David ‘Greenie’ Green set to star with Adam Ant at Symphony Hall.
He’s the world class drummer who’s worked with everyone from Mercury Prize winner Sam Fender to Becky Hill and Reef to Duran Duran’s Andy Taylor.
But David ‘Greenie’ Green insists nothing beats his role as one half of 80s superstar Adam Ant’s dual drum attack. And as Adam’s new tour — Antmusic 2025 — rolls into Birmingham this week, fans can expect a wild ride from the new wave’s original Prince Charming.
“Adam is still an incredible entertainer and he brings so much energy every night,” explains Greenie, who drums live alongside Jola to bring a legendary back catalogue to life. “I love doing these shows. As everyone knows, Adam And The Ants were always very drum orientated and there’s a special legacy to maintain.
“Between me and Jola we’re able to create a massive sound that brings those big hits to life. The likes of Stand And Deliver, Ant Music and Kings Of The Wild Frontier are classics that have always stood the test of time.
“From a drummer’s point of view it’s such a fun gig. The songs are great in their own right but the tribal rhythms are something I’ve always been a fan of. It’s unusual to play with another drummer live but I gelled with Jola from day one. It’s a unique experience — on stage and off it.”
Adam Ant visits Birmingham’s Symphony Hall on Saturday November 15th with fast-rising punk rockers Yee Loi in support. And Greenie added: “I’ve had many great times in Birmingham over the years and made so many friends.
“I used to play drums for Little Comets — who are mainly based in the city — so I was always around. We were either recording at Vale Studios or playing places like The Sunflower Lounge, The Jam House or the O2 Academy. I can’t wait to be back with Adam Ant at the Symphony Hall.”
Greenie — a former Best In Drums winner with Rhythm Magazine/Music Radar — shot to fame as the touring drummer for indie rockers Little Comets and VANT. The experienced musician worked with fellow Geordies Sam Fender and Andy Taylor on various studio projects before landing a seat with Reef. And earlier this summer Greenie returned to action with Becky Hill — working as a drum tech for the Brit Award nominee and filling in on select live dates.
But the Antmusic 2025 tour represents a golden opportunity to showcase his full skillset across a 24-date UK headline tour.
“It’s unlike any other live show I’ve ever done,” adds Greenie, who runs award-winning online skills hub RockAcad — teaching the musicians of tomorrow the skills they need to make an impact today. “Jola and I have so many different parts to play which anyone who’s ever listened to Adam Ant’s music will understand.
“It’s layered so much as a result of the work that drummer and producer Merrick (Chris Hughes) did around those early records. There’s so much to play with and it can be really fun working that stuff out and brainstorming and seeing who’s going to do what.
“The two drummer thing is an unusual situation but it’s an exciting situation — especially when you’re on stage and there’s that real power coming through. It would be easy to use one drummer and put the rest on tracks but doing that would risk losing the energy and passion that drives these songs. I’ve always been a fan of Adam’s work and that post-punk, new wave era. I can’t wait to get started with the new tour.”
The Antmusic 2025 tour kicked off in Bournemouth on October 23rd. Tickets for all shows, including Symphony Hall on November 15th, are available here.
Career retrospective The Singles — featuring music from Adam And The Ants and Adam Ant’s solo career — is out now on CD and coloured vinyl.
