Nigel Olsson, Long Time Drummer For The Elton John Band

Nigel Olsson joined Sir Elton John in his band in 1971, and has been in the band ever since. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.org

Sir Elton John has become one of the most recognized performers and songwriters of the last few decades.  I’ve always been impressed by the fact that he has produced hit songs in the last four or five decades with the same core band.  From the late 1960s to today, John has performed hit after hit with his longtime drummer, Nigel Olsson.  Olsson has provided the very strong back beat for John’s hits since 1971.  I collected a few videos that feature performances by Olsson with Elton John and an interview where he talks about his Paiste cymbals with Chuck Burgi, drummer for Billy Joel.  I hope you enjoy learning a little bit more about Nigel Olsson, drummer for the Elton John Band.

Nigel Olsson joined up with Sir Elton John back in 1971 and has been a part of the band ever since.  Check out this early performance with the Elton John Band in 1971 at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaRgZ8sTZxs&feature=related.

Next, Nigel Olsson and Chuck Burgi, drummer for Billy Joel, sit down with Paiste cymbals to talk about their experiences with the cymbal comany.  Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Qb0f4syUEg&feature=relmfu.

Lastly, I thought it would be cool to see one of the later performances from the Elton John Band.  Check out Olsson on the drums at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54CK8p-pDAU&feature=related.

I hope you enjoyed this little feature of Nigel Olsson, drummer for the Elton John Band.  That band is producing hit songs for the last four or five decades.  There’s more coming your way at Play Drums By Ear.

Thanks,

Chris