The Band - Simon Rogers - Guitar / Backing Vocals

Personal Biog

I've been playing guitar since the age of 15. I did the usual school-band thing. I played with a couple of bands in my twenties, and did a fair bit of gigging and recorded a few demos/singles. I took a break from playing for a while, due to work and study commitments. I've been playing with Also Eden since 2003, and have played on all the recorded output and performed all gigs with them to date. I do backing vocals with Ian during live and recorded situations, and I am very heavily involved in the song compositional/production side of things.

As well as working with Also Eden, I have recorded and performed with Francis Dunnery. I made an appearance on his last album 'There's a Whole New World Out There', and performed with him in the UK and US. Plans afoot this year to do more work, centred on the early Genesis material (all acoustic guitar), of which I have transcribed a lot of the multi-layered 12 string parts, including the unusual tunings!

I have 2 older brothers, so I was listening to classic rock and prog from a very early age. I have strong recollections of hearing Selling England By The Pound, Genesis Live, Dark Side of The Moon, plus a few other classic of the time at a very tender age. I started seeing bands during the late 70's, and even caught Led Zeppelin at Knebworth (god, I'm showing my age!). A few other notable gigs would be Thin Lizzy (who I met backstage) and Rush, both at Bristol Colston Hall in 1979.

In terns of my playing style, I like to concentrate more on feel and texture. I'm of the school of thought 'if you are going to do a solo, makes sure it passes the whistle test!' I have a penchant for acoustic music, but can get very heavy in the guitar department when I need to. I'm a bit of a 'Tone-Hound' and try to steer clear of too much digital processing (analogue all the way for me!).

Equipment used

Gibson Les Standard cherryburst with Stetsbar fitted. Gibson SG Standard in heritage cherry, Yamaha APX 12 String, Tanglewood Nylon, Tanglewood Steel, Hayden Mofo Amp, Marshall 1936 Cab, various Boss pedals (Giga Delay, Acoustic Sim, Noise Suppressor, OD, Distortion, Dimension C etc - depending on mood!) Tech 21 Sans Amp, Ernie Ball Volume, Cry Baby Wah, ABY box, E Bow, Diago board and supply, Ernie Ball 10 gauge strings for the electric, Martin strings on the acoustics, Hercules guitar stands.

Favourite Guitarists

• Francis Dunnery
• Steve Hackett
• Brian May
• Dave Gilmour
• Jimmy Page
• Alex Lifeson
• Bill Nelson
• Steven Wilson
• Steve Howe
• Steve Rothery

Favourite Bands / Influences

Genesis, Be-Bop Deluxe, Pink Floyd, Francis Dunnery, Queen, Rush, Led Zeppelin, It Bites, Steve Hackett, Peter Gabriel, David Bowie, Kate Bush, Yes, Porcupine Tree

My top 5 Albums of all time

1. Genesis - Selling England By The Pound
2. Peter Gabriel - Ist album
3. Steve Hackett - Voyage of the Acolyte
4. Francis Dunnery - Tall Blond Helicopter
5. Queen - A Night At The Opera

Favourite Movies

This is Spinal Tap, Kez, The Shining, Borat, LOTRs trilogy

Favourite books

• Lord of the Rings (JRR Tolkein)
• A New Earth (Ekhart Tolle)
• Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown)
• The Book Thief (Markus Zuzak)

Most Memorable Musical Experience

Loreley with Also Eden. Cutting Room NYC with Francis Dunnery. First Summers End. Prockfest Germany.

First Band

Aged 15 with my brother and Huw Lloyd Jones. First gigging/recording band was Horizon circa 1984-85.