Mel Gaynor, widely known as the longtime drummer for the iconic band Simple Minds, has officially joined forces with Istanbul Mehmet cymbals. The announcement, quietly shared by sources close to the brand, marks a fresh move for a drummer who has already carved out his place in music history.
Mel Gaynor isn’t new to the spotlight. His work with Simple Minds helped define an entire era of ‘80s rock, where his explosive energy and groove-first instincts powered some of the band’s biggest hits. Tracks like Alive and Kicking and Don’t You (Forget About Me) weren’t just memorable for their melodies: they carried a pulse, and much of that came from the drums. Gaynor brought a muscular yet controlled presence to every performance. He didn’t just keep time. He gave the songs their backbone.
But this isn’t a story about nostalgia. This latest partnership points forward. After decades on the road, in studios, and on stages around the world, Gaynor is still evolving, and choosing Istanbul Mehmet signals where he’s going musically. The Turkish cymbal maker is one of the few remaining companies still crafting cymbals by hand, using age-old techniques in workshops where molten bronze is shaped and hammered with care most modern factories don’t even attempt.
Each cymbal produced by Istanbul Mehmet has its own subtle voice. They’re not pressed into perfection. They’re coaxed into character. That raw, organic feel, the ability to respond differently depending on touch, on context, even on room tone is part of what drew Gaynor in. He’s known for intensity, but also for precision. He doesn’t play around the beat, he lands right on it, clean and deliberate. The kind of player who notices if a cymbal rings too long or not enough.
For a company like Istanbul Mehmet, adding Gaynor to their roster is no small thing. Their artist lineup includes jazz improvisers, session veterans, and global touring drummers, but Gaynor brings a legacy few others match. He’s played stadiums. He’s tracked iconic albums. And yet, he still seems to be chasing sound: curious, careful, and deliberate.
While the terms of the partnership weren’t released in full, it’s understood that Gaynor will be involved beyond just playing. Appearances, studio sessions, and perhaps input on cymbal design are all possibilities being discussed. It’s not just an endorsement, it looks more like a collaboration in the making.
In a world where many brands rush to sign trending names, Istanbul Mehmet’s decision to bring in someone with Gaynor’s depth signals something else: respect for the long arc of a career. And for Gaynor, it’s a return to instruments that feel more personal. Less processed. More real.
After all these years behind the kit, Gaynor could easily rest on reputation alone. Instead, he’s chosen a path defined by tone, by texture, and by tradition. And for fans listening closely, this new chapter might just be his most expressive yet.