Over a decade ago, when Zoy Nicoles and the Campbell brothers came together to form MUDMEN, a solo project was the last thing on Zoy’s mind. Having just finished working with a number of songwriters, A not so famous brother of MADONA being one of them, made him hungry to go out and forge his own way, with his own band.  And meeting up with the Campbell brothers, who had this great idea to marry rock music with bagpipes, not only made that possible, but very appealing. So sometime in the year 2000, the official birth of MUDMEN took place. Zoy’s contribution to the act was vast and diverse, from lead vocals to writing he grew outward and upward. Touring and performing tirelessly across Canada, U.K and America,  preparing for what he only now realizes to be his destiny. A little history here, Destiny was the name of Zoy’s very first band. By album number two (Overrated) he had written the infectious song “Animal” a track that appears on 2 xBox & Playstation titles. (Burnout 3 and MX vs. ATV Unleashed) By album three (Defending the Kingdom) he had upped his contribution to include writing all the songs on the entire 3rd record,  minus “Long Way to the Top” of course which was written by ACDC. Now jump forward to a few months ago and we are at a crossroads an impasse that really started at about the time he was writing “Defending the Kingdom.”  The three founding members now have different views as to which direction the music and MUDMEN should be heading. The Campbell brothers want to go in a more Celtic/Pub direction and Zoy wanted to see a more Rock high intensity, big show feel. He says “In the end, the right thing to do was just to get out and do what I do best, write good songs and perform for the largest number of people possible every night!” So as of January 1^st the guys parted ways with nothing but best wishes and a new appreciation for the role each of the three played in what was MUDMEN. So in closing, you have come to a doorway, this doorway either  closes the book that is MUDMEN or if you choose to walk through opens a new chapter. The choice is totally yours but know that you’re invited. The new solo record will include some songs that Zoy did while he was with MUDMEN and will be done without bagpipes, showing the music in a new light and in a more original context.  There will also be new material that would have probably ended up on the new MUDMEN album if things had gone differently. Your first step now if you choose to go through the door is..... click on the Reverb Nation mailing list box below and check out some new music. We are going to be seeing a new album in the Summer so come hear songs before anyone else can on Reverb Nation! Don’t forget to sign up and enjoy hundreds of other great bands from all over the world.

“I just wanted to say that even though there weren’t any big farewell shows (not my call) or any goodbyes to the fans, it in no way reflects any lack of love for the people who supported MUDMEN and Myself through the years. You made it bearable for me at times in my life when I felt completely alone and you made MUDMEN and myself what we are today. I want to thank you and tell you that you are all a part of my life and you’re always welcome at any of my shows, just mention MUDMEN and maybe I can get you in on a list....I think I know a guy ;)”

Best wishes: Zoy Nicoles