Mickey Simmonds (born 31 January 1959, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England) is an English session keyboardist, arranger and composer. He is best known for his work with progressive rock acts, Mike Oldfield, Renaissance, Camel and Fish. He has also worked with Joan Armatrading, Paul Young, The Rutles, Art Garfunkel, Kiki Dee, Mastermind,John Coghlan‘s Diesel Band, Elkie Brooks, Judie Tzuke, Imagination, Bucks Fizz(now The Fizz), Jennifer Rush, The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, the list goes on.
Mickey had a long-standing relationship with Neil Innes, hence The Rutles (including all the arrangements on Archaeology 1996) and The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, whose studio album Pour l’Amour des Chiens was co-produced by Simmonds & Innes.
Mickey has released three solo albums, The Shape of Rain (1996) The Seven Colours of Emptiness (2009) & Mickey Simmonds III (2021).[1]
As influences, he cites progressive rock acts such as early Genesis, Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Pink Floyd.
Mickey still gigs with The Fizz (Bucks, that is), & will be performing with Fish on his farewell tour 2024/25.
Mickey currently resides in the village of Hersham. Married to Sarah, has two children, Kyle and Charlie, 2 granddaughters Scarlet & Bonnie, a grandson Jimmy, & is a keen golfer.