British veteran drummer Roger Pope has died after a battle with illness. He passed away a the age of 66, reportedly at a nursing home in Southampton, UK.
Born in Kent, England, Roger Pope ("Popey" to his many friends) was the drummer for a number of internationally-known acts, but it was with Elton John that he is perhaps most closely associated.
Roger was playing drums in bands by his mid-teens and working as a session musician. He was the drummer on Elton John's early demos. When it came time for Elton to begin recording in earnest, Roger was the obvious choice to be behind the kit.
Overall, Roger played in excess of 84 concerts with Elton, as well as on over 43 studio songs and six albums.
During his career, Pope also toured and/or recorded with Buddy Guy, Kiki Dee, Seals and Crofts, China, Al Stewart, Hall and Oates, Harry Nilsson, and Cliff Richard.
Roger Pope is survived by his long-time partner, Sue, whom he married shortly before his death.
