Simon Fowler

Simon Geoffrey Fowler (born 25 May 1965 in Meriden, Warwickshire) is an English singer and acoustic guitarist, best known as the frontman of Ocean Colour Scene.

Simon Fowler commenced his music career as the lead singer and songwriter for Birmingham band The Fanatics, which consisted of Simon Fowler (vocals & guitar), Damon Minchella (bass), Paul Wilkes (guitar) and Carolyn Bullock (drums). Future Ocean Colour Scene drummer and former Echo Base band member Oscar Harrison replaced Bullock on drums.

The Fanatics released one record in 1989 before splitting, the four track 'Suburban Love Songs' 12" vinyl e.p. on Chapter 22 Records (12 CHAP 38), containing the songs "1,2,3,4"; "My Brother Sarah" (later re-recorded by Ocean Colour Scene), "Suburban Love Songs" and "Tight Rope". Following the demise of The Fanatics in late 1989, Fowler, Minchella and Harrison teamed up with guitar player Steve Cradock to form Ocean Colour Scene.

Fowler has also appeared as a backing singer for Paul Weller, Alison Moyet, Fine Young Cannibals, and with Kate Rusby.

On 26 March 2012, Fowler started what is now known as a "solo project", with Ocean Colour Scene band member Dan Sealey, and Mike McNamara, and released an album under the title of Simon Fowlers Merrymouth.

In 2014, now joined by Adam Barry, Merrymouth return with their second album Wenlock Hill, and features guest appearances from John McCusker (violins) and Chas Hodges of Chas and Dave (Piano).

Fowler lives with his long term partner Robert in Warwickshire. He was educated at Tudor Grange School in Solihull, and later studied at The Sixth Form College Solihull where he wrote "Foxy's Folk Faced". He then became a journalist, working for the Birmingham Post. He is a supporter of Birmingham City Football Club.