Gary Whelan (born 10 January 1966) is an English drummer, best known as a co-founder and the long-serving drummer of the Madchester band Happy Mondays. His distinctive drumming style, often incorporating a loose, funky, and dance-oriented rhythm, was a key element of the band's sound and contributed significantly to their success and the wider Madchester movement of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Whelan was born in Little Hulton, Salford, England. He formed Happy Mondays in Salford, Greater Manchester, in 1980 with brothers Shaun and Paul Ryder, and bassist Paul Davis. The band signed with Factory Records in 1985 and went on to release several critically acclaimed albums, including Squirrel and G-Man Twenty Four Hour Party People Plastic Face Carnt Smile (White Out) (1987), Bummed (1988), and their most commercially successful album, Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches (1990). Their music blended indie rock with funk, house, and psychedelic influences, defining an era.
Following the initial breakup of Happy Mondays in 1992, Whelan remained active in the music scene. He briefly played with Black Grape, another band formed by Shaun Ryder. He also toured and recorded with other acts, including as a live drummer for Dirty Vegas and The Farm. Whelan has been part of all subsequent Happy Mondays reunions, which have included tours and new recordings. His contributions continue to be central to the band's live performances and enduring appeal.