|
|
Gimme a beat! Those might be the first words drummer and vocalist Nick ever heard as a child that he actually understood. Words like eat and sleep didnt seem to sink in at all. In some ways, to Shut Up And Drives hyper-talented and tireless rhythm machine, they still dont! |
|
Nicks
story begins in October of 1962, where he was born in Chicago IL. His
parents home was always full of music. His Mom Nancy (an established
actress and dancer), and his Dad Emil (well-known pianist and singer)
always encouraged Nicks love for music, especially drums. My Mom
tells me I would crawl into the kitchen and drag out the pots and pans for
my impromptu drum solos, Nick says. I was drumming before I was
walking! Trading the cooking
utensils for a real drum kit (much to the delight of his parents), Nick
spent the next 12 years practicing and developing his skills. He landed
his first professional job filling the drum chair in his own fathers
band! How cool is that? At an age where most boys still have no idea who
they are, Nick already had a huge jump-start. Dad taught me the ropes
of the music business, Nick says. He also taught me how to listen,
and to play for the song. Those early lessons would prove to be
invaluable down the road, lessons that some musicians never learn in a
lifetime! In 1979, the family
moved to Arizona. Nick and Dads band played at several resorts and
clubs throughout the state, while Nick performed on the classic Lew King
Radio Show and Don Jackson Radio Show, backing many popular artists of the
late 70s. In 1981 Nick went on
the road with an original project, White Noise, in support of their debut
album. It was four months of travel, fun and musical growthnot
necessarily in that order, Nick relates. Coming home in 82,
Nick joined local favorites Critical Mass, once again playing clubs in
Arizona. 1992 was a turning
point for Nick. Valley rock and blues favorites The Alley Kats was formed
that year, and for the next 10 years they played classic rock and blues
covers, together with some original compositions, for very enthusiastic
audiences all over Arizona. In August 2002, Nick
joined Pat, Rick and Jeff to form Shut Up And Drive. Nick doesnt
hesitate when he says, Ive been playing drums for over 30 years, and
this is by far the most exciting group that I have ever been in. This band
is so good its scary! For all of his
experience, Nick still has a child-like excitement about playing rock and
roll. The club can be packed, the energy level ready to boil over, but
when its time to go onstage Nick just says with a big smile Time to
rock this place! Someone shout out Gimme a beat!
|
