Simon Rinaldo

Simon’s love of music began at the age of five when he became mesmerised by his school teacher playing the piano in assembly. A small Casio keyboard soon followed, sparking a lifelong passion that grew into a fascination with the warm, growling tones of the Hammond Organ.

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By fourteen, Simon was performing in pubs and clubs, earning his first proper pay from music. A chance jam in a damp portacabin led to the creation of Mr G’s Secret Room, an acid jazz outfit that built a strong local following. When the band ran its course, Simon joined the rock band Shrunk, stepping in for keyboardist Jem Davis (now of FM). Touring with Shrunk gave him his first real taste of life on the road and introduced him to the world of studio recording, a passion that eventually led him to set up his own Recording Studio.

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Over the years, Simon has played and recorded with a wide range of artists, including The Quireboys, Andrew WK, and even made a brief appearance on Top of the Pops. A tour of Germany brought him together with bluesman Lee Vernon, and the two have been collaborating ever since, most notably as part of Pearl Handled Revolver, alongside Chris Thatcher and Andy Paris.

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In 2013, Simon’s worlds collided when Del Bromham of Stray was invited to guest at Pearl Handled Revolver’s second album launch. A lasting friendship was formed, leading to countless shows with Del Bromham’s Blues Devils and Stray.

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Today, Simon continues to perform and record with both Pearl Handled Revolver and Stray,  a musical family that feels, as he puts it, “like one big extended band.”

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