A session drummer with a long list of studio credits, Thompson, first drummed for 70's group Labelle, followed by a long term tenure with pioneer disco band Chic. Following the temporary disbanding of Chic in
1981, Thompson was much in demand with producer Nile Rogers and appeared with artists, such as
David Bowie on his
1983 Let's Dance album. 1983's Live Aid concert saw Thompson joining the remaining members of
Led Zeppelin on stage, and would ultimately lead to him being asked to join them again as a replacement for
John Bonham during a failed reunion attempt in
1986. Thompson's distinctive heavy drum sound can also be heard on The Powerstation's
1985 debut album. Thompson is currently involved with a film soundtrack project with guitarist
Jimmy Page.