stevens. In 1979 he went to live in the USA for a few years, working mainly with Jerry Donahue.

During the 1980s, Gerry spent a year or so on the road with Jethro Tull followed by a stint with Richard Thompson's band.

In 1985, Gerry joined Pentangle and has been with them ever since. His session credits include Paul McCartney, Steeleye Span, Ralph McTell, Roger Hodgson, Dan Ar Braz, Jerry Donahue and many more.

Gerry lives in Redhill, Surrey.