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

The Idris Muhammad ride (pictured left) boasts a bright, clear stick definition but without the underlying roar of the White model

Istanbul Agop Signature Ride Cymbals

By Geoff Nicholls last updated 25 January 17

Contrasting Lenny White Epoch and Idris Muhammad Signature rides inspired by Zildjian's vintage Ks

Cymbals

Classic looks, Classic sound... Classic.

Premier Series Classic Kit

By Geoff Nicholls last updated 25 January 17

As Premier unveils its cut-price route to a top-notch kit, we tread the Classic path

Drum Kits

The three-band surface treatments make the LTDs particularly eye-catching

TRX LTD Series Cymbal Set

By Geoff Nicholls last updated 25 January 17

Shiny Turkish cymbals with a modern edge

Cymbals

Around 40 narrow staves of cherry wood make up the drum

Robert Daniels Custom Snare Drum

By Geoff Nicholls last updated 25 January 17

A one-off, hand-crafted cherry wood snare

Snare Drums

The chains are nickel-plated like the chains used on pro touring bikes

Mapex Falcon bass drum pedals

By Geoff Nicholls last updated 25 January 17

Super intuitive single and double kick pedals

Drums

Each cymbal is hand-hammered on an anvil at least 5000 times

Amedia Old School Series cymbals

By Geoff Nicholls last updated 25 January 17

New Istanbul cymbalsmiths already the most diverse of them all?

Cymbals

Canadian maple shells give the 3007 a professional quality. There are 13 finish options in all

Sonor Force 3007 Rock Kit

By Geoff Nicholls last updated 25 January 17

A Canadian maple set for stylish rockers

Drum Kits

Percussionists of all types will love the atmospheric Alu Bell

Sabian Alu Bell And Vault Collection Radia Nano Hats

By Geoff Nicholls last updated 25 January 17

Unusual and cool percussive additions

Cymbals

The 22" Super-Kick II (top right) is Aquarian's larger twin ply bass drum head

Aquarian Super-Kick and Regulator Bass Drum Heads

By Geoff Nicholls last updated 25 January 17

Aquarian's funky Super-Kicks: dark, fat and recommended

Drums

Mapex Black Panther Black Widow Snare

By Geoff Nicholls last updated 25 January 17

The perfect tone with brooding dark looks

Snare Drums

Mapex Black Panther Cherry Bomb Snare

By Geoff Nicholls last updated 25 January 17

Dare to be different with an alternative size and wood

Snare Drums