BIOGRAPHY

After selling over 13 million records across the world with the massively successful band Blue, Simon Webbe slams back on to the UK music scene this summer with his debut solo single "Lay Your Hands".

At only 26 years old, Simon has already gained more experience in the music industry than many artists attain in a lifetime. As a member of Blue he has achieved phenomenal sales figures not only in the UK, but all across the globe. Blue have had an amazing forty No.1 singles worldwide, selling over 9.5 million albums and 3.5 million singles.

But how did Simon reach such dizzy heights?

He pinpoints his childhood church experiences as a major influence on his musical journey. As a boy, Simon's mother would take him to church four times a week. Here Simon would sing along to gospel songs and learn the harmonies. Unsurprisingly, at the age of eight Simon announced to his mother that he wanted to be an entertainer, letting her know, "I'm gonna do well in whatever I do!". A keen drama student at school, Simon took part in many productions as a young actor, even winning the lead in several performances.

Music was always played in the Webbe family home, and Simon grew up to the soulful sounds of acts such as Bill Withers, Bob Marley and various gospel acts. As Simon says: "I grew up listening to music, writing songs and singing to myself. I've always had passion for singing and song writing".

However, as Simon grew into his early teens, it became clear that his first love was football. His heart was set on becoming a professional footballer, and he spent every spare second practising and honing his skills. A natural talent, Simon was signed to the Port Vale "School Of Excellence" for four years from the age 14. After completing his training, his playing skills were scouted by both Liverpool and Aston Villa and a successful pro-football career beckoned. However, disaster struck at the age of 17 when Simon suffered a torn ligament during a match, with the injury preventing him from ever playing professionally.

It was after this injury that Simon's single mindedness to succeed came into play. If he wasn't going to make it as a professional footballer, then he decided he had to succeed in another career. His attention again turned to the entertainment industry.

Simon began auditioning as a singer and rapper for various bands and music projects, all the while writing songs for future use. In 1998, at the age of 19, Simon was spotted by a model scout and put forward for the prestigious Pride Magazine's "Face of the Year" competition. Simon’s good looks and distinctive features won the competition and a modelling contract.

Offers of work around the Manchester area flooded in, but although he had taken the first steps to a successful modeling career, Simon still had a hunger to be a singer and performer. Continuing to hit the audition circuit he met Duncan James, Lee Ryan and Antony Costa, Blue were formed and an incredible rollercoaster of success began.

Signed to one of the UK's leading labels, Innocent Records in 2000, the band Blue released their debut single 'All Rise' in May 2001. From the moment this uplifting track hit the airwaves it was clear that Blue had something special, a certain X factor. Suddenly it was OK to like pop again no matter how old you were. The next year saw the band achieve a meteoric rise to fame, becoming the hottest new act to emerge from the UK in years.

Blue gave Simon the chance to develop his natural song writing talents and explore his production ideas. Simon was the key songwriter on many of Blue’s biggest hits including 'All Rise', 'Fly By' and 'One Love'. In fact Simon either wrote or co-wrote six tracks on their first multi platinum album 'All Rise' and even more tracks on the two albums that followed 'One Love' and 'Guilty'.

For Simon, song writing is a non stop project. He says: "I always carry a Dictaphone with me in case ideas strike whilst I'm on the road. A melody or lyrical idea can hit you at any time and you have to be prepared!"

2005 has seen Simon sign a solo deal with Innocent Records, with the company allowing him to grow and develop his own sound organically. Simon has been involved in the song writing and production of his debut album every step of the way. "I had a very definite idea of what I wanted the record to sound like. I think it has surprised everyone, including my record company!"

The solo material showcases a new Simon Webbe, a softer, more soulful singer with thoughtful lyrics and beautiful melodies. As Simon explains; "I didn’t want to produce a UK r&b record. You’ve got Usher and Mario and they're doing r&b, and doing it very, very well. I chose not to go down that route as I wanted to create my own sound. It's all about the melody. I call my sound "urban folk". It’s a mixture of soulful vocals, urban beats and acoustic guitars."

The lead single 'Lay Your Hands', written by Simon with Matt Prime and Tim Woodcock, is a smooth slice of uplifting soulful pop. Featuring a lush string arrangement and laid back acoustic guitars, the song builds to an anthemic chorus that you just won’t be able to get out of your head. The track also showcases Simon's impressive vocal talents, highlighting a new maturity in his voice.

Simon says: "The single was inspired by the Bill Withers track 'Grandma's Hands'. I love the sentiment of that track. "Lay Your Hands" is about life in general, about me being a man and asking for help. You immediately feel better when someone gives you a hug and lays their hands on you".

'Lay Your Hands' provides a taster of what to expect from Simon's debut solo album, due later this year. "I'm really exploring lyrical themes with the album", Simon explains. "One track, 'After All This Time' is about a strong lady who holds down a household, but has a husband who thinks he's 17 when he's really 60. They’re a couple who’ve been through thick and thin and back again, they still love each other, after all this time. Another song 'A Little High' is about a marriage that goes stale. It's about rediscovering why you fell in love in the first place and getting that initial magic back."

However, despite recording such heartfelt musical material, Simon is not afraid to say he's scared at the prospect of becoming a solo artist after five years of being in a band with his best mates. "I'm used to seeing three other faces on stage and in the studio. It's all about me now, and only I can let myself down. I'm very nervous. It's a nice responsibility though."

In addition to his musical career, Simon is also pursuing his talents as an actor. He has to date filmed two movies, both due for release later in 2005. In 'The Truth About Love', Simon stars opposite Jennifer Love Hewitt, ironically as a professional footballer. The movie has already been a No.1 Box Office hit in Asia. The second film is UK Brit Flick 'Rolling With The Nines', a underworld drama which sees Simon star alongside Jason Statham, Vas Blackwood and Billy Murray.

Outside his music career, Simon is also a loving father to his eight year old daughter. Simon says: "Being a parent is a massive responsibility and one I take very seriously. Everything I do, I do for my daughter and she knows that."

Simon also owns a Manchester based modelling agency, 'Industry People' and runs a production company, 'UK Team' responsible for developing UK urban artists and signing the r&b act VS to Innocent Records in 2004.

Simon released his first single 'Lay Your Hands' on August 22nd and the finishing touches being made to his debut album throughout the summer, Simon is now ready to begin stage two of his massively successful career.