Bruce Smith | |
|---|---|
 Smith withThe Pop Group in 2015 | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as | Minty |
| Born | Bruce Neal Smith (1960-12-14)14 December 1960 (age 64) California, United States of America |
| Origin | Bristol, England |
| Genres | Post-punk,alternative rock |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instrument | Drums |
| Years active | 1977–present |
Bruce Neal Smith (born 14 December 1960 inCalifornia) is an American musician best known as thedrummer forpost-punk bandThe Pop Group. He has also been a member ofThe Slits and theNew Age Steppers and performed withPublic Image Ltd from 1986 to 1992, and then from 2009 to 2025. He was raised and educated inBristol, England and was once married toNeneh Cherry.
Smith helped co-foundThe Pop Group in 1977 and would play with them until they disbanded in 1981.[1] Smith was also part of the line-up when the band re-formed in 2010.[2][3]
While the Pop Group was still active, Smith also joinedThe Slits in 1979, replacingBudgie, and would play with them until they disbanded in 1981.[1]
After the Pop Group and the Slits, Smith teamed up withAdrian Sherwood and performed with theNew Age Steppers and various other acts on Sherwood'sOn-U Sound Records label. He marriedNeneh Cherry, who was also involved with the New Age Steppers, during this period. Smith and Cherry then went on to formRip Rig + Panic with former Pop Group guitaristGareth Sager. This band performed from 1981 to 1983.[4][5]
In 1986 Smith joinedPiL for the tour to support theirAlbum release and became a permanent member of the band, playing on their next two studio albumsHappy? and9.[6] Smith left PiL in 1990 a few years before the band broke up. However, Smith re-joined the band whenJohn Lydon reformed it in 2009.[7]
In addition to working with his regular bands, Smith has also done a lot of session work, recording with artists such asSananda Maitreya,The The andBjörk.[4][6][8][9]
Bruce Smith's father was the celebratedavant-garde artistHassel Smith.[10]
