Drew McConnell (born November 10th, 1978 in Dublin, Ireland) is best known as the bassist for the band Babyshambles–which is the group formed and fronted by ex-Libertine Peter Doherty. Prior to performing with Babyshambles he was in the group Elviss and played with the band The Phoenix Drive.
He is currently working on his solo project, fronting Helsinki and also plays bass for Fionn Regan. Drew sometimes plays solo acoustic shows as well. As well as being a member of different bands, Drew also often collaborates with other artists.
He has been cited as working with a list of famous musicians, including but not limited to; Stephen Large of Squeeze, Albert Hammond Jr. of The Strokes], the drummer Seb Rochford of Polar Bear and Acoustic Ladyland, drummer Jamie Morrison ofThe Noisettes, guitarist Matt Parks, Jonnie Fielding (violin), Larrikin Love, and Lethal Bizzle.
He helped Gridie Producer Statik in production of the cover of Janie Jones by Babyshambles and Friends. This song is said to be the first track to feature both Peter Doherty and Carl Barat since the demise of The Libertines back in the summer of 2004.
The single also features many other artists and was released in aid of Strummerville, the foundation for young musicians set up in the memory of late musician Joe Strummer. Drew also had a very involved charity role in LoveMusicHateRacism as well as being involved in raising awareness against the Gaza Massacres on numerous occasions.
Drew was born in Ireland, but spent most of his childhood in Tenerife, Spain. McConnell is multilingual due to this fact–fluent in Spanish, and also known to speak some degree of French. He achieved a degree in bass at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, although the date he completed his schooling is unknown.
Drew is currently touring with Babyshambles as well as Mongrel and resides in England.