[2] Never a self-professed technical drummer, Bunker engaged with the essence of blues and rock and roll, influenced by Ginger Baker and Mitch Mitchell.

In this early career, playing in small venues, Bunker had an extraordinary non-matching drum kit, composed of bits and pieces of various manufacturers’ equipment.

However, he left after the band released its most popular album to that date, Aqualung, to get married and spend more time with his new wife.

Bunker said about his decision to leave Jethro Tull while its success was growing: After Jethro Tull, Bunker recorded and performed as a session musician with a variety of acts, including Blodwyn Pig, Robin Trower, Steve Howe, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, Jack Bruce, Gordon Giltrap, Uli Jon Roth, Electric Sun, Steve Hillage, Solstice, Glenn Hughes and Jerry Donahue.

[5] In 1978, Bunker founded the band Aviator with Jack Lancaster, a former Blodwyn Pig bandmate.