Cozy Powell

The Profile

Cozy Powell (born Colin Trevor Flooks) was a British rock drummer renowned for his power, precision, and session versatility. He played with the Jeff Beck Group, Rainbow, Emerson, Lake & Powell, Michael Schenker Group, Whitesnake, and Black Sabbath, and scored a UK hit with the solo single Dance With the Devil. He remained active until his death in 1998.

Noted for thunderous technique and show-stopping solos; widely associated with Rainbow and ELP’s Emerson, Lake & Powell; UK Top 5 hit with Dance With the Devil; influential figure in hard rock and metal drumming.

Deep-Frenk’s review celebrates Cozy Powell as a versatile, high-impact drummer and spotlights his 1979 instrumental album Over the Top. The piece praises contributions from Gary Moore, Bernie Marsden, Dave Clempson, Don Airey, Max Middleton, and Jack Bruce. Highlights include “Theme 1,” “Killer,” “Heidi Goes To Town,” “El Sid,” “Sweet Poison,” and “The Loner.” The title track’s drum solo and nod to Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture are hailed as the album’s apex. Publicly known: Powell worked with Jeff Beck, Rainbow, ELP, MSG, Whitesnake, and Black Sabbath.