This is how I remember Nik, always smiling and having a good time and of course
having a great sense of humour as well...as you can tell from the shirt he's wearing.

I first time I got in touch with Nik was back in 1977-8, via the Slade fan club (Slade Supporters Club). Of course in those days we didn't communicate via the internet, we either contacted each by letter of chatted over the phone.

Like many others who followed Slade in the lull years (quiet years), up & down the country, when the media had no intrest in Slade, apart from a few journalist like Garry Bushell, who always gave Slade a good write-up, where others just couldn't be bothered.

Fans like myself & Nik were known as The
"Old Gaurd", the same fans who traveled the lengths of the country to see their idols. When Nik & I finally got to meet each other, we found out that we went to same Slade gigs, but didn't know each other at the time.

I remember the time when Nik & another Slade fan jostein hustveit (from Norway) came to Oxford (my birth place), did a tour of all the pubs in & around Oxford, and I introduced them to a game of "Aunt Sally" a popular pub game that is played in Oxfordshire. The look on their faces was a picture in itself, thou unfortunately we have no photo eviedence of us playing the game, probably had to much to drink, and couldn't hold the camera, God knows how we managed not to hurt anyone when we were throwing the sticks at the "Dolly". Tell you another day more about "Aunt Sally" and how the game is played.

All the years I knew Nik, he never raised his voice once or get angry with anymore, he was a an out-going person, loved a good laugh and a beer. Not only was Nik a huge fan of Slade, but a big music fan, if you mentioned a band or singer in coversation, he would give the thier life story, his knowlege was unbeleiveable. His CD/DVD and the good old vynl collection was massive, he would pick a cd from the shelf at random, he would tell you their history, he blew me away with his knowledge.

When I was in the process of setting up a independed Slade magazine (The Slade Journal), I had a few people lined up to do various write-ups for the mag., but there was only one man for the job of the gig reviews etc....and that man of course was Nik. When we went to the gigs to see Slade2, as they were known then, we would suggest where to meet, there was Nik with the famous inflatable guitar in his hand. Nik was know for his inflatable he took it with him to every gig, and to any parties that he went to etc.


Nik would get people of their seats to rush down to the front of the stage, before Slade came on, it worked at every gig we went to, he was full of energy, really having a good time....and making sure that other people were having a good time too.

There's been many ocassions where we've let our hair down, not just at Slade gigs/conventions, but to see some great local talent in Bristol & Cardiff. We both shared some great times together, and I shall always keep these happy memories.

When I first heard of his illness, I just went into shock, thought " How can this be", Nik was full of life and energy....and I mean a lot of energy! He was so ill, he could hardly speak. Some days were better than others, then via versa, Weeks. months went on, kept in regular contact with Nik & Denise, mainly talking to Den, because Nik couldn't speak to well.

Then when I heard that Nik sadly passed away, I just broke down, I knew he wasn't getting any better, but I hoped he might just pull through and stay with us a little longer.

When the day of the funeral arrived, and was told to wear something comfortable, preferably a Slade Shirt, Nik wouldn't have it any other way. When I arrived at the Crematorium, I wasn't the only one to a Slade T.shirt, many other of Nik's friend's wore shirts and jackets.

He had a great send off, all his favourite songs played thoughout his service. They even put his inflatable guitar on his coffin. John Sales, Don's former Drum technician, did a very nice short speech, more or less what I would have said. Messages were also read out from Dave & Don and the rest of the band, plus a nice message from Dave Graham on behalf of the Slade In England forum members.

I will miss Nik, but he certainly won't be forgotten, not in my home, because of the amount of photos I have of him over the years.

God Bless Nik
R.I.P.