Premier Percussion (commonly known as Premier Drums) is a British brand specialising in drum kits, snare drums and percussion instruments. Founded in London in 1922 by Albert Della Porta and George Smith and initially producing instruments for other companies, Premier quickly established itself as a leading name in percussion with its own ranges of drums and orchestral products. Following the acquisition, the brand introduced several new product ranges, including a Centenary line launched to commemorate its 100th anniversary.

Premier kits and snares have been used by high-profile drummers including Ringo Starr (The Beatles), Keith Moon (The Who), Matt Helders (Arctic Monkeys), Mitch Mitchell (The Jimi Hendrix Experience), and others.

History

Premier was founded in October 1922 by Albert Della Porta and George Smith in London’s West End. Initially operating from a basement workshop in Berwick Street, Soho, the company began by repairing and manufacturing drums for other firms. Albert's brother Fred soon joined, managing sales and administration. By 1925, Premier had introduced its own branded products and expanded to a larger factory in Silex Street, South London.

Military and Regimental Drums (1920s – 1940s)

Alongside its dance and theater kits, Premier produced a broad range of military and regimental drums during the interwar period. These included rope-tension and rod-tension side drums, tenor drums, and bass drums, many of which featured decorative painted crests and regimental insignia. These instruments were used by British and Commonwealth regiments, as well as in school cadet bands.

The Resonator line became popular among professional players in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in live performance contexts where its enhanced projection was beneficial. A limited-edition black-lacquered version, known as the Black Shadow, was produced during this period and has since become a collectible variant of the line.

By the mid-1970s, Lokfast was succeeded by Trilok hardware, which featured tripod bases with U-shaped legs and nylon inserts to reduce wear. The hi-hat stand in this range included external expansion springs and the 252-style footplate, while cymbal stands introduced integrated boom arms for the first time. Subsequent lines included Tristar, with double-braced tripod legs, and Trident, a single-braced alternative.

However, financial pressures mounted in the early 1980s. In 1984, Premier entered receivership. The company was subsequently rescued by a consortium led by the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Interim Ownership and Decline (1999–2007)

After Verity’s divestment, Premier changed hands multiple times. The company ceased drumset manufacturing at South Wigston in 2007, closing its historic factory after 85 years of operation.

However, Keough departed the company in 2015 to co-found the British Drum Company. This marked a turning point, and Premier’s operations began to contract.

Uncertainty and Dormancy (2015–2021)

By 2015, Premier was experiencing significant uncertainty. Reports noted that its Stockport office had closed, artist endorsements were withdrawn, and its US distribution deal with Hanser Music Group had ended.

In 2017, the demolition of the original South Wigston factory underscored the brand’s diminishing presence in British drum manufacturing.

Gear4music (2021–Present)

In July 2021, Premier was acquired by Gear4music, a UK-based retailer of musical instruments.

  • Nicholas 'Nick' Barker – Ancient, Borstal, Brujeria, Cradle of Filth, Dimmu Borgir, Liquid Graveyard, Lock Up, Monolith, Noctis Imperium, Obskkvlt, Old Man's Child, Shining, Twilight of the God, Winter's Thrall
  • Johnny Blitz – Dead Boys
  • Julien Brown – Massive Attack
  • Rick Buckler – The Jam
  • Clem Burke – Blondie
  • Phil Collins – Genesis
  • Bobby Colomby – Blood, Sweat & Tears
  • Eric Delaney
  • Bobby Elliott – The Hollies
  • Nicko McBrain – Iron Maiden
  • Mitch Mitchell – The Jimi Hendrix Experience
  • Keith Moon – The Who
  • Jerry Nolan – The Heartbreakers
  • Hunt Sales – Iggy Pop
  • Philip Selway – Radiohead
  • Chris Sharrock
  • Ronnie Verrell
  • Brad Wilk – Rage Against the Machine
  • Sam Woodyard – Duke Ellington
  • John Maher – Buzzcocks

References

  • Official website
  • Photos of the derelict factory in 2017