Nick D'Virgilio explained

Nick D'Virgilio
Landscape:yes
Birth Name:Nicholas D'Virgilio
Birth Date:1968 11, mf=yes
Origin:Whittier, California, U.S.
Years Active:1992–present

Nicholas D'Virgilio (born November 12, 1968), often abbreviated and referred to as NDV, is an American drummer, singer, keyboard player and guitarist, best known as a member of the progressive rock band Spock's Beard.[1] He was also one of two drummers chosen to replace Phil Collins in Genesis on the Calling All Stations album. He has also done session work with many artists including Tears for Fears[2] and Mystery, and is an official member of Big Big Train.

Career

Spock's Beard (1992–2011, 2017–2018)

D'Virgilio was the drummer in Spock's Beard since the band began in the early 1990s.[3] [4] After Neal Morse left in 2002, D'Virgilio took over on lead vocals and became their frontman during live performances.[5] [6] In this line-up, Spock's Beard subsequently recorded four albums, Feel Euphoria, Octane, the self-titled Spock's Beard, and X, prior to D'Virgilio's departure in 2011.[7] On July 26, 2011, D'Virgilio released a solo EP called Pieces.[8] He performed a show in Quebec City, Canada performing the EP in its entirety with local musicians on the day of the album release.[9]

On November 18, 2011, D'Virgilio announced that he had left Spock's Beard,[7] because of his work with Cirque du Soleil, "It is very hard for me to write this, but as all good things come to an end at sometime or another, unfortunately I have to tell you all that my time with Spock's Beard has come to a close."[10]

Later in 2014, D'Virgilio left Cirque du Soleil due to show cutbacks[11] and joined Sweetwater Sound in August as a drum ambassador "where he creates how-to content, demonstration videos, and product reviews. He also teaches music and pro audio classes and serves as the Sweetwater Studios' first-call session drummer."[12]

In July 2016, D'Virgilio and Neal Morse joined Spock's Beard for the only two performances of the album Snow, first at Morsefest on July 2 and then for Night of the Prog, in Loreley, Germany on July 15.[13] [14]

Kevin Gilbert (1994–1999)

In 1994, D'Virgilio joined Kevin Gilbert's reformed band Giraffe for a one-off performance of the Genesis piece "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" at Progfest '94.[15] In 1995, he performed drums as part of Gilbert's touring band, Thud, which recorded a live album, Live at the Troubadour, released in 1999.[16] After Gilbert's death in 1996, D'Virgilio was asked by Gilbert's estate to complete his second solo album, The Shaming of the True, based on the extant tapes and Gilbert's notes. Shaming was released posthumously in 2000 and has D'Virgilio on many tracks contributing drums, percussion, bass, guitar, keyboards and backing vocals.[17] [18] In November 2002, D'Virgilio headlined ProgWest in Claremont, California and played the entire The Shaming of the True album live in a band consisting of other friends and colleagues of Gilbert's. In 2008,[19] video tapes of the Troubadour concert were uncovered for the first time, leading to a DVD, entitled Welcome to Joytown – Thud Live at The Troubadour, released in 2009.[20]

Big Big Train (2007–present)

After guesting on three tracks on Big Big Train's 2007 album The Difference Machine,[21] he was billed as a "permanent guest" on The Underfall Yard (2009)[22] and subsequently joined the band as a full member, appearing on all of the band's releases since, and also performing live with the band since 2014 when they returned to live performances.

Other bands

A lifelong fan of the progressive rock band Genesis, D'Virgilio was given an opportunity by the band to replace Phil Collins on drums for their 1997 album Calling All Stations.[23] D'Virgilio split percussion duties with Nir Zidkyahu during work on the album.[24] D'Virgilio had been a full member of the Mike Keneally Band from 2001 to 2004,[25] playing on the tour supporting Keneally's 2000 album Dancing and later providing drums and vocals on the 2004 album Dog, as can be seen on the DVD included as part of the Dog Special Edition in both live and "making-of" studio footage.[26] Previous Keneally drummer Joe Travers took D'Virgilio's place in the band for the subsequent Guitar Therapy tour.[27]

D'Virgilio's first solo album, Karma, was recorded in 2001 at Kevin Gilbert's former studio, Lawnmower and Garden Supplies Studio, in Pasadena. The album included performances by Mike Keneally and Bryan Beller, D'Virgilio's bandmates in The Mike Keneally Band. D'Virgilio also served as the chief engineer on Beller's solo album View, recorded at the same studio as Karma.[28]

D'Virgilio filled in for Mark Zonder on Fates Warning's summer tour with Dream Theater and Queensrÿche in 2003.[29] Zonder's prior commitments prevented him from taking part in the tour, and he ceased performing with the band following its 2005 release FWX due to a reported aversion to touring.[30] D'Virgilio played with the band on a handful of gigs supporting that album and appeared on the 2006 DVD release Live in Athens.[31] D'Virgilio also appeared on Jordan Rudess' 2007 album The Road Home.[32]

In early 2014, D'Virgilio appeared on Roy Strattman's album The Lie of the Beholder,[33] stating: "Recording the drums for Roy's record was a total blast. I am really honored that he asked me to be a part of his new musical adventure. The record rocks and, from a drummer's perspective, I got to hit 'em hard and got challenged by the songs – 2 things drummers love. I really enjoyed the whole process and the music."

In August 2016, rock trio The Fringe released its self-titled debut album, featuring D'Virgilio on drums and vocals, Jonas Reingold of The Flower Kings on bass and backing vocals, and Randy McStine (Lo-Fi Resistance) on vocals and guitars.[34] [35]

In 2018, it was announced that D'Virgilio had returned to Spock's Beard as their recording drummer following the departure of Jimmy Keegan.[36] He appears on their 13th studio release, Noise Floor.[37] It remains unclear whether D'Virgilio will continue recording with the band, which has designated Mike Thorne (of Saga) as their live drummer.[38]

In 2020, D'Virgilio released his first solo album in nine years, Invisible. The album was recorded at Sweetwater Sound with the string and brass sections recorded at Abbey Road Studios.[39] D'Virgilio wrote the concept during his time in the booth while touring with the Cirque Du Soleil show Totem.[40]

In 2023, it was announced that he would be performing as the drummer for Mr. Big on their "BIG Finish Tour".[41]

Personal life

D'Virgilio lives in Fort Wayne,[42] Indiana with his wife Tiffany[43] and his two children Anthony and Sophia.[44]

Discography

Solo albums

With D'Virgilio, Morse & Jennings

With Spock's Beard

Studio albums

See main article: article and Spock's Beard discography.

Live albums

With Big Big Train

See main article: Big Big Train discography.

With The Fringe

Other collaborations

YearArtistTitleNotes
1997GenesisCalling All Stationsdrums on four tracks
2001Roland OrzabalTomcats Screaming Outsidedrums
2002KaviarThe Kaviar Sessionsbass and drums
2003Mike Keneally BandA Fair Forgery of Pink Floydas member of Mike Keneally Band on Astronomy Domine
2004Dog drums
2005Fates WarningLive in Athens
2006Tears For FearsSecret World Live in Parisdrums on live tracks and one studio tracks
2007Amaran's PlightVoice in The Lightdrums
2008Rewiring GenesisA Tribute to the Lamb Lies Down on Broadwaydrums, percussion, lead and backing vocals and production
Martin OrfordThe Old Roaddrums, and or tambouring on 8 tracks
2010Aeon ZenThe Face of the Unknownvocals on one track
2010Frost*The Philadelphia Experiment drums and vocals on all tracks
2012MysteryThe World Is a Gamedrums
2013CosmografThe Man Left in Spacedrums on four tracks
2014Capacitor drums on all tracks
StrattmanThe Lie of the Beholder
Dave KerznerNew Worlddrums
2016CosmografThe Unreasonable Silence
The Dreaming StreetThe Dreaming Street
2017Carl VerheyenEssential Bluesdrums and percussion
2019Neal MorseJesus Christ The Exorcistvocals of Judas Iscariot
2019Steve HackettAt the Edge of Light drums on one track
2024Steve HackettThe Circus and the Nightwhale

External links

official website

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Spock's Beard Singer Quits. BW&BK. November 18, 2011.
  2. Web site: Bio – Nick D'Virgilio . 2023-09-26 . en-US . Brian recommended me to Tears for Fears leader Roland Orzabal and I got the Tears for Fears gig sight unseen!!! I still can’t believe that. Brian’s word got me my first major tour (thank you, thank you Brian!!!).
  3. News: Whitman . Howard . October 1, 2010 . Spock's Beard part 1: As the Beard grows . August 10, 2015 . Goldmine.
  4. August 1998 . Neal Morse (Spock's Beard) Interview . . 80.
  5. Web site: Sparks . Ryan . An Interview with Neal Morse . https://web.archive.org/web/20110914041831/http://classicrockrevisited.com/interviewNEALMORSE.htm . September 14, 2011 . September 8, 2015 . Classic Rock Revisited.
  6. Web site: Jimmy Keegan Interview May 2005 . https://web.archive.org/web/20081119153432/http://www.spocksbeard.org/interview_keegan_022006.html . November 19, 2008 . September 8, 2015 . spocksbeard.org.
  7. Web site: November 19, 2011 . Singer Quits Spock's Beard . https://web.archive.org/web/20111122072341/http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/singer-quits-spocks-beard/ . November 22, 2011 . March 1, 2016 . Classic Rock.
  8. Web site: New Nick D'Virgilio EP - DPRP News Blog . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20170830055358/http://www.dprp.net/wp/?p=2673 . August 30, 2017 . December 13, 2017 . www.dprp.net.
  9. Web site: July 16, 2011 . July 16, 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110909105324/http://www.ndvmusic.com/july-16-2011-2 . September 9, 2011 . November 11, 2011.
  10. Web site: November 18, 2011 . NDV Music » November 18, 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20111121203209/http://www.ndvmusic.com/november-18-2011 . November 21, 2011 . November 19, 2011.
  11. Web site: NDV Bio . 5 April 2022.
  12. Web site: Nick D'Virgilio, Author at inSync . 2023-09-26 . inSync . en.
  13. Web site: Avin . Roie . February 22, 2016 . Spock's Beard To Reunite For MorseFest . February 29, 2016 . TeamRock.
  14. Web site: March 12, 2015 . Breaking News!!! Spock's Beard with Neal Morse and... . limited . https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/31676318167/10153925646663168 . 2022-02-26 . March 14, 2016 . Facebook.
  15. Web site: Boardman . Mark . 2019-11-08 . DAVE KERZNER and NICK D'VIRGILIO Remember KEVIN GILBERT and GIRAFFE on the Anniversary of Their Performance of THE LAMB LIES DOWN ON BROADWAY: "This Show Changed Our Lives and Careers." . 2023-09-26 . Sonic Perspectives . en-US.
  16. KMG 002 . . . 1999 . liner notes.
  17. Web site: 10 November 2011 . A True Story .
  18. Web site: Cuniberti . John . Notes On My Experiences Mixing The Shaming Of The True by John Cuniberti . bot: unknown . https://web.archive.org/web/20120508144212/http://www.kevingilbert.com/cuniberti.htm . 2012-05-08 . 2014-11-03 . KevinGilbert.com.
  19. Web site: Alvarez . Michael . November 10, 2002 . Progwest 2002, Day Two (2) Live Review . 2023-09-26 . prognaut.com.
  20. Web site: Welcome To Joytown The Official Kevin Gilbert Site . 2023-09-26 . en-US.
  21. Web site: The Difference Machine . 2023-09-26 . Big Big Train . en-GB.
  22. Web site: The Underfall Yard . 2023-09-26 . Big Big Train . en-GB.
  23. Web site: MetalTalk . 2020-07-01 . Nick D'Virgilio / on drumming with Genesis and his new album 'Invisible' MetalTalk - Heavy Metal News, Reviews and Interviews . 2023-09-26 . www.metaltalk.net . en-GB.
  24. Web site: Hewitt . Alan . Pound . Simon . 22 August 1997 . "An Alien Afternoon with Tony Banks" – Tony talks to TWR about the new Genesis album at The Farm . 9 July 2019 . The Waiting Room Online.
  25. Web site: Mike Keneally Band . 2023-09-26 . The Official Mike Keneally Website . en-US.
  26. Web site: Mike Keneally Band Dog . 2023-09-26 . The Official Mike Keneally Website . en-US.
  27. Web site: Mike Keneally Band Guitar Therapy Live . 2023-09-26 . The Official Mike Keneally Website . en-US.
  28. Web site: bryanbellerdotcom . December 13, 2017 . www.bryanbeller.com.
  29. Web site: 2005-01-19 . It's Official: SPOCK'S BEARD Drummer To Join FATES WARNING On European Tour . 2023-08-08 . BLABBERMOUTH.NET . en.
  30. Web site: Blabbermouth . 2004-04-18 . Drummer MARK ZONDER To Leave FATES WARNING? . 2023-09-26 . BLABBERMOUTH.NET . en.
  31. IOMDVD 012 . . liner notes . 2005 . Inside Out Music.
  32. MA-9092-2 . . 2007 . liner notes . Magna Carta.
  33. 10T10075 . The Lie Of The Beholder . liner notes . 2014 . 10T Records.
  34. Web site: The Fringe . 2023-09-26 . The Fringe . en-US.
  35. 00002-2 . The Fringe . 2016 . liner notes . Sweetwater Studios.
  36. Web site: January 5, 2017 . Cruise to the Edge 2017 . limited . https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/31676318167/10154830269768168 . 2022-02-26 . January 6, 2017 . Facebook.
  37. Web site: Dave Meros . limited . https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/100005079721156/863580390487944 . 2022-02-26 . February 28, 2018 . www.facebook.com.
  38. Web site: Barrios . Joel . June 13, 2018 . "SPOCK'S BEARD And Roine Stolt's THE FLOWER KINGS REVISITED To Embark In European Tour, SPOCK'S Confirms New Drummer" . 13 June 2018 . Sonic Perspectives.
  39. Web site: Invisible Album . 5 April 2022.
  40. Web site: June 22, 2020 . Invisible Review . 5 April 2022.
  41. Web site: Rapp . Allison . Mr. Big Announces Farewell Tour, 'The Big Finish' . 2023-03-06 . Ultimate Classic Rock . March 6, 2023 . en.
  42. Web site: Nick D'Virgilio Facebook Profile . 2023-09-26 . www.facebook.com . Lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
  43. Bu-S59-AAx. ndvirgilio. Happy Birthday to my wife of 25 years! Tiffany D’Virgilio you are more beautiful then ever! I love you to the moon and back! Happy Birthday baby!. March 14, 2019. Nick D'Virgilio.
  44. Web site: Nick D'Virgilio – Home of the American drummer, singer, multi-instrumentalist and voice-over artist Nick D'Virgilio . 2023-09-26 . en-US . I married my wife Tiffany in 1994 and we have two amazing kids, Sophia and Anthony..