So this is what really happened with Uriah Heep and Nigel Olsson.
Nigel Olsson, Dee Murray, Elton John, Bernie Taupin, and Caleb Quaye were all session musicians and writers at Dick James Music on New Oxford Street, London. Elton was recording his debut album, Empty Sky, and he got Nigel to play drums on the song "Lady Whats Tomorrow".
Nigel had heard the whole album, and loved it, said, "When I first heard Eltons music I knew this is what I wanna play on..."
A few days later, Elton was at nearby Avenue Records doing session work for someone else, when David Byron from Uriah Heep came in and told Elton that he lost his drummer Alex Napier, while they are recording an album and about to do a small tour and does Elton know any drummers?
Elton told him "Yes, I just worked with a guy, Nigel Olsson"
Well, David hired Nigel, Nigel appears on 2 songs on Uriahs album, and they go on tour. David appears to think that they have a new drummer.
BUT after the tour, when they get back to London, Elton calls Nigel to ask him if he wants to be his touring drummer and Nigel accepted and ghosted Uriah Heep.
David Byron said, "Elton took him to America with him and from that day on I never saw anything but the back of Nigel’s shiny hair. I’ve never met him since or communicated. He just left the planet. (laughs)"
And since Nigel was best friends with Dee Murray, another session musician, and Dee worked with Elton too, Dee came with Nigel and it was these men and later Davey Johnstone and Ray Cooper, that formed the unique Elton John Sound
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