Simon says

This week I spoke to Simon Shapiro the bass player for 1927 . Simon is also a solo artist who has performed with Boz Scaggs and Belinda Carlisle among others, but for the moment is content to be performing with 1927.

1927 tour Tasmania nearly every year and have been here twice since re-forming in 2009.

When visiting the state Simon says the guys usually hire cars for drives through scenic Tasmania and of course they also like searching out bargains and Tassie treasures at Salamanca Market.

This years coming tour will be one of their biggest yet as they will sing all of their famed ‘ish’ and other past albums as well as showcasing their new album.

Through all of 1927’s history front man Eric Weideman has been the mainstay of the band as it underwent a number of evolutions.

Simon was a friend of Eric’s and was asked by him to join the band. Simon enjoys writing songs with Eric and being part of the band that created songs like ‘If I could’ an oft chosen song for weddings that have entered Australia’s musical make up.

Simon says music is a great equaliser, whoever you are and whatever your background you can be affected and respond to music.

Simon also does some work with disability services for kids and believes in the power of music to reach out and it’s ability to communicate with all. He enjoys performing, but realises when you are there performing you are to an extent giving the audience what they want. Writing is special to him because he doesn’t have to put on an act but can be himself.

One of the curious things we touch on during the conversation is how the numbers 1927 have hovered around the band’s everyday happenings. When touring, ironically one band member once got a room 19 and another, room 27. Another coincidence was the performance in a theatre founded in 1927. This theatre was the theatre used in their comeback concerts! Almost as if they were receiving some universal affirmation for their return.

It may be coincidence but it could also be a case of synchronicity that is telling the guys this is where they are meant to be and for now Simon for one is happy to let things stay that way.

You can see 1927 perform at the Country Club show room on Friday 14 September and at the Wrest Point Casino on Saturday 15 September.
Paula Xiberras