Tony Floyd

Tony Floyd is an Australian drummer, percussionist, vocalist and music educator whose career spans more than four decades. Based in Melbourne, he has built a reputation as a highly versatile and musically sensitive performer, equally at home in studio recording sessions, national and international touring productions, and intimate acoustic or Jazz settings.

Beginning drums at the age of eight, Floyd was performing professionally by his mid-teens. His early immersion in diverse musical styles laid the foundation for a career defined by adaptability and deep ensemble awareness. Over time he developed a distinctive approach grounded in feel, dynamics and the ability to serve the song above all else — qualities that have made him a sought-after collaborator across genres including jazz, rock, pop, folk and blues.

Floyd is widely recognised for his long-standing role with The Black Sorrows, contributing to extensive touring and recording projects in Australia and abroad. He is also a founding member of Things of Stone and Wood, a group that achieved national success and remains an important part of Australia’s contemporary music history.

Across his career, Floyd has worked with many of Australia’s most respected artists, including Ross Wilson, Men at Work, Mark Seymour, Deborah Conway, Renée Geyer and Gurrumul, among many others. His recording credits extend across more than 100 releases, reflecting a career built on consistency, preparation and musical integrity.

In addition to his performance and recording work, Floyd holds a Bachelor of Education (Music) from the University of Melbourne and has devoted more than thirty years to music education. As a teacher and mentor, he has guided emerging musicians in rhythm, ensemble playing and professional practice, contributing significantly to the development of Australia’s musical community.

Throughout his career, Tony Floyd has maintained a strong commitment to collaboration and craft. Whether performing on major stages, recording in studio environments, or working one-on-one with students, his focus remains the same: clarity of feel, musical communication and respect for the collective nature of performance. His body of work reflects both longevity and adaptability, positioning him as one of Australia’s most experienced and respected professional drummers.