Clive William Bunker (born 30 December 1946) is a British drummer. Bunker is best known as the original drummer of the rock band Jethro Tull, playing in the band from 1967 until 1971. Never a self-professed technical drummer, Bunker engaged with the essence of blues and rock and roll, influenced by Ginger Baker and Mitch Mitchell. He was also inspired by Buddy Rich and The Hollies' Bobby Elliott.

Early career

Bunker was born in Luton, Bedfordshire, and played in his first band The Warriors in the 1960s. With Mick Abrahams he later formed the band known as McGregor's Engine. In this early career, playing in small venues, Bunker had an extraordinary non-matching drum kit, composed of bits and pieces of various manufacturers’ equipment.

Jethro Tull

Between 1967 and 1971, he drummed for Jethro Tull. However, he left after the band released its most popular album to that date, Aqualung, to get married and spend more time with his new wife. He was replaced by Barriemore Barlow, a school friend of the group's singer/songwriter Ian Anderson. Bunker said about his decision to leave Jethro Tull while its success was growing:

Later career

After Jethro Tull, Bunker recorded and performed as a session musician with a variety of acts, including Blodwyn Pig, Robin Trower, Steve Howe, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, Jack Bruce, Gordon Giltrap, Uli Jon Roth, Electric Sun, Steve Hillage, Solstice, Glenn Hughes and Jerry Donahue. He was a session musician on Generation X's second LP Valley of the Dolls (1979).

Aviator

In 1978, Bunker founded the band Aviator with Jack Lancaster, a former Blodwyn Pig bandmate. They later released two LPs: Aviator (1979), and Turbulence (1980).

Solo works

Bunker's debut solo album, entitled Awakening, was released in 1998.

Discography

Solo

With Jethro Tull

With Steve Howe

With Generation X

With Aviator

Steve Hillage

With Electric Sun Uli Jon Roth

With Blodwyn Pig

With Manfred Mann's Earth Band

With Solstice

With Beggar's Farm