Peter Jones (drummer) facts for kids

Peter Robert Jones was a talented musician and drummer. He was born in England in 1963 and later moved to Australia. He became well-known for playing drums in the famous band Crowded House. After Crowded House, he played in another band called Deadstar. Peter also worked as a teacher. He passed away in 2012 at the age of 49.

Early Life and Music

Peter Robert Jones was born on April 21, 1963, in Liverpool, England. His parents were Barrie and Joan Jones. He had two siblings, Phil and Christine. In 1966, his family moved to Australia. They made their home in Doncaster, a suburb of Melbourne.

When Peter was 13, he started learning to play the drums. His brother Phil was already playing the guitar. Peter went to Templestowe Technical College. There, a music teacher named Gordon Pendleton helped him prepare for a jazz course. Peter began this course at the Victorian College of the Arts in 1982.

Playing Jazz and Rock

In 1983, Peter became the drummer for Vince Jones. Vince Jones was a jazz musician from Australia. Peter played on Vince's second album, called Spell.

In 1984, Peter played in a Melbourne band called The Feet. He also drummed for a band named Transwaste. This band made original music. Their style was influenced by industrial and independent rock groups.

In February 1985, Peter joined Harem Scarem. This was a blues rock band from Melbourne. The band had Christopher Marshall on vocals and his brother Charles Marshall on bass. Other members included Kurt Lindtner, David Moll, and Glen Sheldon.

Harem Scarem's Albums

Harem Scarem released their first album, Pilgrim's Progress, in December 1986. Music expert Ian McFarlane called it a "classic" album. It received great reviews from critics.

Their second album, Lo & Behold, came out in December 1988. McFarlane said it was another strong album. It mixed rock, blues, and soul music. As a member of Harem Scarem, Peter helped write 12 songs. These included three singles: "Hard Rain," "Miracle Mile," and "Long Time Between Drinks." The band broke up in 1989.

Other Musical Projects

Peter also played with other musicians and bands. He recorded with a rock band called Lucy's Crown. He also performed with Ross Hannaford, Rowland S. Howard, Lisa Miller, Kate Ceberano, Tinpan Orange, Freakpower, and David Hosking.

Joining Crowded House

In mid-1994, Peter Jones was asked to join the famous band Crowded House. He took over as drummer from the original drummer, Paul Hester. Crowded House was touring the United States at the time. Peter stayed with the band until they broke up in June 1996.

He returned as a special guest musician for their "Farewell to the World" concert. This big concert happened in November 1996. Peter's performance was recorded. It can be heard on the band's live album from the concert, Farewell to the World. On the concert DVD, the band's lead singer, Neil Finn, mentioned that Peter was a school teacher.

Deadstar and Later Work

In August 1995, while still with Crowded House, Peter started a side project. This new pop music band was called Deadstar. He formed it with his former Harem Scarem bandmate, Barry Palmer. Caroline Kennedy was the lead singer.

Deadstar released their first album, also called Deadstar, in October 1995. Peter helped write most of the songs on this album. After Crowded House broke up, Nick Seymour joined Deadstar on bass guitar. The band released two more albums: Milk (1997) and Somewhere Over the Radio (1999). Deadstar broke up in 2001.

After Deadstar, Peter worked as a session musician. This means he played drums for many different groups. He also worked as a producer. He helped create albums for artists like Stephen Cummings and Rebecca Barnard.

Teaching and Final Years

After 1999, Peter Jones started working at Roxburgh College. He began as a drum instructor. Later, he became a classroom teacher.

In March 2011, Peter was diagnosed with brain cancer. He passed away from the illness on May 18, 2012, in Melbourne. He was 49 years old.