Mike Nichols

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Mike played trumpet and piano as a child, and went to Leeds college of music to study piano

Like many bassists he took up the bass in his first band because someone had to do it and no-one else wanted to. Fortunately he loved it, and pretty soon it had taken over as his main occupation. Mike started his career playing in the clubs around the north of England and Wales. He also spent some time on the ships soaking up carribbean sun, drinking cocktails and backing cabaret acts.

He moved to London in 1996 to study jazz at the Guildhall. Mike’s interest in world music has also led him to study and perform with musicians in the Gambia, Ghana and Cuba. Over the years Mike has worked with many artists including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The Supremes, The Drifters & Opera North.

He has worked in several major West End shows including Avenue Q, Dirty Dancing, Grease, Les Miserables, Jersey Boys, Never Forget and touring musical shows including Grease, Cats, Bad Girls and Sweet Soul Music.

Mike’s education work includes teaching at the Academy of contemporary music and contributions to Total Guitar magazine. Mike’s electronica album ‘Planet Zebidee’ was released in 2008.

Mike stepped in at very short notice during Joe’s 50th Anniversary Spring tour to cover for the absence of Joe’s long term bass player Dave Nilo who was suddenly taken ill midway through the tour and following the end of that tour has since appeared with Joe at Cropredy Festival and played Bass on Joe’s forthcoming CD More Of The Truth.