Nicky Chinn co-wrote some of the biggest songs of the '70s and '80s, writing smash hits like Tiger Feet, Blockbuster, Devil Gate Drive, Hey Mickey, Living Next Door to Alice—all while battling severe bipolar disorder. Alongside his songwriting partner Mike Chapman, he helped shape the sound of Sweet, Mud, Racey, Suzi Quatro, Smokie, Toni Basil, Tina Turner, and Huey Lewis. But behind the music, there was another story.
Nicky opens up about the brutal psychiatric treatments he endured as a teenager, multiple hospitalizations, and his lifelong search for stability. He shares insights into fame, fortune, and friendships, including his close bond with pop mogul Mickie Most. There’s also plenty of rock ‘n’ roll madness—from turning his bathroom into a discotheque to buying two Rolls-Royces in one day and snapping up Paul Newman's Hollywood mansion.
At the heart of it all? A childhood shaped by abandonment, a search for belonging, and a 1995 turning point that changed everything, meeting his now wife.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.