Jimmie Nicol had a long and varied career as a session drummer. And it all culminated in an amazing story where, in 1964, he substituted for Ringo Starr during the Beatles’ tour of Australia. Ringo had tonsilitis and was unable to perform, so the Beatles recruited Nicol and he performed along with them during the Australian concert until Ringo recovered.
I mean, just imagine that you’ve become part of the most popular rock band of the 1960’s. Then you’re done. What happens next?
Prior to Nicol’s Beatles run, he was the leader of his own rock band, the Shubdubs, and they had a hit of their own, albeit one that sounds more suitable to the soundtrack of a Guy Ritchie crime thriller or an Austin Powers shagadelic film.
Then came the Beatles tour, and later on in his career Nicol toured with the Dave Clark Five. And he would later form another group, the guitar-laden groove named the Spotnicks, and brought back the “Husky” song as a track for his new group.
Really cool stuff for the morning. And believe it or not, Jimmie Nicol is still alive today, at 85 years young.
You know … if the Beatles need another drummer, and if Ringo’s unavailable … one phone call …
Chuck The Writer 