Grant Nicholas - Early Years

Early Years

Nicholas was born in Newport, South Wales but grew up in Pwllmeyric, near Chepstow. He was educated at Monmouth School. He performed in public for the first time at the age of 11 at school, and gained four O-levels (now referred to as GCSEs), including an A grade in Art.

In school, Nicholas played the trumpet, and was in his first band, Sweet Leaf (named after a song by Black Sabbath, who were Grant's favourite band in his school years, and the first he saw play live, at the Colston Hall in Bristol). He was promised his first guitar by his parents, as an incentive to pass his exams. He received the guitar, an Aron Les Paul copy after passing them.

Grant says he didn't like the "cattle market" aspects of school and didn't work hard. His favorite bands at school included heavy metal bands such as Judas Priest and Black Sabbath.