I work at a car dealer in So Cal, and Nigel is an occasional customer of ours for servicing his vehicles. He has always been nothing less than a gentleman to all of us, always polite and friendly, and happy to chat. I'm sure this is exactly the type of person he is with anyone. Thank you for posting this terrific interview!
They aren't in yet!? J**%#$H***C**!!! Those bloody American sycophants!..Yeah, Yeah. Yeah!, I know, I know?.."The Golden Mountain"!, "THE ""Sahel Wasteland" to which we export British culture!, etc., the "Cashcow!", the "Golden pimple!,, "Uncle Sam's Sugar Shack",etc ,, etc., BUT!, I don't know if it is because of respect for Bernie Taupin, or WHATEVER!, ..but these boys 👦 toured Canada 🇨🇦 and The Canadian West!, CONTINUOUSLY! and EXTENSIVELY!🌎 ELTON STILL DOES! GOD BLESS 'EM! - CANADA 🇨🇦 ♥️ LOVES these Lads, and has done so since the Get GO! 🚶♀️🚶♂️😀👍What a Gent Nigel Olsson is! (and Johnstone, too! Just fabulous coverage, guys!
I have been in awe of Nigel for decades. The single most underrated musician/drummer on the planet. I have always felt that Nigel provided the punctuation in the wonderful stories that Elton and Bernie were telling. His fills are brilliant, and epic. In my opinion, Nigel completely OWNS the Captain Fantastic album. Seems like a very nice man.
That Goodbye Yellow Brick Road "mistake" is one of the reasons I've been a drummer for over 45 years. Nigel was the first drummer that impressed me and Goodbye Yellow Brick road (the album) was the starting point that taught me how to play drums. I've been a fan since I was a child and was literally excited everytime I saw him playing with Elton. Thank you, Nigel, for those years of great drumming and entertainment.
Thanks, a wonderful interview. I've always loved Nigel, so talented and...handsome ❤️ and I think a big part of Elton's success is due to his musicians:Nigel, Dee, Ray and Davey
I've only come to appreciate Nigel Olsson's talent after having listened to him for decades. Seriously talented and a lovely, humble personality. Pure class!
When I look back to some live performances on BBC with Nigel Elton and Dee doing Madman Across the Water I see Nigel KILLING IT like noone ever has, I realize these guys how incredibly talented they all were live. Thank you for this inciteful interview.
That was great.. Thank you very much... It really helped me to understand what is so special about the sound of Nigel Olsson... The way the drums are recorded in a big room... no effects... and tuned to be in the low register... after days of attention to detail... makes perfect sense... I love the way they sound on the 11-17-70 album... Honky Tonk Woman... The way they slam in after the quiet harmonic beginning to the song... No one expected it... The audience went from laughing to being blown out of the room... The most unique, tasteful & powerful drummer of all time...
25:40 Nigel, the way you came in nearly halfway into "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" was epic. Just when we thought the song lacked drums. And the economy of strikes too!
Nigel is my favorite drummer, I bought his record when it came out. Its interesting hearing him talk about his drum setup, I noticed his bass drums were huge on his last tour with Elton, I would like to hear him talk about that setup.
Wow! Nigel really did have an unique approach, and sound. His timing was perfect! Great interview! A must see and hear for Elton John fans,.... All fans of great music and artists!
Nigel, for this listener, was the most spot-on perfect drum fill master I heard when I was about 12-years old. Those fills were magic and in total service to the song, yet they stood out brilliantly. Gus Dungeon captured a great sound too. The toms sounded fat without overhang. The work on the cymbals, especially those two critical ones of the ride and hi-hat, were sparkling. With Dee Murray on bass there was a rare simpatico thing that was large but so right with Elton. I'm always amazed when the right mix of musicians come together as there is an absolute synergistic melding. I believe that early trio really was the magic that allowed Elton and Bernie to do almost other-worldly work with stunning songs. I just watched the BBC Glastonbury concert and all that stuff was still there if embellished much more. To close, I'd be remiss not to mention this: since Robert Palmer is no longer with us, I think Nigel hands-down wins the title, "best dressed rocker"!
This is the best Nigel interview ive ever seen ! Bravo ! Hi Nigel ! I lived breathed and ate your drum parts when i was a drummer. Believe it or not you and buddy rich !❤❤❤❤❤
Can't imagine anyone else playing drums on those beautiful melodic songs. His feel and beat plus open fills plus vocals were perfect. Simple non ego drumming on huge kits !
Nice. I'll just say I've been mesmerized by the long outro to Curtains and Nigel's amazing drum fills on it since the first listen many years ago. I will also throw in his work on I've Seen That Movie Too. It makes even more sense now hearing him talk about his passion for those types of songs. It shows.
Have been a fan since the early Elton John days. There was something about the way Nigel played, and his vocals that made a lot of those songs really special. I have seen a lot of interviews, and read a lot of books on Elton & the Band over the years. This was by far one of the best interviews with Nigel I've seen. Thank you
The first time I ever heard of Elton was in 73 Crocodile Rock, my favorite album was Captain fantastic, I think that is the best one with Nigel playing, I wore out two albums then got the cd when they came out. I saw them in concert in 1980 I believe it was.
Excellent interview! Your extensive research and encyclopedic knowledge of the Elton/Bernie catalogue is impressive. Nigel's skills are considerable... and what a life in music!
OMG! i Remember you telling me last year on Instagram that you were making a documentary on Nigel Olsson. Today I stumble across this great interview here. I must say was expecting a documentary with lots of footage and info on his personal life, but I am glad anyway. Thank you so much.
To me, Nigel Olsson is like the British version of Russ Kunkel. Both are very natural drummers who play perfect drum parts for each song, like it could not have been played any other way and have sounded as good as they played it.
He's 💯 about Caribou vocals. You can sing higher at 8000 ft. Nigel has been a great friend since the 80s. Saw him in 72 and 22. 50 years I've been a fan 🎉
Tom, you make a great point that was oft'-suspected subconsciously but never expressed anywhere that I heard yet: How the early 70's Elton John Band music WAS the equivalent of 'The Beatles' music, in scope and quality in effect, of the 1970's. I agree.
As a beginner drummer I enjoyed watching Nigel Olsson´s live performances with Elton John. I would describe his drumming style as melodic intensity. He never over played and he never underplayed. I agree Madman Across the Water is one of his best along with Someone Saved My Life Tonight which is my favorite.
Nigel's groove on "The Ballad of Danny Bailey" from Elton's "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" album is THE reason why drum machines, beat boxes and BS hip-hop grooves should just be written off as a musical experiment gone wrong. Bye-bye! Remember kids, there's no substitute for primal. Learn it, know it, live it...
One of his most remarkable performances, I think, is on 'Have Mercy On The Criminal' ... SO many incredible fills and rolls on that song, I can not listen to it without playing air drums ... and on 'Susie (Dramas)', those sort of stoccato fills he plays .... So Good! Butta!
One can easily tell from how he is describing it that the boarding school experience as a young boy was absolutely horrific and terrifying for him. That’s so sad. So sorry he had to experience this.
I know your drum fills Nigel!!! Been doing a deep dive on The Elton John band lately 72-75. Incredible music. Been a fan since HS. First heard Tumbleweed Connection at a babysitting job lol. ❤❤❤
When Elton replaced Nigel and Dee i stopped buying the albums and i was a huge fan. Maybe not every person can tell the difference of Nigels sound but i could as a teenager . He tunes his drums lower than anyone i know. And plays the most incredible suspended fills . And his backing vocals were a big part of Eltons sound . Good to see him healthy and still making music warms my soul!!
One of my all time favorite drummers - I love the original Elton John Band featuring Elton, Dee Murray, Nigel and Davey Johnstone - to me those 4 were like The Beatles - they made great records, great players and great background vocalists -
Always think it’s naive when interviewers are surprised pop musicians can’t read music... music is a listening skill, not a visual skill. Everything is learnt through listening, practising, recording and gigging repeatedly for years on end. Reading was necessary for studio musicians who were operating on a time frame and needed to play an arrangement quickly. Bands and artists who had time to write in the studio didn’t need to do things extremely quickly. It’s far rarer to finds a pop musician who CAN read notation. He asked ‘do you just sit at the drums/microphone and it comes to you?’. Yes, he’s a naturally musical person but also, he’s been doing it for years and years on end!
Odd to look at the hands that played the drums on "Burn Down the Mission," "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting," and "Someone saved my life tonight"... all these years later. He was part of the early magic, the golden age of continuous #1 albums, where the album tracks were as good as the singles picked for release.
The first thing that caught my attention about Nigel when I was a youngster in the 70s was that he had the moxie to put his own name on his drums while playing with Elton John. Then I saw that super high riser he had his kit on so he could be seen above the rest of the band. I thought he must have an incredible ego, but it’s cool to see that he’s actually so down to earth.
Nigel, Dee, Davey, and Ray to th RRHOF! What a travesty that they have not been inducted. I have been a huge fan of Nigel since 1969. Best drummer of all time. Period.
As a fan of Elton's who lived through it all, the most amazing thing I would tell others about their music is that IT WAS NOT ABOUT THE SINGLES, as it is with most bands. The distinguishing feature of their music is how good and consistent it was track to track. Real fans today won't even talk much about the hits as much as songs like these that hold up as great despite no radio play to speak of: SUZY / AMY / DIRTY LITTLE GIRL / I'VE SEEN THE SAUCERS / PINKY / HARMONY / RAZOR FACE / BAD SIDE OF THE MOON / SON OF YOUR FATHER / THE CAGE / STREET KIDS / ELDERBERRY WINE / BLUES FOR BABY AND ME / I'VE SEEN THAT MOVIE TOO / ROTTEN PEACHES / INDIAN SUNSET / WHERE TO NOW, ST. PETER?, and so on.
These podcasts are excellent - no inane questions and the subjects all get to tell their stories. What a bright and engaging guy Nigel is. He must have had some uncomfortable moments when Elton was being a bit gross with his excesses. But they made some fine music - this last 50 years... long may they continue. I do have tickets for a show sometime after COVID!
I saw nigel ollsen when he was the drummer of the fireflies when i was 13 at my school . My teacher was Mrs Fair and her son was part of the group. Think he was called John Fair. Johns mam arranged a Gig for us it was amazing
I nearly closed the youtube clip thinking it was some other person called Nigel Olsson... The 70 to 75 era was fantastic... Bowie also had his band... And Elton his... 2 very different entertainers but around in the same universe simultaneously ... surprised how similar a setup both of them had with their respective bands..
Thankfully i never accepted the job offer from Dick James in the 60s as I would probably never thought of putting Bernie and Elton together.......and this epic journey would not have begun.
Wow Nigel has aged extremely gracefully what a gentleman in my opinion he should be knighted as well Elton John is extremely hard to Drum to It only makes sense now How talented he was going to boarding school And all I actually got a Chance to see Nigel live with Elton my buddy told me that Elton shows were monster rock shows I did not believe him he was absolutely right I’m not sure if Ray Cooper was there
He was one of the people Elton introduced during one of his farewell tours last year. These big music stars have gotten into having farewell tours I don't know if you al are keeping track, as soon as they feel the career is in the decline those farewell tours spring up, Nigel might be taking part on the next on.
25:02 there's an outtake of Springsteen in the studio with his drummer doing the same maddening thing. Max hits the drum head, and Bruce says he's just hearing the "stick" too much.... they repeat it ad nauseam.
I've always believed that (all things considered) if you were to listen and study all of the amazing drum solos, technique and flashy tricks of notable rock drummers within the last fifty years--pretty much all of it--pales in comparison to the first two bars of Led Zeppelin's "When the Levee Breaks" and ANYTHING Nigel Olsson plays on drums. Nigel is unbelievably underrated. His musicality, feel and groove should be a master-class course study in the art of modern rock drumming, presented only to advanced students who will appreciate and understand my point here--amateurs and hacks won't get it. NIGEL RULES!
Yup…. I was at Haileybury in late 70s….. toughened me up but started my first band…. Funnliy enough I was previously at Haileybury Junior boarding school in Windsor with Drummer Zac Starky…
It sounds like, back in the 40s and 50s, most British schools were pretty awful ... just listen, as I know you have, to the tale Roger Waters tells in 'The Happiest Days Of Our Lives' ...
![Elton John at 70 [Interview].](/img/n.gif)
I work at a car dealer in So Cal, and Nigel is an occasional customer of ours for servicing his vehicles. He has always been nothing less than a gentleman to all of us, always polite and friendly, and happy to chat. I'm sure this is exactly the type of person he is with anyone. Thank you for posting this terrific interview!
Let's induct Nigel, Dee, Davey and Ray into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!
Thanks for suggesting that Daisy -- you are 100 percent right - I love the original Elton John Band
They def deserve to be, I guess I never realized they weren't, is Elton? If Elton is his original band deserves to be also!
@@aschule5684 Elton went in the Rock Hall of Fame in 1994, I think Axyl Rose inducted him, I don't think any of his bandmates are.
They aren't in yet!? J**%#$H***C**!!! Those bloody American sycophants!..Yeah, Yeah. Yeah!, I know, I know?.."The Golden Mountain"!, "THE ""Sahel Wasteland" to which we export British culture!, etc., the "Cashcow!", the "Golden pimple!,, "Uncle Sam's Sugar Shack",etc ,, etc., BUT!, I don't know if it is because of respect for Bernie Taupin, or WHATEVER!, ..but these boys 👦 toured Canada 🇨🇦 and The Canadian West!, CONTINUOUSLY! and EXTENSIVELY!🌎 ELTON STILL DOES! GOD BLESS 'EM! - CANADA 🇨🇦 ♥️ LOVES these Lads, and has done so since the Get GO! 🚶♀️🚶♂️😀👍What a Gent Nigel Olsson is! (and Johnstone, too! Just fabulous coverage, guys!
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame IS A JOKE. The music buyers and listeners -- the fans -- know who is who.
I have been in awe of Nigel for decades. The single most underrated musician/drummer on the planet. I have always felt that Nigel provided the punctuation in the wonderful stories that Elton and Bernie were telling. His fills are brilliant, and epic. In my opinion, Nigel completely OWNS the Captain Fantastic album. Seems like a very nice man.
Yep. Always an unexpected, but ultimately fitting fill that, even after years of listening to them, I could never replicate.
It's so surreal to be able to watch Nigel with a belly shirt drumming in 1971 and now an older man in a proper suit. Such different looks!
That Goodbye Yellow Brick Road "mistake" is one of the reasons I've been a drummer for over 45 years. Nigel was the first drummer that impressed me and Goodbye Yellow Brick road (the album) was the starting point that taught me how to play drums. I've been a fan since I was a child and was literally excited everytime I saw him playing with Elton. Thank you, Nigel, for those years of great drumming and entertainment.
Nigel’s always been very humble and down-to-earth. A remarkable talent who’s been vital to Elton’s sound and success for 50 years.
Delightful interview with a massively talented artist. I've been a Nigel Olsson fan from the moment I first heard his playing.
Thanks, a wonderful interview. I've always loved Nigel, so talented and...handsome ❤️ and I think a big part of Elton's success is due to his musicians:Nigel, Dee, Ray and Davey
pnyx I would say huge.
….and Gus Dudgeon.
And Paul Buckmaster :)
When I was 11 I wanted to BE Nigel. Definite man crush
The shot of him on the sleeve inside Caribou was the epic, priceless feminine-hippie Nigel. He looked like Cher back then.
I've only come to appreciate Nigel Olsson's talent after having listened to him for decades. Seriously talented and a lovely, humble personality. Pure class!
Such a gentle soul. Amazing that someone so reserved could unleash the kind of fury he did on Elton John’s “Here and There.”
When I look back to some live performances on BBC with Nigel Elton and Dee doing Madman Across the Water I see Nigel KILLING IT like noone ever has, I realize these guys how incredibly talented they all were live.
Thank you for this inciteful interview.
They had a three-piece rock band that absolutely tore it up. "Burn Down the Mission" is one of my early favorites.
That was great.. Thank you very much... It really helped me to understand what is so special about the sound of Nigel Olsson... The way the drums are recorded in a big room... no effects... and tuned to be in the low register... after days of attention to detail... makes perfect sense... I love the way they sound on the 11-17-70 album... Honky Tonk Woman... The way they slam in after the quiet harmonic beginning to the song... No one expected it... The audience went from laughing to being blown out of the room... The most unique, tasteful & powerful drummer of all time...
Wonderful interview. Thanks, Tom. Thank you, Nigel!
25:40 Nigel, the way you came in nearly halfway into "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" was epic. Just when we thought the song lacked drums. And the economy of strikes too!
That crash when Nigel comes in is my favorite note of the song!
That was the best interview of Nigel, I have ever heard.
Nigel is my favorite drummer, I bought his record when it came out. Its interesting hearing him talk about his drum setup, I noticed his bass drums were huge on his last tour with Elton, I would like to hear him talk about that setup.
Thank you Tom for giving us this fantastic interview with Nigel. Absolutely MUST get him and the original Band members into the RRHOF.
Great interview! Nigel it's a talented drummer and a gentleman.
What a lovely man. Great interview! Soundtrack to my life.
Wow! Nigel really did have an unique approach, and sound. His timing was perfect! Great interview! A must see and hear for Elton John fans,.... All fans of great music and artists!
Nigel, for this listener, was the most spot-on perfect drum fill master I heard when I was about 12-years old. Those fills were magic and in total service to the song, yet they stood out brilliantly. Gus Dungeon captured a great sound too. The toms sounded fat without overhang. The work on the cymbals, especially those two critical ones of the ride and hi-hat, were sparkling. With Dee Murray on bass there was a rare simpatico thing that was large but so right with Elton. I'm always amazed when the right mix of musicians come together as there is an absolute synergistic melding. I believe that early trio really was the magic that allowed Elton and Bernie to do almost other-worldly work with stunning songs. I just watched the BBC Glastonbury concert and all that stuff was still there if embellished much more. To close, I'd be remiss not to mention this: since Robert Palmer is no longer with us, I think Nigel hands-down wins the title, "best dressed rocker"!
Great interview of a truly sweet man. Thank you Tom and Nigel.
If Springsteen's "E Street Band" is in the R&R Hall of Fame, "The Elton John Band," (Davey/Dee/Nigel/Ray) should be, too.
I was at the Nov 20 1974 show, it was amazing! Nigel is a class act and a sweet guy. Terrific singer!
The 'Caribou' tour!! How cool! Very few days go by, in the internet age, that I don't listen to at least one song from that LP 8-)
i was 6 years old exactly the 20 november 1974.
This is the best Nigel interview ive ever seen ! Bravo ! Hi Nigel ! I lived breathed and ate your drum parts when i was a drummer. Believe it or not you and buddy rich !❤❤❤❤❤
Nigel is the the only drummer for me. Elton, Davey, Dee, Nigel and Ray! Enough said, you don’t get any better than that!
For sure, the classic band was THE best.
Yes, and unlike The Beach Boys and the Stones, Elton didn't need Glen Campbell and the Wrecking Crew in LA.
Dee Murray & Nigel Olsson - Elton John Stories
ua-cam.com/video/K4XLH6CEHS0/v-deo.html
Nigel Olsson Recording Session with Dee Murray - Elton John Band
ua-cam.com/video/9knxV4LNu0k/v-deo.html
Reflections on "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" by The Elton John Band - OKWC Conversations
ua-cam.com/video/FtfIWGo50xE/v-deo.html
Fantastic interview, what an awesome guy and amazing drummer.
Can't imagine anyone else playing drums on those beautiful melodic songs. His feel and beat plus open fills plus vocals were perfect. Simple non ego drumming on huge kits !
Nigel and Dee to me were one of the greatest rhythm sections period....right there with Bonham- Jones.... seriously....
Agree. The other one that doesn’t get enough recognition is Fleetwood and McVie.
Fantastic interview (and interviewer) let Nigel talk and speak freely.
Nice. I'll just say I've been mesmerized by the long outro to Curtains and Nigel's amazing drum fills on it since the first listen many years ago. I will also throw in his work on I've Seen That Movie Too. It makes even more sense now hearing him talk about his passion for those types of songs. It shows.
This interview is bloody awesome! Never knew stuff and so interesting.
Among the greatest drummers of all time
Have been a fan since the early Elton John days. There was something about the way Nigel played, and his vocals that made a lot of those songs really special. I have seen a lot of interviews, and read a lot of books on Elton & the Band over the years. This was by far one of the best interviews with Nigel I've seen. Thank you
The first time I ever heard of Elton was in 73 Crocodile Rock, my favorite album was Captain fantastic, I think that is the best one with Nigel playing, I wore out two albums then got the cd when they came out. I saw them in concert in 1980 I believe it was.
@@kenh733 Captain Fantastic is my fav album of all time by anyone I think. I have to listen to it in order from beginning to end.
Sandy same with me, I finally found out how he made the drums sound that way on the Captain Fantastic album .
Great interview. Love you Nigel!
Loved the interview and love you, Nigel. Rock on \m/
What a wonderful interview, thanks very much.
Great interview loved it!!
Lovely , mega talented guy, great interviewer with a deep knowledge of Nigels work.
Excellent interview! Your extensive research and encyclopedic knowledge of the Elton/Bernie catalogue is impressive. Nigel's skills are considerable... and what a life in music!
I was at that Boston Garden show on Nov 20 1974. It was amazing. Nigel is a class act and a sweet guy.
Failed at getting tickets for that one but ended up seeing Yes there a few weeks later. Loudest concert ever!
Days later John Lennon showed up at the MSG show in NYC and played three numbers.
Yes for the hall of fame !❤
OMG! i Remember you telling me last year on Instagram that you were making a documentary on Nigel Olsson. Today I stumble across this great interview here. I must say was expecting a documentary with lots of footage and info on his personal life, but I am glad anyway. Thank you so much.
Nigel, in his younger days, was one of the most physically gorgeous men I've ever seen.
To me, Nigel Olsson is like the British version of Russ Kunkel. Both are very natural drummers who play perfect drum parts for each song, like it could not have been played any other way and have sounded as good as they played it.
Both great drummers!
The drums on Captain Fantastic, the leather suit, so artistic, powerful, and timeless.
He's 💯 about Caribou vocals. You can sing higher at 8000 ft. Nigel has been a great friend since the 80s. Saw him in 72 and 22. 50 years I've been a fan 🎉
Yes. Nigel, Dee, Davy and Ray should be inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame!
Tom, you make a great point that was oft'-suspected subconsciously but never expressed anywhere that I heard yet: How the early 70's Elton John Band music WAS the equivalent of 'The Beatles' music, in scope and quality in effect, of the 1970's. I agree.
As a beginner drummer I enjoyed watching Nigel Olsson´s live performances with Elton John. I would describe his drumming style as melodic intensity. He never over played and he never underplayed. I agree Madman Across the Water is one of his best along with Someone Saved My Life Tonight which is my favorite.
What a great series of interviews. Fantastic!
Nigel's groove on "The Ballad of Danny Bailey" from Elton's "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" album is THE reason why drum machines, beat boxes and BS hip-hop grooves should just be written off as a musical experiment gone wrong. Bye-bye! Remember kids, there's no substitute for primal. Learn it, know it, live it...
One of his most remarkable performances, I think, is on 'Have Mercy On The Criminal' ... SO many incredible fills and rolls on that song, I can not listen to it without playing air drums ... and on 'Susie (Dramas)', those sort of stoccato fills he plays .... So Good! Butta!
Hahaha. Love it... ditto auto-tune
What a marvellous interview.
One can easily tell from how he is describing it that the boarding school experience as a young boy was absolutely horrific and terrifying for him. That’s so sad. So sorry he had to experience this.
look what it made him into though...hard at the time, but a proven method with a good result here...I know, I went through the same
Is the separation of age groups what Prince Harry refers to, only his complaint is that Wm personally refused to interact with him?
very kind man and talented and handsome.
I know your drum fills Nigel!!! Been doing a deep dive on The Elton John band lately 72-75. Incredible music. Been a fan since HS. First heard Tumbleweed Connection at a babysitting job lol. ❤❤❤
When Elton replaced Nigel and Dee i stopped buying the albums and i was a huge fan. Maybe not every person can tell the difference of Nigels sound but i could as a teenager . He tunes his drums lower than anyone i know. And plays the most incredible suspended fills . And his backing vocals were a big part of Eltons sound . Good to see him healthy and still making music warms my soul!!
One of my all time favorite drummers - I love the original Elton John Band featuring Elton, Dee Murray, Nigel and Davey Johnstone - to me those 4 were like The Beatles - they made great records, great players and great background vocalists -
agreed
In this video Mr. Nigel Ohlsson looks like a banker. But, he is one of the greatest rock drummers of all time!
Always think it’s naive when interviewers are surprised pop musicians can’t read music... music is a listening skill, not a visual skill. Everything is learnt through listening, practising, recording and gigging repeatedly for years on end. Reading was necessary for studio musicians who were operating on a time frame and needed to play an arrangement quickly. Bands and artists who had time to write in the studio didn’t need to do things extremely quickly. It’s far rarer to finds a pop musician who CAN read notation. He asked ‘do you just sit at the drums/microphone and it comes to you?’. Yes, he’s a naturally musical person but also, he’s been doing it for years and years on end!
Odd to look at the hands that played the drums on "Burn Down the Mission," "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting," and "Someone saved my life tonight"... all these years later. He was part of the early magic, the golden age of continuous #1 albums, where the album tracks were as good as the singles picked for release.
example of nice, interesting celeb and an interviewer who doesn’t get in the way. Great stories.
Love Nigel!
Interesting interview. Thanks for posting.
What a great interview !
The first thing that caught my attention about Nigel when I was a youngster in the 70s was that he had the moxie to put his own name on his drums while playing with Elton John. Then I saw that super high riser he had his kit on so he could be seen above the rest of the band. I thought he must have an incredible ego, but it’s cool to see that he’s actually so down to earth.
Nigel, Dee, Davey, and Ray to th RRHOF! What a travesty that they have not been inducted. I have been a huge fan of Nigel since 1969. Best drummer of all time. Period.
As a fan of Elton's who lived through it all, the most amazing thing I would tell others about their music is that IT WAS NOT ABOUT THE SINGLES, as it is with most bands. The distinguishing feature of their music is how good and consistent it was track to track. Real fans today won't even talk much about the hits as much as songs like these that hold up as great despite no radio play to speak of:
SUZY / AMY / DIRTY LITTLE GIRL / I'VE SEEN THE SAUCERS / PINKY / HARMONY / RAZOR FACE / BAD SIDE OF THE MOON / SON OF YOUR FATHER / THE CAGE / STREET KIDS / ELDERBERRY WINE / BLUES FOR BABY AND ME / I'VE SEEN THAT MOVIE TOO / ROTTEN PEACHES / INDIAN SUNSET / WHERE TO NOW, ST. PETER?, and so on.
These podcasts are excellent - no inane questions and the subjects all get to tell their stories. What a bright and engaging guy Nigel is. He must have had some uncomfortable moments when Elton was being a bit gross with his excesses. But they made some fine music - this last 50 years... long may they continue. I do have tickets for a show sometime after COVID!
great interview tom
Once Nigel was replaced, the drums were never their own personality again.
Nigel is still with Elton , most gigs
Love him been with Elton on and off since the troubadour
I saw nigel ollsen when he was the drummer of the fireflies when i was 13 at my school . My teacher was Mrs Fair and her son was part of the group. Think he was called John Fair. Johns mam arranged a Gig for us it was amazing
looking dapper in that pinstripe suit and slick shoes....one would never guess he kicked ass on the drums for decades
I nearly closed the youtube clip thinking it was some other person called Nigel Olsson... The 70 to 75 era was fantastic... Bowie also had his band... And Elton his... 2 very different entertainers but around in the same universe simultaneously ... surprised how similar a setup both of them had with their respective bands..
Nigel is a drummer in the Ringo tradition
Thankfully i never accepted the job offer from Dick James in the 60s as I would probably never thought of putting Bernie and Elton together.......and this epic journey would not have begun.
Fantastic interview! I don’t know who you are Tom, but I’ve become an instant fan!
In the 80’s I delivered a pizza from Domino’s to Nigel’s house In Raleigh,NC.
Nobody does the "dramatic fill" like Nigel Olsen...
Wow Nigel has aged extremely gracefully what a gentleman in my opinion he should be knighted as well Elton John is extremely hard to Drum to It only makes sense now How talented he was going to boarding school And all I actually got a Chance to see Nigel live with Elton my buddy told me that Elton shows were monster rock shows I did not believe him he was absolutely right I’m not sure if Ray Cooper was there
He was one of the people Elton introduced during one of his farewell tours last year. These big music stars have gotten into having farewell tours I don't know if you al are keeping track, as soon as they feel the career is in the decline those farewell tours spring up, Nigel might be taking part on the next on.
25:02 there's an outtake of Springsteen in the studio with his drummer doing the same maddening thing. Max hits the drum head, and Bruce says he's just hearing the "stick" too much.... they repeat it ad nauseam.
Such a handsome gentleman.
Boarding school aged 5 is child abuse really. Bad enough for me aged 13.
I’m so sorry Nigel for your early life.
I've always believed that (all things considered) if you were to listen and study all of the amazing drum solos, technique and flashy tricks of notable rock drummers within the last fifty years--pretty much all of it--pales in comparison to the first two bars of Led Zeppelin's "When the Levee Breaks" and ANYTHING Nigel Olsson plays on drums. Nigel is unbelievably underrated. His musicality, feel and groove should be a master-class course study in the art of modern rock drumming, presented only to advanced students who will appreciate and understand my point here--amateurs and hacks won't get it. NIGEL RULES!
Olsson/Murray a classic rock rhythm section as good as Baker/Bruce, Moon/Entwistle, Bonham/Jones. EJ's records without them were generally poor.
I get it and totally do agree ....
I totally agree!!!
Early Uriah Heep days would be good to hear more about
Yup…. I was at Haileybury in late 70s….. toughened me up but started my first band…. Funnliy enough I was previously at Haileybury Junior boarding school in Windsor with Drummer Zac Starky…
listening for the 3rd time, still interesting
Dee Murray & Nigel Olsson - Elton John Stories
ua-cam.com/video/K4XLH6CEHS0/v-deo.html
I remember as a kid going to Sunderland and Nigel’s mom made me bacon sandwiches.
Mr. Olsson is a very nice person. I know this.
Nigel, Dee, and Davey are as much a part of the Elton John sound as Elton himself.
the movie was a bunt because they did not include his classic band memebers
Funny, but I actually know his brother. His son and my son went to the same school and he lived a few houses down from us.
Pls, what is the status the the Dee Murray documentary?
Boarding School sounds horrific!
It sounds like, back in the 40s and 50s, most British schools were pretty awful ... just listen, as I know you have, to the tale Roger Waters tells in 'The Happiest Days Of Our Lives' ...
The first Uriah Heep drummer prior to Elton John
Nigel, have you read the list of bands that are in the rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame?