Singer and guitarist Nick Curran, a rockabilly, blues and punk musician who found success nationwide, passed away Saturday at the age of 35. He had been diagnosed with oral cancer three years ago.
Curran was born in Biddeford and grew up in Sanford, and from a very early age was a guitar prodigy, playing in bands since he was a teenager and sneaking into Portland clubs like The Big Easy and Gritty McDuffs to watch local musicians play. At age 19 he joined rockabilly legend Ronnie Dawson as a member of his band. He moved to Texas shortly afterwards and played with rockabilly musician Kim Lenz. During that time Curran adopted his flair for punk rock style, and further developed his already considerable skill. He released his own solo album, “Fixin’ Your Head,” in 1999.
From 2004 to 2007, Curran was a member of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, a Texas blues rock band who have been together for nearly 40 years. He appeared on an episode of the HBO series “True Blood,” performing four songs, and in recent years was a member of the Austin, Texas-based bands the Lowlifes and the Flash Boys.
He regularly returned to Maine, performing at venues like Empire Dine & Dance and the New Venue. He is survived by his mother, Carole-Ann Labbe, and her husband, Mark Labbe, of Shapleigh. Curran’s father died two years ago.
