Cliff Davies Original Nuge drummer dead
ricknielsenshat
Davies, passed away in Dallas, Georgia. He was 59 years old.
Cliff was best known as the drummer and producer for Ted Nugent in the
1970's and early 1980's when Ted was at his peak. This wasn't a
surprise. As those closest to him know, and Ted himself admitted many
times during that period, Cliff is the man responsible for making Ted
Nugent a household name.
Originally brought in to produce Ted by Lew Futterman in 1975 and
eventually, taking over duties behind the drums. his contributions to
Ted Nugent's career cannot be ignored. He was an Unknown Hero of Rock
a man who did his job but is often overlooked beyond being a name on
an album jacket. However, beyond just his production credits, for
example, there are many little known pieces of trivia, Cliff was the
voice on the studio version of the song Stormtroopin. Derek St. Holmes
who always sung the song live, didn't particularly like the song and
so Cliff stepped in to provide the studio vocal. He also co-wrote and/
or arranged all of Ted Nugent's biggest hits though given little or no
credit. He didn't need that. That was the way he was. The ultimate
team player. For example, the "Bolero" section of Stranglehold was
created by Cliff. He also co-wrote the song "Together" with Rob Grange
from Free-For-All. Again, all of this behind the scenes and never was
there any complaints about who should get credit.
After leaving Ted Nugent in the early 1980's, Cliff spent time working
as a producer for various projects including the final Grand Funk
album, "What's Funk". Eventually, however, he walked away from the
industry.
In recent years, Cliff lived in the Atlanta, Georgia area. In 2005,
after a brief reunion with former bandmates Rob Grange and Derek St.
Holmes, he began work on the development of the Rock and Roll
Remembers Foundation, a charity close to his heart. The foundation, in
Cliff's words, was a long time in coming as there was a need that
needed to be filled. And so Rock and Roll Remembers was created
specifically targeting those within the rock and roll industry. It's
mission was and is to aid and assist those within the rock and roll
community who fall on hard times. Even though he was not financially
secure himself, he generously donated his time to help this cause,
something that will never be forgotten by those whom we are able to
help in the future. That was the way Cliff lived. He always had time
for others. His work will not be for naught and the foundation will
move forward in the hopes of being able to truly help those in need
the way Cliff wanted. However, there is a giant void that may never
be filled.
His final production credit and recorded appearances were all to
benefit Rock and Roll Remembers. As a member of the Unknown Heroes of
Rock, Cliff produced a studio EP featuring himself on drums and an
assortment of friends lending a hand to help raise money for the
foundation. It is currently available exclusively through the
foundation. (If you would like a copy, please contact Rock and Roll
Remembers.) He also made his final public appearance at a benefit
concert on April 5, 2008 in Fresno, California as part of the Unknown
Heroes.
For those who would like to express their thoughts they may do so
through the Rock and Roll Remembers Website, www.rockandrollremembers.org
or via email at RRRem...@aol.com..
At this time all I can say is my friend will be missed.
Thank you.
Michael Krikorian,
Executive Director
babyma...@hotmail.com
sweet deal on a set of DW's. i also had my only drum lessons ever from
Cliff. i went to the music instruction place a couple times and he
came to my house a few times to teach me drum lessons.....even ate
dinner with me and my family once (it was captain crunch chicken and
he said he was a vegetarian, lol). he showed me how to spin sticks and
this weird trick where you throw the stick flat on the ground and it
bounces back and you catch it. i never practiced and he knew it, lol.
what do you want, i was 16. anyway, he was a classic Englishman and
just really warm and sweet. the last time i saw him was in 2000 at the
atlanta drum show. RIP Cliff
> or via email at RRRememb...@aol.com..
George
playing..especially on that 8th note groove on Stranglehold and Free
For All.