Drummer, Songwriter at The Handcuffs & The Romantics
I first met a young Nick with his group of music loving friends at Screams shows (1977-1978). They were all young, hip musicians who knew about all of the up and coming bands that were obscure at that time, bands like The Scruffs, Big Star, dB's, etc. They then formed their own band b-lovers. A nod for their love of those wonderful sometimes overlooked b-sides on 45s. They released their own independent 45 EP and then on to their next band, Turning Curious. They released a 12" EP produced by one of their heroes, Mitch Easter.
I remember in the early Elvis Brothers days, Nick had a new short-lived band called Secret Goldfish that opened for us somewhere in town (Chico's?). I liked their psychedelic name and purposely made a psychedelic themed poster for that show. Nick was always the quiet one. He always seemed to be thinking and observing everything around him. Very polite and a sweet soul who knew what he wanted and what he wanted to do. He wanted to do it his way—like most songwriters—protective of their songs and image.
The last time Chloe and I saw him was in Champaign when The Handcuffs played a show there April 28, 2017 at the last Accord. Nick was leaving for California in a few days to live there. Sitting in the club booth with him and having a chat was nice. I had him sign the two vinyls I had of the b-lovers and Turning Curious because I'm a fan. He obliged, being modest Nick, and signed them both for me. The whole time he was saying, "Really? You want me to sign these?" And then we said our farewells.