Simon Fowler

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Simon Fowler
Fowler in 2005
Fowler in 2005
Background information
Birth nameSimon Geoffrey Fowler
Also known asFoxy[1][2]
Born (1965-05-25) 25 May 1965 (age 58)
Meriden, Warwickshire, England
GenresRock, mod revival, folk
Occupation(s)Musician
Instrument(s)Vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, harmonica
LabelsMoseley Shoals Records

Simon Geoffrey Fowler (born 25 May 1965) is an English singer and acoustic guitarist, best known as the frontman of Ocean Colour Scene.

The Fanatics[edit]

Simon Fowler commenced his music career as the lead singer and songwriter for Birmingham band The Fanatics, which consisted of Simon Fowler (vocals & guitar), Damon Minchella (bass), Paul Wilkes (guitar) and Carolyn Bullock (drums).[3] Future Ocean Colour Scene drummer and former Echo Base band member Oscar Harrison replaced Bullock on drums.[3]

The Fanatics released one record in 1989 before splitting, the four-track Suburban Love Songs 12" vinyl EP on Chapter 22 Records (12 CHAP 38), containing the songs "1,2,3,4", "My Brother Sarah" (later re-recorded by Ocean Colour Scene), "Suburban Love Songs", and "Tight Rope".[4] Following the demise of The Fanatics in late 1989, Fowler, Minchella and Harrison teamed up with guitar player Steve Cradock to form Ocean Colour Scene.

Other works[edit]

Fowler has also appeared as a backing singer for Paul Weller, Alison Moyet, Fine Young Cannibals, and with Kate Rusby.

Merrymouth[edit]

In 2012 Fowler formed the band Merrymouth with Ocean Colour Scene band member Dan Sealey, and Mike McNamara. Their debut album, Simon Fowler's Merrymouth, was released in March 2012, and their second album, Wenlock Hill, featuring Adam Barry, John McCusker and Chas Hodges, was released in 2014.

Personal life[edit]

Fowler lives with his long-term partner Robert in Warwickshire. He was educated at Tudor Grange School in Solihull, and later studied at The Sixth Form College Solihull where he wrote "Foxy's Folk Faced". He then became a journalist, working for the Birmingham Post. He is a supporter of Birmingham City Football Club.[5]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Stay on the scene – Independent, The (London) – Find Articles at BNET". Findarticles.com. Retrieved 24 August 2014.
  2. ^ ":: oceancolourtheme :: simon fowler profile :: ocean colour scene ::". Blue-whaleproductions.com. 25 May 1965. Archived from the original on 21 July 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2014.
  3. ^ a b "The Fanatics - Live at the Irish Center, Birmingham, 1988". Ugly.co.uk. Archived from the original on 4 November 2003. Retrieved 24 August 2014.
  4. ^ "The Men from UGLY Ś MP3 Download Area". Ugly.co.uk. Archived from the original on 23 February 2001. Retrieved 24 August 2014.
  5. ^ "Ocean Colour Scene star Fowler admits being Birmingham mad". 23 October 2010. Archived from the original on 26 October 2010.