Organisers of The UK Drum Show, are thrilled to welcome Podcaster and former BBC presenter Ollie Winiberg as main stage host for this years event.

“As a drummer, natural narrator and presenter, with many years of experience under his belt, we are thrilled to welcome Ollie to The UK Drum Show for 2023”.

“Ollie has interviewed previous artists that have appeared at The UK Drum Show now in its 5th year,  through his highly regarded “The Heavy Hooks Show,” with great passion and humour and we are excited to welcome not only a drummer, but a natural and experienced presenter and fellow music lover to the team,” states Neil Golding event organiser.

About Ollie..

Ollie Winiberg, a captivating presence heard on BBC Radio for over 13 years, has enthralled audiences with his own popular program, BBC Music Introducing, as well as his appearances on BBC Radio One, 6 Music, 1xtra, and the renowned BBC World Service, captivating over 20 million listeners worldwide. 

In 2021, he departed from the BBC to collaborate with the esteemed music sync company, Music Gateway and Aston Microphones, in order to create an immersive podcast… 

Introducing “The Heavy Hooks Show,” a weekly rock and metal podcast in the top 10% of most globally shared podcasts, committed to not only championing unsigned gems but interviewing icons in the world of heavy music. Ollie uses his inimitable, irreverent style of questioning to coax previously unheard tales of life in the limelight from some of the biggest names in heavy music.  

Highlights include Padge (Bullet for my Valentine) getting stranded in a strip club, how a hotel escape by besieged members of the band Europe was thwarted by their van breaking down, and some Spinal Tap-esquemoments for Dream Theater’s Jordan Rudess. Aaron Pauley (Of Mice & Men) shares how the band were able to pursue and produce one of the most commercially successful Pink Floyd covers of all time. 

The show also features Dream Theater’s James LaBrie revealing some behind-the-scenes secrets around the band’s ‘The Alien’ Grammy win, and Nic Collins on his band, Better Strangers, and the realities of being the son of one of the biggest names in rock, drummer and vocalist Phil Collins. Plus, Simon Phillips tells Ollie how Jeff Beck couldn’t travel without British baked beans and Mike Portnoy discussed the potential of reuniting with his old band mates. 

To cater for people looking to get into the industry elsewhere, Ollie also interviews people behind the scenes to inspire the next generation of band managers or festival organisers. 

“From Jarle (head booker for Oslo rock festival ‘Tons of Rock’) to band manager titan, Andy Farrow who has looked after the likes of Devin Townsend and Opeth, the mission is to help the emerging rock scene around the world understand how they can take the next step in their career.”

Beyond his accomplishments in media, Ollie is a talented DJ and skilled drummer. One set of heros includes Mike Portnoy, Cozy Powell and Simon Phillips, whilst he also draws inspiration from David Brent, Nigel Tufnel, Alan Partridge and Richard Richard. His favourite musical moment was jamming with Jeff Beck at his house (playing on Cozy Powell’s kit!).