Charlie Simpson
Charles Robert Simpson (born 7 June 1985) is an English singer, songwriter, guitarist, and musician from Woodbridge, Suffolk.[1] He first rose to prominence as a member of the pop-punk band Busted, with whom he achieved commercial success, including two Brit Awards, before leaving in 2005 to form the post-hardcore band Fightstar.[2] Simpson launched a solo career in 2011, releasing three studio albums: Young Pilgrim (2011), Longshot (2014), and Still (2021). In 2023, he won the UK version of The Masked Singer as "Rhino".[1] As of 2025, Simpson continues performing with Busted on reunion tours, including the Busted vs. McFly tour, and has been linked to the anonymous metal band President.[3][4]Early life
Childhood
Charles Robert Simpson was born on 7 June 1985 in Woodbridge, Suffolk, England, as the youngest of three brothers.[5][6] His older brothers, Will (born 1980) and Edd (born 1981), would later pursue their own musical paths, with Will forming the indie band Brigade and Edd joining Union Sound Set.[5][1] Simpson grew up in a deeply musical household, with a family heritage tracing back to the 19th-century composer Sir William Sterndale Bennett on his mother's side, who served as principal of the Royal Academy of Music.[5] His father, Mike Simpson, a chartered surveyor and co-founder of the estate agency Clarke & Simpson, played a significant role in nurturing his early interest in music by sharing recordings during family outings, such as drives or sailing trips along the Suffolk coast at Ramsholt.[6] These sessions exposed young Charlie to folk-rock influences like Jackson Browne, the Beach Boys, and Crosby, Stills & Nash, fostering a love for melody and storytelling in song that would shape his later work.[6] At the age of six, Simpson received his first instrument—a nylon-string Spanish guitar—from his parents, marking the beginning of his hands-on engagement with music.[5] He quickly developed a passion for rock music, often singing in settings like morning chapel, and by age 12, he was already forming bands with friends, experimenting with songwriting and performance in a rebellious spirit against mainstream pop culture.[5] This early immersion in a supportive, creative environment laid the foundation for his multifaceted musical career.[5]Education and family influences
Simpson attended Brandeston Hall, the preparatory school for Framlingham College, in Suffolk during his early education. He later progressed to Framlingham College itself, where he developed an interest in music alongside his studies. At the age of around 14, he transferred to Uppingham School, a boarding school in Rutland, but left at 16 to pursue his musical ambitions full-time, citing dissatisfaction with school life.[6][7][8] Simpson hails from a musical family lineage, with his mother's side tracing back to the 19th-century English composer, pianist, and conductor Sir William Sterndale Bennett, a prominent figure in British classical music who served as principal of the Royal Academy of Music. This heritage contributed to an environment rich in musical appreciation from a young age. His older brothers, Edd and Will Simpson, are also professional musicians; Edd works as a session player and has been involved in indie rock projects like Union Sound Set, while Will fronted the band Brigade, exposing Simpson to rock and alternative genres that shaped his tastes.[9][1][10] During his school years, Simpson honed his skills as a multi-instrumentalist, proficient on guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and piano, often performing in informal settings. He formed his first band, Spleen, while at Uppingham, playing original material that reflected his growing affinity for rock music, and participated in local gigs around Suffolk that helped build his confidence on stage. These early experiences, influenced by his family's musical pursuits, laid the foundation for his later professional endeavors.[11][1]Career
Busted
Charlie Simpson joined the pop-punk band Busted in 2001, shortly after its formation by James Bourne and Matt Willis in Southend-on-Sea, Essex.[12] Originally auditioning as a drummer at age 16, Simpson transitioned to lead vocals and guitar, contributing to the band's energetic sound and humorous, school-themed lyrics that appealed to a teenage audience.[13] The trio signed with Telstar Records and released their self-titled debut album in 2002, which peaked at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart and achieved quadruple platinum status in the UK.[13] Busted's rapid rise included eight top-three singles between 2002 and 2004, such as "What I Go to School For" (UK #3), "Year 3000" (UK #2), and "Sleeping with the Light On" (UK #3), blending pop-punk riffs with catchy hooks.[13] Their second album, A Present for Everyone (2003), also reached number 2 on the UK charts and went triple platinum, solidifying their commercial dominance with over 5 million records sold worldwide during this period.[14] Simpson co-wrote several tracks, including "You Said No" and "Air Hostess," which became staples of their live shows and helped earn them a record-breaking 11 consecutive nights at London's Hammersmith Apollo in 2004.[13] The band's success culminated in awards and high-profile tours, but internal tensions grew, with Simpson later describing the pop-star lifestyle as "torture" due to its constraints on his musical ambitions.[12] In January 2005, Simpson announced his departure via a phone call to his bandmates, citing a desire to explore heavier rock influences, which effectively ended Busted's original run.[13] Bourne and Willis briefly continued as Son of Dork before pursuing solo projects. In November 2015, Busted announced a full reunion including Simpson, leading to a 2016 arena tour and the release of their third album, Night Driver, which debuted at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart and marked a shift toward synth-pop elements.[12] Simpson contributed vocals and songwriting to tracks like "Coming Home," reflecting on the band's legacy while adapting to modern production.[12] The group followed with Half Way There in 2019 (UK #21)[15] and continued touring, including a 20th-anniversary celebration in 2023 featuring re-recorded hits with guest artists.[14] In 2025, Busted completed a joint arena tour with McFly, known as the Busted vs. McFly Tour, which ran across the UK and Ireland in September.[16] This underscored Simpson's enduring role in the band's revival.Fightstar
Fightstar is a British post-hardcore band formed by Charlie Simpson in 2003 as a side project while he was still a member of the pop-punk group Busted.[17] The band initially featured Simpson on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, alongside Alex Westaway on lead guitar and backing vocals, Dan Haigh on bass, and drummer Omar Abidi.[18] Following Busted's disbandment in early 2005, Simpson committed to Fightstar full-time, allowing the group to develop its heavier sound and tour extensively.[5] The band's musical style blends post-hardcore with alternative rock and progressive elements, characterized by intricate guitar work, dynamic shifts, and Simpson's emotive vocals.[19] Simpson serves as the primary songwriter, often collaborating with Westaway on lyrics and compositions, while handling lead vocals and rhythm guitar duties.[17] Fightstar has released five studio albums to date, beginning with their debut Grand Unification in 2006, which peaked at number 28 on the UK Albums Chart and established their conceptual, narrative-driven approach inspired by anime influences.[20] Subsequent releases include One Day Son, This Will All Be Yours (2007, peaking at number 27), Alternate Endings (2008, number 85), Be Human (2009, number 20), and Behind the Devil's Back (2015, number 19).[21] Fightstar achieved recognition in the rock scene, earning a nomination for Best British Band at the 2006 Kerrang! Awards.[22] The band has maintained a dedicated following, with their 2023 announcement of a 20th-anniversary headline show at London's OVO Arena Wembley—held in March 2024—marking their largest performance to date and underscoring their enduring impact.[23] Amid Simpson's periodic reunions with Busted for tours, Fightstar remains his primary creative outlet for exploring heavier, more experimental rock territories.[17]Solo career
Simpson launched his solo career in 2010, marking a shift toward more introspective and acoustic-driven music distinct from his band work. His debut album, Young Pilgrim, released on 15 August 2011 through PIAS Recordings, debuted at number 6 on the UK Albums Chart and showcased a folk-rock style characterized by fingerpicked guitar and heartfelt melodies. Produced by Danton Supple, the record drew from Simpson's accumulated songwriting over years, emphasizing raw emotional expression.[24][25][26] Building on this foundation, Simpson released his second studio album, Long Road Home, on 14 July 2014 via his independent label Komorebi Records, which peaked at number 10 on the UK Albums Chart. The album continued his acoustic focus, blending folk elements with subtle rock influences and exploring themes of personal growth and reflection. In 2016, he issued Little Hands, a collection of previously unreleased and rare tracks from 2010 to 2016, peaking at number 100 on the UK Albums Chart and further highlighting his songwriting depth through intimate, narrative-driven compositions.[27][28][29] Simpson's solo output evolved with Hope Is a Drug, his fourth studio album, released on 22 April 2022 via Komorebi Records, which reached number 52 on the UK Albums Chart. Described by Simpson as his most personal project to date, self-produced during lockdown, it delved into vulnerability and human experiences with stripped-back arrangements. In 2023, following his victory on the fourth series of The Masked Singer UK as Rhino—which significantly increased his public profile—he released the Kifaru EP on 20 February via Komorebi Records. The EP, titled after the Swahili word for "rhino" and inspired by his masked persona, incorporates conservation themes centered on rhinoceros protection, featuring acoustic tracks like "I See You" and remixes that blend folk introspection with environmental advocacy.[30][31][32][33] Throughout his solo endeavors from 2010 onward, Simpson's music prioritizes personal storytelling, often rooted in autobiographical reflections and delivered through acoustic guitar-centric production. His influences draw from 1970s singer-songwriters, including Jackson Browne and the Laurel Canyon sound, fostering a style that contrasts his earlier pop-punk and post-hardcore phases while emphasizing lyrical authenticity and emotional resonance.[31][34]Other musical projects
In addition to his primary musical endeavors, Simpson has engaged in various collaborations and side projects that showcase his versatility across genres. In 2015, he provided guest vocals on the synthwave track "Tech Noir" by Gunship, featuring alongside John Carpenter, which blended retro-futuristic electronics with his distinctive vocal style.[35] Similarly, in 2018, Simpson co-wrote the acoustic ballad "Breathe Underwater" for Bullet for My Valentine's album Gravity, contributing to its introspective tone and earning a songwriting credit on the record.[36] Simpson has also ventured into theatrical performance, joining the cast of Jeff Wayne's arena tour adaptation of The War of the Worlds in 2025 as The Sung Thoughts of the Journalist, a role previously held by artists like Gary Barlow.[37] The production, based on H.G. Wells' novel and Wayne's iconic 1978 concept album, features Simpson alongside Enter Shikari's Rou Reynolds and The Wanted's Max George, with performances running from March to April across UK arenas.[38] One of Simpson's most notable recent projects is as the frontman of the anonymous masked metal band PRESIDENT, which he launched in 2025 under a veil of mystery to explore heavier, electronic-infused alternative metal.[39] The band's debut single, "In the Name of the Father," arrived in May, followed by "Fearless" in June, which included a narrative-driven music video hinting at Simpson's involvement through subtle unmasking elements.[40] "Rage" was released in July, incorporating synth-heavy production and themes of inner conflict, marking an evolution toward more aggressive soundscapes.[41] PRESIDENT made their live debut at Download Festival in June 2025 on the Dogtooth Stage, performing a set that included these tracks and captivated audiences with their cryptic, masked aesthetic inspired by political and dystopian motifs.[42] The project gained rapid acclaim, culminating in the release of their debut EP King of Terrors on September 26, 2025, via ADA, a six-track effort that expanded on the singles with additional songs like "Destroy Me" and delved into themes of power, rebellion, and existential dread through a mix of metalcore riffs and electronic atmospheres.[43] In November 2025, PRESIDENT was named Rock Sound's Best New Artist of the year, praised for their innovative hype-building and breakout impact in the metal scene.[44] Following this success, the band announced their first headline tour, The Campaign Trail, for 2026, spanning the UK and Europe with dates in Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Norwich, and London, among others, wrapping at the O2 Forum Kentish Town on April 21.[45] Earlier in his career, Simpson contributed songwriting to film soundtracks, including the track "Falling For You" for the 2004 romantic comedy A Cinderella Story, performed by his band Busted. These endeavors highlight Simpson's ongoing interest in collaborative and experimental outlets beyond his established acts.Charitable work
2011 charitable activities
In 2011, Charlie Simpson contributed to charitable causes through musical performances, including a gig at an Oxfam Oxjam event in London, where he performed in an Oxfam shop to raise funds for the charity's international aid efforts. Oxjam is an annual music festival organized by Oxfam to support poverty alleviation and humanitarian work worldwide, and Simpson's participation helped promote the event's goal of encouraging donations through live music in unique settings.[46][47] That year, Simpson also participated in a group bike ride with over 100 children from six schools in Stepney, London, cycling 890 laps of a local park (equivalent to 450 miles from Mogadishu to Dadaab refugee camp) to raise funds and awareness for UNICEF's response to the East Africa Children's Crisis.[48]Later philanthropy
Charlie Simpson has engaged in several charitable initiatives leveraging his music career and local ties in Suffolk. In 2017, he donated a custom piece of artwork to the Suffolk Art for Action auction, an event organized to support Action Medical Research, the UK's leading charity funding vital medical research to improve the lives of babies, children, and young people affected by diseases and disabilities.[49] That same year, Simpson collaborated with Busted bandmate Matt Willis to promote a "movie marathon" fundraising concept for BBC Children in Need, inviting the public to host their own film-viewing events and donate proceeds to the charity, which provides grants to organizations helping disadvantaged children and young people across the UK and internationally.[50] This effort aligned with Simpson's use of music platforms to amplify charitable causes, including endorsements for youth support organizations like The Prince's Trust, where he has historically performed to aid young people's development.[51] In 2023, following his win on The Masked Singer as Rhino, Simpson released the Kifaru EP (Swahili for "rhino"), with the costume choice as a nod to his wife's family interests.[33][52] He also teamed up with Alive & Kicking, a charity that hand-stitches footballs in Africa for disadvantaged children, signing a limited edition of 60 Rhino footballs produced in their Kenya workshop to support the cause.[53] Additionally, he has participated in Busted and Fightstar reunion gigs that included benefit performances for mental health and youth charities, emphasizing sustained support for vulnerable communities.Personal life
Marriage and family
Simpson married his long-term partner Anna Barnard in June 2014.[1][54] The couple welcomed their first son, Arlo Simpson, on 22 July 2015.[55] Their second son, Jago Jesse George Simpson, was born in February 2018.[56][57] In June 2024, the couple celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary.[58] Simpson has described his family as a central source of motivation in his career and personal life, often sharing glimpses of family outings and milestones on social media. In July 2022, their son Jago experienced a secondary drowning incident after a swimming pool accident, which Simpson publicly discussed to raise awareness about the condition.[59]Interests and activism
Simpson is a lifelong supporter of EFL Championship club Ipswich Town F.C., having grown up in Suffolk and frequently attending matches at Portman Road.[60][61] Early in his career, he even purchased shares in the club as a show of commitment to his local team.[60] His passion for football extends to charitable efforts; during a family visit to Kenya, he participated in a football activity with children organized by Alive & Kicking, a nonprofit that handcrafts footballs for children in disadvantaged African communities to promote play and development.[62] This event aligned with his support for the charity, which his father-in-law helps run, emphasizing access to sport in underprivileged areas.[62][63] Beyond football, Simpson developed a strong interest in cycling following his involvement in charitable activities, including high-profile fundraising efforts that highlighted endurance sports as a means of giving back. His solo musical work has incorporated themes of environmental awareness and cultural preservation, notably through the 2015 television series Singing in the Rainforest, where he traveled to Namibia to collaborate with the San Bushmen, one of Africa's oldest indigenous groups.[64] The resulting track "Walking with the San," featuring the tribe's traditional sounds alongside his guitar, celebrated their hunter-gatherer lifestyle and connection to the land, drawing attention to the preservation of such communities amid modern environmental pressures.[65] Simpson has been vocal about mental health challenges within the music industry, sharing personal experiences of the toll fame took during his Busted years. In interviews, he described the pop environment as "like torture," leading to a darkening of his mental state and prompting his departure in 2005 to pursue more fulfilling creative outlets.[11] These reflections have contributed to broader discussions on the psychological demands of the industry, encouraging awareness among peers and fans. While maintaining political neutrality in public statements, Simpson actively supports local community initiatives in Suffolk, such as donating artwork to the 2017 Art for Action auction to raise funds for child health causes.[49][66]Discography
Busted contributions
Charlie Simpson joined Busted in 2001 as lead guitarist, providing vocals, drums on select tracks, and co-writing contributions across the band's early discography. He played a central role in their debut studio album, Busted (2002), which reached number two on the UK Albums Chart and achieved multi-platinum status. On this album, Simpson co-wrote all four singles, including "What I Go to School For" (co-written with James Bourne, Matt Willis, Steve Robson, and John McLaughlin), which peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart, and "Year 3000" (co-written with Bourne, Willis, and Tom Fletcher), a number two UK hit that became one of the band's signature songs.[67][68] He also co-wrote "You Said No" (with Bourne, Willis, and Robson), which topped the UK charts, and "Sleeping with the Light On" (with Bourne and Robson), reaching number four.[69] Additionally, Simpson delivered lead vocals on the album track "Without You," noted for its emotional delivery and piano-driven arrangement.[70] For Busted's second studio album, A Present for Everyone (2003), which debuted at number one in the UK and sold over a million copies, Simpson continued as co-songwriter on several key tracks. He contributed to hits like "3AM" (co-written with Bourne, Willis, and producers The Matrix—Lauren Christy, Scott Spock, and Graham Edwards), a number two UK single, and "Air Hostess" (co-written with Bourne, Willis, Robson, and John Pebworth), which also peaked at number two.[71][69] Other co-writes included "Who We Are" (with Bourne, Willis, and Fletcher), where Simpson provided lead vocals, and "She Wants to Be Me" (with Bourne, Willis, and The Matrix).[72] The album's rock-leaning production highlighted Simpson's guitar work and shared vocal duties among band members. Following Simpson's departure from Busted in 2005 to pursue Fightstar, he did not contribute to the band's 2007 greatest hits compilation or the 2016 album Night Driver, which featured Bourne and Willis alongside McFly members. However, Simpson rejoined Busted in 2021 for their 20th anniversary activities, performing on the Greatest Hits 2.0 Tour starting in 2023. In this capacity, he co-wrote the new original single "Good One" (with Bourne, Josh Wilkinson, and producer Phil Gornell), released in September 2023 as part of the Greatest Hits 2.0 compilation album, which updated several tracks with modern production while retaining core songwriting.[73] This marked his first studio writing contribution to Busted in nearly two decades, emphasizing themes of reflection and resilience. As of November 2025, no further studio releases featuring Simpson's contributions have been issued, though the band continues live performances with the full original lineup.Fightstar contributions
Charlie Simpson served as the lead vocalist, primary songwriter, and guitarist for Fightstar, the post-hardcore band he co-founded in 2003, where he exerted significant creative control over their alternative rock output, contrasting his more collaborative role in Busted.[21] His compositions drove the band's evolution from raw, aggressive soundscapes to more mature, layered productions across their releases. Fightstar released four studio albums during their active periods, with Simpson contributing the majority of lyrics and music. These works showcased his ability to blend melodic hooks with intense instrumentation, earning critical acclaim for their emotional depth and technical prowess.| Album | Release Year | UK Peak Position |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Unification | 2006 | #28[21] |
| One Day Son, This Will All Be Yours | 2007 | #27[21] |
| Be Human | 2009 | #20[21] |
| Behind the Devil's Back | 2015 | #19[21] |
| Release | Type | Release Year | UK Peak Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alternate Endings | EP | 2008 | #85[21] |
| Grand Unification (Part 1) | Single | 2006 | #20[21] |
| Waste a Moment | Single | 2007 | #29[21] |
Solo releases
Charlie Simpson began his solo career in 2010 with the release of the EP When We Were Lions, an independent project that marked his transition to a more acoustic, introspective sound following his time with Fightstar. This was followed by his debut studio album, Young Pilgrim, released on 15 August 2011 through PIAS Recordings, which debuted at number 6 on the UK Albums Chart.[24] The album featured folk-influenced tracks drawing from Simpson's personal experiences, including themes of loss and redemption, and spawned singles such as "Down Down Down" (peaking at number 65 on the UK Singles Chart) and "Parachutes" (number 44).[74][75] His second studio album, Long Road Home, arrived on 4 August 2014 via Nusic Sounds and ADA Warner, entering the UK Albums Chart at number 10.[27] Produced with a blend of acoustic and subtle electronic elements, it explored themes of perseverance and homecoming, with lead singles "Haunted" and "Comets" receiving radio play but not charting in the top 100. In 2016, Simpson released Little Hands on 6 May through NUA Entertainment, a collection of unreleased songs inspired by his global travels and charitable endeavors, including tracks like "Walking with the San" and "Singing in the Rainforest" that reflect his interest in conservation and indigenous cultures—echoing aspects of his personal activism. The album did not enter the UK top 100 but was praised for its raw, heartfelt songwriting. Simpson's fourth studio album, Hope Is a Drug, was independently released on 15 April 2022 via Komorebi Records (under NUA Entertainment), peaking at number 52 on the UK Albums Chart.[30] Written during the COVID-19 lockdown, it delved into themes of hope, addiction, and family, with singles including "Blameless," "One of Us," and "All the Best," the latter garnering attention for its emotional resonance tied to Simpson's life as a father. In February 2023, he issued the EP Kifaru through Komorebi Records, a conservation-themed project named after the Swahili word for "rhino," featuring covers and originals like "Before You Go" and a remix of "I See You," released in celebration of his win on The Masked Singer UK as Rhino. The EP highlighted his ongoing commitment to wildlife causes.[76]| Release Type | Title | Release Date | Label | UK Peak Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP | When We Were Lions | 25 December 2010 | Independent | - |
| Studio Album | Young Pilgrim | 15 August 2011 | PIAS Recordings | 6 |
| Studio Album | Long Road Home | 4 August 2014 | Nusic Sounds / ADA Warner | 10 |
| Studio Album | Little Hands | 6 May 2016 | NUA Entertainment | - |
| Studio Album | Hope Is a Drug | 15 April 2022 | Komorebi Records | 52 |
| EP | Kifaru | 20 February 2023 | Komorebi Records | - |