Garry Bowler, also known as "Magpie," is an independent English drummer and songwriter known for his work with a number of rock and metal projects over the years. Here is our interview with him, in which he discusses his extensive career, including working with Motörhead's Lemmy Kilmister, whose musical legacy continues to influence artists today.
What words would you use to describe your music?
Garry: Rock, soul, groove, driving, heavy, meaningful, dynamic.
What originally influenced you to play music?
Garry: Top Of The Pops and seeing Buddy Rich and Elvis in concert on the TV, plus the top 40 on Radio 1 on Sundays. The support of mum and dad, plus influences from brother and sister.
Are there any contemporary artists you enjoy listening to?
Garry: Queens Of The Stone Age, Foo Fighters, RHCP, Dead Daisies... There are many more.
What motivated you to record "The In Crowd" and how was the recording experience?
Garry: I covered the track with a power duo back around 1990/1... this was long before The White Stripes and Royal Blood, etc. I worked with ex-Mournblade bassist Paul "Blacken" White. We played shows as a 2-piece, bass and drums, with "Blacken" on vocals. We gained a reputation as a power duo. This continued as we couldn't find a suitable guitarist to fit the bill. We auditioned around 1:00. When we covered "The In Crowd," bassist "Blacken" reworked the lyrics (I reworked them for my single to support original musical artists and supporters).
The recording experience was a journey, similar to my previous release, "Dancing With The Devil." I had the original rehearsal recording with "Blacken" on cassette from a rehearsal. I relearned the arrangement and using some studio time available to me, I enlisted the help of guitarist Paul Lewis, who I had worked with in Satan's Empire. I played the drum track as a live recording, keeping the guide guitar. I had worked with ex-Hawkwind bassist Alan Davey, who agreed to contribute bass to the track. I sent him over a copy of the original rehearsal with "Blacken" to give him an idea of the arrangement. Alan had moved to America at this point.
With the bass now added to the drum track and working well, I turned my attention to guitar. A big influence of "Blacken" and myself was the MC5. I contacted guitarist Wayne Kramer via his wife Margaret Saadi Kramer. On the strength of the drum track and bass, he agreed to contribute guitar. I left him to play as he wished. It occurred to me that I had managed to create a track with links to Motörhead, particularly Lemmy, who had based Motörhead on the MC5. 2025 was the 10-year anniversary of Lemmy's passing, so I wanted to honour that. Lemmy was a great supporter of good original bands, something I had witnessed when I supported Motörhead in 1989. He allowed us to use the PA and lighting as we wished. He was the one who invited us as support.
The vocals I thought, had to have that link to Motörhead also, and the lyrics had to reflect Lemmy's support of original music (as well as my own). The missing piece came when I asked former Girlschool member Enid Williams to contribute vocals. On hearing the track, she agreed and I set up a recording opportunity in Hastings. She was wonderful to work with.
The final mix was done by producer Paul Cobbold.
Is there any advice you would give to up-and-coming musicians?
Garry: Use your influences, but develop your own identity. Don't be complacent. Play with as many musicians as possible. Don't rely on drink or drugs to pull you through, stay focussed and healthy.
What is one of your most memorable live performances?
Garry: This is tough one, as I enjoy playing music to anyone who is prepared to listen, whether it's "cover" band, "tribute" or "original" music. Although I play with both "cover" and "tribute" acts, it's always been the original creative aspect I love.
Do you have any upcoming tours or releases planned?
Garry: My current single, a rework of Dobie Gray's "The In Crowd," is now available on most streaming platforms. I play live with UK Motörhead tribute band Motörheadache. I have recently recorded drums with originals band The Deep. The album Redshift will be released early in 2027. The first single from the album will be released on October 31st 2026.
What else would you like our audience to know?
Garry: I have been (and still am) very fortunate in being in a position to have collaborated with some amazing musicians over the years. I'm just a hard-working musician like many others out there. Be the best you can, keep pushing, never be complacent as you never know what the future may hold. Be prepared for unexpected change in life and be true to yourself. Use your influences to create something of your own.
Oh! And keep it fun.
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