Ian Palmer — Drummer, Session Musician & Airline Pilot

Recorded 19th September 2026
Location - The Hive Rooms, Horley, England

Ian Palmer is a remarkable figure in British music, combining an international career as a professional drummer with an equally extraordinary career as a commercial airline pilot.

Beginning on drums at the age of nine, Palmer was encouraged by his famous musical uncles, Steve Palmer and Carl Palmer of Emerson, Lake & Palmer. His early career developed through jazz and the Midlands music scene, before taking him into the world of professional sessions, recording and international performance.

Over the years Ian has worked with an extraordinary range of musicians and artists, including Randy Brecker, Georgie Fame, Roy Wood, Nigel Kennedy, Martin Taylor, Alan Price and the BBC Radio Big Band. He also studied with legendary American drummer Joe Morello, adding another important chapter to his musical education.

Ian became part of the close-knit British session-musician community alongside players such as guitarist Ray Russell and bassist Mo Foster. His work with Russell has continued across several decades, including his contribution to Russell’s forthcoming album Dangerous Bends.

But there is another remarkable dimension to Ian’s story. Alongside his music career, he became a professional airline pilot with Virgin Atlantic — giving him the unusual distinction of successfully combining two highly demanding international professions.

In this British Music Vault interview, Ian Palmer discusses his musical journey, the musicians and sessions that shaped his career, his experiences within the British recording scene, and the extraordinary story behind his parallel lives as a drummer and pilot.

A fascinating insight into the life of one of Britain’s most versatile professional musicians.

Checkout Ian’s website www.ianpalmer.com