Nigel Olsson

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Olsson (back) performing at an Elton John concert at the Royal Opera House.

Nigel Olsson (born February 10, 1949 in Wallasey, Merseyside, England) is a rock drummer best known for his work with Elton John. He played drums and sang backing vocals on John's early 1970's albums, teaming with guitarist Davey Johnstone, bassist Dee Murray, and percussionist Ray Cooper to form what most rock fans regard as Elton John's classic backing band .

In 1975, Elton John retooled his sound, and Olsson, along with Murray, was released from the band. He then worked as a studio musician and enjoyed some mild success as a solo artist, scoring a US top 100 hit in 1979 with the single, "Dancin' Shoes". In 1980, Olsson returned to Elton's band to begin a four-year tenure. Later, in 1991, Olsson reunited with former bandmade Davey Johnstone to form the Warpipes, though this group disbanded shortly after cutting its debut album. Olsson then spent the next few years relaxing in California with his wife Schanda, son Justin, and racing vintage cars for fun. Olsson returned to Elton John's band for good in 2000 as part of his touring band, alternating between drums and backing vocals on certain songs. (The songs Olsson didn't play drums on, typically the newer songs, were handled by Curt Bisquera.) Nigel took over the full-time drumming chores when Bisquera left to pursue other projects. Olsson, never seen on stage without his trademark headphones and gloves, has been said to have a soulful singing voice.

Olsson also served a very brief time with the English hard rock band Uriah Heep, playing drums for some songs on its 1970 debut LP, Very 'eavy... Very 'umble.