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Nigel Olsson (born 10 February 1949) is an English rock drummer best known for his long-time affiliation with Elton John. A dynamic drummer and backing vocalist, Olsson helped establish the Elton John sound as a member of the Elton John Band alongside bassist Dee Murray . When not working with John, Olsson has taken up the role of a session ...
Aug 22, 2018 · Nigel Olsson, the drummer who backed Elton John on his first album in 1969 and has played on many of his most enduring albums and concerts, shares his long tenure in the band, his side interest in auto racing and his retirement plans. He also talks about his experience of teaching Elton how to order a salad in America.
- 31 sec
- Andy Greene
Apr 11, 2011 · Not that there haven't been bumps in the road: in 1975, John let Olsson and Murray go, only to bring Olsson back in 1980 (Murray returned two years later); and then, in 1985, the mercurial superstar jettisoned his rhythm section once again - it would take 15 years, and several fits and starts, for Olsson to take his rightful place on the drummer's throne for good.
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- To date, Nigel has played drums and/or sung backing vocals on 186 studio recordings and 59 live songs released by Elton. This is more than any other drummer who has worked in the band.
- Nigel’s first appearance on an Elton album was as the drummer on Lady, What’s Tomorrow? from Empty Sky, Elton's 1969 debut. He played on select songs on the albums Tumbleweed Connection, Friends and Madman Across The Water before Elton solidified his studio band of Nigel, Dee Murray (bass) and Davey Johnstone (guitars) on Honky Château in 1972.
- Nigel’s most recent credit on an Elton project was as drummer and backing vocalist on Elton's 2016 album Wonderful Crazy Night. Fun fact: Nigel (along with 3 other band members) provided uncredited handclaps on the brilliant stomper, Guilty Pleasure.
- Nigel has performed a total of 2,358 concerts with Elton, starting during the spring of 1970 in Elton’s original 3-piece touring band, with Dee Murray on bass.
Nigel and Dee were invited back to the band in 1980, beginning another four-year run with Elton. Nigel played Saturday Night (from his album Changing Tides) and All I Want Is You, in the middle of Elton’s set on the 1980 tour…the only time Elton has regularly given the stage to a band member during one of his tours.
Jan 15, 2007 · Learn how Nigel Olsson, the drummer and vocalist who played on Elton John's classic hits like "Rocket Man" and "Daniel", returned to the band after a long hiatus. Read his stories and insights on recording, touring, and playing with Elton and Bernie Taupin.
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