Dave Barbarossa

- Drummer, Musician & Author

Dave Barbarossa is one of Britain’s most distinctive drummers, best known for his work with the original line-up of Adam & The Ants, Bow Wow Wow and later Republica. Over more than four decades, his powerful, unmistakable style has helped shape punk, post-punk, pop and electronic music. Born David Barbe and raised in London’s East End, Dave developed a wide range of musical influences, from punk to the Cuban big-band records played by his father. His stage name was given to him by Malcolm McLaren, and his career has since included collaborations with artists such as Fatboy Slim, Chicane and Roland Gift. His latest project, Barbarossa Beat, places his drumming at the centre of a series of collaborative releases. Working with a different artist on each track, Dave brings together old friends, new collaborators and a lifetime of rhythm, ideas and experience.

Phattie’s Lunchbox featuring Mekon cover artwork

Barbarossa Beat

Barbarossa Beat is built around a simple but powerful idea: music created with different collaborators, with Dave’s drums providing the foundation. The result is a constantly evolving body of work that crosses genres, generations and musical boundaries. New releases will arrive every month, creating a modern-day singles club that will eventually culminate in a full album.

The first release, Phattie’s Lunchbox, sees Barbarossa join forces with renowned producer and DJ, Mekon (John Gosling), Alexander McQueen's music director and a long-time friend and collaborator of Dave's, whose work has spanned electronic music, fashion and club culture.

Career Highlights

Adam & The Ants

1977–1980

Dave joined the original Adam & The Ants line-up in 1977 and played on their debut album, Dirk Wears White Sox. Released in 1979, the record became a landmark of British post-punk and showcased the inventive rhythmic style that would shape Dave’s career. Key release:Dirk Wears White Sox — 1979

Bow Wow Wow

1980–1983

Dave formed Bow Wow Wow with Matthew Ashman, Leigh Gorman and Annabella Lwin under the management of Malcolm McLaren. Their fusion of punk, pop and global rhythms produced hits including Go Wild in the Country and I Want Candy, with Dave’s powerful tribal-inspired drumming at the centre of the sound. Key releases:See Jungle! See Jungle! — 1981
The Last of the Mohicans — 1982
When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going — 1983

Chiefs of Relief and Session Work

Mid-1980s

After Bow Wow Wow, Dave briefly joined Chiefs of Relief before establishing himself as a session drummer. This period allowed him to work across rock, pop, dance and electronic music while developing his reputation as a versatile and unmistakable player.

Beats International

Late 1980s–Early 1990s

Dave became part of the changing line-up of Beats International, the collective led by Norman Cook. The project brought together dance, reggae, hip-hop and pop, giving Dave another setting in which to explore his wide-ranging rhythmic influences.

Republica

1990s

Dave co-founded Republica with Tim Dorney, Andy Todd, Johnny Male and singer Saffron. Their self-titled debut reached the UK Top 5 and produced the international hits Ready to Go and Drop Dead Gorgeous. Dave’s driving drums helped define the band’s energetic blend of rock and electronic music. Key release:Republica — 1996
Key singles:Ready to Go and Drop Dead Gorgeous

Later Work and Collaborations

2000s–Present

Dave has continued to record and perform with artists including Chicane, Adamski, Gina Birch, Cactus Rain, Driza Bone and Roland Gift. He has also worked with CHANT and returned to perform with Adam Ant on the 2014 Dirk Wears White Sox tour. His current project, Barbarossa Beat, places his drumming at the centre of a new series of collaborative releases.