Geoff Nicholls

Geoff Nicholls

Freelance Gear Reviewer, MusicRadar

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

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Sonor AQ2 Bop Drum Kit

By Geoff Nicholls published

A big step forward for aspirational Sonor owners

Drum Kits
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British drum heroes: Ian Paice, the hard rock survivor

By Geoff Nicholls published

In praise of the Deep Purple icon

Drummers
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Cockney Rebel and session ace Stuart Elliott: "Kate Bush is always the first name I mention… even John Lydon can’t say enough good words about her"

By Geoff Nicholls published

Elite drummer reflects on a charmed session career

Drummers
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Code Single-ply drum heads

By Geoff Nicholls published

Single-ply heads from a new name on the block

Drum Gear
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Provenance SS Pegu Burmese Teak snare drum

By Geoff Nicholls published

A snare drum built from timber salvaged from the Irish sea

Snare Drums
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SJC Foundation X Series hardware

By Geoff Nicholls published

Custom drum maker branches out with its own series of Foundation hardware, stands and pedals

Drums
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Sabian B8X and XSR O-Zone Cymbals

By Geoff Nicholls published

You talk, Sabian listens

Cymbals
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RePercussion Drums Subterranean English Bog Oak snare drum

By Geoff Nicholls published

A new face on the UK builder scene

Snare Drums
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Spaun Hybrid Acrylic and Maple Kit

By Geoff Nicholls published

Wood and acrylic combine in this colourful hybrid kit

Drum Kits
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HHG Stave Shell Snare Drums

By Geoff Nicholls published

Impressive solid-stave shell snare drums from an established American boutique maker

Snare Drums
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Sabian FRX Cymbals

By Geoff Nicholls published

Fed up of being asked to keep your cymbals down?

Cymbals
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Ludwig Heirloom Snare Drum

By Geoff Nicholls published

Ludwig adds this slick looking stainless steel snare drum to its ever-multiplying and always impressive roster

Snare Drums
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Pearl Modern Utility Snare Drums

By Geoff Nicholls published

Snares that won’t break the bank

Snare Drums
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Sonor 4000 Series Hardware

By Geoff Nicholls published

Smart stands and pedals of pro quality

Drums
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Natal Arcadia Birch T6 Drum Kit

By Geoff Nicholls published

The Arcadia gets a makeover

Drum Kits
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Dream Dark Matter Eclipse Ride Cymbal

By Geoff Nicholls published

A one-of-a-kind Eclipse

Cymbals
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Yamaha Tour Custom Series Drum Kit

By Geoff Nicholls published

Yamaha harks back to the original Maple Absolute

Drum Kits
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One O One Black Diamond Snare Drum

By Geoff Nicholls published

An exciting new company emerges from Sweden

Snare Drums
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Stagg Sensa Ocean Series cymbals

By Geoff Nicholls published

Some special new additions from Stagg

Cymbals
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Stagg Genghis series cymbals

By Geoff Nicholls published

Made in China, Stagg cymbals evoke the ancient trade routes between the Orient and the Occident

Cymbals
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Sonor Steve Smith 40th anniversary snare drum

By Geoff Nicholls published

Celebrating the Vital Information and Journey drumming legend’s 40th anniversary as a Sonor endorsee

Snare Drums
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Remo Powerstroke P3 Felt Tone heads

By Geoff Nicholls published

Remo takes its market-leading Powerstroke P3 bass drum heads and incorporates a classic felt damping strip

Drum Gear
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SJC Pathfinder Drum Kit

By Geoff Nicholls published

A keenly priced series from SJC

Drum Kits
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SJC Navigator Drum Kit

By Geoff Nicholls published

US company heads east

Drum Kits
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Drum Workshop MFG (MCD) Bass Drum Pedals

By Geoff Nicholls published

Cutting-edge design and infinite adjustability from DW

Drums
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