Nick Simper

b. 3 November 1945, Norwood Green, Southall, Middlesex, England. Bass player Simper was initially a member of the Renegades and the Delta Five, before joining Buddy Britten And The Regents, a popular Middlesex beat group which completed two singles (‘She’s About A Mover’ and ‘Right Now’) in 1965. Simper briefly rejoined the Regents in the Simon Raven Cult before joining Johnny Kidd And The Pirates, a tenure which ended with the singer’s tragic death, before touring in exploitative hit group the Flowerpot Men. A founder member of Deep Purple, Simper appeared on this successful unit’s first three albums, before leaving in 1969. A spell with Marsha Hunt then ensued, following which the bass player formed Warhorse whom he led for four years until 1974. A career as a session musician was interrupted in 1978 by Nick Simper’s Fandango, with Jim Proops (vocals), Peter Parks (guitar/vocals) and Ron Penney (drums). This outfit completed two average albums before the bass player reverted to studio work, although he continued to play live dates with the touring bands Flying Fox and the Good Ole Boys. He recorded an album with Quatermass II in 1997.