Paul Thompson born in Newcastle on 13 May 1951 he went to live in Jarrow at the age of six months. He attended West Simonside Infants and Junior School. He was drummer of Roxy Music from 1971-1980, providing drums for 6 albums of the Roxy Music's finest catalogue and also performing on his bandmates Bryan Ferry, Andy Mackay and Phil Manzanera's solo records as well as touring with them. In 1980 he and the band parted ways due to "musical differences". After that he have played with a lot of people including Gary Moore, Jonathon Perkins and Concrete Blonde.
Fans nicknamed him "The Great Paul Thompson", due to his remarkable skills and power which in the case of Thompson were exceptional. In 2001 he reunited with Mackay, Manzanera and Ferry (excluding Brian Eno, who denied participation) featuring the line-up of the early years. In the following tour, talented Thompson proved that he was and is integral part of band's trademark sound. He also toured with Bryan Ferry, supporting his Frantic album. The band again with Paul on drumstool are set to perform again in 11 June 2005 at the Wight Festival and rumours are circulating that the foursome including Eno have new record on the way.
Drummer Roger Taylor of the alternative rock band Duran Duran says that Paul Thompson's drumming was big influence over his development.