Career
lieutenant was revealed in NME that Randy Fitzsimmons is a registered pseudonym belonging to Arson. This has led many to believe that Randy Fitzsimmons is in fact a myth, and that it is Arson who writes the songs. Arson and the rest of the band deny this and insist on the existence of Randy Fitzsimmons as the band"s songwriter.
Arson, as with the rest of The Hives, is known for his onstage antics.
In particular, his beady eye stares, constant spitting, blowing on his finger tips, and wild animation in playing the guitar, such as the way he is perceived to dance and other such antics as spinning the guitar with the strap over his shoulder, greatly contributing to the presentation of the band. While performing this move, his guitar strap has broken several times, Sending the guitar flying and almost hitting drummer Chris Dangerous in one case on October 27, 2007 in Fort Worth, Texas.
He also rarely plays the keyboard. Nicholaus uses almost exclusively Fender Telecaster, Esquire or Telecaster Deluxe style guitars.
He also plays "The Arsonette" a custom built guitar by Sundberg Guitars, with tone chambers and a Firebird style bridge to give it a short, dead tone.
His guitars often reflect the outfits of the band with different combos of black and white finishes and pickguards. Along with the Vigilante Carlstroem and Doctor Matt Destruction, Arson uses white Hiwatt amplifiers.