Colin Heaney (drummer)

Drummer & Percussionist Colin Heaney is a world-class drummer with a career spanning decades, continents, and multiple genres.

Raised in an Irish family, he grew up in South Africa from the age of 8 and started playing in bands at just 14 years old. By 16, he was living independently, balancing an engineering career by day and working as a session musician by night at Emcee Studios and RAP Records in Johannesburg. During this time, Colin played on numerous albums, radio jingles, and studio projects, working alongside Bakithi Kumalo, the renowned bassist best known for his iconic fretless playing on Paul Simon’s 1986 album Graceland—particularly the famous bass run on "You Can Call Me Al." At 21, Colin fully committed to a professional drumming career, touring with John Desmond "Des" McAlea, former Miami Showband leader and survivor, as part of the Des Lee Showband in South Africa.

He later recorded with his band Tokyo Rose (formerly Rio) at Tully McCully's Studios in Cape Town, working on a project produced by Kevin Shirley (Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden). This led to an opportunity in London for a record deal with Clive Calder (Zomba Records) and an international tour offer with a major artist. Colin is a pleasure to be around and the perfect drummer to express the music of heart.