Hit n Run | JD Nicholas Fan Site

In the mid 1970’s, in London, Paul Mattock formed a soul band and J.D. became the lead singer. The group stayed together as a working band for about 3-4 years, mainly playing the American Air Bases. J.D.’s father was the entertainment agent for the Air Bases, which kept them very busy.

When Hit n Run eventually disbanded, J.D. secured a record deal with Air Studios (A very successful studio part owned by George Martin, producer of the Beatles). J.D. and Paul became a song writing team and recorded their first single through Air Studios.

A few weeks before they were due to release their first single, J.D. gets a phone call from Heatwave, who at this stage were already successful with the song Boogie Nights. It turned out that their lead singer was involved in a car accident and unable to perform live.

Someone from the old GI’s remembered J.D. from the gigs at the Air Bases and so he was invited to join Heatwave, an opportunity he couldn’t say no to. Air Studios agreed to let him go, even though he had signed a contract with them. So, sad to say, the record was never released and the world never got to see if it would have been a hit… J.D. packed his bags and never looked back.

L-R Luke Tunny (trumpet) Stuart ? (trumpet/vocals * J.D. Nicholas (lead vocals)

Paul Fox (lead guitar) * Martin ? (bass guitar) * Paul Mattock (rhythm guitar)

Dave Ruffy (drums) * Al ? (lead vocals) * Gary Barnacle (sax/flute)

Dave Ruffy and Paul Fox went on to form a very successful punk band called The Ruts. Luke Tunny worked with Phil Collins and Gary became a very successful session player, and is still working to this day.

A special thank you to Paul Mattock for the story of Hit n Run. Paul became a professional photographer with his business located in Brighton, East Sussex. He has not stopped writing songs. You can listen to his most recently produced 4-track EP at oceanfive.bandcamp.com.