Simon Geoffrey Fowler is an English singer and acoustic guitarist, best known as the frontman of
Ocean Colour Scene.
Simon Fowler commenced his music career as the lead singer and songwriter for Birmingham band
The Fanatics, which consisted of Simon Fowler (vocals & guitar),
Damon Minchella (bass),
Paul Wilkes (guitar) and Carolyn Bullock (drums). Future Ocean Colour Scene drummer and former Echo Base band member
Oscar Harrison replaced Bullock on drums.
The Fanatics released one record in 1989 before splitting, the four track 'Suburban Love Songs' 12" vinyl e.p. on Chapter 22 Records (12 CHAP 38), containing the songs "1,2,3,4"; "My Brother Sarah", "Suburban Love Songs" and "Tight Rope". Following the demise of The Fanatics in late 1989, Fowler, Minchella and Harrison teamed up with guitar player
Steve Cradock to form Ocean Colour Scene.
Fowler has also appeared as a backing singer for
Paul Weller,
Alison Moyet,
Fine Young Cannibals, and with
Kate Rusby.