[6] During this period, Rowland also played session for Shawn Phillips, Andy Mackay, Jackie Lomax, Gallagher and Lyle, and others, also contributing drums to the original recording of Jesus Christ Superstar.
[2] Rowland's involvement with Fairport Convention began in 1972, a particularly turbulent year for them, during which they had three drummers.
[2] Following a tour, during which roadie Paul Warren played the drums, Johns suggested Bruce Rowland as a permanent replacement for Mattacks.
Rowland also worked as a session musician, appearing on Bryn Haworth's 1975 album Sunny Side of the Street.
[9] Fairport took a break apart from playing concerts between 1979 and 1985 and during this period Rowland (sometimes at the same time as Mattacks) provided drums for these performances;[10] he appears on the live album of the 1981 reunion, Moat on the Ledge.