Stockport drummer chasing music dream as band rises through Manchester scene
George Clark: From small hotel gigs to sold-out shows!
George Clark is the drummer and backing vocalist of The Rolling People, a Stockport four-piece formed with school friends Charlie McNichol, Asa Knighton and Elliot McGovern.
The quartet released their first EP in 2023 before returning with their latest release, Outlier. The Rolling People played their first gig at the Castle Hotel in 2021 and have since progressed to some of Manchester's best-known venues.
On April 18, they performed at the New Century, their biggest gig to date, following a tour around England. They have also recently sold out their December 19 show at Deaf Institute, with a second date added for December 17 due to high demand.
TRP at New Century Hall via Instagram @therollingpeople_
"I have been drumming since I was 11 and I always knew that's what I wanted to pursue career-wise," George says.
His passion for music began much earlier, however. His dad, Pete, bought him his first 'drum kit' when he was two. Pete, who plays Vince in his Motley Crue tribute band; The Motley Crude, also introduced George to live music.
When George was five, his dad took him to Sonisphere 2010 in Hertfordshire, where he saw rock acts including Alice in Chains and Iggy Pop. Alice in Chains later influenced George's musical tastes, with him describing their aesthetic as "cool as f**k".
George's Dads band 'The Motley Crude' performing at Rockstock, Stockport via YouTube
George with his dad, Pete - CREDIT: George Clark
George with his dad, Pete - CREDIT: George Clark
TRP backstage - CREDIT: George Clark's Instagram
TRP backstage - CREDIT: George Clark's Instagram
George's relationship with his band traces back to their early school years when George, Charlie McNicholl and Elliott McGovern attended Maple Hall School together; the three connected through their shared interest in music before eventually bringing Asa Knighton into the group.
"Once we had left school, we genuinely just asked Asa if he wanted to learn how to play bass" George says, "it all started from there really".
Despite their different personalities and musical influences, George says the four have remained close friends away from the band.
"Whenever we hang out or go to the pub, there is no music talk whatsoever; we are honestly just best mates".
TRP first EP 'An Introduction' Via Spotify
Pretty Green sharing their spring '26 collection on Facebook - CREDIT: PrettyGreen
George says the band's different musical influences are part of what makes them work. He describes himself as a "heavy-hitting drummer" who listens to rock, whereas bassist Asa Knighton takes inspiration from bands such as The Smiths and Oasis.
The band's growing profile has also led to opportunities outside of music, including a photoshoot with fashion brand Pretty Green for its Spring 2026 collection. However, despite the band's growing success, George says making music a full-time career remains difficult.
I would love to do it full time, but it's not always profitable', he says. The financial uncertainty can be demoralising at times, he explains, meaning he currently has to balance music with other commitments
“It all comes back to music”
He carries other interests outside of music, such as his fitness: “I think running is good for my head”, he says, “drumming is good for that, but to separate it, running is a good release”.
Even away from the drums, George says his mind always returns to music.
TRP - Credits: George Clark
TRP - Credits: George Clark
