Thomas Relihan (Thomas Joseph Relihan, 27 May 1995) is an accomplished English drummer, songwriter, composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist. Known for his dynamic style and versatility, Thomas has made a name for himself in both live performance and studio work, collaborating with artists across genres and continents.
Thomas’ passion for drumming began at the age of nine, inspired by legendary drummer Phil Collins of Genesis. Fascinated by the role of the drummer as the “engine” of a band, he immersed himself in music, collecting CDs and DVDs of drummers such as Steve Gadd, Danny Cummings, Steve Jordan, Buddy Rich, and Chester Thompson. His dedication to drumming was evident early on. While most children were playing football or collecting trading cards, Thomas was crafting makeshift drum kits out of household items. Recognising his potential, Thomas’ parents gifted him his first drum kit before his 13th birthday. From that moment, drumming became a daily obsession, with Thomas practicing for up to eight hours a day, playing along to a wide range of music including progressive rock, blues, and R&B.
As a teenager, Thomas showcased his talents in school bands and was house drummer for musicals such as We Will Rock You and Saturday Night Live, and community events. These experiences solidified his commitment to pursuing a career in music. After leaving school, Thomas studied music at Peterborough Regional College for three years. Following his studies, Thomas became a full-time professional drummer and educator, collaborating with numerous bands and artists around the world.
Throughout the mid to late 2010’s Thomas gained recognition as the drummer for Chris King Robinson. As a group, they toured Europe, the UK, and the USA, earning acclaim for their energetic performances. The band released the #1 blues EP Tell Me Why You’re Scared and later transitioned into a trio in 2017. With Thomas on drums, they continued to perform extensively and released their self-titled debut album in 2021.
In late 2019, after a personal life transition, Thomas turned to songwriting and solo music production. Under the stage/project name Tom Brooker, he released , Valve, in February 2020. By 2026 the trilogy was complete after releasing Any Given Situation in 2021 and most recently Life In Two Lanes.
Thomas is also the drummer for Pedal Pawn, creating demo tracks and videos for the company’s YouTube channel, which boasts over 250,000 subscribers.
The drumming gear and equipment Thomas uses is a combination between Yamaha, Sonor and Premier drums along with Zildjian cymbals, Promark drumsticks and Evans drumheads.