bio 07/12/2011
Sterling Campbell is a native of New York City. Sterling began playing drums at the tender age of 11. In 1982, he graduated from the prestigious High School of Music and Art in Manhattan. However, he credits his family for his musical appreciation. Sterling is the youngest of six boys who all share a love for music. Besides listening to R&B, Sterling's brothers introduced him to artists such as Elton John and Chicago. He was blown away by Led Zeppelin's eclectic style on "Houses of the Holy." All the musical changes going on at this time had an influence on Sterling and his drumming. When he was 14, David Bowie's drummer at the time, Dennis Davis, moved into Sterling's apartment building and invited him to a Bowie concert. Seeing someone he knew performing a show at such a grand scale convinced him to become a serious drummer. He enjoyed fusion, but at the same time was heading towards an art-rock style like Roxy Music and Peter Gabriel. Sterling began his career on the local New York Rock scene, playing drums in famed early 80's rock clubs such as CBGB's, The Ritz, and The Peppermint Lounge. He played in singer-songwriter bands, ska bands, fusion groups, and punk acts. In 1986, Sterling toured with Cyndi Lauper on her True Colors World Tour. The True Colors World Tour opened many doors for him. From here he got to work with Cameo, which was a much different experience. Then he went to Europe because he loved the music coming out of England at the time. He joined a band called So that never gained commercial success, but was personally gratifying for him. After a little over a year of doing that, he got a call from Duran Duran in 1987 and accepted an offer to join the band. In the early 90's Sterling recorded with David Bowie. Shortly after, he joined Soul Asylum, but the thrill of playing with Bowie must have been too strong. In the 90's Sterling was a member of Soul Asylum and then with David Bowie. After many years apart, he reunited with Bowie to record his album, "Reality," and 2003-2004 saw a tour that hit seventeen countries over a ten-month period. Early 2007 Sterling returned to the B52s for a new album and is currently on tour with them. CommentsRobert Brindamour 01/06/2012 08:12
The first time I heard Sterling.. Joey 01/31/2012 06:22
The first time I heard him was on the Heathen album. I play drums, and his drumming was amazing the power, and control and the sound. I saw him here in Houston and he was even better. I still watch the Reality DVD from time to time and enjoy it ever single time. SterlingGold 03/04/2012 16:34
If Sterling is 47 then how is it that he was 11 in 1982. Also the bio says "he joined a band called" ....that name of the band was not included in the bio and the sentence just ends without punctuation. Time for a bio rewrite for this awesome drummer. Leave a Reply |
RSS Feed