Nikki Sudden

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Biography

After the post-punk band Swell Maps dissolved in the early ’80s, lead singer Nikki Sudden began a diverse and maddening solo career, during which he performed with a number of different bands and side projects. Sudden released his first solo record, Waiting on Egypt, in 1982, followed closely by The Bible Belt in 1983; both records recalled Swell Maps. Mike Scott and Anthony Thistlewaite of The Waterboys both played on the album, Scott writing the track Road of Broken Dreams - later covered by Sudden in the Jacobites.

In 1984, Sudden formed the Jacobites with drummer Epic Soundtracks (his brother, who was also a member of Swell Maps) and guitarist/vocalist Dave Kusworth, who co-wrote the material with Sudden. The band developed a laid-back pop style, driven by acoustic guitars and a rolling rhythm section reminiscent of the Velvet Underground. The Jacobites released four albums and three EPs between 1984 and 1986, when Kusworth left the band. Sudden continued with the Jacobites name, releasing Texas on the Creation label in 1986.

During the late ’80s, Sudden ditched the Jacobites and began making music that strongly recalled early Rolling Stones. While none of his albums ever attracted a large audience, Sudden remained a cult favorite throughout his career. High-profile guests began appearing on his albums with Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy lending a hand to 1999’s Red Brocade and the Faces’ keyboardist Ian McLagan playing on the 2004 release Treasure Island, whilst members of REM appeared and produced Sudden’s The Jewel Thief.

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  • BallerCraig

    Miss you bro.

    18 Sep 2012 Reply
  • RockyRevolution

    indie pop? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA what a shit

    7 Sep 2012 Reply
  • SIRIUSACMA

    Great Nikki! rest in peace(

    6 Dec 2011 Reply
  • DZRTsurfer88

    sadcore to the maximos ~RIP~

    7 Dec 2010 Reply
  • Nochek

    rest in peace, Nikki & THANK YOU.

    5 Mar 2010 Reply
  • CrazyHorst

    I seem to recall Nikki did a cover of "Pale Blue Eyes" with Dave Kusworth, the best cover of this VU song ever. Anybody any idea where to find this cover?

    23 Jan 2010 Reply
  • LaxATivvz

    RIP Nikki Sudden and Epic Soundtracks

    12 Jul 2009 Reply
  • LaxATivvz

    my mate asked me (years ago): " what do you say about Nikki Sudden and John Peels dead? " me: "OH FUCKING SHIT THEY'RE DEAD??!?!!??!?!??!?!!?!!?!?!?!?" not my fav song!

    12 Jul 2009 Reply
  • Pixelmar

    you are unforgetful

    20 May 2009 Reply
  • pankowsergej

    it's been a while, over three years now

    30 Mar 2009 Reply
  • homvic

    my mate asked me (years ago): " what do you say about Nikki Sudden and John Peels dead? " me: "it´s a shame for the angels" my fav song!

    24 Oct 2008 Reply
  • hexinduction

    I don't wanna go, because I know.

    17 Sep 2007 Reply
  • KinderTraum

    oh god... Nikki is dead? now i'm listenin' him songs.. i was found this artist for casuality... Great. R.I.P

    21 May 2007 Reply
  • Phillyzero

    I'm a little late, but rest in peace, made some great music.

    17 Feb 2007 Reply
  • phonet

    Rest in peace, rest in peace.

    24 Nov 2006 Reply
  • Iveldie

    Great Nikki!

    19 Jul 2006 Reply
  • MamboSun

    RIP and thanks, Nikki. *KALMIYH* - you always did. x x

    29 Mar 2006 Reply
  • consun

    ...it was an honor, thanks for all the good memories...

    27 Mar 2006 Reply
  • dinosaurmilk

    Rest In Peace, Nikki.

    27 Mar 2006 Reply