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Warhorse: The Recordings 1970-1972

Warhorse: The Recordings 1970-1972, 2CD

Release date 26th April 2024, a newly remastered 2CD edition of the recordings by Warhorse, released originally on the Vertigo label between 1970-1972. Includes the self-titled album, Red Sea and 11 bonus tracks.  cherryred.co/Warhorse

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Nick & Nasty Habits – two April gigs

Nick will be getting together with Nasty Habits for two April gigs in Austria:

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Chapter 24 – Once Again in Hollywood

Chapter 24 starts 1969 in England recording the Deep Purple album, then it’s back to America on a slightly lower budget after a meeting with the band’s accountant. Nevertheless the band are all “dollar millionaires!” .. according to John Coletta. Read the full story here.

Nick rehearsing, 1969
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Chapter 23 – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Deep Purple, Cashbox Magazine Jan '69

Chapter 23 sees Nick and Deep Purple in America for the first time in 1968, experiencing Californian 20,000+ seater halls and luxury hotels. TV shows and a coast-to-coast tour follow, initially supporting Cream – for three shows. By January ’69 they are on the front cover of Cashbox. Read the full story here.

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Some of Your Questions Answered

Well, here we are now in the 52nd year of Deep Purple. Time, as they say, really does fly!


I would like to again thank all the people that have continually supported the band and showed such interest in the various musicians involved. It has been nice to continue receiving messages from you, and although I cannot do personal responses, I thought it time to address several subjects.


Thank you for sending information about past gigs, dates, and personnel, which I always find interesting. Also I am very grateful for all the support for my other projects aside from Deep Purple, which, although they didn’t set the world on fire, seem all the more worthwhile now.


Another recent question asked about a project called Rocket. Well, I will be covering this and other subjects in the future when I have completed my part in the Deep Purple story. I still get asked about the Hall of Fame debacle, which I know outraged many people, but it really was not worth worrying about. Thank you anyway!

 

Nick’s guitars (L-R): 90’s Precision, 1961 (Rupert), ’51 re-issue.

People have often inquired about my guitars. As previously mentioned, for many years I have used my 1961 Fender Precision bass, which I now use only occasionally. During 1968-69 I also used a black CBS Fender Precision, and also bought one of the first 1951 Precision reissues, which was called the Telecaster bass. After a while I built a hybrid, putting the Telecaster neck onto a black Precision body, which looked amazing! The trouble was that so many people wanted to buy it that I eventually sold it for a handsome profit, which I regret to this day!

 

With Deep Purple I occasionally played a blonde Gibson EB2 which was a very rare guitar, but sadly useless on stage due to chronic feedback! About 20 years ago I was provided with a new candy-red Precision by my old pal Rich Bennett from Atlanta USA. This great axe has been resprayed black, and I play it a lot. When I celebrated my 60th birthday I was given a surprise gift from Jeff Bennett, Rich’s son. it was a beautiful ‘51 Precision reissue which looks just amazing. I also play this one a lot too! Over the years I have toyed with many others including Rickenbacker and Danelectro, but for me, nothing does the business like a good Precision!

 

Several people have asked about the Blaggards and Cowboys project. I am playing on the first two albums, but not on subsequent ones. I have played more recently on the first and second albums by Aeon Sophia, called “21 Hundred” and “Headphonauts”. Working on these albums, produced by Donagh Moloney and assisted by my son Richard, has been a lot of fun. They are available through CD Baby and various streaming services such as iTunes. Donagh and Rich were kind enough to send the following message:

 

Just a message to thank Nick, Pete Parks and also Richard Hudson for their help, advice and encouragement during the making of our first two albums (“21 Hundred” and “Headphonauts”). It’s a sound that is far away from their usual type of music, but their signature styles remain recognisable throughout. Our music would be equally at home on movie soundtracks as it would at low volume in your local coffee shop, combining electronica with live instruments, whilst switching from guitar tracks to sitar to dub reggae and then back to electronic. We look forward to the next one!

 

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Warhorse: The Recordings 1970-1972

Warhorse: The Recordings 1970-1972

Release date 26th April 2024, a newly remastered 2CD edition of the recordings by Warhorse, released originally on the Vertigo label between 1970-1972. Includes the self-titled album, Red Sea and 11 bonus tracks.  cherryred.co/Warhorse...
Nick & Nasty Habits – two April gigs

Nick & Nasty Habits – two April gigs

Nick will be getting together with Nasty Habits for two April gigs in Austria:...
Chapter 24 – Once Again in Hollywood

Chapter 24 – Once Again in Hollywood

Chapter 24 starts 1969 in England recording the Deep Purple album, then it’s back to America on a slightly lower budget after a meeting with the band’s accountant. Nevertheless the band are all “dollar millionaires!” .. according to John Coletta. Read the full story here...
Nick interviewed by It’s Psychedelic Magazine, June 28 2022

Nick interviewed by It’s Psychedelic Magazine, June 28 2022

Nick gives a guided tour of his musical history to Klemen Breznikar from the “It’s Psychedelic Magazine” website, giving his opinions of the current state of affairs en route. You can read it here...
Chapter 23 – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Chapter 23 – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Chapter 23 sees Nick and Deep Purple in America for the first time in 1968, experiencing Californian 20,000+ seater halls and luxury hotels. TV shows and a coast-to-coast tour follow, initially supporting Cream – for three shows. By January ’69 they are on the front cover of Cashbox. Read the full story here...
Maria Hall

Maria Hall

Just a few months ago we lost Maria Hall, one of the best female vocalists I ever knew or had the pleasure of working with. Always known as Marie, she had been married for many years to the late Tony Hall, one of the country’s best saxophone players. Originally from Ireland, Mary had three children … Continue reading Maria Hall →...
Köneg – The Second Coming

Köneg – The Second Coming

During the summer of 1975, shortly after Warhorse had disbanded, Pete Parks and I were contacted by drummer Barney James who wanted us to play on his planned concept album. We both eagerly jumped at the opportunity to re-unite with Barney and also keyboard wizard Frank Wilson who was already on board. It was a … Continue reading Köneg – The Second Coming →...
Rally for the NHS

Rally for the NHS

Since the rally for Medical Freedom held on August 28th, we have attended all the following protests, culminating in the latest (our ninth) on January 22nd. This particular rally was to support the thousands of NHS nurses and doctors, together with many other medical and care workers whose jobs were being threatened by the outrageous … Continue reading Rally for the NHS →...
Dusty Hill

Dusty Hill

The recent unexpected death of bassist Dusty Hill was a huge shock to the music business and fans worldwide. I have followed the career of ZZ Top since the early 1970s, feeling that this was the most worthwhile band to listen to since my other favourites, Vanilla Fudge. In those days I would have bet a … Continue reading Dusty Hill →...
Dave “Cy” Langston

Dave “Cy” Langston

I recently heard of another sad event, the death of Dave Langston,  affectionately known as “Cy”,  short for Cyrano. Dave joined up with his close neighbour and school friend Keith Dyett to form a group during the early 1960s. Making a play on Dave’s prominent nose, they dubbed themselves Cyrano and the Bergeracs, after the legendary … Continue reading Dave “Cy” Langston →...
Medical Freedom March

Medical Freedom March

Since the Unite for Freedom rally on May 29th, each month has seen a similar protest giving people a chance to show their disgust at the current situation. With the May and June gatherings estimated to have been in excess of one million it has been great to be among people, some of whom have … Continue reading Medical Freedom March →...
Chapter 22 – The TV Debut and Taliesyn

Chapter 22 – The TV Debut and Taliesyn

Chapter 22 of Nick’s story sees Hush entering the US charts, and the band gets a spot the David Frost show. A gig in Switzerland causes a riot, whereas an opening slot at the Sunbury Blues Festival is a shambles. Rehearsals move to the Hanwell Community Centre, where the Taliesyn album starts to take shape. … Continue reading Chapter 22 – The TV Debut and Taliesyn →...
Obituary: Ali McKenzie

Obituary: Ali McKenzie

It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of Ali McKenzie on the last day of April 2021. I was privileged briefly to get to know Ali when I played with his band “The Birds” for a couple of gigs in the mid sixties, when bassist Kim Gardner was off sick. I … Continue reading Obituary: Ali McKenzie →...
Unite For Freedom Rally

Unite For Freedom Rally

It was a great privilege to be at the Unite For Freedom rally on May 29th 2021 in London. This was probably one of the biggest gatherings of people since 1945 when similar crowds invaded the capital to celebrate the end of WW2. Naturally none of this was reported in the media but you can … Continue reading Unite For Freedom Rally →...
September 26th at Trafalgar Square

September 26th at Trafalgar Square

We are now living through the worst time for musicians, their fans and all people in general, with the whole entertainment business ruined, possibly for good, by the greatest over-reaction ever seen in history!   Like all my fellow muso’s I’ve missed the gigs, and most of all the vibe generated by being in the … Continue reading September 26th at Trafalgar Square →...
Farewell to Derek Lawrence and Martin Birch

Farewell to Derek Lawrence and Martin Birch

Recent months saw the loss of two more people who were an important part of the Deep Purple story.   On May 13th 2020 the original Purple producer Derek Lawrence passed away. Derek began his career being involved with Joe Meek, England’s first independent record producer, and worked with his band The Outlaws, who featured … Continue reading Farewell to Derek Lawrence and Martin Birch →...
Ian Nelhams – a.k.a. Ian Engels

Ian Nelhams – a.k.a. Ian Engels

It was with great sadness that I heard of the death of one of my oldest friends, Ian Nelhams, who died on April 3rd this year in New Zealand where he lived with his wife and children. During my early teenage years he was a familiar figure where we lived in Hayes, being the assistant … Continue reading Ian Nelhams – a.k.a. Ian Engels →...
Chapter 21 – Hush and Shades

Chapter 21 – Hush and Shades

On arriving back in England, things began to move at an incredible pace. The deal with Tetragrammaton in the US was finalised and we were signed to EMI for other territories. We also signed a management deal with HEC Enterprises who had already invested heavily in the group.   Leaving Deeves Hall was quite a … Continue reading Chapter 21 – Hush and Shades →...
Some of Your Questions Answered

Some of Your Questions Answered

Well, here we are now in the 52nd year of Deep Purple. Time, as they say, really does fly! I would like to again thank all the people that have continually supported the band and showed such interest in the various musicians involved. It has been nice to continue receiving messages from you, and although … Continue reading Some of Your Questions Answered →...
Chapter 20 – THE DEBUT DEEP PURPLE GIG!

Chapter 20 – THE DEBUT DEEP PURPLE GIG!

The latest chapter of Nick’s story sees the new band, still called “Roundabout” according to their management, set off to Denmark for their first gigs, starting in Tastrup, Denmark on April 20, 1968 …. Read the full story here...
Two new 2019 live dates for Nick and Nasty Habits

Two new 2019 live dates for Nick and Nasty Habits

  Two new live dates for Nick and Nasty Habits!   Friday 5th April – “EXPLOSIV” , Graz, Austria   Saturday 6th April – “DIE BÜHNE“, Purkersdorf, Austria   Nick & Nasty Habits will be supported by the Austrian band RESTLESS BONES at both venues.   Peter has sent us a video that promotes the … Continue reading Two new 2019 live dates for Nick and Nasty Habits →...
Nasty Habits play the Eboardmuseum

Nasty Habits play the Eboardmuseum

      Peter has announced a return visit for Nick and Nasty Habits to the “Eboardmuseum” Klagenfurt, Austria on Friday 9th November 2018.      ...
Nick Simper & Nasty Habits – new live album!

Nick Simper & Nasty Habits – new live album!

We’re glad to inform you that Nick Simper & Nasty Habits are to release a new live album titled “Live An’ Nasty” on vinyl very soon.   It’s the first album with new vocalist Attila Scholtz, who has worked with the likes of Jon Lord and Ian Paice before.   It will be a limited … Continue reading Nick Simper & Nasty Habits – new live album! →...
Deep Purple – 50 Years!

Deep Purple – 50 Years!

As many Deep Purple fans will know, this month of March 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the formation of the band! Quite where all those years went, I do not know, for it seems like only yesterday that we began one of the most exciting periods of our lives.   No-one could imagine back … Continue reading Deep Purple – 50 Years! →...
Good Friends We Lost in 2017

Good Friends We Lost in 2017

Tony Hall On June 1st 2017 the music business was shocked by the sudden death of Tony Hall, one of the greatest tenor saxophone players that this country produced. I first met Tony as a 15 year old when he, just a few years older, was rhythm guitarist in the local group Pete Nelson and … Continue reading Good Friends We Lost in 2017 →...
Some Photos From Recent Gigs

Some Photos From Recent Gigs

  Nick has sent some scans from recent gigs: Wiesen 6.7.2013 (Rich Simper) ‘Lovely days’ Wiesen 6.7.2013 Reigen Club Vienna 2014 Johnny Kidd Tribute with the Rapiers, London 2015 Fellstock Festival 10-11.9.2016  ...
Chapter 19 – Rod and Ian join the “Roundabout”….

Chapter 19 – Rod and Ian join the “Roundabout”….

The new group starts to take shape at Deeves Hall as auditions for a singer bring a steady stream of wannabes are taxied (by Nick!)  to and from the hall. Ashley Holt is one of those auditioned, but his choice of Wilson Pickett songs doesn’t impress them. Then one Rod Evans appears, bringing his version … Continue reading Chapter 19 – Rod and Ian join the “Roundabout”…. →...
For Absent Friends

For Absent Friends

Once again it is necessary to mention a few people who are no longer with us, and to pay tribute to their memory.    Frankie Reid   Just before the beginning of 2016, the wonderful Frankie Reid died in Australia, where he had lived for the last 35 years. Frank had come to England from … Continue reading For Absent Friends →...
Nick and Nasty Habits – New Gigs for 2017

Nick and Nasty Habits – New Gigs for 2017

      Peter has announced two new Nasty Habits gigs for 2017:   10th March 2017 – “EBOARDMUSEUM” Klagenfurt, Austria 11th March 2017 – “Reigen”, Vienna, Austria      ...
Johnny Kidd 23/12/1935 – 08/10/1966

Johnny Kidd 23/12/1935 – 08/10/1966

October 8th 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Johnny Kidd. Without doubt he was one of England’s greatest rock singers, and the most charismatic performer I ever saw. Johnny was a huge influence on me, and inspired so many performers. A great friend and a true legend, he will never be forgotten. … Continue reading Johnny Kidd 23/12/1935 – 08/10/1966 →...

Nasty Habits at Kielce Rock, Poland 04.09.2016

Peter Brkusic has sent us some photos from the recent Hasty Habits gig in Kielce, Poland, featuring their new singer, Attila Scholtz from the Hungarian band “Cry Free “...
Chapter 18 – Getting It Together in Deeves Hall

Chapter 18 – Getting It Together in Deeves Hall

Nick and Jon Lord hand in their notice to the Flowerpot Men, and get together with Ritchie Blackmore and Bobby Woodman in an old farmhouse in Hertfordshire. A management deal is secured, and they manage to cobble together a few tunes – without a vocalist… Read the full story here...
Nick and Nasty Habits – new gigs

Nick and Nasty Habits – new gigs

  Nick will be playing three gigs with Nasty Habits, featuring their new singer Attila Scholtz in September: 3rd September – The Reigen, Vienna 4th September – Kielce ROCKugaFestival, Kielce city, Poland 10th September – Fellstock Festival, 9754 Steinfield, Carinthia, Austria  ...
Nasty Habits – new singer Attila Scholtz

Nasty Habits – new singer Attila Scholtz

Peter Brkusic from Nasty Habits has supplied us with a brief history of their new singer: Attila Scholtz was born in Budapest, Hungary on 7 June 1973. He took two college degrees in teaching English as a foreign language, but he has always been more attracted to the stage than to schools. He formed his … Continue reading Nasty Habits – new singer Attila Scholtz →...
Goodbye To Old Friends

Goodbye To Old Friends

During August 2014, my lovely niece, Sophia Palombo, passed away after a long battle with cancer. Just 45 years old, she was the youngest of my late sister’s four daughters, a great girl who lived life to the full, always managing to laugh in the face of the dreadful illness that finally took her life. … Continue reading Goodbye To Old Friends →...
Rock n’ Roll Hall Of Fame

Rock n’ Roll Hall Of Fame

Want to know what Nick thinks about Deep Purple being inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame? Click here...
Chapter 17 : Jon Lord Receives A Telegram

Chapter 17 : Jon Lord Receives A Telegram

Jon Lord receives a mysterious telegram, and offers Nick the chance to give up touring the flower-power circuit with the Flowerpot Men .. Read the full story here...
Nick Simper & Nasty Habits CD

Nick Simper & Nasty Habits CD

The brand new studio album “De La Frog Conspiracy” by NICK SIMPER & NASTY HABITS is out now. This is Nick Simper´s first studio album in 18 years! 11 new original songs, contemporary rock in the classic line-up at its best. Copies signed by Nick Simper for 15 Euros only available from Nasty Habits. Send … Continue reading Nick Simper & Nasty Habits CD →...
Team Rock Interview, July 2014

Team Rock Interview, July 2014

          Nick recalls his 1969 departure from Deep Purple to Team Rock, July 2014...
The Flowerpot Men in Germany

The Flowerpot Men in Germany

Nick joins up with Jon Lord, Ged Peck and Carlo Little to form “Sundial” who manage to get a few of their own songs into the set as the Flowerpot Men tour Germany. Broken fan belts, 3-foot snowballs and lost passports ensure that it was a memorable trip!… Read the full story here...