Andy Parker

Andrew Maynard Parker (born 21 March 1952) is a British drummer best known as a founding member and drummer of the hard rock band UFO.

Career In mid-1969, he met Phil Mogg, Pete Way, and Mick Bolton, who had a band called Hocus Pocus and were looking for a new drummer. Parker auditioned and got the job. Soon after, the band renamed to UFO and signed with the Beacon Records label. Parker was unable to sign the contract at the time, as he was only 17. His parents refused to sign for him, and he had to wait until his 18th birthday to sign.

Personal life Parker was born in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire. He began drumming at seven and purchased his first drum kit in 1965. By 1969, he and friend Steve Casey had formed Aurora Borealis, a blues band. He had medical problems between late 2005 and early 2007, and his spot in UFO was briefly filled by Jason Bonham, until his medical issues were taken care of. He lives, together with his wife, Jo McDonnell, in Granbury, Texas. Parker's daughter from his first marriage, Lindsay Parker, is a former American child actress, and current children's book author.