{"id":177,"date":"2025-12-20T17:12:35","date_gmt":"2025-12-20T17:12:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.simonhopper.co.uk\/?page_id=177"},"modified":"2026-01-30T11:13:34","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T11:13:34","slug":"band-intro-epk","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/www.simonhopper.co.uk\/?page_id=177","title":{"rendered":"The Simon Hopper Band Introduction"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;<strong>Satisfying songs with bite, edge and contemporary relevance&#8230;<\/strong>&#8220;<br>fROOTS Magazine<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&#8220;&#8230; a new Richard Thompson.&#8221;<\/strong><br>Douglas McPherson. The Stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"453\" src=\"http:\/\/www.simonhopper.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/TSHB-Photo-of-video-session-2-1024x453.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-173\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.simonhopper.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/TSHB-Photo-of-video-session-2-1024x453.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.simonhopper.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/TSHB-Photo-of-video-session-2-300x133.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.simonhopper.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/TSHB-Photo-of-video-session-2-768x340.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.simonhopper.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/TSHB-Photo-of-video-session-2-1536x680.jpg 1536w, http:\/\/www.simonhopper.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/TSHB-Photo-of-video-session-2-2048x907.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&#8220;&#8230; recommended for fans of Fairport Convention, Richard Thompson or Steve Tilston.&#8221;<\/strong><br>Jason Ritchie, Classic Rock Newswire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&#8220;&#8230; a gem that sparkles in its many facets.&#8221;<\/strong><br>Neil Fatea, Cambridge and Beyond<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&#8220;The lyrics are razor sharp&#8230;&#8221;<\/strong><br>Tim Carroll, FolkWords<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&#8220;&#8230; passion and professionalism&#8230;&#8221;<\/strong><br>Mark Seaman, BBC Radio Wiltshire, Afternoon Show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&#8220;&#8230; listen to this, there is much to enjoy here.&#8221;<\/strong><br>Graeme Scott, Blues Matters\/Classic VRM Radio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&#8220;&#8230; loved it all.&#8221;<\/strong><br>Shreds and Patches Folk Magazine<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Move Gracefully\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Y_v4ArIuK6Q?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Simon Hopper Band (TSHB)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2024, acclaimed songwriter Simon Hopper reignited his long-standing musical journey with the release of Survivor\u2019s Gratitude, recorded at StudioStudio\u00b3 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) \u2014 a powerful new five-piece bringing Hopper\u2019s songs vividly to the stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Drawing on the cream of Manchester\u2019s 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\u2019s songwriting reflects a lifetime of influence \u2014 from British folk and 60s pop to the Great American Songbook and North American singer-songwriters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His work has been praised for its intelligence and depth: \u201cTopical, intelligent songs that seek deeper context and understanding.\u201d \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Survivor&#039;s Gratitude by Hoppersongs\" width=\"500\" height=\"400\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F2157110337&#038;show_artwork=true&#038;maxheight=750&#038;maxwidth=500\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Simon Hopper: Lead Vocs, Guitars, Songs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You&#8217;ll hear Simon\u2019s&nbsp; influences in his songs and singing; Bert Jansch, Leonard Cohen, Steve Earle, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell. A writer and performer since his teens, he&#8217;s a prolific songsmith, having produced over 20 CDs, the most recent, his 2025 collection Survivor&#8217;s Gratitude. A communicator, a wordsmith, a performer, Simon has created this great new band as a vehicle for his next musical phase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rick Lacey: Drums<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Bodies in the Way\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Z2dhIQLhqF0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pete Attwood: Bass<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 \u201825, 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&#8217;s he played with indie, blues and Americana acts also doing session work and dep spots. Pete\u2019s influences include blues, soul and fusion; Pino Paladino and Sean Hurley being the role models Pete seeks to emulate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Simon Morecroft: Keyboard, BVs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Bring it On by Hoppersongs\" width=\"500\" height=\"400\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F2157110322&#038;show_artwork=true&#038;maxheight=750&#038;maxwidth=500\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rob Knight: Guitar, BVs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019s 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 <em>Survivor&#8217;s Gratitude<\/em>. The rest, as they say, is history.<\/p>\n\n\n<a class=\"wp-block-read-more\" href=\"http:\/\/www.simonhopper.co.uk\/?page_id=177\" target=\"_self\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/TheSimonHopperBand\/<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">: The Simon Hopper Band Introduction<\/span><\/a>\n\n<a class=\"wp-block-read-more\" href=\"http:\/\/www.simonhopper.co.uk\/?page_id=177\" target=\"_self\">https:\/\/soundcloud.com\/hoppersongs<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">: The Simon Hopper Band Introduction<\/span><\/a>\n\n<a class=\"wp-block-read-more\" href=\"http:\/\/www.simonhopper.co.uk\/?page_id=177\" target=\"_self\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/hoppersongs<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">: The Simon Hopper Band Introduction<\/span><\/a>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;Satisfying songs with bite, edge and contemporary relevance&#8230;&#8220;fROOTS Magazine &#8220;&#8230; a new Richard Thompson.&#8221;Douglas McPherson. The Stage. &#8220;&#8230; recommended for fans of Fairport Convention, Richard Thompson or Steve Tilston.&#8221;Jason Ritchie, Classic Rock Newswire. &#8220;&#8230; a gem that sparkles in its many facets.&#8221;Neil Fatea, Cambridge and Beyond &#8220;The lyrics are razor sharp&#8230;&#8221;Tim Carroll, FolkWords &#8220;&#8230; passion [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-177","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.simonhopper.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/177","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.simonhopper.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.simonhopper.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.simonhopper.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.simonhopper.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=177"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"http:\/\/www.simonhopper.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/177\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":195,"href":"http:\/\/www.simonhopper.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/177\/revisions\/195"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.simonhopper.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=177"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}