Biography
He sometimes jokingly says that he’s been the drummer for “your favorite band’s favorite band.” With a resume that includes REM’s Mike Mills, The Psychedelic Furs, Americana auteur Vic Chesnutt, Vigilantes of Love’s Bill Mallonee, seminal indie rock powerhouse Five Eight, and the criminally underrated Austin band The Low Lows, an argument could be made…
Patrick Ferguson was born in Eden, North Carolina, the son of an opera singer and an Air Force officer. After spending most of his childhood in South Georgia, he moved to the indie-rock mecca of Athens, Georgia to drop out of school and play music. Ferguson spent most of the '90s recording and touring with Five Eight, a seminal indie-rock band that toured with R.E.M., the Ramones, The Silos, Cracker, Hazel, and Rodan, and has influenced countless other rock bands throughout the Southeast.
Placing a premium on versatility of drumming styles and quality of songwriting, Ferguson has continued to record and perform with many nationally and internationally known artists. In addition to recording and touring with Mike Mills, Ferguson has served as the backbone for a number of Athens-based acts including Vic Chesnutt, Dreams So Real, the Low Lows, Bill Mallonee & The Vigilantes of Love, Michael Guthrie, Jason Beckham, Wes Yoakam, and many others. In the early-2000s, Patrick briefly resided in Chicago and drummed for Evanston, Illinois' Quiet Kid and lent his talents for many recording sessions in Chicago and in Nashville with the King of the Nashville cats, Mac Gayden (Area Code 615, Barefoot Jerry).
Having performed for tens of thousands as drummer for the Psychedelic Furs and for a handful of special guests at a private event accompanying Superdrag’s John Davis, Ferguson’s approach to live performance is consistent with his outlook when asked to record: serve the song and be a consummate professional in the process.
At this time, Ferguson continues to drum for Mike Mills and to record and perform with Five Eight, who have recently released the band’s tenth album, entitled Songs for St. Jude. Ferguson currently resides just outside of Athens with his wife and daughter.
Testimonials
“Patrick has long been one of my favorite drummers here in the Athens scene. After many years as the metronomic monster behind the much under-appreciated indie-rock wunderkind Five Eight, Patrick has lent his considerable talents and skills to the likes of dozens of bands here in Athens. His recent contributions to some of my post-Vigilantes of Love Americana musings ("Dear Life" and "Friendly Fire," both available on Fundamental Records-Chicago, London) were marvelous. His "serve the song" attitude is such a plus in a day when overpowering drummers can be the weak link a delicate chain for singer-songwriters. Patrick brought his big heart, great talent and ears to every track”.
– Bill Mallonee, Vigilantes of Love
“Patrick Ferguson was the reason that I moved to Athens.”
– Brad Morgan, drummer - Drive-By Truckers
“Patrick Ferguson is the most powerful drummer Athens has ever known.”
– Jeff Clark, Stomp and Stammer Magazine