Gulli Briem

Gunnlaugur "Gulli" Briem (born September 9, 1962, Reykjavík) is one of Iceland's most celebrated drummers and a world-class rhythmic storyteller whose explosive musicality has shaped the sound of Icelandic music for nearly five decades.

Briem started drumming as a child, banging on kitchen pots and pans before graduating to a proper kit at age 12. He studied classical percussion and music theory at the FIH Jazz Conservatory in Reykjavík (1980–1983) and later honed his craft at the prestigious Musicians Institute (PIT) in Los Angeles in 1992, studying under legendary instructors Joe Porcaro and Ralph Humphrey.

Mezzoforte

In 1977, while still in high school, Briem co-founded the jazz-funk fusion group Mezzoforte alongside bassist Jóhann Ásmundsson, keyboardist Eyþór Gunnarsson, and guitarist Friðrik Karlsson. The band became one of Iceland's greatest musical exports, achieving international acclaim in 1983 with their album Surprise, Surprise and the chart-topping instrumental hit "Garden Party," which reached the UK Top 20 and became a defining moment in Icelandic pop history. Briem served as Mezzoforte's drummer for an extraordinary 46 years, anchoring the band's signature groove through hundreds of recordings and thousands of performances worldwide.

Solo Career & New Projects

In April 2023, Briem officially departed Mezzoforte to dedicate himself fully to a solo career — a move that opened a prolific new chapter. He launched his "All Star Funk" concert series in Norway, performing with an elite quartet featuring Per Mathisen (bass), Hans Mathisen (guitar), and Knut Lochsen (keyboards), drawing on his solo catalogue, Mezzoforte classics, and jazz-rock compositions by Jeff Beck and Billy Cobham.

In 2026, he assembled the "Nordic Groove Gang" with Per Mathisen, Mads Storm, and Johan Jørgensen for performances at Copenhagen's legendary Jazzhus Montmartre, blending jazz fusion, funk, and world music in his unmistakable style.

Earth Affair & Studio Work

Beyond live performance, Briem's creative ambitions run deep. His side project Earth Affair explores ambient, electronic, and orchestral soundscapes — his debut album Chapter One (2004) featured a collaboration with A-ha singer Morten Harket, while Liberté (2014) incorporated the Icelandic stone harp and South African singer Vusi Mahlasela.

Session Work & World Stage

Briem's session work reads like a roll call of global music royalty. He performed on the soundtrack of the 1996 film Evita alongside Madonna and Antonio Banderas, appeared with Madonna on Top of the Pops, and has recorded with Björk, GusGus, Steve Hackett, Herbie Hancock, Philip Catherine, and the Miami Sound Machine.

In 2006, he performed at the Nelson Mandela 46664 awareness concert in Tromsø alongside Peter Gabriel, Robert Plant, Annie Lennox, and Brian May — a testament to his standing on the world stage.

Awards & Education

Named Drummer of the Year in Iceland five times, Briem is also a dedicated educator and clinician, holding masterclasses across Europe and inspiring new generations of drummers through his Drum Emotion instructional series. A longtime Yamaha and Paiste endorsee, he is known for his dynamic range, sound-sculpting approach, and ability to serve the music with both power and finesse. He also serves as musical director and composer at the National Theatre in Reykjavík.

Now touring the world as a solo artist and collaborator, Gulli Briem continues to push boundaries — from intimate club stages in Scandinavia to festival appearances across Europe, proving that the groove that powered Mezzoforte for nearly half a century burns brighter than ever.

• Drummer of the Year (Iceland) — Five-time winner
• Mezzoforte "Garden Party" — UK Top 20 hit (1983), one of Iceland's biggest international singles
• Evita Film Soundtrack — Session drummer alongside Madonna and Antonio Banderas (1996)
• Nelson Mandela 46664 Concert — Performed in Tromsø alongside Peter Gabriel, Robert Plant, Annie Lennox, and Brian May (2006)
• Drumstick Hall of Fame — Inducted (Netherlands, 2025)
• Earth Affair — Solo project featuring Morten Harket (A-ha) and Vusi Mahlasela