“Satisfying songs with bite, edge and contemporary relevance…“
fROOTS Magazine
“… a new Richard Thompson.”
Douglas McPherson. The Stage.
“… recommended for fans of Fairport Convention, Richard Thompson or Steve Tilston.”
Jason Ritchie, Classic Rock Newswire.
“… a gem that sparkles in its many facets.”
Neil Fatea, Cambridge and Beyond
“The lyrics are razor sharp…”
Tim Carroll, FolkWords
“… passion and professionalism…”
Mark Seaman, BBC Radio Wiltshire, Afternoon Show.
“… listen to this, there is much to enjoy here.”
Graeme Scott, Blues Matters/Classic VRM Radio.
“… loved it all.”
Shreds and Patches Folk Magazine
The Simon Hopper Band (TSHB)
In 2024, acclaimed songwriter Simon Hopper reignited his long-standing musical journey with the release of Survivor’s Gratitude, recorded at StudioStudio³ in Whitworth with engineer Pete Troughton and a hand-picked group of outstanding musicians. The sessions sparked the formation of The Simon Hopper Band (TSHB) — a powerful new five-piece bringing Hopper’s songs vividly to the stage.
Drawing on the cream of Manchester’s rhythm players, the band features Rick Lacey on drums, Pete Attwood on bass, keyboardist and composer Simon Morecroft, and guitarist Rob Knight. Having rehearsed throughout autumn 2025, TSHB launches live in early 2026, appearing at leading venues across the North-West and beyond. Hopper’s songwriting reflects a lifetime of influence — from British folk and 60s pop to the Great American Songbook and North American singer-songwriters.
His work has been praised for its intelligence and depth: “Topical, intelligent songs that seek deeper context and understanding.” — hifi+ Magazine. With rich musicianship, textured arrangements and songs shaped by decades of craft, The Simon Hopper Band delivers thoughtful, compelling live performances not to be missed.
Simon Hopper: Lead Vocs, Guitars, Songs
You’ll hear Simon’s influences in his songs and singing; Bert Jansch, Leonard Cohen, Steve Earle, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell. A writer and performer since his teens, he’s a prolific songsmith, having produced over 20 CDs, the most recent, his 2025 collection Survivor’s Gratitude. A communicator, a wordsmith, a performer, Simon has created this great new band as a vehicle for his next musical phase.
Rick Lacey: Drums
Rick is a renowned drummer who has performed at major festivals and venues touring through Chicago, New Orleans, and California as well as across the UK, France, Sweden, Denmark, Portugal, and Spain. Hailed as the finest Blues drummer in the North of England by Blues Matters Magazine, he is equally regarded for his work playing Americana, Glam Rock, Funk, soul, and Reggae as a session drummer on the Manchester scene. Rick has also performed with top UK tribute acts and collaborated with artists such as Misha B, Omar, and Jason Donovan. Beyond performing, he is a busy drum tutor.
Pete Attwood: Bass
A seasoned, accomplished, busy musician on the North-West scene, Pete plays with blues trio The Gus Glynn band and rock-and-roll stalwarts Jane and the Hurricanes. Having offered his services to Simon for a one-off gig in mid ‘25, he stayed on board, helping anchor a solid rhythm section. He began playing in 1980 in Birmingham before a move North in 1989. From the early 2000’s he played with indie, blues and Americana acts also doing session work and dep spots. Pete’s influences include blues, soul and fusion; Pino Paladino and Sean Hurley being the role models Pete seeks to emulate.
Simon Morecroft: Keyboard, BVs
Composer, songwriter and keyboard player Simon Morecroft started out in the classical world, where he became known for his chamber music compositions including six string quartets as well as a full-length opera, The Butcher of Rye. Over the last ten years, Simon had evolved into a singer-songwriter, and has released four solo albums. Alongside Simon Hopper, he’s also written for and played in bands Suck The Monkey and A Certain Edge, the latter performing at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2023. Influences include Shostakovich, Britten, 70s prog rock bands Genesis and Pink Floyd and more recently Rufus Wainwright and David Sylvian.
Rob Knight: Guitar, BVs
Rob was invited by friend Simon to collaborate on an album in 2024. His characterful textures became one of its defining elements. It was natural that he should be in the new band and his contributions are now also crucial to its sound. Rob first played guitar in the mid-1960s, inspired by Hank Marvin, Fleetwood Mac’s Peter Green and Credence Clearwater Revival. He performed throughout his teens, continuing to play intermittently as life and career took over. Then he found himself playing a key role in the studio with Simon recording Survivor’s Gratitude. The rest, as they say, is history.
https://www.facebook.com/TheSimonHopperBand/: The Simon Hopper Band Introduction https://soundcloud.com/hoppersongs: The Simon Hopper Band Introduction https://www.youtube.com/hoppersongs: The Simon Hopper Band Introduction