After 41 years spent first in the art rock arena with everyone from Yes and King Crimson to Genesis, in addition to his own inestimable forays into fusion with his critically and popularly praised '70s group Bruford, then turning to things more jazzy from the '80 onwards with various incarnations of his much- heralded Earthworks group and his equally acclaimed improvising duet with pianist Michiel Borstlap, veteran drummer Bill Bruford has announced he's hanging up his sticks and and retiring from public performance, effective January 1, 2009.

As Bruford told AAJ's Managing Editor John Kelman, “41 years of me is quite enough for anybody, and especially me!" though he thankfully clarified that he's not retiring from recording. “I will, of course, continue to run Summerfold and Winterfold Records [Bruford's two record labels], plus I have a new album coming out in the summer with British composer Colin Riley."

Two compilations CDs - one each from his Winterfold (a single- disc) and Summerfold (a double-disc) catalogues - are now available in Europe. For North Americans, they are available now at the US online shop at billbruford.com and in stores February 24, 2009.

Bruford also has a book coming out in March, Bill Bruford: The Autobiography, already available for pre-sale at many online outlets. Bruford explains, “I don't feel I need further justifications or explanations with respect to my retirement from the road, but for those of an inquisitive nature, the book will explain my decision in greater depth."

Bruford also told AAJ, “I will also still write and talk on The Pleasures and Perils of Playing Percussion in Public (!). My US agent, Laurel Wicks at Ted Kurland Associates, is already soliciting book- reading/guest speaker engagements at North American colleges for after the book release as we speak."

And so, while Bruford's retirement from the live scene is a sad occasion for his legion of fans, the still healthy drummer will continue to remain an active force for many years to come.

Photo Credit
Rob Shanahan

Bill Bruford's Publicist: Lori Hehr, (360) 325-6044
Bill Bruford's Agent: Laurel Wicks at Ted Kurland Associates, (617) 254-0007