
Geoff Nicholls
Geoff Nicholls is a musician, journalist, author and lecturer based in London. He co-wrote, co-presented and played drums on both series of ‘Rockschool’ for BBC2 in the 1980s.
Before that he was a member of original bands signed by Decca, RCA, EMI and more. ‘Rockschool’ led to a parallel career writing articles for many publications, from the Guardian to Mojo, but most notably Rhythm magazine, for which he was the longest serving and most diverse contributor.
During this time Geoff toured the USA with Hugh Harris for Capitol-EMI, spent many happy years with Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers, recorded and gigged with Chicago blues legends including Carey Bell, Mojo Buford, Louisiana Red and Nappy Brown. More recently he infiltrated the folk-world-music scene with MoltenAmba.
He has taught on the Guildhall Music School’s Jazz and Rock Summer School from 1985 to 2025 and for many years lectured in music business and copyright law.
Meantime he has written award-winning books (e.g., ‘John Bonham, A Thunder of Drums’, 2002, with Chris Welch) and series for radio (1993’s ‘Byte The Music’ for BBC Radio 3 won First Prize Gold Award at the New York Radio Festival). ‘The Drum Book’ (1997, fully updated in 2008) remains the definitive account of the evolution of the modern drum kit.
Latest articles by Geoff Nicholls

When British rock drumming ruled the world
By Geoff Nicholls published
Half a century ago, a select handful of British drummers became the most talked about and influential players in the world

The story of Gene Krupa, the king of swing
By Geoff Nicholls published
Krupa was "a dazzling blitzkrieg of cymbal and snare drum violence", and one of the most influential drummers ever

Ginger Baker, the reluctant rock god
By Geoff Nicholls published
He may not have admitted it (or anything else), but Ginger was at the forefront of rock conquering the world

Natal Café Racer kit
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
Natal gives us a bargain-priced alternative to their established Originals Series in new and exotic-sounding American tulipwood

Sonor SQ1 Series Drums
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
Sonor’s latest top range all-birch kit sees the debut of a clever new and unobtrusive technology for tom mounting

Gretsch Broadkaster Vintage Series
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
Gretsch edges it in the legendary stakes with its 'round badge' Broadkaster drums from the '50s and '60s – favourites of studio drummers and producers.

Yamaha Recording Custom
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
Few drum kits achieve legendary status. Gretsch's round-badge Broadkaster, Ludwig's Super Classic. Add to those Yamaha's Recording Custom, commonly called the Yamaha 9000.

DW Collector's Series Cherry Mahogany Kit
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
Last year we reviewed a DW Collector's Series kit with all-cherry wood shells.

Steve Gadd's drum setup: legendary session drummer's kit in pictures
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
Steve and his tech talk session drumming, technique and gear

John Bonham, the quintessential rock god
By Geoff Nicholls published
How Bonzo's triplets helped British rock rule the roost

Oriollo Ferromang Series Drums
By Geoff Nicholls published
Oriollo’s unique drums are built in Serbia and available in a variety of seamless spun or cast metals

British Drum Co The Duke Snare Drum
By Geoff Nicholls published
From the misty peat bogs of East Anglia

Provenance Ardbeg snare drum
By Geoff Nicholls published
Will this stave oak creation will have you drunk with delight?

Zebra Drums Free Floating drum kit
By Geoff Nicholls published
Combining modernistic and vintage aesthetics

Sabian Crescent Stanton Moore Signature Cymbals
By Geoff Nicholls published
New Orleans native Stanton Moore’s unique and updated self-designed Crescent cymbal set is now made by Sabian

Ludwig NeuSonic Series drum kit
By Geoff Nicholls published
Ludwig's first US-built kit to sell in the UK for under £1,500

British Drum Co Ltd Edition Wild Etimoe Lounge Kit
By Geoff Nicholls published
BDC motors past a major milestone

Remo ColorTone Drum Heads
By Geoff Nicholls published
Remo finally manages to mass produce full-toned and dynamic coloured heads

Noble and Cooley CD Drum Kit
By Geoff Nicholls published
A genuine alternative to the mainstream, combining classic and cutting-edge design

Ludwig Raw Brass Phonic & Standard Maple snare drums
By Geoff Nicholls published
Two new contrasting snares from Ludwig

One O One Black Diamond & SupraNolic snares
By Geoff Nicholls published
Top notch wood-fibre composite snares from the young, eco-conscious, Swedish custom build company
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