Simon Gardner

Quick Facts

Summary

Simon Gardner is a British trumpeter and session musician who toured with Robbie Williams from 1999 to 2003. He has performed with Frank Sinatra, The Who, Tom Jones, and Ella Fitzgerald, and leads the Si Gardner Big Band. His career spans TV orchestras, pop tours, and jazz ensembles, with credits across five decades.

Biography

Personal Life

Simon Gardner is a British trumpeter and session musician with a career spanning over five decades. His first professional work was in television studio orchestras, performing on shows such as Morecambe and Wise, Surprise Surprise, and New Faces. He later became a regular contributor to live tours, studio recordings, and jazz ensembles. Gardner leads the Si Gardner Big Band, which brings together top London session players to perform classic American arrangements and original British charts. He continues to live and work in the UK.

The Robbie Williams Band

Simon Gardner was a member of the Robbie Williams Live Band from 1999 until 2003. He played trumpet 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 Live at Knebworth shows and appeared in televised specials such as The Robbie Williams Show.

Gardner's ensemble work 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, Neil Sidwell, Chris White, and Dave Bishop.

Other Projects and Appearances

Outside of his work with Robbie Williams, Simon Gardner has performed or recorded with Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis Jr., Barbra Streisand, Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett, Rod Stewart, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Michael Bublé, Shirley Bassey, and the Spice Girls. He has toured with Buddy Rich, The Who, Tom Jones, and Cliff Richard, and remains active in both pop and jazz circuits.

Gardner's television and film credits include orchestral work and music supervision, and his big band has performed at leading jazz venues across London. His career reflects a blend of technical excellence, ensemble leadership, and long-term collaboration across genres including swing, pop, rock, and orchestral music.