Thomas Joseph Relihan (27th May 1995) is an English drummer, songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist.
Thomas first started playing music at the age of 9, under the influence of Phil Collins from Genesis. Discovering the path to drumming, he dreamed of sitting behind a band, in a big theater and being what he calls "the engine" of the group. Collecting CD's and DVD's at the time, other influences arose from drummers like Steve Gadd, Danny Cummings, Steve Jordan, Buddy Rich, Chester Thompson and many more...
His parents realised Thomas was far more than just your average school child who would usually go out with friends, play with a football or collect Pokemon cards. It was a daily routine for Thomas to get home from school and start bashing on his home-made drum kit, made from pots, pans and boxes. So before Thomas’ 13th birthday, his parents brought him a second hand, five piece drum kit. Thomas would usually sit behind the drums for at least 8 hours a day. Jamming to CD collections ranging from prog rock to blues and r&b.
During his college years, Thomas became founder of the funk, jazz, soul and jam night, Jam & Tunes; which took place twice a month at Peterborough's Key Theatre. It ran from October 2012 till May 2013.
Since leaving he has since become a full time professional drummer, drumming teacher and has worked with numerous bands and artists from across the globe.
His most recognised work is playing for Chris King Robinson, as a member of the Chris King Robinson Band. They toured Europe in Summer 2014, followed by a UK tour in the winter and additional dates in Spring 2015. They then went on to do a tour in the USA followed by a Number 1 Selling blues EP titled Tell Me Why You're Scared.
Since 2017, the Chris King Robinson band became a trio. With Chris King Robinson on guitar and vocals, Thomas on drums and Nigel Turner on bass guitar. Prior to the Covid-19 Pandemic the band were playing constant shows throughout Europe and the UK. In July 2021, the band released their self titled debut album.
Thomas also founded numerous instrumental projects like Heavy Hawk (2012/2013), Port Shore (2019/2020) and Mango Interlude (2024).
At the end of 2018, after a relationship breakup between Thomas and his long-term girlfriend he began song-writing and creating music on his own. His debut solo album Valve under the stage name Tom Brooker was released in February 2020. The album was very well received internationally and on the back of this he released his second album Any Given Situation in November 2021.
After finishing a tour with Flashback Photograph in 2024, he is back in the studio with Chris King Robinson co-writing the bands second album. He is also the drummer for the Pedal Pawn YouTube Channel, which boasts over 200,000 subscribers.
The third Tom Brooker solo album, “Life In Two Lanes” is to be released worldwide on 3rd January 2026.
