Hey so here is some shocking news for you fine readers. Now while I am currently still in the midst of running around at the 2014 NY Comic Con, I wanted to be sure to get you some of the news that I chanced upon when I returned home last night after all of my running around. I saw this on Facebook but its official and it appears as though Nick Tart, lead singer for the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal legends Diamond Head was moving on from the group after eleven years at the microphone. You can read the official statement that he posted online below and also enjoy some of the photographs that I shot of him when they played in NYC in 2011.
Statement from Nick:
“After 11 years of being the singer for Diamond Head I now feel it’s time for me to move on. As most are aware they have already started the October tour with a replacement singer and I wish them nothing but the very best. I haven’t heard the new guy yet but I’m sure he will be great; Brian has good quality control over Diamond Head and I don’t believe he would continue touring unless he had found a singer who could pull it off. They are a very powerful band to front, so the best of luck to him, no doubt I will be snooping into you tube to see what they sound like.
I was hoping to pen a third album, but making new music with the band became limited; Brian mentioned he had no interest in making a new album, he didn’t feel the urge, which I can totally understand. He’s been doing it for a long time, but if there is no urge to make a new album, then an album doesn’t belong. I made things even more difficult by moving to the other side of the world. After living in Brisbane for nearly 6 years now, I’ve been very fortunate to still be able to fly to the UK and US for tours, thanks to hard work and determination of Karl Wilcox our drummer, without him there’s quite a lot that wouldn’t have been possible for DH. When Diamond Head get offered work, festivals for example, they should be in a position to say yes, without worrying about all the hassle it will take to get me involved. I’m very proud of the 2 albums I have written and recorded with DH and the touring we have done was way beyond my expectations, especially performing at Knebworth with Metallica. I have had some fantastic times, the guys in DH are so grounded which made the tours such a joyful ride, and we have had some laughs.
I now have my own band here in Brisbane; it’s taken me a long time to find someone to connect with musically, but I’m now writing new material and things are shaping up nicely. I’m getting quite excited, so I now need to move forward. Love and thanks to those DH fans that accepted and encouraged me when I first joined the band and have followed us ever since, you know who you are.”
This is some bummer of a news bit because Nick really did a great job in the band. I covered the bands debut appearance at B.B. King Blues Club back in the Fall of 2011 and you can check out that report HERE if you like.
Official Website: http://www.diamond-head.net/