John Thirkell The Trumpet Behind BTS ‘Dynamite’ | Level 42, Jamiroquai & 40 Years of Session History

Recorded 25th September 2026
Location Hailsham England

John “Johnny” Thirkell is one of Britain’s most prolific trumpet and flugelhorn players, with a career spanning pop, rock, jazz, big-band music, touring and recording. Born in 1958, he developed an interest in the trumpet while still at school in the North East of England, inspired initially by fellow schoolboy Ken Brown, who went on to become a Hallé Orchestra cornet player. A formative experience came when Thirkell saw the Syd Lawrence Orchestra perform, while hearing Tower of Power subsequently helped point him towards the world of contemporary horn sections.

After moving to London, Thirkell became an important figure in Britain’s professional recording and touring scene. His early career included work with the BBC Big Band and a period touring with the legendary Buddy Rich. He subsequently became one of the busiest session trumpet players of the 1980s and 1990s, reportedly appearing on thousands of recordings and maintaining an extraordinary presence on the UK charts for more than 13 consecutive years.

Thirkell’s credits encompass an extraordinary range of artists, including George Michael, Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Cher, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Pet Shop Boys, Kylie Minogue, Lisa Stansfield, UB40 and The Who. He was also a member of Level 42, Swing Out Sister and Jamiroquai, and worked extensively with saxophonist Gary Barnacle as part of the Phantom Horns.

Some of his best-known modern credits include the brass playing on Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars’ worldwide hit “Uptown Funk”, the K-pop BTS hit “Dynamite”, while his recording credits have continued including work associated with Olly Murs and Shania Twain.

Thirkell published his book “BLOWN IT” in 2026

Johnny also enjoys employing his communication skills and experience through writing and speaking and is the Founder of Elite Music Camps - offering week-long residential music courses taught by some of the finest musicians in the World.

More about John at www.johnnythirkell.com