Tony Thompson: Chic, Power Station drummer dead at 48 LOS ANGELES, California (Billboard) -- Session drummer Tony Thompson, who worked with the likes of Diana Ross, Debbie Harry and Rod Stewart, died Wednesday in Encino, California. He was 48. He had undergone surgery for renal-cell cancer earlier this year. Thompson established himself with the hit-making '70s funk group Chic. Following the act's breakup in 1981, he became an in-demand session drummer, also recording behind such stars as Sister Sledge, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Duran Duran and the late Robert Palmer, among others. In 1985 -- the same year he drummed with the surviving members of Led Zeppelin at Live Aid -- Thompson joined Palmer and John and Andy Taylor of Duran Duran in the Power Station. The band's self-titled album was certified platinum for U.S. shipments of 1 million copies by the Recording Industry Association of America. Fans can make donations in Thompson's honor via the TonyThompsonfund.com (http://www.tonythompsonfund.com) Web site. ---
Bummer. I had no idea he was sick. I really like his drumming; dude even made the Power Station listenable -- that's a feat. RIP
Tremendous, powerful drummer. A real Tony Williams disciple, although he went in (semi)different direction. Great player ...
