Neil Sidwell

Quick Facts

Summary

Neil Sidwell is a British trombonist, arranger, and composer who performed with Robbie Williams from 1999 to 2003. He has worked with The Who, George Michael, Elton John, Blur, and Kate Bush, and orchestrated for TV shows including The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent. He is the brother of trumpeter Steve Sidwell.

Biography

Personal Life

Neil Sidwell is a British trombonist, composer, and music producer. He studied composition, orchestration, piano, bass guitar, and trombone at the London College of Music and the Los Angeles Jazz Workshop. He is the brother of trumpeter and arranger Steve Sidwell. Neil began his professional career in his early twenties, composing jingles and performing with touring ensembles. He continues to work across live music, studio production, and television scoring.

The Robbie Williams Band

Neil Sidwell was a member of the Robbie Williams Live Band from 1999 until 2003. He played trombone as part of the brass section, contributing to live arrangements during Robbie's Sing When You're Winning and Escapology eras. He performed at major concerts including the 2003 Knebworth shows and appeared in official recordings such as Live at Knebworth and The Robbie Williams Show.

Neil's orchestration and ensemble experience added depth to Robbie's live sound, particularly during large-scale productions featuring full horn sections. He was part of a lineup that included Paul Spong, Simon Gardner, Chris White, and Dave Bishop.

Other Projects and Appearances

Outside of his work with Robbie Williams, Neil Sidwell has performed and recorded with The Who, George Michael, Elton John, Blur, Wham!, Wet Wet Wet, Curiosity Killed the Cat, Tom Jones, Ian Dury, Incognito, The Three Degrees, Carmel, and the Bruce Willis Blues Band. He played trombone on Kate Bush's tracks “Rubberband Girl,” “Constellation of the Heart,” “Eat the Music,” and “Why Should I Love You?”

Neil orchestrated the score for Pete Townshend's Quadrophenia and has served as musical director and arranger for numerous television programmes. His credits include Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, The X Factor, Britain's Got Talent, American Idol, and Grease Live. He also composes for Audio Network, contributing production music for film, TV, and advertising.

His career reflects a blend of live performance, studio precision, and orchestral arranging across pop, rock, jazz, and broadcast media.