JOST NICKEL - Taking Risks, Drumming Longevity & Career Lessons

In this exclusive interview, German super-drummer Jost Nickel sits down with Ollie Winiberg to talk about all things drumming — from his early career to performing at The UK Drum Show.

We dive deep into the differences between clinics vs gigs, why he loves the “nerdy” side of drumming, and the secret to longevity behind a successful career in music. Jost also shares his thoughts on the importance of sight-reading, the value of taking risks, and his best advice for drummers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner, a drum geek, or a seasoned pro, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.

Jost will be appearing in the Mike Johnston Education Room at The UK Drum Show 2025 on both Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th October at ACC Liverpool.

Grab your tickets for the UK’s hottest drum event…HERE

01:00 – Clinics vs Shows

03:30 – “I Enjoy The Nerd Side of Things”

05:11 – The Secret To Longevity

08:30 – Taking Risks and Advice For Drummers

11:35 – In The Beginning

13:40 – Sight Reading Importance

15:25 – The UK Drum Show

Jost Proudly Plays…

Sonor Drums

Meinl Cymbals

Vic Firth Drumsticks

Remo Drumheads

Ahead Drum Cases

Beyerdynamic Microphones

Catch up on all episodes of The UK Drum Show: The Official Podcast

Hosted by the legend, our Main Stage Host, Ollie Winiberg, we’re sitting down with every drummer performing at the UK Drum Show

BIOGRAPHY:

Jost Nickel – Drummer, Composer & Educator

Jost Nickel belongs to the golden generation of drummers from Germany. A top session and tour player, like his friends Anika Nilles (one of Jost’s students), Marco Minnemann, and Benny Greb, Jost is taking contemporary drumming in new directions.

His name is credited on numerous hit records both in his home country and internationally. He has played and recorded with jazz legends such as Randy Brecker, Jeff Lorber, Bob Mintzer, Jimmy Haslip, Barry Finnerty, Mitch Forman, Brandon Fields, and many others.

Jost invited Jeff Lorber, Jimmy Haslip, and Barry Finnerty to collaborate on his 2021 solo album, The Check In.

As an educator and clinician, Jost has made international appearances at events such as the Montreal Drum Fest (2010), PASIC (USA) in 2012 & 2016, the Namm Show (USA) in 2015 & 2020, the Meinl Drum Festival (2008, 2012, 2016 & 2023), the London Drum Show (2016), the Tam Tam Festival in Spain (2016) and the UK Drum Show in 2017 & 2022. He has also been featured on Drumeo (Canada) twice in 2015 & 2018.

Jost’s talent as an educator has been recognized by the industry, having been nominated as “Best Clinician” by Modern Drummer Magazine in 2016 and being voted as one of “the 10 best drum clinicians in the world” by MusicRadar in 2016 & 2017.

In 2022 & 2023, he was nominated as “Best Funk Drummer” by Drumeo.

Jost has authored four highly successful books through Alfred Publishing: Jost Nickel’s GROOVE BOOK (2015), Jost Nickel’s FILL BOOK (2017), Jost Nickel’s SNARE BOOK (2019), and Jost Nickel’s BEGINNER BOOK (2023). Two of these titles were nominated for “Best Educational Product” by Modern Drummer Magazine (USA).

He has written feature articles and workshops in Modern Drummer Magazine, Drummer (UK), Rhythm & Drums (Japan), Batterie (France), Drums & Percussion (Germany), and other publications.

Jost is known for his punchy, articulate drum sound, which he counterbalances with a jazzy, exotic cymbal wash. His ‘light and shade’ vibe reflects a cutting-edge drummer who keeps one foot steeped in tradition, with a pocket and groove that is undeniable.

In addition to touring and recording, Jost, who studied at Drummers Collective in New York, is a tutor at the highly acclaimed University of Pop in Mannheim.