Tom Relihan (born Thomas Joseph Relihan, 27th May 1995), is an English drummer, songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist.
Tom first started playing music at the age of 9, under the influence of Phil Collins from Genesis. Discovering the path to drumming, he dreamed of sitting behind a band, in a big theater and being what he calls "the engine" of the group. Collecting CD's and DVD's at the time, other influences arose from drummers like Steve Gadd, Danny Cummings, Steve Jordan, Buddy Rich, Chester Thompson and many more...
His parents realised Tom was far more than just your average school child who would usually go out with friends, play with a football or collect Pokemon cards. It was a daily routine for Tom to get home from school and start bashing on his home-made drum kit, made from pots, pans and boxes. So before Tom's 13th birthday, his parents brought him a second hand, five piece drum kit. Tom would usually sit behind the drums for at least 8 hours a day. Jamming to CD collections ranging from prog rock to blues and r&b.
As a teenager he helped form a few school bands and played drums in the school choir, the community band and played in several school musicals like Saturday Night Live, We Will Rock You and countless others.
After leaving school, he studied music for three years at Peterborough Regional College. During his college years, Tom became founder of the funk, jazz, soul and jam night, Jam & Tunes; which took place twice a month at Peterborough's Key Theatre. It ran from October 2012 till May 2013.
Since leaving he has since become a full time professional drummer, drumming teacher and has worked with numerous bands and artists from across the globe.
His most recognised work is playing for Chris King Robinson, as a member of the Chris King Robinson Band. They toured Europe in Summer 2014, followed by a UK tour in the winter and additional dates in Spring 2015. They then went on to do a tour in the USA followed by a Number 1 Selling blues EP titled Tell Me Why You're Scared.
In 2017, the Chris King Robinson band became a trio. With Chris King Robinson on guitar and vocals, Tom on drums and Nigel Turner on bass guitar. Prior to the Covid-19 Pandemic the band were playing constant shows throughout Europe and the UK. In July 2021, the band released their self titled debut album.
At the end of 2018, after a relationship breakup between Tom and his long-term girlfriend he began song-writing and creating music on his own. He released his debut solo album Valve under the stage name Tom Brooker in February 2020. The album was very well received internationally and on the back of this he released his second album Any Given Situation in November 2021.
Tom is now working with the band Flashback Photograph, who are currently touring and will be releasing new music in 2024/2025. He is also the drummer for the Pedal Pawn demo tracks, their YouTube channel currently has over 200,000 subscribers.