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Nick D'Virgilio

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Nick D'Virgilio
D'Virgilio with Big Big Train in 2024
D'Virgilio with Big Big Train in 2024
Background information
Birth nameNicholas D'Virgilio
Born (1968-11-12) November 12, 1968 (age 55)
OriginWhittier, California, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • singer
Instruments
  • Drums
  • vocals
  • guitar
  • keyboards
Years active1992–present
Member of
Formerly of
Websitenickdvirgilio.com

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.[3] 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[4] and Mystery, and is an official member of Big Big Train.

Career

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Spock's Beard (1992–2011, 2017–2018)

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D'Virgilio was the drummer in Spock's Beard since the band began in the early 1990s.[5][6] After Neal Morse left in 2002, D'Virgilio took over on lead vocals and became their frontman during live performances.[7][8] 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.[9]

D'Virgilio performing with Spock's Beard in 2007

On July 26, 2011, D'Virgilio released a solo EP called Pieces.[10] He performed a show in Quebec City, Canada performing the EP in its entirety with local musicians on the day of the album release.[11]

On November 18, 2011, D'Virgilio announced that he had left Spock's Beard,[9] 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."[12]

Later in 2014, D'Virgilio left Cirque du Soleil due to show cutbacks[13] 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."[14]

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.[15][16]

Kevin Gilbert (1994–1999)

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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.[17] 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.[18] 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.[19][20] 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,[21] 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.[22]

Big Big Train (2007–present)

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D'Virgilio with Big Big Train in 2007.

After guesting on three tracks on Big Big Train's 2007 album The Difference Machine,[23][24] he was billed as a "permanent guest" on The Underfall Yard (2009)[25] 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.

In 2024, he committed to the band's touring schedule when it conflicted with Mr. Big's.[26]

Other bands

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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.[27] D'Virgilio split percussion duties with Nir Zidkyahu during work on the album.[28] D'Virgilio had been a full member of the Mike Keneally Band from 2001 to 2004,[29] 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.[30] Previous Keneally drummer Joe Travers took D'Virgilio's place in the band for the subsequent Guitar Therapy tour.[31]

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.[32]

D'Virgilio filled in for Mark Zonder on Fates Warning's summer tour with Dream Theater and Queensrÿche in 2003.[2] 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.[33] D'Virgilio played with the band on a handful of gigs supporting that album and appeared on the 2006 DVD release Live in Athens.[34] D'Virgilio also appeared on Jordan Rudess' 2007 album The Road Home.[35]

In early 2014, D'Virgilio appeared on Roy Strattman's album The Lie of the Beholder,[36] 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.[37][38]

D'Virgilio in 2019

In 2018, it was announced that D'Virgilio had returned to Spock's Beard as their recording drummer following the departure of Jimmy Keegan.[39] He appears on their 13th studio release, Noise Floor.[40] It remains unclear whether D'Virgilio will continue recording with the band, which has designated Mike Thorne (of Saga) as their live drummer.[41]

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.[42] D'Virgilio wrote the concept during his time in the booth while touring with the Cirque Du Soleil show Totem.[43]

In 2023, it was announced that he would be performing as the drummer for Mr. Big on their "BIG Finish Tour".[44]

Personal life

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D'Virgilio lives in Fort Wayne,[45] Indiana with his wife Tiffany[46] and his two children Anthony and Sophia.[47]

Discography

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Solo albums

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  • Karma (2001)
  • Pieces (EP) (2011)
  • Invisible (2020)

With D'Virgilio, Morse & Jennings

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  • Troika (2022)
  • Sophomore (2023)

With Spock's Beard

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With Big Big Train

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Main article: Big Big Train discography

With The Fringe

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  • The Fringe (2016)

Other collaborations

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Year Artist Title Notes
1997 Genesis Calling All Stations drums on four tracks
2001 Roland Orzabal Tomcats Screaming Outside drums
2002 Kaviar The Kaviar Sessions bass and drums
2003 Mike Keneally Band A Fair Forgery of Pink Floyd as member of Mike Keneally Band on Astronomy Domine
2004 Dog drums
2005 Fates Warning Live in Athens
2006 Tears For Fears Secret World Live in Paris drums on live tracks and one studio tracks
2007 Amaran's Plight Voice in The Light drums
2008 Rewiring Genesis A Tribute to the Lamb Lies Down on Broadway drums, percussion, lead and backing vocals and production
Martin Orford The Old Road drums, and or tambouring on 8 tracks
2010 Aeon Zen The Face of the Unknown vocals on one track
2010 Frost* The Philadelphia Experiment drums and vocals on all tracks
2012 Mystery The World Is a Game drums
2013 Cosmograf The Man Left in Space drums on four tracks
2014 Capacitor drums on all tracks
Strattman The Lie of the Beholder
Dave Kerzner New World drums
2016 Cosmograf The Unreasonable Silence
The Dreaming Street The Dreaming Street
2017 Carl Verheyen Essential Blues drums and percussion
2019 Neal Morse Jesus Christ The Exorcist vocals of Judas Iscariot
2019 Steve Hackett At the Edge of Light drums on one track
2024 Steve Hackett The Circus and the Nightwhale

References

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  1. ^ "MR. BIG Announces 'The Big Finish' World Tour, Unveils New Touring Drummer". Blabbermouth.net. March 6, 2023. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  2. ^ a b "It's Official: SPOCK'S BEARD Drummer To Join FATES WARNING On European Tour". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. January 19, 2005. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  3. ^ "Spock's Beard Singer Quits". BW&BK. November 18, 2011.
  4. ^ "Bio – Nick D'Virgilio". Retrieved September 26, 2023. 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!!!)
  5. ^ Whitman, Howard (October 1, 2010). "Spock's Beard part 1: As the Beard grows". Goldmine. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  6. ^ "Neal Morse (Spock's Beard) Interview". Wondrous Stories (80). August 1998.
  7. ^ Sparks, Ryan. "An Interview with Neal Morse". Classic Rock Revisited. Archived from the original on September 14, 2011. Retrieved September 8, 2015.
  8. ^ "Jimmy Keegan Interview May 2005". spocksbeard.org. Archived from the original on November 19, 2008. Retrieved September 8, 2015.
  9. ^ a b "Singer Quits Spock's Beard". Classic Rock. November 19, 2011. Archived from the original on November 22, 2011. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  10. ^ "New Nick D'Virgilio EP - DPRP News Blog". www.dprp.net. Archived from the original on August 30, 2017. Retrieved December 13, 2017.
  11. ^ "July 16, 2011". July 16, 2011. Archived from the original on September 9, 2011. Retrieved November 11, 2011.
  12. ^ "NDV Music » November 18, 2011". November 18, 2011. Archived from the original on November 21, 2011. Retrieved November 19, 2011.
  13. ^ "NDV Bio". Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  14. ^ "Nick D'Virgilio, Author at inSync". inSync. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  15. ^ Avin, Roie (February 22, 2016). "Spock's Beard To Reunite For MorseFest". TeamRock. Retrieved February 29, 2016.
  16. ^ "Breaking News!!! Spock's Beard with Neal Morse and..." Facebook. March 12, 2015. Archived from the original on February 26, 2022. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
  17. ^ Boardman, Mark (November 8, 2019). "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."". Sonic Perspectives. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  18. ^ Live At The Troubadour (liner notes). The Estate Of Kevin Gilbert. 1999. KMG 002.
  19. ^ "A True Story". November 10, 2011.
  20. ^ Cuniberti, John. "Notes On My Experiences Mixing The Shaming Of The True by John Cuniberti". KevinGilbert.com. Archived from the original on May 8, 2012. Retrieved November 3, 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  21. ^ Alvarez, Michael (November 10, 2002). "Progwest 2002, Day Two (2) Live Review". prognaut.com. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  22. ^ "Welcome To Joytown | The Official Kevin Gilbert Site". Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  23. ^ Train, Big Big (July 1, 2008), Nick D'Virgilio Difference Machine sessions, retrieved September 26, 2023
  24. ^ "The Difference Machine". Big Big Train. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  25. ^ "The Underfall Yard". Big Big Train. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  26. ^ "MR. BIG Drummer NICK D'VIRGILIO To Miss Most Of Final European Leg Of 'The BIG Finish' Tour; Replacement Announced". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. June 15, 2024. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
  27. ^ MetalTalk (July 1, 2020). "Nick D'Virgilio / on drumming with Genesis and his new album 'Invisible' | MetalTalk - Heavy Metal News, Reviews and Interviews". www.metaltalk.net. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  28. ^ Hewitt, Alan; Pound, Simon (August 22, 1997). ""An Alien Afternoon with Tony Banks" – Tony talks to TWR about the new Genesis album at The Farm". The Waiting Room Online. Retrieved July 9, 2019.
  29. ^ "Mike Keneally Band". The Official Mike Keneally Website. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  30. ^ "Mike Keneally Band Dog". The Official Mike Keneally Website. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  31. ^ "Mike Keneally Band Guitar Therapy Live". The Official Mike Keneally Website. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  32. ^ "bryanbellerdotcom". www.bryanbeller.com. Retrieved December 13, 2017.
  33. ^ Blabbermouth (April 18, 2004). "Drummer MARK ZONDER To Leave FATES WARNING?". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  34. ^ Live in Athens (liner notes). Inside Out Music. 2005. IOMDVD 012.
  35. ^ The Road Home (liner notes). Magna Carta. 2007. MA-9092-2.
  36. ^ The Lie Of The Beholder (liner notes). 10T Records. 2014. 10T10075.
  37. ^ "The Fringe". The Fringe. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  38. ^ The Fringe (liner notes). Sweetwater Studios. 2016. 00002-2.
  39. ^ "Cruise to the Edge 2017". Facebook. January 5, 2017. Archived from the original on February 26, 2022. Retrieved January 6, 2017.
  40. ^ "Dave Meros". www.facebook.com. Archived from the original on February 26, 2022. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
  41. ^ 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"". Sonic Perspectives. Retrieved June 13, 2018.
  42. ^ "Invisible Album". Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  43. ^ "Invisible Review". June 22, 2020. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  44. ^ Rapp, Allison (March 6, 2023). "Mr. Big Announces Farewell Tour, 'The Big Finish'". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  45. ^ "Nick D'Virgilio Facebook Profile". www.facebook.com. Retrieved September 26, 2023. Lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana
  46. ^ Nick D'Virgilio [@ndvirgilio] (March 14, 2019). "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!" – via Instagram.
  47. ^ "Nick D'Virgilio – Home of the American drummer, singer, multi-instrumentalist and voice-over artist Nick D'Virgilio". Retrieved September 26, 2023. I married my wife Tiffany in 1994 and we have two amazing kids, Sophia and Anthony.
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