
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

Gear4Music White Horse Legend Kit
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
An absurdly cheap sugar maple kit from China

Istanbul Agop Signature Ride Cymbals
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
Contrasting Lenny White Epoch and Idris Muhammad Signature rides inspired by Zildjian's vintage Ks

Premier Series Classic Kit
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
As Premier unveils its cut-price route to a top-notch kit, we tread the Classic path

TRX LTD Series Cymbal Set
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
Shiny Turkish cymbals with a modern edge

Robert Daniels Custom Snare Drum
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
A one-off, hand-crafted cherry wood snare

Ed Shaughnessy RIP: Ed's final Rhythm interview
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
Rhythm was saddened to learn over the weekend that renown US drummer Ed Shaughnessy had passed away.

Vintage drum gear: Rogers Dave Clark kit
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
Unmistakable red sparkle kit owned and played by '60s superstar Dave Clark

Vintage drum gear: Leedy kits
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
Two kits that illustrate the evolution of the drumset

Ringo's Ed Sullivan kit
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
We take a look at one of the most iconic kits of all time...

Mapex Falcon bass drum pedals
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
Super intuitive single and double kick pedals

Amedia Old School Series cymbals
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
New Istanbul cymbalsmiths already the most diverse of them all?

Mapex Black Panther Black Widow Snare
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
The perfect tone with brooding dark looks

Mapex Black Panther Cherry Bomb Snare
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
Dare to be different with an alternative size and wood

Mapex Black Panther Retrosonic Snare
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
Vintage tones and the luxury of 100 percent walnut

Mapex Black Panther Blade Snare
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
Reliable, all-rounder steel snare with a rasping tone

Highwood Hammer Snare Drums
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
Hammer snares are ideal for the rock-metal drummer - custom built, durable and sensibly priced

Gretsch USA G4000 Snares
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
A choice of brass, copper and aluminium offered from this up-market Gretsch snare collection

Carrera Terrier Kit
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
We've seen the snares, now here's the mini kit from new British custom builder Carrera

Guru Drumworks Kit
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
England's north-east is becoming a hotbed of designer-crafted drum workshops

Remo Ambassador-X Heads
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
The Ambassador puts on weight for today's hard hitters

Sabian Xs20 Brilliant Finish Cymbals
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
Sabian's budget-conscious B20 cymbals recieve a brilliant update

Meinl Byzance Cymbals (Traditional, Dark and Extra Dry ranges)
By Geoff Nicholls last updated
New additions to Meinl's traditional, Turkish made range
Want all the hottest music and gear news, reviews, deals, features and more, direct to your inbox? Sign up here.