What’s he done then?
In the mid to late 1990s Simon formed two legendary New Zealand bands. The first of these being the ill fated but now near mythical ‘Pet Rocks’. The second being the more successful (and a great deal better) Delta.

The Pet Rocks were flash in the pan for sure but, also very outstanding. Playing at a Big Day Out festival amongst bands like Hole and Primal Scream then ‘Rip It Up’ critic (now editor for Real Groove magazine) called them ‘’the best act of the day, by far’’.

Out of the ashes of the Pet Rocks rose Delta a four piece capable of pure unadulterated rock power through to subtle and evocative ballads. A label was set up by New Zealand’s Premier Studios; York Street (Killing Joke, Crowded House) with the sole purpose of recording and releasing Delta.

Two Eps were released: Slather and The Baddest.
Both went top 40 and both received high rotation on television and radio. An album was due to follow these two releases but before it reached fruition the label imploded in what is best described as a nasty divorce between the owning partners.

At this point things looked grim due to the fickle nature of a market as small as New Zealand in addition to the founding members Sampson and his drummer breaking up the band to try their luck in Australia.

Upon writing a whole bag of new songs and setting up a home studio Simon decided to take the plunge and test his wares in the city that gave birth to so much great Rock ‘n’ Roll. (The city that, for Simon, started it all).

Simon Sampson is in London.

Simon Sampson has a shit load of songs.

Simon Sampson has a new band.

Simon Sampson wants to Rock ‘n’ Roll