Jonny Quinn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jonny Quinn
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Quinn in 2018
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Jonathan Graham Quinn |
| Also known as | Jonny |
| Born | 26 February 1972 Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Origin | Bangor, Northern Ireland |
| Genres | Alternative rock, indie rock |
| Occupation(s) | Drummer, musician |
| Instruments | Drums, percussion |
| Years active | 1991–present |
| Labels | Fiction/Interscope, Good Vibrations |
Jonathan Graham Quinn (born on February 26, 1972) is a musician from Northern Ireland. He is most famous for being the former drummer for the popular alternative rock band Snow Patrol. Before joining Snow Patrol, he was part of other bands like The Mighty Fall, The New Brontes, and Disraeli Gears. Jonny played drums on all of Snow Patrol's albums until he left the band in 2023. He is married to Mariane Quinn, who is an industrial designer.
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Jonny Quinn's Early Life and Career
Jonny Quinn went to Rockport School and Campbell College Belfast. Interestingly, the singer Gary Lightbody also attended these schools. Jonny once worked at a music store for Good Vibrations. This record label was the first to sign the famous band The Undertones.
Joining Early Bands
In the early 1990s, Jonny was a member of a band called Mighty Fall. He played alongside Iain Archer in this group. He was also a part of another band known as The New Brontes. In the summer of 1992, Jonny joined Disraeli Gears. This band was started by Iain Archer's brother, Paul.
Music and Venues
Jonny completed a special diploma in Performing Arts in 1995. In October 1996, he helped open a live music venue called The Crescent Arts Centre. He started this with Brendan McCauley. His band, Disraeli Gears, often played shows there. In 1997, Disraeli Gears recorded their first studio album, which was called Pure Groove.
Time with Snow Patrol
Jonny Quinn joined Snow Patrol before their first full album, Songs for Polarbears, was released. He was a key part of the band for many years.
Injury and Help from Friends
During Snow Patrol's Eyes Open Tour in 2007, Jonny had a snowboarding accident. He broke a bone in his elbow and couldn't play drums for some shows. He asked Graham Hopkins, a drummer from the band Therapy? and a friend, to fill in for him. Graham toured with Snow Patrol for three months. He played in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States until Jonny recovered.
Snow Patrol was also scheduled to play at the 2007 BRIT Awards. U2's drummer, Larry Mullen, Jr., offered to play for them. However, the band already had Graham Hopkins. Jonny said he felt "honored" that Larry Mullen, Jr. offered to help. Jonny has mentioned that drummers like Ginger Baker, Louie Bellson, and Stewart Copeland have inspired his playing.
Starting Polar Patrol Publishing
In 2009, Jonny Quinn started his own music publishing company. He named it Polar Patrol Publishing. His first artist to sign was Johnny McDaid. Johnny McDaid went on to write songs with many famous artists. These included Ed Sheeran, Birdy, and Robbie Williams. Jonny also signed the band Belle & Sebastian to Polar Patrol in 2014.
Leaving Snow Patrol
In September 2023, the lead singer of Snow Patrol, Gary Lightbody, announced something important. He shared on Instagram that Jonny Quinn and Paul Wilson had decided to leave Snow Patrol.
Jonny Quinn's Life Outside the Band
Jonny Quinn has some interesting family connections. He is the nephew of the actress Patricia Quinn. His brother, Bradley Quinn, is Snow Patrol's longtime photographer. His cousin, Debbie Armstrong, is married to Gerry Armstrong. Gerry was an assistant manager for the Northern Ireland national football team.
Stage Diving and Marriage
Jonny used to enjoy jumping off the stage during concerts. This is called stage-diving. It led to him breaking bones many times! After Snow Patrol signed with a new record label, he was asked to stop. They didn't want him to break his arm again.
In 2007, Jonny proposed to his girlfriend, Mariane Røkke. She is an industrial designer. He proposed at a Snow Patrol concert in Ward Park. He wrote "Marry me Mariane" on his drum kit. This message was shown on big screens next to the stage. They got married in Mariane's hometown of Oslo on August 16, 2008. Jonny's brother, Bradley Quinn, was his best man. The wedding guests included the band members and other friends. The couple went to Zanzibar for their honeymoon. Jonny now lives in Crouch End, London, with his wife and son. His former bandmate Nathan Connolly lives nearby.
Drumming Gear
Jonny Quinn is known for using specific drum equipment. He uses DW drums and Zildjian cymbals. He also uses Pro-Mark drumsticks. In the past, he used Pearl drums.
Music Jonny Quinn Has Played On
With The Mighty Fall
- 1991 – "Kick It in the Head"
With Disraeli Gears
- 1995 – Sense EP
- 1997 – Pure Groove
With Snow Patrol
- 1998 – Songs for Polarbears
- 2001 – When It's All Over We Still Have to Clear Up
- 2003 – Final Straw
- 2006 – Eyes Open
- 2008 – A Hundred Million Suns
- 2009 – Up to Now
- 2011 – Fallen Empires
- 2013 – Greatest Hits
- 2018 – Wildness
