Richie Burns had an interest in drums from the time he could walk and was given his first drum kit aged six. Richie’s parents Pam and Reg bought this kit for him just after the sad passing of his older sister Beverley, she never got to see him play but it was a special drum kit to him as it carried her name because it was a “Beverley kit”.

Richie started having lessons at School aged eight and was a founder member of the St Thomas High School Jazz Band, who have just celebrated 30 years with a reunion of their founder members, unfortunately Richie was unable to attend as he was in Germany playing with Pete‘s Band. Richie also played with the Clyst Vale Big Band and the Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra.

After leaving School Richie worked with various pop, cabaret and comedy show bands doing summer seasons working at Butlins and Pontin Camps. During this time Richie worked with various artists such as Bradley Walsh, Michael Barrymore, Cannon and Ball, Susan Moune and Lynn Paul. Richie has also played on BBC Pebble Mill, MTV and Radio 2 shows.

Richie grew up listening to Jazz as both his parents enjoyed this type of music especially the three B’s (Ball, Barber and Bilk) this is where his love of Jazz started. As well as the summer season work Richie also played with a number of Jazz bands such as Roger Marks, Teign Valley Stompers, Dave Hawks Trio and Dart Valley Stompers. In 1996 Richie received a phone call from his close friend Ron Bowden asking him to dep with Kenny Ball and his Jazz men at various venues across the UK, Richie’s parents were extremely proud and still have the photo that was taken with Kenny Ball and John Benson proudly on display.