Drummer

Richard Nicholas

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About Richard Nicholas

An adept and diligent pro drummer of 20 years. Rich is based in London.
Drummer
London
Public liability insurance of £10 million

Rich studied Music, Music Performance and Music Tech at A-Level before graduating with a degree from The Academy Of Contemporary Music in Guildford in 2006. Since then, he has gone on to make a successful career as a freelance drummer, playing 1000s of gigs, touring nationally and internationally with pop and rock acts such as Chlöe Howl, Summer camp, Noisettes and Nick Harrison, supporting the likes of Ellie Goulding, Bastille, John Newman, Miley Cyrus, Tom Odell, to name a few. Rick has also been honoured to be able to perform sessions for BBC Maida Vale, BBC Live Lounge and record at world renowned studios such as Miloco and the legendary Abbey Road Studios. Alongside teaching and gigging, Rich is also a highly accomplished dance accompanist (drums and piano) of 13 years. A dance accompanist's role is to provide improvised composition of a musical part or piece that supports and partners the physical movement of a group of dancers. Other than musical skill, the job requires grit and the courage to express yourself and try something new. This is a quality that Rich endeavours to pass on to his drum students too. Rich is available for live and studio work across the UK.

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This act has been working with Encore for over 3 years
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Musicianship
Genres:
Pop, Funk, R&B, Hip Hop, Disco, Covers, Funk rock, Motown, Top 40, Soul, Acoustic, Ambient pop, Karaoke, Tribute, World music, African music, Bossa nova, Electronic, Ambient, Triphop, Techno, House, 1990s era music, 1980s era music, 1960s era music, 1970s era music, Originals, Folk, Country, Blues, Rock, Classic rock, Pop rock, Progressive rock, Punk rock, Alternative rock, Britpop, Hard rock, Indie, Rock 'n' Roll, Power rock, Synth rock, Drum 'n' Bass, Jungle, Breakbeat, Dubstep
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Instruments:
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Event types:
Wedding, Corporate event, Theatre / Show, Birthday party, Recording session, Concert, Private event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Charity event, Hotel / Restaurant event, New Year's Eve, Virtual event, Cruise
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Other skills:
Instrumental teaching, Accompanist, Ableton Live, Drum technician
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Richard Nicholas' Song list

POP
Sorry - Justin Bieber
Shape Of You - Ed Sheeran
Happy - Pharrell
Mirrors - Justin Timberlake
Señorita - Justin Timberlake
Can’t Stop the Feeling - Justin Timberlake
Rock Your Body - Justin Timberlake
Cry Me A River - Justin Timberlake
24k Magic - - Bruno Mars
Locked Out Of Heaven - Bruno Mars
Treasure - Bruno Mars
Valerie - Amy Winehouse
Love Machine - Girls Aloud
Push the Button - Sugababes
Round Round - Sugababes
Freak Like Me - Sugababes
Shake It Off - Taylor Swift
Don't You Worry Child - Swedish House Mafia
Wake Me Up - Avicii
Budapest - George Ezra
Blame It On Me - George Ezra
Crazy - Gnarls Barkley
You’ve Got The Love - Florence And The Machine
Ho Hey - Lumineers
Shut Up And Dance - Walk The Moon
I Can’t Feel My Face - The Weekend
The Cave - Mumford & Sons
I Will Wait - Mumford & Sons
Guiding Light - Mumford & Sons
Little Lion Man - Mumford & Sons
Riptide - Vance Joy
Jolene - Dolly Parton
Workin' 9 till 5 - Dolly Parton
Karma Chameleon - Boy George
Pencil Full of Lead - Paulo Nutini
Jenny Don't Be Hasty - Paulo Nutini
Can’t Get You Out of My Head - Kylie Minogue
Better Together - Jack Johnson
Dancing Queen - ABBA
Dancing In The Moonlight - Toploader
Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
You're All I Have - Snow Patrol
Pompeii - Bastille
Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond
Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay - Otis Reading
POP ROCK
Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Queen
We Will Rock You - Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen
Another One Bites The Dust - Queen
You Make My Dreams Come True - Hall & Oates
Brown Eyed Girl - Jim Morrison
Have A Nice Day - Stereophonics
Dakota - Stereophonics
Maybe Tomorrow - Stereophonics
Hangbags & Gladrags - Stereophonics
A Little Respect - Wheetus
Teenage Dirtbag - Wheetus
The Sweetest Thing - U2
All The Small Things - Blink 182
Brimful of Asher - Cornershop
Go Your Own Way - Fleetwood Mac
500 Miles - The Proclaimers
Stuck in the Middle - Stealers Wheel
Dancing In The Dark - Bruce Springsteen
Rosanna - Toto
Africa - Toto
Hold The Line - Toto
Make Me Smile - Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel
The Galway Girl - Steve Earle
ROCK AND ROLL
You Really Got Me - The Kinks
Can't Buy Me Love - The Beatles
Rock Around The Clock - Bill Haley & His Comets
Suspicious Minds - Elvis
Blue Suede Shoes - Elvis
Hound Dog - Elvis
Jailhouse Rock - Elvis
I’m A Believer - The Beatles
With A Little Help From My Friends - The Beatles
Hey Jude - The Beatles
Twist and Shout - The Kinks
Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison
Johnny B Goode - Chuck Berry
You Never Can Tell - Chuck Berry
All Day and All of the Night - The Beatles
Hard Day’s Night - The Beatles
Saw her Standing There - The Beatles
Folsom Prison Blues - Johnny Cash
I Get Around - The Beach Boys
God Only Knows - The Beach Boys
Good Vibrations - The Beach Boys
Surfin' U.S.A - The Beach Boys
Hey Jude - The Beatles
The Night - Frankie Vallie And The Four Seasons
Reelin' In The Years - Steely Dan
House Of The Rising Sun - The Animals
My Generation - The Who
Should I Stay or Should I Go - The Clash
Jumping Jack Flash - The Rolling Stones
Town Called Malice - The Jam
I Get The Sweetest Feeling - Jackie Wilson
Bad Moon Rising - Creedence Clearwater Revival
INDIE
Last Nite - The Strokes
Someday - The Strokes
Reptilia - The Strokes
Yellow - Coldplay
Trouble - Coldplay
Viva La Vida - Coldplay
Parklife - Blur
Coffee & TV - Blur
Teenage Kicks - The Undertones
She’s Electric - Oasis
Don't Look Back In Anger - Oasis
Wonderwall - Oasis
Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor - Arctic Monkeys
When The Sun Goes Down - Arctic Monkeys
All These Things That I Have Done - The Killers
Mr Brightside - The Killers
The Bucket - Kings Of Leon
Sex on Fire - Kings Of Leon
Take Me Out - Franz Ferdinand
The Dark Of The Matinée - Franz Ferdinand
In The Morning - Razorlight
Naive - The Kooks
Disco 2000 - Pulp
Bohemian Like You - The Dandy Warhols
Friday I'm In Love - The Cure
Lovecats - The Cure
Dreaming of You - The Coral
HIP HOP / NEO-SOUL / RNB
Hey Ya - Outkast
Roses - Outkast
Spread - Outkast
Brown Sugar - D'Angelo
Chicken Grease - D'Angelo
Spanish Joint - D’Angelo
FUNK
Superstition - Stevie Wonder
Isn't She Lovely - Stevie Wonder
Master blaster - Stevie Wonder
Higher Ground - Stevie Wonder
Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

I am privileged to be the drummer for gigs as I get to make people want to dance and move! I think thats what people like about my performance - its funky and groovy and makes you feel good to listen to.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

To name a few - The Roundhouse Somerset House Southbank Central All the major UK and several international festivals Abbey Rd Studios

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

Nirvana and Led Zeppelin were early influences. Dave Grohl was heavily influenced by John Bonham, so that style of playing left a lasting impression on me. As I got older it was drummers like Chris Daddy Dave, Steve Jordan, Nate Smith, Benny Greb and artists like Fugees, The Roots, The Bad Plus. I love jamming to Nils Frahm at the moment.

What is the most high profile gig you've performed?

Playing at Abbey Road Studios for the Brit Awards was a highlight, but without a doubt, the most mind blowing experience was sharing a stage with (and meeting) Stevie Wonder at Hard Rock Calling in 2010. What a guy.

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

I always try my best to be flexible to help ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible. If timings change slightly in the run up to the event just let me know :)

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

I have a very large network of music professionals at my disposal and can absolutely help organise either PA hire or finding the right DJ for your event.

How much time do you need to set up?

I usually require at least an hour to setup my kit and make sure everything is sounding good for the event.

Can I pick the pieces you play from the set list?

Of course - I am happy to discuss any special needs you have to make your event successful and tailored to you.

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

Absolutely. I will be bringing my stunning white pearl, Ludwig drum kit and will be appropriately suited and booted :)

Can you learn specific pieces before the event?

Yes - I am able to cater to most needs in terms of repertoire.

Richard Nicholas' Prices

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Standard Prices
Performance durationPrice
Short performance (up to 15 min)£120
Up to 1 hour£160
Up to 2 hours£200
Up to 3 hours£300
Richard Nicholas
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5
3 verified reviews

Richard Nicholas' Reviews

From customers:

BH
Ben H
1 year ago, for a Private event in Main Rd
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5

I’ve hired Rich’s services for dozens of events now and every time he delivers. Courteous, professional, and an exceptional drummer with an outstanding musical ear - I heartily recommend Rich for any project!

HE
Henry E
2 years ago, for a Concert in 31-35 Coate St
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5

I was fortunate enough to have Rich along with me on my last tour with Hi Frisco. He brought the tracks to life, which is no mean feat as they’re awash with samples and percussion.. He stands out as an exceptionally talented, creative, adaptive drummer, and all round good guy who has quickly become my go to for all things rhythmical.

Read all 3 reviews