Simon was a school friend of Richard Ashcroft (singer with successful UK band The Verve) and in 1996, after that band's apparent split, he was plucked from commercial obscurity by Ashcroft to work on sessions for new material, providing guitars and keyboards. The bulk of what would become Urban Hymns, the multi-million selling worldwide smash, was recorded before original Verve guitarist Nick McCabe rejoined the sessions and it was decided that the band members would go out under the name The Verve again, now with Simon as 5th member. On record and live, Simon's playing provided a vital foil to McCabe's wilder sonic soundscapes and established him as a gifted and inventive guitar player. The subsequent Verve commercial breakthrough, across-the-board critical acclaim, world tour and eventual acrimonious split in 1999, are now all part of history.
In 2002 Simon was back with a new band The Shining, which also featured ex-Verve bass player Simon Jones. Three singles throughout 2002 and a series of live dates followed. Debut album True Skies resulted in some favourable reviews, but the band were unable to achieve a commercial breakthrough before Simon got an offer he just couldn't refuse, resulting in the band splitting up.
That offer was from Damon Albarn (now of course, fellow player on The Good The Bad And The Queen) for Simon to replace ex-Blur guitarist Graham Coxon for Blur live duties in support of their 2003 album Think Tank. Simon accepted and despite the massive challenge of stepping into the shoes of one of the greatest guitarists of his generation, acquitted himself well, some fans thinking certain songs sounded better with his playing than they had before.
As unofficial fourth member of Blur, Simon developed a good working relationship with Damon and this lead to his being asked to work on further projects. Work began on the Gorillaz second album Demon Days almost as soon as Blur's tour was over, and Simon contributed greatly to the sessions, providing guitar on every track that required it. Later he would join the Demon Days Live band that performed the album in Manchester and at New York's Harlem Apollo.
Simon was already in the studio with Damon when work began on sessions for the album that would eventually become The Good The Bad And The Queen, and his key contributions and longstanding loyalty were rewarded with an official place in a band with Damon for the first time. On The Good The Bad And The Queen, Simon provides multivarious styles of guitar playing in a dextrous array of melodies, chords and solos proving once again to be an indispensible asset to a band's sound.
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It was original Verve guitarist Nick McCabe who provided the band's signature soundscape sound, but Simon's contributions to this record are vital. Indeed, a large part of the album was recorded before McCabe returned to the band following a hiatus. A worldwide hit, the album's justifiably epic brand of indie coupled with singer Ashcroft's musings on life without faith struck a chord with millions. A complete record that shows off the great ability of the all the members of the band. |
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The official archive of the band The Verve, very comprehensive with many hidden gems, allowing you to trace the full development and history of the band. |
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Simon is joined by his ex-Verve bandmate Simon Jones on this record of dreamy guitars and wigged-out vocals. Led Zeppelin-esque in places, there are tracks here that aim to match (and sometimes achieve) the anthemic qualities of The Verve. The album established Simon as a competent songwriter and although the band was short-lived, this record stands as a worthy tribute to them. |
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Probably the most active Verve community on the internet can be found here, with experts who'll be able to answer your questions. Predominantly geared towards Richard Ashcroft solo, however, although there is a Verve subforum. |
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Demon Days, of course, was on release a worldwide smash, Damon Albarn's best-selling album to date, and featured a dazzling array of guest artists. So much is common knowledge. What is less known is that Simon played a key part in this record - his guitar work is all over the album, perhaps most notable on the divinely-picked instrumental bridge of the all-conquering Feel Good Inc. A trusted ally throughout the sessions, who knows what the album would have sounded like without him.
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Comprehensive and regularly updated fansite for Simon's new project, which is, of course, The Good The Bad And The Queen. |
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Simon's work with Damon was rewarded with an official place in a band alongside him for the first time. Simon provides all the guitars on this album, from the plaintive do-wop of '80's life to the abrasive jazz riffs of Three Changes. to the beautiful acoustic lines that can be heard on many of the songs. Ironically, the band with no name turn in a complete band performance, with each member playing a vital role in conjuring up this dark subconscious vision of England. |
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A worthy Verve fansite with many articles and concert reviews to read. |
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