Nigel Olsson

Nigel Olsson is best known as Elton John's first drummer and one of the early drummers in the hard rock band Uriah Heep (ca. 1970). Olsson played drums and sang backing vocals on John's first several albums. In 1975, Olsson along with bass guitarist Dee Murray were released from the band, and Olsson found work as a studio musician and enjoy mild success as a solo artist. In 1981, he and Murray returned to Elton's band, but only for four more years. Olsson's next full time gig didn't come until 1991, when he joined the band Warpipes, which was founded by another Elton John friend, Davey Johnstone. The band folded after one album. Olsson spent the next few years relaxing in California with his wife and son, racing vintage cars for fun. Olsson finally made his triumphant return to Elton John's band for good in 2000 as part of his touring band, alternating between drums and backing vocals on certain songs.(The songs Olsson didn't play drums on, typically the newer songs, were handled by Curt Bisquera.) Nigel took over the full-time drumming chores when Bisquera left to pursue other projects. Olsson, never seen on stage without his trademark headphones and gloves, has been said to have a soulful singing voice.

Related Topics:
Elton John - Drummer - Uriah Heep - Drums - Backing vocals - 1975 - Bass guitarist - Dee Murray - Solo artist - 1981 - 1991 - Warpipes - Davey Johnstone - California - Vintage cars - 2000 - Curt Bisquera - Headphones - Gloves - Soulful

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