Regarded as one of the world's most renowned and respected drummers, Simon's style not only reflects his technical gift but also his distinct musical sensibility. Whether it is rock, fusion or jazz, Simon applies the same precision and intensity to his drumming, which is never lacking in emotion and feel.
Throughout the 1970s and 80s, Simon has worked with rock bands and artists including Jeff Beck, Michael Schenker, Nik Kershaw, Mike Oldfield, Judas Priest, Mike Rutherford, Tears for Fears, 10cc and The Who. After Jeff Porcaro's death in 1992, he became part of the world-famous rock band Toto. After leaving the group in 2014, Simon ventured into the fusion and progressive rock worlds as both a drummer and producer.
Nominee | Contemporary Instrumental Album
61st Grammy Awards
2019
#1 in Fusion category
Modern Drummer Readers Poll
2019
Winner | Protocol II
14th Annual Independent Music Awards
2015
Inducted into Hall of Fame
Modern Drummer
2003
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First recording with Sid Phillips band at BBC Aeolian Hall, London - 2 tunes recorded: Suger Foot Stomp & Aggravating Papa (6 years old). Sat in with the band each year at a New Years dance in Garston, Herts from 1965 to 1968 for 2 or 3 songs.
Joined the Sid Phillips Dixieland band at age 12 touring the UK extensively. Started to play BBC Radio Broadcasts with the bandfrom 1970 and then recording sessions until 1973.
An audition for the London production of Jesus Christ Superstar garnered employment at the show for the next year as well as a short stint at Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and the start of various studio recording work around London studios. Joined Dana Gillespie’s band for a record (Ain’t Gonna Play No Second Fiddle) and tours of the UK and first visit to New York City.
Various session work in London with many artists, movies and jingles as well as being a member of Chopyn, his first rock band.
By his twenties, Simon had already worked with iconic figures including Jeff Beck, Jack Bruce, Pete Townshend, Al Di Meola, Jon Anderson, Jan Hammer, Stanley Clarke, Jon Lord, Mike Oldfield, Brian Eno and others. Several of these artists had been important pioneers of the jazz-rock genre in the early and mid-1970s, also called fusion.
Joined the Jack Bruce Band – 2 records and various tours, Jeff Beck, Stanley Clarke, Al Di Meola, Toyah Wilcox and various recording sessions.
First production with Mike Oldfield “Crises” and further albums, engineering and producing. Built his first studio in 1986. Joined Mick Jagger for “Primitive Cool” and tours in Japan and Australia. Recorded first solo mini album “Protocol”
Joined The Who for their 25thanniversary US tour. Various session, live shows and tours.
Emigrated to the US, joined Toto and built a new studio in Sherman Oaks as well as re-commenced production and engineering.
Opened Phantom Recordings studio in Sherman Oaks. Recorded Toto’s “Falling In Between” in 2005 and many more projects.
Recorded “Protocol II” and “Protocol III” and the recording of “Protocol IV” was the final project of the studio in that location.
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