Remembering Nick Curran (1977-2012)

	Remembering Nick Curran 1977-2012 VIDEOS: "KILL MY BABY" Nick Curran and the Lowlifes at Fitzgerald's - Berwyn, Il. "NO FUN" / "SHOT DOWN" Nick Curran at Gruta'77 (Madrid) "SHOT DOWN" "IT'S MY LIFE BABY" Nick Curran and the Nitelifes Delta Groove Music is sad to report that Austin-based vocalist/guitarist Nick Curran has unfortunately lost his brave and hard-fought battle against oral cancer. Curran was first diagnosed with cancer of the tongue in early 2010, just a few weeks prior to the release of his critically acclaimed album, "Reform School Girl." Initial plans for an extensive tour in support of the album were regrettably delayed, as Curran underwent his first cancer treatment plan. By July of 2010, Curran was given a clean bill of health and resumed plans to relaunch his solo career by touring extensively throughout the East Coast and Southwestern United States, before heading off on a tour of Germany and other parts of Europe in the late fall. During this time, "Reform School Girl" continued to rack up praise in publications such as No Depression, who proclaimed it as "...one hell of a record and one of the top 10 of the year," and the album even managed to score three separate tracks as part of the "Coolest Song in the World" spotlight on the nationally syndicated radio show, "Little Steven's Underground Garage." The threat of cancer sadly resurfaced early in 2011, and Curran once again had to postpone his spring tour which included a highly-anticipated appearance at the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekender. Curran continued to courageously fight his cancer, always remaining resolutely optimistic that he would one day triumph over it, and get back to nurturing his blossoming music career. After many discouraging and unsuccessful attempts at treatments through the traditional medical system, Curran ultimately decided to turn his efforts towards other promising alternative therapies. With the help and support of his mother by his side, Curran began treatment in late September 2012 utilizing Gerson Therapy at his home in Austin, Texas. Curran tragically passed away on Saturday, October 6, 2012. He was 35. Delta Groove Music would like to extend our sincerest condolences to all friends, family and fans of Nick Curran. He will be sorely missed, but not forgotten. We encourage you to read this wonderful article published on October 9, 2012 by AllMusic editor Matt Collar, who reflects on the career of Nick Curran whom he counts as one of his favorite artists. - CLICK HERE TO READ WWW.DELTAGROOVEMUSIC.COM

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

Nick Curran passes away at age 35

NICK CURRAN PASSES AWAY AT AGE 35 Guitarist, songwriter and vocalist Nick Curran passed away on Saturday, October 6th, at his home in Austin, Texas, it was announced by his management.  He was 35 years old. Curran was a powerhouse performer who drew inspiration from the blues and rockabilly artists of the 50's and became renowned for his uncanny knack of authentically recreating the feel, vibe, and swagger of classic R&B and rock.    He cut his teeth playing with rockabilly legends Ronnie Dawson and Kim Lenz.   A native of Maine, Curran moved to Dallas and immersed himself in the Texas roots music scene, eventually releasing two albums on the Texas Jamboree label, Fixin' Your Head and Nitelife Boogie.  As he would do on all his albums, Curran used vintage recording equipment and a one take technique to achieve not only the sound but also the feel of vintage 45s.   His national debut, Doctor Velvet on Blind Pig, was released in 2003 to critical acclaim, with a number of publications calling it the album of the year.  It also attracted international attention with rave reviews in the U.K. and Germany and a "Best New International Blues Artist" award in France. Meanwhile, Nick and his band, the Nitelifes, were generating an ever-growing buzz with their head-turning performances at festivals and clubs across the country, including a stunning performance at the 2003 San Francisco Blues Festival.   Calling him a "don't miss performer," Blues Revue said, "Internet discussion boards are shot through with postings and excited conversations by stunned people who just saw Nick and his band for the first time." A twenty-first century hybrid of Little Richard and T-Bone Walker, Curran displayed a veteran's mastery of the nuances of roots rock and blues idioms, yet did it in such a way that made the familiar sound startlingly new.  With his raw, powerful voice and stinging guitar, he quickly established himself as one of the freshest, most exciting new talents on the scene. Doctor Velvet included guest appearances by Curran admirer Jimmie Vaughan (who called him "just a total ass-kicker").  The album went on to win the W.C. Handy Award, blues music's most prestigious award, for "Best New Artist Debut."  Nick Curran and the Nitelifes released their second Blind Pig album, Player!, in 2004 but the band broke up shortly afterward when Nick  was asked to join Kim Wilson's latest reincarnation of The Fabulous Thunderbirds, just in time to record the band's Painted On release.  He toured with the T-Birds for three years, and also worked on side projects such as Deguello, a blues/punk combo he formed with another T-Bird alum, Ronnie James, and a punk/rock 'n' roll band named The Flash Boys.  In 2008 he performed four songs in a scene in the HBO Series "True Blood." His last album, Reform School Girl, was released in 2010 on the Eclectro Groove label.  That year he was also diagnosed with oral cancer, and had been undergoing treatment until succumbing over the weekend. Blind Pig executive Edward Chmelewski said, "We were all very saddened to hear the news of Nick's death.  He was an extremely talented musician and a very sweet guy.  A truly gifted artist, he captured a golden musical moment in time and made it his own." For more information visit http://www.blindpigrecords.com/.