Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Robin Simon

Robert "Robin" Simon (born 12 July 1956) is a guitarist best known as a member of the and bands (1978–1979), (1980), and Visage (from 2012). He has also collaborated with on albums including The Garden (1981) and worked with his brother, drummer , in projects such as Humania (early 1990s) and AjantaMusic (since 1994).

Early life

Family background

Robin Simon was born on 12 July 1956 in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England. He was raised in this northern English town alongside his older brother Paul Simon, who later established himself as a drummer and became a key collaborator in various musical projects. The brothers' shared interest in music emerged early, with Robin developing a passion for the guitar that foreshadowed his professional path. Simon's formative years were spent in Halifax, an industrial area of West Yorkshire. In 1976, at age 20, he and Paul relocated to London to advance their musical endeavors, marking a pivotal shift from local scenes to the broader industry.

Initial musical influences and bands

Robin Simon's early musical development was shaped by the vibrant 1960s rock scene, particularly influences from bands like the Beatles and American psychedelic acts, which inspired his initial forays into guitar playing alongside his brother Paul. Growing up in Halifax, northern England, the brothers formed their first bands as teenagers, immersing themselves in the local music scene, which provided encouragement for their pursuits. Paul formed The Cosmonauts at age 12, playing songs by Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and the Rolling Stones. In the early 1970s, Simon joined , a band with Indian musical influences, where he played guitar during gigs at youth clubs and local pubs around . The band represented a shift toward original compositions, drawing from contemporaries like . It was during this period that Simon met , a fellow local musician from nearby who briefly joined Kandahar on viola, forging a connection that would later influence Simon's professional trajectory. By 1975–1976, Simon and his brother Paul transitioned to the emerging punk and scene with the band (formerly Ian's Radio), where Robin handled guitar duties and Paul played drums. This brief stint marked their move from amateur local performances to semi-professional opportunities, including residencies at venues like the and Vortex Club, amid the raw energy of the mid-1970s underground circuit.

Musical career

Ultravox

Robin Simon joined in early 1978, replacing guitarist following the band's Ha!-Ha!-Ha! tour, after Shears departed due to internal tensions. Simon, who had prior local connections with keyboardist from early bands in the north of , was invited to the group for his fluid and accomplished guitar style, despite being younger and relatively inexperienced compared to the other members. His arrival injected new energy into the lineup as they transitioned from their punk-inflected art-rock phase toward more experimental electronic textures under producer . Simon's most significant contributions came on Ultravox's third album, Systems of Romance (1978), where he co-wrote tracks including "Slow Motion" and "Dislocation" alongside John Foxx, Billy Currie, Chris Cross, and Warren Cann. His guitar work featured prominently on songs like "Slow Motion" and "Hiroshima Mon Amour," delivering searing riffs and raw chords that blended proto-punk aggression with sleek keyboard synthesizers and metallic rhythms, helping define the album's futuristic, postmodern sound. This experimental approach marked a pivotal evolution for the band during their Island Records era, incorporating Krautrock influences and ambient electronics while retaining punk's raw edge. Simon participated in Ultravox's 1978–1979 tours, including a European leg supporting Systems of Romance—where he quickly learned the setlist in just 10 days—and a subsequent U.S. tour after dropped the band, drawing solid audiences despite commercial challenges. He also performed on the lead single "" (1978), contributing guitar textures that underscored its innovative fusion of punk energy and . Simon departed in 1979 shortly after the U.S. tour, alongside frontman , amid the band's implosion due to financial woes, label rejection, and shifting creative directions toward a more synth-pop-oriented sound. He chose to remain in , finding greater appeal there than returning to with the remaining members.

Magazine

Robin Simon joined the band in early 1980 as their guitarist, replacing who had departed to join . This lineup change occurred amid internal tensions within the group, as they prepared for a world tour following the success of their third album, . Simon's primary contributions to centered on their live performances and the posthumously released live album Play, recorded during 1979 shows but issued in October 1980 with additional studio overdubs featuring his guitar work. He integrated into the band's angular, art-rock sound, drawing on guitar techniques honed during his time with to add textural layers to tracks like "A Song from Under the Floorboards" and "The Light Pours Out of Me." Although some critics noted that Simon did not fully replicate McGeoch's intricate style, his playing provided a solid foundation for the band's energetic stage presence. Throughout 1980, Simon participated in Magazine's extensive touring schedule, including European and North American dates that supported frontman Howard Devoto's incisive lyrics on themes of alienation and absurdity. His electronic-inflected guitar approach, influenced by his prior experiences, complemented the band's evolving aesthetic during these performances. Simon departed toward the end of 1980, shortly after the tour concluded, as began transitioning to a new , Ben Mandelson, for their final studio recordings. His brief tenure marked the close of a significant phase in his involvement, with disbanding in early 1981 following the release of Magic, Murder and the Weather.

Collaborations with

After leaving in 1979, Robin Simon reunited with former bandmate in 1980 to contribute guitar to Foxx's second solo album, The Garden, released in 1981 on . Simon's electric guitar work added a distinctive edge to the album's blend of electronic and rock elements, appearing on several tracks including the atmospheric opener "Europe After the Rain" and the closing ballad "Walk Away," where his layered riffs complemented Foxx's synthesizer-driven soundscapes. In 1983, joined Foxx for the live promotion of Foxx's third solo album, The Golden Section, undertaking a tour across and that featured Simon on guitar alongside bassist and keyboardist . The duo format allowed for intimate reinterpretations of material from both artists' catalogs, including adapted performances of songs like "" and "," emphasizing experimental electronics over the band's original full-ensemble dynamics. Notable stops included London's Dominion Theatre on October 21, 1983, and Osaka's Expo Hall on November 5, 1983, where Simon's improvisational guitar enhanced the live electro-pop arrangements. Throughout these early 1980s collaborations, Simon's contributions to Foxx's solo projects introduced atmospheric guitar layers that influenced the evolving electro-pop genre, providing textural depth to Foxx's minimalist electronic compositions on albums like The Garden and The Golden Section. His playing, often described as innovative and non-traditional, bridged rock sensibilities with synth experimentation, as heard in tracks such as "Systems of Romance" from The Garden, where his guitar intertwined with Foxx's vocals and keyboards to create immersive sound environments. The primary phase of Simon and Foxx's partnership concluded by the mid-1980s, as Foxx shifted toward more purely electronic solo endeavors with his 1985 album The Arcades, which did not feature Simon's involvement, marking a divergence in their musical paths.

Humania

In 1989, Robin Simon reunited with his former bandmate to form the short-lived synth-rock band Humania, joined by vocalist Marcus O'Higgins, bassist Sue Rachel, and drummer Ray Weston. This collaboration drew on their prior partnership in during the late 1970s, emphasizing layered electronic textures and atmospheric guitar lines. The band recorded its sole album, Sinews of the Soul, in 1989 at Hot Food Studios and Sam Therapy Studios in , incorporating orchestral elements through Currie's viola contributions alongside characteristic production techniques such as expansive synth arrangements and reverb-heavy soundscapes that echoed Ultravox's style. Simon's guitar work provided a driving force across the tracks, notably co-writing and performing on "Can't Stay Long," which blended rhythmic riffs with electronic pulses. Despite its polished sound, Sinews of the Soul faced commercial challenges and was shelved by the prospective label, contributing to Humania's dissolution by 1990. The album remained unreleased until 2006, when issued it on his own Puzzle Records imprint, allowing Simon's contributions to reach audiences posthumously for the project.

Visage

In 2012, Robin Simon joined Visage as part of the band's reformation led by founder and vocalist , bringing his experience as an original Ultravox guitarist to the reunion lineup alongside Steve Barnacle and vocalist Lauren Duvall. This marked Simon's return to the scene, where his electronic guitar style—honed in earlier collaborations—added a layer of atmospheric texture to the group's evolving sound. Simon contributed guitar to Visage's fourth studio album, Hearts and Knives (2013), performing on tracks including the lead single "Never Enough," which showcased his riff-driven contributions amid synth-heavy arrangements. He also played on the band's posthumously released fifth album, Demons to Diamonds (2015), providing layered guitar parts that enhanced the record's blend of classic elements and contemporary production. During live performances, Simon's work extended to renditions of Visage classics like "Fade to Grey," revitalizing the band's catalog for modern audiences. The reunion era included a 13-date in 2013 to support Hearts and Knives, Visage's first full live outings in decades, which traversed the and while fusing the group's original aesthetic with updated electronic elements. Additional shows followed into 2014 and early 2015, maintaining momentum until Strange's sudden death from in February 2015, which prompted Simon's departure and concluded his tenure with the band.

AjantaMusic and recent projects

In 2005, Robin Simon co-founded the electronic band AjantaMusic on the island of alongside his brother , a from their early Halifax-based groups. The project draws on the brothers' shared history in and synth scenes, blending electronic elements with Simon's signature guitar work. AjantaMusic's output reflects Ibiza's vibrant club culture, incorporating atmospheric, island-inspired soundscapes into their compositions. A key release for the band was the 2013 album The Secret Door, which features guitar-driven across tracks like "Snow On The Beach (Benirras Mix)," named after an beach and evoking sunset vistas with layered synths and melodic riffs. The , produced by with contributions from vocalist Gina Watson, marks a mature evolution of their sound, emphasizing emotional depth through instrumental passages and subtle electronic pulses. AjantaMusic has maintained steady activity since, issuing singles and EPs that continue the theme, including remixed tracks tied to related projects like The Fallout Club's 2024 Wonderlust 12" Mix EP, which revives synth influences with contemporary production. In 2022, Simon collaborated with John Crawford, bassist of the band , on the album , a effort enriched by guitar textures; standout tracks include "Like Crimson," with its brooding atmosphere, and "There's Only You," highlighting their combined songwriting heritage. Simon has also made occasional guest appearances, such as performing with & the Maths at London's in 2010, adding live guitar to Foxx's electronic sets. More recently, in 2024, he contributed to Visage's output, including the single "Before You Win," a posthumous track from the planned Demons to Diamonds sessions featuring the band's evolving lineup.

Discography

Studio albums

Robin's first major studio album contribution came with Ultravox's Systems of Romance in 1978, where he served as the lead guitarist, providing angular and clean-toned riffs that integrated seamlessly with the band's synthesizers under producer . His distinctive playing is particularly evident on the opening track "," which he co-wrote and where his delayed guitar peals introduce a haunting, atmosphere. In 1981, Simon contributed guitar to John Foxx's solo album The Garden, adding lush, warm textures that complemented Foxx's shift toward a more organic electronic sound. He played on multiple tracks, including "Systems of Romance," a nod to their collaboration, enhancing the album's blend of technology and emotion. That same year, Simon appeared on Magazine's Magic, Murder and the Weather, delivering featured guitar solos during his brief tenure with the band before departing mid-recording. His contributions, including early work on co-written track "So Lucky," brought a smoother, edge to the album's keyboard-dominated arrangements, though much of the final guitar work was completed by his replacement. Simon reunited with Ultravox colleague in Humania for the album Sinews of the Soul (recorded 1989, released 2006), where he handled duties throughout, alongside composing and producing roles. His searing, effects-laden playing defined the project's atmospheric sound, marking a significant collaborative effort after years apart. Joining Visage in 2013, Simon provided guitar arrangements for Hearts and Knives, infusing the revival with slashing chords and shimmering effects that echoed the band's classic era. Tracks like "Lost in Static" highlight his uplifting guitar work in unison with bass lines, contributing to the album's modern yet nostalgic vibe. Through his project AjantaMusic, co-founded with brother , he delivered core guitar work on debut album Ajanta (also known as And Now We Dream) in 2007, blending acoustic, electric, and E-Bow guitars into chill-out landscapes. This continued on The Secret Door in 2014, where his multifaceted guitar contributions—spanning acoustic introspection to electric swells—anchored the album's dreamy, atmospheric compositions alongside keyboards and vocals. In 2022, Simon co-produced and contributed guitar to the track "Like Crimson" on the collaborative album with Berlin's John Crawford. The track showcases his signature treated guitar tones over synth-heavy pop structures, uniting their legacies in a darker, emotive sound.

Singles and EPs

Robin's contributions to singles and EPs span his tenure with various bands and collaborative projects, often emphasizing his distinctive guitar work on non-album or promotional releases. One of his earliest notable involvements was on Ultravox's "" single, released in October 1978 on , where he provided guitar and co-writing credits alongside bandmates , , , and . The track, drawn from the album Systems of Romance, marked Simon's debut with the band following Stevie Shears' departure, featuring his atmospheric guitar layers that complemented the song's brooding electronic textures. Although the original 1978 release did not chart significantly, a 1981 reissue reached No. 33 on the . During his brief stint with in 1980, Simon contributed guitar to live recordings featured in the band's retrospective releases, including tracks from their world tour. These elements appeared in expanded editions like the 2006 box set Maybe It's Right to Be Nervous Now, highlighting his role in bridging the band's studio and live eras before his departure. Simon's later work with Visage included on select tracks from their 2013 reunion efforts, though specific singles like those from the Hearts and Knives album did not prominently feature standalone releases under his direct spotlight; his contributions underscored the band's revived aesthetic in promotional contexts. As part of the London-based duo AjantaMusic, formed with his brother in 2005 on , Robin contributed guitar-driven tracks to related projects, including remixes for The Fallout Club's Dream Soldiers EP (2013, featuring ) and Wonderlust 12" Mix EP. These exemplified his textural guitar style in atmospheric soundscapes. In 2022, Simon collaborated with Berlin co-founder John Crawford on the single "There's Only You," the lead track from their joint album Arclight released via August Day Records. Simon handled primary guitar duties, delivering emotive, synth-infused riffs that evoked 1980s new wave, and appeared in the official video, marking a nostalgic yet fresh partnership. The single's extended instrumental version highlighted his guitar's central role in the track's atmospheric build. Additionally, Simon's guitar work featured on Magazine's live album Play, recorded during their 1980 Australian tour and released that December on . As the band's touring guitarist replacing , he performed on the original recordings, contributing to tracks like "The Light Pours Out of Me" with his precise, energetic playing that captured the group's final performances before disbanding.

References

  1. [1]
    Friends event: Robin Simon led guided tour of Hogarth's House
    Robin Simon is an alumnus (MA 1971), historian of British art and critic, editor of The British Art Journal and an expert on William Hogarth. His books include ...
  2. [2]
    Robin Simon | Members | AICA UK | Supporting those engaged in ...
    Robin Simon is Editor of The British Art Journal and Honorary Professor at the Department of English, University College London.Missing: historian | Show results with:historian
  3. [3]
    Robin Simon FSA | Gresham College
    Robin Simon FSA, Editor of the British Art Journal. Watch Now see all content by Robin Simon FSA. Portrait of William Hogarth.
  4. [4]
    Agent | Robin Simon | Art | Biog - Fletcher Associates
    Robin is the Chairman of The Courtauld Association and a Visiting Professor in English at University College London. He has been an art critic of the Daily Mail ...Missing: notable person
  5. [5]
    Robin Simon - Center for Art Law
    Mar 3, 2023 · Robin Simon (UK) is Editor of The British Art Journal and Honorary Professor of English, UCL. Recent books include Hogarth, France and British ...
  6. [6]
    Enlightened self-interest : the Foundling Hospital and Hogarth
    Title(s). Enlightened self-interest : the Foundling Hospital and Hogarth / catalogue edited by Rhian Harris & Robin Simon.
  7. [7]
    Painters and players from Hogarth to Olivier | Paul Mellon Lectures
    Robin Simon is currently working on a new history of the Royal Academy and its collections; is co-curator of the tercentenary exhibition of Richard Wilson at ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  8. [8]
    The Royal Academy of Arts - Yale University Press
    Free 20-day returnsJun 19, 2018 · History and Collections. by Robin Simon. Contributions by MaryAnne ... MaryAnne Stevens is an independent art historian and curator.<|control11|><|separator|>
  9. [9]
    Shakespeare, Hogarth and Garrick: Plays, Painting and Performance
    Robin Simon FSA is Editor of The British Art Journal and author of the acclaimed Hogarth, France and British Art: the rise of the arts in eighteenth-century ...
  10. [10]
    Robin Simon
    ### Studio Albums Featuring Robin Simon (Chronological Order)
  11. [11]
    AjanataMusic - Biography - AjantaMusic
    The official AjantaMusic website. AjantaMusic are Paul and Robin Simon, former members of pioneering 80s bands, Ultravox, Magazine and Cowboys ...
  12. [12]
    Paul Simon (AjantaMusic) – Part 1 - Translated from Birdsong
    Jun 1, 2014 · Coincidentally, my younger brother Robin had rapidly progressed from playing rhythm to lead guitar in the space of one summer holiday and I ...Missing: upbringing | Show results with:upbringing
  13. [13]
    MONUMENTAL A HISTORY OF ULTRAVOX
    Feb 28, 2009 · With Robin Simon also staying in the States, this left Currie, Cross and Cann with two rather large problems: firstly, the band still owed ...
  14. [14]
    [PDF] ULTRAVOX - The Story Warren Cann interviewed by Jonas Wårstad
    Billy Currie was not yet in the band—he didn't join until some months (Oct ... While younger than us and relatively inexperienced, Robin Simon was invited to join ...
  15. [15]
    Perfect Sound Forever: Ultravox - Furious.com
    ... Mother Whale Eyeless," but with a foot on the quieter experiments Eno ... Robin Simon's searing guitar and the epic, modulated Foxx vocal in the chorus.<|control11|><|separator|>
  16. [16]
    Making Vienna – Ultravox - Classic Pop Magazine
    Apr 12, 2025 · Foxx and guitarist Robin Simon departed the group, leaving remaining members Warren Cann, Chris Cross and Billy Currie with little more than ...
  17. [17]
    Magazine - Trouser Press
    Although guitarist Robin Simon, John McGeoch's replacement, fails to integrate fully, the band is relaxed and in control, and the album continues in Soap's ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  18. [18]
    Post-Punk MVP: Robin Simon
    Oct 13, 2011 · ” Simon reprises both Foxx solo and a few of his Ultravox songs within the set, with “Slow Motion” and “I Can't Stay Long” in evidence.
  19. [19]
  20. [20]
  21. [21]
    Magazine: Play 1980 ( 2 CD Album 2009 ) - URBAN ASPIRINES
    May 23, 2020 · By this point, guitarist John McGeoch had been replaced by Robin Simon, and although there are some weak patches on the record, he fits into the ...
  22. [22]
    Post-punk's Nabokov: Howard Devoto and Magazine, live from ...
    Dec 19, 2012 · He was replaced for Magazine's 1980 world tour by Robin Simon of Ultravox, who is on deck here and no slouch on the guitar himself. This is a ...
  23. [23]
    Magazine | Spotify
    Simon left at the end of the tour, with former Amazorblades guitarist Bob Mandelson taking his place. Magic, Murder and the Weather was released in the ...
  24. [24]
  25. [25]
  26. [26]
  27. [27]
    John Foxx - The Garden
    ### Robin Simon's Credits on *The Garden* Album
  28. [28]
  29. [29]
  30. [30]
    New Europeans: The Legacy of ULTRAVOX - Electricity Club
    Sep 12, 2020 · However, the first one featuring Marcus O'Higgins as singer and a returning Robin Simon on guitar was blocked; when the recordings from these ...
  31. [31]
    Humania - Sinews Of The Soul
    ### Summary of Humania – Sinews Of The Soul
  32. [32]
    Visage
    Steve is aided by long-time friend Steve Barnacle and new members Robin Simon (from the first incarnation of Ultravox) and Lauren Duvall. Steve Strange, Steve ...Missing: reunion | Show results with:reunion
  33. [33]
    Hearts & Knives - Visage - Bandcamp
    Hearts & Knives. by Visage ; 1. Never Enough · 04:02 ; 2. Shameless Fashion · 04:24 ; 3. She's Electric (Coming Around) · 03:45 ; 4. Hidden Sign · 05:30 ; 5. On We Go.
  34. [34]
    Demons To Diamonds - Visage - Bandcamp
    Demons To Diamonds. by Visage ; 1. Before You Win · 05:24 ; 2. Become · 03:37 ; 3. Loving The Alien · 04:26 ; 4. Days Become Dark · 04:35 ; 5. Seven Deadly Sins Part ...
  35. [35]
    Visage : Live 2013
    In 2013 Visage returned with the 'Hearts and Knives' album. Steve Strange here aided by musicians Steve Barnacle (Bass), Robin Simon (ex Ultravox Guitarist) and ...Missing: Europe | Show results with:Europe
  36. [36]
    Official AjantaMusic Website
    AjantaMusic is a London-based band, formed on the Spanish island of Ibiza in 2005 by brothers Paul and Robin Simon, who have previously worked with Ultravox ...
  37. [37]
    AJANTAMUSIC - The Secret Door - CD/DVD Reviews
    Paul Simon: Robin used a PRS SE, customized by Martin Dixon, for most ... AjantaMusic was formed on Ibiza in 2005. I am the band leader and principle ...
  38. [38]
    The Secret Door - AjantaMusic - Albums
    6:21. Total Time, 46.30. AjantaMusic are: Paul Simon: Keyboards, Drums, Percussion Robin Simon: Acoustic, Electric and E-Bow Guitars Gina Watson: vocals. Guest ...Missing: 2014 | Show results with:2014
  39. [39]
    The Fallout Club - Dangerous Friends - AjantaMusic - Albums
    Dangerous Friends is a new album from early-eighties electronic group The Fallout Club, featuring Trevor Herion, Thomas Dolby, Paul Simon and Matthew Seligman ...
  40. [40]
    John Crawford And Robin Simon - Like Crimson - YouTube
    Jun 2, 2022 · OUT NOW: https://found.ee/arclight When @officialultravox met @berlinofficialband! Pop Titans John Crawford and Robin Simon unite for their ...Missing: EP 2022
  41. [41]
    John Foxx At The Roundhouse - Marsh Towers
    Jun 14, 2010 · Robin Simon came on for the next set of songs. The former Ultravox guitarist was the most eagerly anticipated guest of the night. Steve D ...
  42. [42]
    With One Last Visage Single – “Before You Win” - Post-Punk Monk
    Dec 31, 2024 · The lead off single that was planned for the “Demons To Diamonds” album prior to Steve's death finally getting a release.
  43. [43]
    Various - Stoned Soul Picnic (Illicit Grooves From The Atlantic And Warner Vaults)
    Insufficient relevant content. The provided URL content pertains to "Stoned Soul Picnic" by Various Artists, a jazz compilation, and does not contain information about Ultravox's "Systems of Romance" album or Robin Simon's credits, including songwriting.
  44. [44]
    Visage - Hearts And Knives
    ### Robin Simon's Credits on *Hearts And Knives*
  45. [45]
    Rock G.P.A.: Visage [part 5] | Post-Punk Monk
    Jun 12, 2013 · ... Robin Simon was the original Visage guitarist. The album opens with a brilliant statement of intent in “Never Enough” as Moroder Europulse ...
  46. [46]
    Discography - AjantaMusic
    Robin Simon ; Systems of Romance, Ultravox ; Play, Magazine ; Live and Intermittent, Magazine ; The Garden, John Foxx ; The Golden Section, John Foxx.Missing: guitarist studio
  47. [47]
  48. [48]
    John Crawford and Robin Simon - Arclight (Album Review)
    Jul 28, 2022 · Released on Friday, June 3, 2022, via August Day Recordings, Crawford and Simon's debut outing is titled Arclight. Complete with ten tracks it proudly opens ...
  49. [49]
  50. [50]
    SLOW MOTION – ULTRAVOX - Official Charts
    Mar 28, 1981 · Latest chart stats about SLOW MOTION - peak chart position, weeks on chart, catalogue number, week-by-week chart placement and latest news.
  51. [51]
  52. [52]
    There's Only You | John Crawford And Robin Simon - August Day
    There's Only You by John Crawford And Robin Simon, released 06 May 2022 1 ... Written by John Crawford, Robin Simon, John Bryan and Sare Havlicek.Missing: Crimson EP
  53. [53]
    Play (Magazine album) - Wikipedia
    Personnel · Howard Devoto – vocals · Barry Adamson – bass guitar · Dave Formula – keyboards · John Doyle – drums · Robin Simon – guitar · John McGeoch – guitar (Play+ ...