Quick Facts
PiscesBiography
Brandon "Taz" Niederauer (born 2003) is an American guitarist from Dix Hills, Long Island. He starred in the musical School of Rock on Broadway. He was nicknamed 'Taz' by his guitar teacher William Mignoli at his first lesson at Rock and Roll University because his fast guitar playing which reminded Mr. Mignoli of the Tazmanian Devil from the Bugs Bunny Looney Tunes cartoons. In addition he has appeared on many television shows including: The Ellen Show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Good Morning America, and The View.
Career
He starred on Broadway in School of Rock the Musical. Before he was 15 years old he had played guitar with Gregg Allman, Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes, Stevie Nicks, Lady Gaga and Buddy Guy.
During a 2017 birthday celebration for musician Col. Bruce Hampton. Niederauer was playing a guitar solo on stage when Hampton suddenly collapsed and died. Nobody knew the quirky Hampton had actually died, and so the show continued for several minutes: Hampton was eventually taken backstage and then he was taken away by ambulance and pronounced dead.
In 2018 he garnered attention for a tweet of himself playing the National Anthem on guitar.
In 2019 he performed the National Anthem on guitar at Wrigley Field before a Chicago Cubs game. He also continued playing for large crowds in 2019.
Acting
- In 2015, he played the role of Zack in School of Rock the Musical on Broadway.
- In 2019 he played the role of Virgil in Spike Lee’s Netflix series She’s Gotta Have It.
Signature guitar
D’Angelico Guitars released a signature Brandon “Taz” Niederauer Atlantic guitar.