Introducing Luke Herbert, an acclaimed Australian session drummer, percussionist, and educator whose musical journey has taken him across the world. Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Luke’s passion for music began early, with formal training in classical piano, laying the foundation for a career that would span continents.

From Sydney to the World

As a teenager, Luke was accepted into the world’s largest marching band, the 2000-member Olympic Band, under the guidance of David Glyde (Blue Devils). Performing at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Opening Ceremony, Luke played in front of 140,000 people and millions more watching worldwide, marking one of the first milestones in his musical career.

Venturing to Nashville in his mid-20s, Luke immersed himself in the city’s rich musical culture and industry, performing alongside some of its most respected musicians and producers. He became the drummer for The Deep Vibration, a rock ‘n’ roll band that soon signed a record deal with Dualtone Records. The band even caught the attention of rock legend Lou Reed, who personally named them after a meeting at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

Luke went on to record with Al Perkins (Flying Burrito Brothers), Spooner Oldham (Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, Neil Young), and Grammy-winning producer Niko Bolas (Neil Young, Bob Dylan) and Andrew Combs further cementing his reputation as a world-class session musician.

A Respected Name in Australian Music

Returning to Australia, Luke became a sought-after drummer, working with some of the country’s most iconic artists. His collaborations include Brian Cadd, Stevie Wright (The Easybeats), Lucky Oceans Album Launch sharing the stage with Paul Kelly, Kasey Chambers, Don Walker (Cold Chisel), Catherine Britt, and many more. He has also played for award-winning artists such as William Crighton, Fanny Lumsden, Phil Manning (Chain), Mal Eastick (Jimmy Barnes), Buddy Knox, Ray Beadle, Kevin Bennett & The Flood, among many others.

Since 2020, Luke has been writing, recording, producing, and touring across Australia and internationally with Murray Cook (The OG Red Wiggle) and his band, Soul Movers. In 2023, he produced a recording session in Nashville for the band, featuring the Memphis Horns, and called in his long-time friend, Spencer Cullum (Miranda Lambert’s pedal steel player). He also traveled to Memphis, TN, to record at the iconic Royal Studios, working with Grammy-winning producer Boo Mitchell on the band’s album “Dumb Luck” (Cheersquad Records, 2023).

Luke continues to work with rising stars such as Jesse Redwing Band and Tate Sheridan, recording records with both artists at Sydney’s Golden Retriever Studios, with releases in 2024. 

Broadway Comes Calling: Here You Come Again!

In 2025, Luke embarks on an exciting new chapter as the drummer for the Australian tour of the Broadway hit “Here You Come Again”. This feel-good musical, featuring the greatest hits of Dolly Parton, is directed by Gabriel Barre (Amazing Grace, The Wild Party) and co-written by Emmy and Grammy Award-winning writer Bruce Vilanch.

Audiences can expect powerhouse vocals, a stellar cast, and a toe-tapping soundtrack, including Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream, and Here You Come Again. Luke’s signature groove will bring the music to life as the show tours nationwide in 2025.

For tour dates and ticket information, visit hereyoucomeagain.com.au.

Porter & Davies Endorsement

Also in 2025, Luke achieved a significant milestone by signing an endorsement deal with Porter & Davies, the world-renowned manufacturer of tactile monitoring systems. This places him among an elite roster of drummers who trust Porter & Davies’ unmatched stage monitoring solutions, including Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp, John Fogerty), Matt Chamberlain (Elton John, Tori Amos, David Bowie, Fiona Apple) and John “JR” Robinson (Michael Jackson, Madonna).

Porter & Davies’ systems are also relied upon by drummers for bands such as Coldplay, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters, Muse, Arctic Monkeys, Metallica, and Taylor Swift, reinforcing Luke’s position among the world’s most respected musicians.

A Passion for Drum Education: Pocket Percussion

Luke’s passion extends beyond performance—he is also a dedicated educator. He founded Pocket Percussion, an innovative online drumming school, where he shares over 20 years of teaching experience to inspire thousands of aspiring drummers. His mission is to propel students into the 21st century with modern techniques, passion, and boundless inspiration. In 2025 he has had a busy start to the year teaching at Reddam House, Captivate – Sydney Catholic Schools, Mount Sinai and he has a dedicated rooster of students at Musicworks on the Central Coast where he has been teaching for several years. 

For more information about Luke’s online drumming school, visit www.pocketpercussion.online.

Endorsements

Luke is proud to be an official endorser of Red Cymbals and has made history as the first Australian artist to endorse Dragonfly Percussion, a highly respected brand based in New York.

A Legacy of Excellence

From the Olympic stage to Broadway, from Nashville to Sydney, and from rock ‘n’ roll to musical theatre, Luke Herbert’s career continues to evolve. Whether performing, recording, or teaching, he remains a musician in high demand, pushing the boundaries of percussion with passion, precision, and an unwavering dedication to his craft.