Q. What made you seek out Nigel (via an email to the fan club)? I have to say, your email offering to send Nigel a pair of trousers was probably the most unique we have ever received!
A. I'm a huge music fan and avid record collector across genres from jazz and blues, to rock, pop and soul, to rap and EDM. Some of my most worn out LPs are from the 1970s pop and melodic rock scene.
I play the drums and I decided to seek out Nigel as I simply wanted to offer him a complimentary pair of pants because I love his playing style. Despite their huge success, I think the Elton John Band have always been vastly underrated. I don't think of Elton John, the act, as just Elton. When I listen to the records or watch the live show, I'm appreciating not only Elton's talents, but those of Nigel, Davey Johnstone etc.
I was delighted that Nigel liked our pants and we have been overwhelmed by his support.
Q. How would you describe his fashion sense?
A. From what I have seen, Nigel dresses like a gent. He pairs our pants with smart shirts and a blazer, with his initial colours of choice being Classic Navy and Rolling Stone. He's not averse to some flamboyance though and has recently been enjoying wearing Chilli Red.
Q. Is there anyone else in the band wearing your trousers?
A. Matt Bissonette and John Mahon have a couple of pairs, and we've just delivered two pairs for each of Elton's crew members.
Q. How would you like to see Nigel and the rest of Elton's band dress onstage?
A. I liked the suits they were wearing when we recently saw them in France. I also loved Nigel's white gloves and the shades the rest of the band were we wearing. It would be an honour to continue making clothes for them, but they were already looking pretty smart.
Q. Do you have a launch date for the Nigel Olsson Navy trousers [please mention that Nigel's logo will be on the label]?
A. We've just sent Nigel his first two pairs. They're a luxury navy pant made out of a mix of cashmere and merino wool, with Nigel's logo on the label. He's been a great supporter of ours, I thought it would be nice to pay tribute to him in this small way and show how touched we've been by his kindness. They will be introduced permanently into our range in time for Fall.
Q. Do you have any plans for the launch?
A. The launch of these pants into our permanent collection will coincide with a redesign of our website, as well as a AW '15 tour of the States.
Q. On a personal level, what are your favorite performances by Nigel on record and live in concert?
A. I love "Only One Woman", "Saturday Night" and "A Little Bit of Soap" from his own records. On Elton LPs, his playing and singing on "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" is incredible. I know he especially likes playing the ballads, but on Goodbye Yellow Brick Road the drums on the likes of "Your Sister Can't Twist" and "Grey Seal" are just spot on.
Live, the little drum solo at the end of "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" is a highlight for me, as is his playing in general on that. I also loved the groove on "The Bitch Is Back" and the fills on "Burn Down The Mission".
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