Rhythm & Blues & BEYOND!

Simon's Bio

 

Simon is a songwriter / singer and guitarist.

 

Born: Coventry in 1968 but moved to Walthamstow 6 months later, the first of many moves.

 

First gigs: Solo act supporting a friend's band called 'The Beehive' when I was 15.  My first full set was with 'Koco' in Slough Brownie hut when I was 17, with my sister Sarah on bass, Chesney, Jodie and Keeley Hawkes playing keys, drums and electric piano and singing.  It was a great gig because we got to use the Tremeloes gear and I performed some of my own tracks.

 

Band history: (most of which should be banned!) 

  • 'Koco' in the late 80's. 
  • After moving to Manchester, I got together with Colin Webb and Ian Crick to form 'TOUCH'.  We played a couple of gigs and made a video at the Canal - Now where did that go?
  • I moved to Norwich and formed 'The Craze' with Mat Nash and Phil Davison, performing all around the city.  Most famously outside 'Peppermint Park' as well as various 'Youth for Christ' events.  At this point, I got married and ended up in Bracknell.
  • 'Wired' were the next adventure, teaming up with a wonderful keyboard friend, Michael Auld who has since worked with Justin from 'The Darkness'.  Also, on drums, was Mark Turner.  We made a single and an album, not being willing to do many covers, I probably lost us support, but we did have a great set.
  • After a couple more moves and some stints at 'The Blues Tavern' in Farnham, playing some great sets with Gary Nuttall (ex Chesney Hawkes guitarist - currently playing with Robbie Williams) and Jodie Hawkes, I find myself in Rugby - the heart of the country - writing songs for and performing with 'Cahoots'.

 

Ambition:   I am the eternal Mod, still trying to convert people to Rhythm and Blues,  60s fashion & Scooters.  I would love to be full-time in music.  I would love some of my songs to do well, whoever uses them.  I want to finish my current gospel album that I'm really pleased with and dedicate quality time to the Cahoots set - then see the gigs roll in!

 

Home grown favourite hits: 

  • 'A love supreme' - which I'm still recording, still from Quench.
  • I can't escape the legacy of 'Eliza Moles' that seems to really have affected people in a lovely way.  (I'd like to thank God for that - as they say at the Oscar's).
  • My next favourite will always be my next song.  Althouygh born in the late 60's, I've always had a love for that era and mod fashion that I still love and refer to, adding a touch of 'me' into the mix.

 

Life: I am married to Suzanne and have two beautiful daughters, Naomi & Amelie.