Rob Nicholson (musician)

Rob Nicholson
Rob Nicholson
	Nicholson performing in 2009 withOzzy Osbourne
Background information
Also known as	Blasko
Born	November 24, 1969(age 54); United States
Genres	Heavy metal; alternative metal; industrial metal; hard rock;
Occupations	Musician; producer;
Instruments	Bass; vocals;
Years active	1984–present

RobNicholson(born November 24, 1969) also known asBlasko,is an American bassist, musician and manager. He is the bassist and backing vocalist ofRob Zombieand bassist forOzzy Osbourne,and is also a manager forBlack Veil Brides.He is also the former bassist ofCryptic Slaughterand live bassist forDanzig.

Career

Cryptic Slaughter (1984–1988)

Nicholson began his career playing bass for theSanta Monica, California-basedspeed/thrash metalbandCryptic Slaughter,performing on several of their albums.^[1]

Drown (1993–1994)

Formed in 1987 by vocalist Lauren Boquette under the name Yesterday's Tear, Drown was rounded out by Nicholson (bass),Joseph Bishara(guitars/keyboards), and Todd Allen (drums).^[2]

Suffer (1995–1996)

Suffer was formed by bassist Bruce Albertson with Nicholson after leaving Drown, switching from bass to lead vocals and guitar. The lineup also featured from Drown drummer Todd Allen. Todd Allen was invited to play drums by Bruce when Johnny Hill of Funhouse left. Suffer managed to score a deal with Walt Disney Music and used the money to finance a seven-song EP, "Heads You Lose, Tails I Win", but broke up shortly after the release.

Killing Spree (1997)

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

Danzig (1997–1998)

Nicholson joined the bandDanzigin September 1997, but, like his last band, he did not appear on any of their albums. He departed from the band in April 1998.

Rob Zombie (1998–2006, 2024-current)

Nicholson toured withRob 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). In January 2024, Nicholson rejoined Rob Zombie's solo band. GuitaristMike Riggs,another original member of the band, also rejoined the lineup a few years prior.^[3]

The Death Riders (2005)

While with Rob Zombie, Nicholson spent some time to work on a side project with the founder of Coffin Case, Jonny Coffin. The band was composed of Coffin on lead guitar, Daniel Gray on rhythm guitar and lead vocals, DC on drums, and Nicholson on bass. Their debut album,The Soundtrack to Depression,was released via the label Horror High.

Ozzy Osbourne (2003–current)

In 2003, Nicholson replacedJason NewstedasOzzy Osbourne's bassist. After Osbourne's band rehearsed for a fall tour, Osbourne was injured in a bad ATV accident in October 2003; the fall tour was cancelled. After Osbourne's recovery, Nicholson performed withBlack SabbathonOzzfest2004, and with Osbourne on select dates for Ozzfest 2006. Nicholson officially marked his membership in Osbourne's band when he was featured as the bassist on Osbourne's 10th studio albumBlack Rain,which was released on May 22, 2007. Since then, Nicholson has played for Osbourne on all live shows including Ozzfest tours, and notably on an American tour withRob Zombie.He followed that up with Osbourne's 11th studio album,Scream,released in 2010.

Influences

His influences includeheavy metalbandsIron Maiden,Motörhead,andCorrosion of Conformity.

Side projects

Zakk Sabbath

Zakk Sabbath is aBlack Sabbathtribute band fronted byZakk Wylde.

Film

Nicholson worked on the 2008 filmRepo! The Genetic Opera,performing on the soundtrack.

Management

Nicholson is currently theband managerofBlack Veil Bridesand also produced their albumWe Stitch These Wounds.He is the former manager ofIn This Moment.

Discography

with Cryptic Slaughter

1986:Convicted
1987:Money Talks
1988:Stream of Consciousness

with Drown

1994: Hold On to the Hollow

with Suffer

1996:Heads I Win, Tails You LoseEP

with Killing Spree

1997:Terror from Beyond Space

with Rob Zombie

with The Death Riders

2005:Soundtrack for Depression
TBA:And Then Came the Rain...

with Ozzy Osbourne

2007:Black Rain
2010:Scream

Guest work

2008:Repo! The Genetic Opera(soundtrack)

References

^MOORE, THERON (February 12, 2021)."Interview: Ozzy Bassist Rob 'Blasko' Nicholson Talks Ripple Music Position, Cryptic Slaughter Days, and Stoner / Doom Metal".New Noise Magazine.RetrievedSeptember 14,2023.
^Rob Nicholson [@blasko1313] (February 3, 2022)."#throwbackthursday to 92! After Cryptic Slaughter my band with @j_bishara was called Yesterdays Tear and Bill's band was called Ruined. We did a gig together and this is the flyer. Check out who the opener was 😳! We eventually changed the name to Drown when we were signed by @michaelanthonyalago to Electra Records"– viaInstagram.
^"Rob Zombie Rejoined by Bassist Rob 'Blasko' Nicholson".Blabbermouth.net.January 30, 2024.RetrievedFebruary 16,2024.

External links

Media related toRob Nicholson (musician)at Wikimedia Commons

[1] MOORE, THERON (February 12, 2021)."Interview: Ozzy Bassist Rob 'Blasko' Nicholson Talks Ripple Music Position, Cryptic Slaughter Days, and Stoner / Doom Metal".New Noise Magazine.RetrievedSeptember 14,2023.

[2] Rob Nicholson [@blasko1313] (February 3, 2022)."#throwbackthursday to 92! After Cryptic Slaughter my band with @j_bishara was called Yesterdays Tear and Bill's band was called Ruined. We did a gig together and this is the flyer. Check out who the opener was 😳! We eventually changed the name to Drown when we were signed by @michaelanthonyalago to Electra Records"– viaInstagram.

[3] "Rob Zombie Rejoined by Bassist Rob 'Blasko' Nicholson".Blabbermouth.net.January 30, 2024.RetrievedFebruary 16,2024.

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