He is known for being the drummer for the rock bands The Libertines and Dirty Pretty Things.

[2] Powell is primarily known for being the drummer for the British bands The Libertines[2] and Dirty Pretty Things, as well as Guyanese-British reggae musician Eddy Grant.

[3] He joined The Libertines in 2001 after being introduced to frontmen Carl Barât and Pete Doherty by their then-manager Banny Poostchi.

He also played with the New York Dolls for their 2004 reunion shows, Powell has performed at the Isle of Wight Festival, Wireless Festival, T in the Park and Oxygen, as well as playing with Red Hot Chili Peppers.

[3] From 2016 to January 2019, Powell was the touring drummer for ska band The Specials, replacing the late John Bradbury.