Simon McBride facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Simon McBride
McBride performing with Deep Purple in 2022
Background information
Born	(1979-04-09) 9 April 1979 (age 46) Belfast, Northern Ireland
Genres	Blues rock hard rock heavy metal
Occupations	Singer musician songwriter producer educator
Instruments	Guitar vocals
Years active	1994–present

Simon McBride is a talented guitarist and singer from Northern Ireland. He was born on April 9, 1979. He has played with famous bands like Deep Purple and Snakecharmer. Simon also records his own music, tours with his band, and teaches music in Dublin.

In 2022, Simon became the permanent guitarist for the legendary rock band Deep Purple. He took over from Steve Morse, after filling in for him earlier that year.

Simon McBride's Music Journey

Simon McBride started playing the guitar when he was just nine years old. He grew up in Belfast listening to classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. He learned to play by himself using a tuition book.

When he was 15, Simon won a competition called Young Guitarist of the Year. This big event was held at the Wembley Conference Centre.

Joining Sweet Savage

Less than a year later, when Simon was 16, he joined a metal band from Belfast called Sweet Savage. The band had reformed in 1994. Simon replaced their original guitarist, Vivian Campbell.

He toured with Sweet Savage and recorded two albums with them. These albums were Killing Time in 1996 and Rune in 1998.

Exploring New Sounds

After leaving Sweet Savage in 1998, Simon joined another Irish musician, Andrew Strong. Andrew was famous for his role in the 1991 film The Commitments. Playing with Andrew Strong was very different from Sweet Savage. It involved mostly soul, R&B, and pop music.

This change helped Simon learn new musical styles. It also brought him closer to the rock and blues music that first inspired him. He toured with Andrew Strong for six years. Then, he decided to start his own solo career.

Blind Friday and Solo Albums

Before going solo, Simon formed a rock band called Blind Friday in 2003. They were known for their strong guitar riffs and powerful vocals. The band released one album called Wake Up in 2007 before they broke up.

In 2008, Simon released his first solo album, Rich Man Falling. This album included covers of songs by Free and Jimi Hendrix.

Touring and Festivals

Simon McBride has opened shows for famous guitarists like Jeff Beck, Joe Bonamassa, and Derek Trucks. In 2010, he toured the UK supporting one of his early guitar heroes, Joe Satriani.

In 2011, Simon played at major music events, including Glastonbury Festival. He also performed as a special guest at Don Airey's Soul & Blues Festival in 2011 and 2013.

During a UK tour in 2011, Simon recorded his live performances. This led to his third album, Nine Lives. It had nine live songs and four acoustic tracks.

In 2012, he released "Crossing The Line". This album featured mostly new songs written by Simon. It also included a song by Blood, Sweat & Tears. The album was recorded in Belfast and Maryland, USA. It was praised by Classic Rock magazine.

Joining Snakecharmer

In 2016, Simon joined the classic rock band "Snakecharmer". This band included former members of Whitesnake. Simon replaced Micky Moody in the band. They recorded an album called "Second Skin", which was released in May 2017. Simon has been touring with them ever since.

Becoming a Deep Purple Guitarist

Simon had worked with Deep Purple's keyboardist, Don Airey, on his solo tours. He was a member of "The Don Airey Band".

In 2022, Simon was announced as the temporary replacement for Steve Morse in Deep Purple. Steve needed time to care for his wife during her illness. On July 23, 2022, Steve Morse officially left the band. He said that Simon had the guitar role "nailed."

Deep Purple formally announced Simon McBride as their permanent guitarist on September 16, 2022. He became only the fourth permanent guitarist in the band's 54-year history. The previous guitarists were Ritchie Blackmore, Tommy Bolin, and Steve Morse.

Endorsements and Teaching

When Simon was a teenager, he caught the attention of Paul Reed Smith, a famous guitar maker. To this day, Simon is supported by PRS Guitars. This role has taken him to music events across Europe. He has also played at The PRS Experience in Maryland, US, alongside artists like Santana and Buddy Guy. Simon also supports Victory amplifiers and D'addario Strings.

He is a visiting teacher at the BIMM school in Dublin. He has also been a guest teacher at the International Guitar Foundation summer school and at BIMM in Bristol.

Simon McBride's Music Releases

Simon McBride has released several albums and singles throughout his career.

Solo Albums and Singles

As a Band Member or Session Musician

Simon has also played with many other bands and artists.