Simon Nicol

Simon Nicol signed on as guitarist and vocalist while Fairport Convention was still forming as a British folk-rock ensemble. Aside from two short absences between 1972 and 1976 and again from 1978 to 1985, he remains the only continuous thread connecting the band to its original lineup. Initially eclipsed by founding lead guitarist Richard Thompson, Nicol stepped into the leadership role after Thompson exited in 1971. His warm vocal tones and solid rhythm guitar playing have since defined the group’s characteristic sound.

Beyond his ongoing work with Fairport Convention, Nicol has contributed to sessions by numerous British and American folk performers such as Art Garfunkel, Beth Nielson Chapman, Al Stewart, John Martyn, and Julie Covington. From the early 1970s onward he has also maintained a parallel commitment to the more traditional Albion Country Band, appearing on its stages and recordings while remaining active with Fairport.

His first solo release, Before Your Time, appeared in 1986; Consonant Please Carol followed in 1992. Nicol likewise composed the score for the instructional video Singing Games for Children. In the early 1980s he joined former Fairport fiddler Dave Swarbrick for a series of tours.