CHRIS: What's it like to be at No.1 ?

SIMON: So long since then that I can't really remember - but yea, amazing / fantastic etc. weird to think that all these people are going out and buying your record. Actually you see so little of it. Memories of seeing one or two people go up to the counter asking for our record as I listened unobserved. But gratification indeed - that's why you make records - you hope people will like it and its great when they do.

CHRIS: Your drumming was very musical, and expertly complimented the songs. Did you ever receive any lessons ?

SIMON: Thanks, yes I always tried to put my stamp on it in some way and make it musical in so far as I could. Never had lessons up until the early 80s- then had a few - not sure if it improved things but it certainly made me more aware of technique and timing. I always think you can practice all you want but the real test is to play with a band, live - I've always enjoyed that the most - still do.

CHRIS: What are your fondest memories of being in The Boomtown Rats ?

SIMON: Many, many good vibes - all those great gigs we did, all the places we saw, all the people who came to see us and jumped up and down, all the records and videos etc, etc. I can only say it was an experience that was and still is so valuable. One I would never have missed for anything!

CHRIS: Do you have songs/versions/recordings that were never released ?

SIMON: Don't think so except for demos and rough takes from recordings.

CHRIS: What else do you do ?

SIMON: I work in architecture now - having done all sorts but architecture is what I trained in before The Rats started, so its good to have something that earns me a living - and yes it is hard to find something as good as what I did before and yes, there are times I miss it.

CHRIS: Do you still have any Rats memorabilia, photos, or treasured items?

SIMON: Loads, tour passes, itineraries, t-shirts, scrapbook, photos, gold and silver discs, etc. I could scan a few & email them for you. [Chris - Watch this space!!!].

CHRIS: Are you in contact with any of the others ?

SIMON: Yes I hear from some of them from time to time.

CHRIS: What's your favourite Rats LP ? (I guess your fave song must be Like Clockwork ?).

SIMON: I suppose Tonic has to be the one - when we were on the crest of our wave and on the way up - we put that album relatively painlessly too. We had found our confidence in the studio without becoming too anal!

Cheers, Chris
Simon

CHRIS: On behalf of all fans, we would like to thank Simon for kindly doing this interview, and for his contribution to the worlds greatest band. We will be taking-up Simon's kind offer to send us some images from his personal collection, and we'll put them on the site. We'll also keep you up-to-date with regular news - Chris Graham.

Here is an image that Simon has sent to the website.

Photo Description (from top left):
1) Canadian tour pass
2) Loch Lomond Festival brochure
3) Badge from possibly first Rats gigs in UK - we didn't do many pub gigs as
success happened quickly.
4) Photo cutting.
5) Polaroid of me on shoot for In The Long Grass cover- sweaty armpits!
6) Bag tag from tour
7) Stage on Mondo Bongo tour at Capitol Theatre New Jersey 23/2/81
8) BG faces the crowd!
9) American tour pic backstage - spot all Rats? 1/3/81 Amhurst Mass