Biography
According to Simon's Mum, from the tender age of six, her son would charge the older kids a few bob to let them hear sing - so thus it began. At The Hundred of Hoo School in Rochester, John Simon excelled in drama and music where he was literally in charge of the drama department for two years, turning his hand designing constumes and building scenery, as well as directing and producing. During this time, his most memorable show was the stage adaption of Monty Pyton's Life of Brian."
John Simon also joined The Kentish Players and Three Towns Theatre Company, where he played many roles on the amateur stage, thus gaining valuable experience.
Hence from this experience, John Simon tells folks that he has trained with R.A.D.A. (Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts), but for his adaptation it is 'Rochester Amateur Dramatic Association' - well, that bit is true.
In 1994 John Simon played understudy to The Big Bopper in the year long UK tour of The Buddy Holly Story. Following some time out after the birth of his dear son Jamie, he won the major role of The Big Bopper in the Buddy show at the Strand Theatre in London's West End, where he wowed audiences for six fantastic years. He later went on to join the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar at The Lyceum Theatre in London where he played King Herod.
John Simon's many television appearances, included The National Lottery Live in 2001 when he performed as The Big Bopper. While he was there he was photographed in the green room with the newly famous Britney Spears on his lap! John Simon was invited to perform at a secret location for Sir Paul McCartney's birthday party (when he was Heather Mills had just met). Simon recalls that while he was singing on stage, he felt an arm around his shoulder, Paul had joined him on stage to sing backing vocals with him! Other celebrities that John Simon has met include Eric Clapton, Dave Gilmore of Pink Floyd, Meatloaf and Carl Perkins (an original 50's Rock 'n' Roll Hero).
Note: photos with these celebrities are on this website behind the tab: Photos.
John Simon's inspiration is his dear family. He says: "There's only us - there's only this, forget regret or life is yours to miss ... no day but today," a lyric from one of his favourite musicals "Rent".
John Simon is engaged to the lovely Shirley May, whom he says "Makes me smile everyday." They are to be married as soon as he gets "richerer."
Theatre credits include:
Voice of Audrey 11 The man eating soul singer plant - The Little Shop of Horrors, King Herod, Bill Sykes - Oliver, Jesus - Godspell, The King - The King and I, Kenickie - Grease, Action - West Side Story, Hans Andersen - Hans Andersen, Fred Graham - Kiss Me Kate, Various roles in Shakespeare's plays such as Macbeth, Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet, Henry IV, Narrator, Peter and the Wolf With the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Television / Video / Audio credits include:
Johnny-Eastenders BBC, Johnny Cash - Murphy's Law BBC, as The Big Bopper on National Lottery Live / Radio Five Live / Children in Need / Blue Peter / Record Breakers / The Generation Game / Richard and Judy This Morning / The Big Bopper on Buddy the DVD and live CD recorded at The Strand Theatre, London.
Since May 2010 Simon sings in the new theater show "ROCK 'N' ROLL PARADISE."
Since January 2013 there is another show in wich Simon sings with Lee Jackson. The show is called "THE RED WHITE AND BLUES BROTHERS" tribute and can be booked for private and corporate functions.
John Simon also joined The Kentish Players and Three Towns Theatre Company, where he played many roles on the amateur stage, thus gaining valuable experience.
Hence from this experience, John Simon tells folks that he has trained with R.A.D.A. (Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts), but for his adaptation it is 'Rochester Amateur Dramatic Association' - well, that bit is true.
In 1994 John Simon played understudy to The Big Bopper in the year long UK tour of The Buddy Holly Story. Following some time out after the birth of his dear son Jamie, he won the major role of The Big Bopper in the Buddy show at the Strand Theatre in London's West End, where he wowed audiences for six fantastic years. He later went on to join the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar at The Lyceum Theatre in London where he played King Herod.
John Simon's many television appearances, included The National Lottery Live in 2001 when he performed as The Big Bopper. While he was there he was photographed in the green room with the newly famous Britney Spears on his lap! John Simon was invited to perform at a secret location for Sir Paul McCartney's birthday party (when he was Heather Mills had just met). Simon recalls that while he was singing on stage, he felt an arm around his shoulder, Paul had joined him on stage to sing backing vocals with him! Other celebrities that John Simon has met include Eric Clapton, Dave Gilmore of Pink Floyd, Meatloaf and Carl Perkins (an original 50's Rock 'n' Roll Hero).
Note: photos with these celebrities are on this website behind the tab: Photos.
John Simon's inspiration is his dear family. He says: "There's only us - there's only this, forget regret or life is yours to miss ... no day but today," a lyric from one of his favourite musicals "Rent".
John Simon is engaged to the lovely Shirley May, whom he says "Makes me smile everyday." They are to be married as soon as he gets "richerer."
Theatre credits include:
Voice of Audrey 11 The man eating soul singer plant - The Little Shop of Horrors, King Herod, Bill Sykes - Oliver, Jesus - Godspell, The King - The King and I, Kenickie - Grease, Action - West Side Story, Hans Andersen - Hans Andersen, Fred Graham - Kiss Me Kate, Various roles in Shakespeare's plays such as Macbeth, Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet, Henry IV, Narrator, Peter and the Wolf With the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Television / Video / Audio credits include:
Johnny-Eastenders BBC, Johnny Cash - Murphy's Law BBC, as The Big Bopper on National Lottery Live / Radio Five Live / Children in Need / Blue Peter / Record Breakers / The Generation Game / Richard and Judy This Morning / The Big Bopper on Buddy the DVD and live CD recorded at The Strand Theatre, London.
Since May 2010 Simon sings in the new theater show "ROCK 'N' ROLL PARADISE."
Since January 2013 there is another show in wich Simon sings with Lee Jackson. The show is called "THE RED WHITE AND BLUES BROTHERS" tribute and can be booked for private and corporate functions.
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