Geoff Nicholls was an English musician best known for his work as a keyboard player with the heavy metal band Black Sabbath. He played with the band from 1979 until his passing in 2017, contributing to numerous albums and performances.
Personal and Family Life
Geoff Nicholls was born on February 28, 1948, in Birmingham, England. He grew up with a passion for music, which eventually led him to join various bands. Nicholls had a significant impact on the music scene, especially in the heavy metal genre.
Career Highlights
Before joining Black Sabbath, Nicholls played with a band called Quartz, which caught the attention of Tony Iommi. After becoming a part of Black Sabbath, Nicholls played on all the albums starting from “Heaven and Hell” in 1980. He was often hidden from the spotlight, playing keyboards offstage, which contributed to his unique status as the band’s invisible fifth member.
Death and Legacy
Geoff Nicholls passed away on January 28, 2017, in England after battling lung cancer. His contributions to Black Sabbath and the broader rock music community are remembered fondly by fans and musicians alike. Despite not always being in the limelight, Nicholls’ work helped shape the sound of one of the most iconic heavy metal bands in history.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Black Sabbath: Headless in Russia | 1989-11-28 | Tecladista |
| Black Sabbath – Cross Purposes Live | 1994-04-13 | Keyboards |
| Black Sabbath & Blue Öyster Cult: Black and Blue | 1981-10-01 | Keyboards |