Sterling Campbell
Sterling Campbell (born May 3, 1964) is an American drummer and songwriter from New York City. He has played with many famous acts, including Chic, the B-52s, Duran Duran, Soul Asylum, Cyndi Lauper, Nena, Grayson Hugh, Spandau Ballet, Gustavo Cerati, and David Bowie.
Growing up in an African-American family with five older brothers, Campbell started drumming at age 12. When he was 14, Bowie's touring drummer Dennis Davis moved into his building and invited him to a Bowie show, which inspired him to practice more. He attended the High School of Music & Art in New York City and began working as a session musician.
Campbell gained international attention in 1986 touring with Cyndi Lauper on the True Colors World Tour. In 1989 he joined Duran Duran. In 1991 he began recording with Soul Asylum and played on many tracks of Grave Dancer's Union, including the Grammy-winning single “Runaway Train.” He later became Soul Asylum’s drummer from 1995 to 1998.
He started recording with David Bowie in 1991 and joined his band in 1992, touring for fourteen years until the end of the A Reality Tour in 2004. He has also worked with David Byrne, the B-52s, Chic, Tina Turner, Grayson Hugh and Gustavo Cerati. He reunited with the B-52s in 2007 and toured with them through 2012.
In 1996 Campbell began practicing Falun Gong. He traveled to Beijing in 2002 to protest the persecution of Falun Gong followers and says he was detained and beaten by police. He has continued to advocate for human rights in China.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 14:09 (CET).