Wayne Proctor has played drums for sixteen years. His approach is similar to that of players he admires - Steve Jordan, Matt Chamberlain, Abe Laboriel Jr, Jeff Porcaro and Steve Gadd, each aiming to support the song with a great groove and touch. In his 10 years as a professional musician, Wayne’s characterful groove and feel has seen him working with legendary producers to playing Glastonbury, international television appearances and every gig in between.

With formative years dedicated to drumming and intense study with Toni Cannelli of ‘Drummer’s Alliance’ (Chris Bailey – Beverley Knight, Chaka Kahn, Darius) and Francis Seriau of ‘Drumtech’ (Phil Selway – Radiohead, Ged Lynch – Peter Gabriel), Wayne began his career as a professional musician playing for British Blues Guitarist, Aynsley Lister.  During his time with Aynsley Lister, Wayne toured extensively throughout Europe and recorded two albums, one of these albums produced by Jim Gaines (Santana – Supernatural, Steve Miller Band, Stevie Ray Vaughan).

After 3 years with Aynsley, Wayne joined the band ‘Amor,’ and signed to the Manhaton label.  With Amor, Wayne continued to tour Europe, playing major festivals such as the Montreux Jazz Festival, supporting Buddy Guy on an extensive UK tour and Gary Moore on a Dutch Tour.  Amor recorded two highly acclaimed albums, described as “A 21st century Blues explosion” by Mojo and obtaining 4 stars in Kerrang.

In 2004, Wayne began working with English blues and roots artist, Ian Parker, signed to Ruf Records.  With Ian, Wayne once again toured Europe extensively, performing at Rockpalast and live sessions for BBC Radio 2.  In 2006, Wayne was invited to be the drummer for the Ruf Records ‘Blues Caravan’ tour featuring Ian Parker and other artists from the label, which took him throughout Europe, UK and the USA to a very popular response.

Alongside Interscope Record’s ‘The Davey Brothers’ Production team (Joss Stone, Mick Jagger), he has also recorded a highly acclaimed drum loop CD called King Tone Grooves, which is available worldwide through AMG. Grammy award nominee and Keyboard USA editor Greg Rule wrote  “Who Is This Drummer? Talk about five-star stellar drumming.  Not since hearing the likes of Purdle, Porcaro and Gadd have I been this impressed with a groove orientated drummer.  His pocket is deep, his time feel impeccable, and his taste factor through the roof.”

Having played on countless sessions, Wayne has worked with producers such as Jim Gaines (Santana, Van Morrison), Mike Nielsen (Jamiroquai, Snow Patrol, Tom Baxter), Steve Evans (Robert Plant, Goldfrapp, Thea Gilmore), Matt Butler (Paul McCartney, Katie Melua, Rush) and has also played many sessions for the ‘19 Miles High’ production team with producer Tim Wilson, recording drums for Fin, Fall Of Jupiter, Dead Nettles, Comic Book Heroes and Hello Girl. He has also made a number of TV appearances, including 3 Rockpalast shows broadcast across the whole of Europe and numerous live Radio sessions.

As well as his own recording and performing career, in recent years Wayne has turned to the role of producer.  To date, his production credits include Sean Webster’s ‘If Only’ and UgLi’s ‘trash EP,’  the lead track of which was broadcast through the MSN Network to an audience of millions. His work with songwriter Craig Johnston assisted Craig to collaborate with legendary producer Mike Nielsen (Jamiroquai, Snow Patrol, Tom Baxter) with Wayne back on the drum stool. Wayne’s production work with the band Djune also secured them a prime slot at the renowned In The City Festival and support slots with The Kooks, The Pigeon Detectives and The On Offs.

Wayne is an official endorsee of Slingerland Drums and is featured on the homepages of both Slingerland and Gibson International’s Websites.  Other current endorsements include Zildjian cymbals and sticks and Hardcase, who have recently featured Wayne in numerous advertising campaigns in the music press.