David BaleA teenage boy is proving a chip off the old block and now plays drums with a Norwich band - just like his father.David Bale

A teenage boy is proving a chip off the old block and now plays drums with a Norwich band - just like his father.

Jack Buttifant, 13, plays drums with the rock band Uprising, who have their first headlining gig in Norwich next week.

Jack's father, Carl 'Butty' Buttifant, 46, has played drums for Norwich band, the Floating Greyhounds, for 17 years, and started hitting the sticks when he was just six.

He said: 'I love it that Jack now plays drums in a band and is following in my footsteps. He got his first drumsticks about four years ago, but it's only in the last year he has really taken it up. I have been teaching him how to play drums and I'm really chuffed he's doing it.

'He has sat in on drums for the Floating Greyhounds many times and is really good.

'Jack's band, Uprising, have been supporting us around the county for the last few months as they only had enough material for a support set.

'But now after a lot of hard work at Earth Studios in Salhouse Road they have a full set and have their first headlining gig at The Boundary pub on Aylsham Rd, Norwich on February 19.

'Give him another year and he could be as good as me.'

Jack, who goes to Sewell Park College in Norwich, said playing drums was 'fun' and kept him from sitting around 'feeling bored'.

He said: 'When I play gigs you get an immense feeling from the audience. I want to carry on doing it and maybe get noticed.'

The family lives in Mile Cross, Norwich and also comprises mum Claire, son Jamie, 22, and daughter Mollie, 10, who plays some bass guitar.

Mr Buttifant added: 'Jamie, who's a bar manager, did not want anything to do with music and is more interested in sport. But Claire loves it. We do have a drum kit in our shed, but when we practise we go to studios. I don't really need to practise much as I've been playing drums for 40 years.'

He lists his favourite band as Deep Purple and his favourite drummer as Purple's Ian Paice, while his son prefers Nickelback.

Uprising will play at the Boundary from 9pm on February 19. No tickets are required, just turn up.

Have you got a story about a family tradition being carried on into the next generation? Ring reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.