This month’s drumming unsung hero is from the land down under…Australia. His name is Angus Burchall and, for more than 30 years, he has been the drummer for Australian singing legend John Farnham.
Angus was born in Melbourne, Australia and started playing drums at the tender age of 10. Before joining John Farnham’s band, he tried his hand at journalism, writing about rugby league, cricket and other sports. After a very successful few years, (including a short stint as the lead singer for the “Little River Band”), John Farnham’s career was on the downslide until his manager mortgaged his house, went in the studio and John recorded the album “Whispering Jack”.
Released in October of 1986, “Whispering Jack” went on to sell, in Australia, more copies than Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and John’s career was completely turned around from that moment on. Since then he has gone on to win countless awards and, at the age of 71, is still touring with Angus providing his signature, rock-solid backbeat.
As well as recording and touring with John Farnham, Angus is one of the most in-demand drummers in Australia and has played with the likes of Ray Charles, Boz Scaggs, Kylie Minogue, Tommy Emmanuel and many more. You can also hear his drumming on many TV and film soundtracks. And, he also has his own band, “The Black Sorrows”. You can hear them at www.theblacksorrows.com.au
For many years, Angus has played Pearl drums. He just recently switched to DW.