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issue 1 june 2004

simon gilbert – drums
“there’s only one simon gilbert” is a familiar cry at suede concerts as befits the man who rivals ringo starr as the most popular percussionist in the history of pop. he’s had his own t-shirt, badge and “simply simon” fanzine and after a spot as radio presenter, expect the tv chat show before the century dies to violent hands.

maybe maybe some of this popularity can be accredited to simon’s decision to come out during one of suede’s first major interviews. “before i said i was gay, i’d had about two fan letters. after that they didn’t stop.”  

simon has proved to be a well-respected role-model both through his petitioning for gay rights (he made a well-publicised speech during stonewall’s campaign for an equal age of consent) and in his challenging of segregation by sexuality. “i didn’t feel part of the straight crowd, but equally i didn’t feel part of the gay scene either.”  it’s this vulnerable humanity so many suede fans empathise with.

maybe maybe it’s his bon homie, joie de vivre and genuine lust for life which makes him such fun to be with, be that as part of a two-thousand strong audience dancing to his tribal rhythms, or in private conversation propping up the bar afterwards.

maybe it’s just the fact  that he’s an absobloodylutely brilliant drummer, his heartfelt beats being the very first moments of suede music on record, equally adept at lilting ballads and powerhouse punk-fests.

but whatever it is, it works. simon is also easily the musical veteran of the band, his experience stretching back through the mists of time to a pre-teen punk school outfit called plastic blood. he was the first member of suede to make a record, appearing on a punk compilation album as drummer with dead to the world at the age of 14.

simon gilbert has a dog called george. his favourite record is complete control by the clash.