Rob Nicholson (musician)

Rob "Blasko" Nicholson
Background information
Birth name Rob Nicholson
Born (1969-11-24) November 24, 1969
USA
Genres Heavy metal, alternative metal
Occupation(s) Musician, songwriter, bassist
Instruments Bass, vocals, guitar, drums
Years active 1987–present
Associated acts Cryptic Slaughter, Drown, Prong, Danzig, Rob Zombie, Ozzy Osbourne, The Death Riders

Rob "Blasko" Nicholson (born November 24, 1969) is a heavy metal bassist. His influences include the metal bands Iron Maiden, Motörhead and Corrosion of Conformity. Rob is perhaps best known for his performances on Rob Zombie's solo albums, and is currently part of Ozzy Osbourne's band. Nicholson is also noted for his contribution as bassist to metal band Cryptic Slaughter within underground metal circles.

Early years

Began his career playing bass for the Santa Monica, California-based speed/thrash metal band, performing on several of their albums.

Formed in 1987 by vocalist Lauren Boquette under the name Yesterday's Tear, Drown became one of the top drawing bands in the early 90’s Los Angeles underground music scene. The line up was rounded out by Joseph Bishara (guitars/keyboards), Rob Nicholson (bass) and Todd Allen (drums) The music was the extreme opposite of the well known “sunset strip” scene going on in LA at the time. The band signed to Elektra Records in 93’ and 94’ saw the release of the debut album “Hold On To The Hollow”. Todd Allen was then replaced by drummer Marco Forcone and the band hit the road.[1]

Formed by Nicholson after leaving Drown, switching from bass to lead vocals and guitar. The line-up also featured from Drown drummer Todd Allen. Suffer managed to score a deal with Walt Disney Music Publishing and used the money to finance a 7-song EP, "Heads You Lose, Tails I Win", but broke up shortly after the release.

Nicholson was invited to contribute lead vocals on the band's debut release, "Terror From Beyond Space", issued by Napalm Records in 1997. Killing Spree was founded by former Sickening Gore members Jerry McKenzie (guitar) and Chris Huwiler (drums) and also featured Trebor Dunn (programming) and future Body Count bassist Vince Dennis, aka Vincent Price, although bass on the album is credited to Elrich Von Vader. The band never performed live.

Danzig

Joined the popular band Danzig in September 1997, but like his last band, he did not appear on any of their albums. Departure from the band in April 1998.

Rob Zombie

Toured with Rob Zombie, where he began using the nickname "Blasko". He went on to play on three of Rob Zombie's solo albums (Hellbilly Deluxe, The Sinister Urge, & Educated Horses).

The Death Riders

Spent some time, while with Rob Zombie, to work on a side project with the founder of Coffin Case, Johnny Coffin. The band was composed of Johnny Coffin on lead guitar, Daniel Gray on rhythm guitar and lead vocals, DC on drums, and of course Blasko on Bass. The Soundtrack to Depression (their debut album) was released by Horror High.

Ozzy Osbourne

In 2003, Blasko replaced Robert Trujillo as Ozzy Osbourne's bassist. After Ozzy's band rehearsed for a fall tour, Ozzy was injured in a bad ATV accident in October 2003. The fall tour was cancelled. After Ozzy's recovery, he performed with Black Sabbath on Ozzfest 2004, and with Ozzy on select dates for Ozzfest 2006. Rob officially marked his membership in Ozzy Osbourne's band when he was featured as bassist on Osbourne's 9th studio album Black Rain, which was released on May 22, 2007. Since then Rob has played for Ozzy on all live shows including Ozzfest tours, and notably on an American tour with Rob Zombie. He has followed that up with Ozzy's 10th studio album Scream, released in 2010.

Other musical side projects

Film

Worked on the film Repo! The Genetic Opera, performing on the soundtrack.

Management

Blasko is currently the manager of the band Black Veil Brides. He also produced their album We Stitch These Wounds.

Other non-musical side projects

Designer

Has a designer clothes line for Affliction (Affliction Blasko Signature Series).

Discography

with Cryptic Slaughter

with Drown

with Suffer

with Killing Spree

with Rob Zombie

with The Death Riders

with Ozzy Osbourne

Guest work

References

  1. ↑ "Drown – Discover music, videos, concerts, stats, & pictures at". Last.fm. 2009-02-11. Retrieved 2011-07-04.
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