Elliott first played the drums at the age of 13. He was self-taught until the age of 18 when he studied at Salford University with Manchester session drummer Steve Gilbert. It was whilst playing for the Salford University Big Band that he twice won the BBC radio 2 big band drummer of the year award. He consequently went on to play for the nationally renowned Andy Prior Orchestra. 

After he left Salford University Elliott continued to tour and record with Andy Prior for a further 6 years appearing on numerous TV and radio shows. In 2001 he toured the UK with the hit show Anything Goes; this was followed by a tour with Wayne Sleep and Melanie Stace and eventually led to him deputising in London's west end.

Elliott works with artists and bands that include; Shirley Bassey, John Lord and Roger Glover (Deep Purple), Michael Ball, Leo Sayer, Joe Longthorne, Jane Mcdonald, Tony Christie, Kirk Whalum, Andy Abraham, Keely Smith, Tony Hadley, Limahl, The BBC Big Band, Syd Laurence Orchestra, The Drifters, Gwen Dickie, Gabriella Cilmi, Georgie Fame, Mathew Herbert, Bob Mintzer, Mike Stern, Laurie Holloway and Michael Feinstein. His west end credits include; Lion King, The Rat Pack, The Bodyguard, Jersey Boys, The Producers and Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

He runs his own band that has regularly headlined at Ronnie Scotts Club in London and has released an album Is That Not What You Wanted. Check out his website www.elliotthenshaw.com