I'm fascinated by India: Webbe
29 Jun, 2007
At first recall, you might associate singer Simon Webbe with the song One Love, with its plaintive, catchy lyrics about solidarity and love that we can all relate to.
But sensing that he had greater things for himself, the singer split from the boy band Blue while still at the top and launched his solo career in 2005. But it was his follow up single No Worries that established Simon as a solo star, reaching number 4 in the UK and making him the only Blue member to have multiple top ten singles.
But how did it all begin for Simon? 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!"
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."
Having already made one trip to India in the recent past, he's all set to delight his fans again, courtesy Vh1- India's only International Music and Lifestyle Channel that's bringing you this pop sensation.
He is part of Vh1's hot new property called Vh1 Handpicked, Tomorrow's sensation, handpicked and live! And it should come as no surprise, as Vh1 has been consistently bringing down international artists from different music genres with their properties Rock Rules, Hip Hop Hustle and Jazz Masters.
Simon Webbe is part of their Vh1 Handpicked property.
Says Simon, "This is my second trip to India and I am very excited right now. I am fascinated by India and its own unique music. I am looking forward to our 3-city tour starting Hyderabad, followed by Mumbai and Delhi and connecting with lots of interesting, music-loving people."
Simon's debut solo album Sanctuary showcases Simon Webbe as a softer, more soulful singer with thoughtful lyrics and beautiful melodies.
Simon has also created the theme song for the motion picture Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer for his song, Sanctuary.
While for Simon, songwriting 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!"
So what's the story behind his recent hit? Simon adds: " The single Lay Your Hands 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'.
Simon's debut solo album Sanctuary showcases Simon Webbe as a softer, more soulful singer with thoughtful lyrics and beautiful melodies.
Simon will be performing live at the Hard Rock Cafe tonight from 8.30 pm onwards.
Passes are available at the venue. But get there early to avoid disappointment. The event has been put together with the support of our sponsors Bru Ice Cappuccino, in association with Adidas & GAS, Style Partner - Ray-Ban, Travel Partner - Mercury Travels, Print partner - Bombay Times, Hospitality Partner - ITC Grand Central.