TUFF TALK

Born in Lewisham, England Nigel was born an entertainer with an eye for all things female, artistic and an ear for music. From very early in life, in Australia (about 1956), Nigel could be found sketching or painting, or playing guitar, when he wasn’t creating havoc and mayhem.

With younger brother Martin, Nigel formed his first band during his high school years in Melbourne and although starting out as a drummer, he soon found he much preferred singing. Martin adopted the drums and went on to be, and still is, an accomplished percussionist.

Music then took a back seat whilst Nigel attempted to find an appropriate career.

After an initial start in architecture, for which he had a natural flair, he went on to try detail drafting, estimating, sales & administration and even a stint as a restaurant owner. None were very successful in capturing his restless nature, other than his 2-3 years with alternative magazine, ZIRIUS.

Zirius initiated in Nigel an understanding of what was available to all human beings, which is mostly, for what ever reason, ignored or not understood…

He did, however, during this time, manage to successfully trash two marriages!

His move to the Gold Coast in 1983 was the start of a new beginning.

Having been accepted as the administration manager of Greenmount Surf Life Saving Club, Nigel set about rebuilding and resurrecting his life…

During his tenure at Greenmount, Nigel was instrumental in establishing, the now highly successful, ‘make, bake or grow it’ beach markets along with ex brother-in-law and friend, David Sheffield. He also created and was president of Music Circus, an association of Gold Coast entertainers and musicians united in obtaining work and recognition for all members and in turn raise revenue for the Surf Life Saving Club. This he did very successfully. In fact, the Music Circus Jazz Band opened the Warana Festival in Brisbane in 1983.

At the end of his contract with Greenmount, Nigel continued his work with Music Circus and also began Circus magazine, a free fortnightly gig and entertainment guide that assisted in not only obtaining work for performers, but also gave hands on experience to the volunteer staff in the preparation, publishing, marketing and distribution of the magazine.

It was during this period that Nigel re-ignited his musical aspirations with the formation of jazz and blues band BIGGLES SMITH with ex-Gerry & The Pacemakers bass guitarist/songwriter, Jose McLaughlin and rock band The MEXICANS, with ex-Richard Clapton lead guitarist, John Carr.

Nigel also applied his marketing and promotional skills at this time to assisting local establishments, including the then Port Of Call (The Sands) Hotel and The Kingscliff Hotel in promoting ‘live venues’. He was availed the opportunity to establish many contacts within the music industry, some of whom have become life long friends. The likes of Phil Manning, Tommy Emmanuel, Brian Cadd, John Dalimore, Mal Eastick and a host of local musicians and entertainers, all considered friends.

In 1986, with friend and bass guitarist John Sutton, Nigel formed rock cover band, REDS, which although short lived, achieved reasonable success, supporting the likes of Jimmy Barnes and The Euro Gliders, let alone working all the major venues in SE Queensland and Northern NSW.

From 1987 through 2004, Nigel created and published internationally acclaimed, bi-monthly avicultural magazine Australian BirdKeeper that afforded him the opportunity to truly establish and succeed in a rewarding career.

After an award winning and highly successful 18 years at the helm of his ABK Publishing house, based in Piggabeen (northern NSW), Nigel, with a failing marriage and complete breakdown of personal values, health and ambition, conceded defeat and retired from publishing and life as he knew it.

With the support of close friend and gifted guitarist, John Carr, it wasn’t long before Nigel launched himself back into the entertainment industry joining John’s band DARK SHADES, sharing the lead vocals with the dynamic Belinda Hoad. He also formed a ‘middle-of-the-road’ duo, BIGGLES  SMITH, with founding member of original jazz band, keyboardist and friend, Jeff Stratton, giving Nigel plenty of opportunity to perform.

From mid 2004 through to the beginning of 2006, DARK SHADES played hundreds of gigs and established themselves as a top class show band in much demand. The duo also achieved enjoyable yet moderate success during this time. Nigel also produced and promoted a number of successful events for local businesses, which prompted him to create Silver Scorpion Entertainment & Promotions, his now operating business.

In April 2006, Nigel and John Carr teamed up with Rob Walsh on drums and ex-Rose Tattoo bass guitarist, Geordie Leach to form TUFF, covering iconic Australian rock & roll, which is beginning to achieve hard sort acclaim and popularity.

With a live recorded album of Australian covers already released the TUFF boys are currently working on a new album featuring mainly original material.

Nigel has also just released his first solo album of swing and blues material, ‘You Don’t Know Me’, featuring highly talented pianist and producer, Mark Watson and brilliant virtuoso guitarist, Glenn Brace.

Both albums are available through Silver Scorpion Entertainment, as are bookings for both TUFF and Nigel.

What does the future hold?

Well, there is a book or two in the old scorpion and definitely lots more music.

Further Information, Orders and Bookings:-

Silver Scorpion Entertainment & Promotions

M: 0413 188134   E: silver.scorpion51@bigpond.com