A Few Moments With Nick Beggs
Nick Beggs in the studio
When music history books look back on Nick Beggs, will they be kind or will they forever
link him to Kajagoogoo? Well, any good book uses references and there are plenty out there that can tell you how
talented this man is. From production work with Belinda Carlisle (Go-Go's), Warren Cuccurrullo (ex-Missing Persons/Duran
Duran) and Howard Jones to actually working for a Phonogram Records as a A&R Rep. During the preparation for
another tour with HoJo, I got a chance to ask him a few questions.
80sNut: So far you've had a very diverse musical career.
What moment, would you say, did you decide you needed to be on stage?
Nick: Well I never decided I needed to be on stage, it's just the creativity I need. If I never went on stage again I wouldn't mind as long I was creating in some form or another.
80sNut: I was pretty upset with VH1's "Where Are They Now" for focusing on Chris/Limahl and not the core of the group. Have you seen this segment yet?
Nick: VH-1 shot a segment for an interview called "It came from the 80's." Later on they decided to edit another show together from the same clips and make "Where are they now?" When I did my segment I had no idea how it was going to end up being used. VH-1 are just the same as any other sensationalist media organization, they'll do anything to save a buck and anything to make one. I couldn't care less about how the program was edited or on Limahls' opinions on anything.
80sNut: What was it like when you took over vocals for Kajagoogoo's sophomore release Islands along with the hit single "Big Apple"?
Nick: I'm not a natural singer and I always prefer just playing but I did what I had to do at the time. I felt pretty indifferent about it actually. But it was a lot of hard work.
80sNut: You went from "New Romantic" Kaja to "Christian Folk" Iona which is quite a transition. What brought that about?
Nick: I never saw Kaja as a New Romantic band they were to late for that bracket. It was just pop. As for the diversity, a musician should be able to cover many chairs if he wants to stay employed.
80sNut: Were you happy as A&R Manager at Phonogram Records UK?
Nick: Yes I loved it and was hot on the tail of acts like Oasis, Skunk Anansy, Connor Reeves and others besides before I was made redundant.
80sNut: Howard mentioned to me last tour that he met you on a flight. I'd love to hear your side of how you met and how you've become involved with his work.
Nick: It's true I was returning from a month of recording with Belinda Carlisle in Malibu when I met Howard and his manager on the plane home. I'd known them since 1979 but we had never worked together before. I think Howard was just ready to try the band thing and I happened to be in the right place at the right time.
80sNut: Explain to us the term "claustrophilia" and does the light really go out inside a refrigerator when the door shuts? (No, you are never going to live that down)
Nick: Claustrophobia comes from the Latin for smallspace and love. So it's quite literally the love of confined spaces. Howard came up with it after I got into a mini bar one night.
80sNut: With a career that has touched so many areas of the industry, what accomplishments do you hold highest?
Nick: Iona!
80sNut: How many times have you told Chris/Limahl "No" to a reunion?
Nick: Three.
Currently, he's been touring and recording with Howard Jones. He also has one of the most impressive websites showcasing
his career http://www.nickbeggs.demon.co.uk but be warned, it's
not for the faint of heart. So when that musical history book is written, I'm more than sure he will be included
in many chapters and many more to come.
Martin Hennessy III