| Matthew Simms | |
| Background: | non_vocal_instrumentalist |
| Origin: | England |
| Instrument: | Guitar, electric organ |
| Genre: | Post-punk, experimental rock, electronic, alternative rock |
| Occupation: | Guitarist |
| Label: | Pink Flag, ORG Music |
| Associated Acts: | Wire, Slows,[1] It Hugs Back, FITTED |
Matthew Simms is an English guitarist best known for his work with the band Wire.[2]
Simms formed the band It Hugs Back with schoolmates Paul Michael, Jack Theedom and Will Blackaby.[3] Their debut album, Inside Your Guitar, was released in 2009.[4] [5] Their second album, Laughing Party, was released in 2012.
In 2010 Simms joined Wire for their Red Barked Tree tour[6] initially as a touring guitarist but then as a full member of the band.[6] The first Wire album Simms appeared on was 2013's Change Becomes Us.[7] He went on to appear on: Wire,[7] Nocturnal Koreans,[7] Silver/Lead, and Mind Hive (2020).[8]
Since joining Wire Simms has balanced his work with both Wire and It Hugs Back.[9]
With fellow Wire-mate Graham Lewis Simms joined bassist Mike Watt (Minutemen) and drummer Bob Lee to form FITTED.[10] Initially formed as a one-off group for Wire's DRILL festival in Los Angeles,[10] [11] the four decided to record an album.[12]
First Fits, their debut album, was recorded from 2017 to 2018[13] with Lewis and Watt trading lead vocals.[11] Training Pit Bulls For The Navy was the first single.[10]
Simms also records solo work under the pen name "Slows"[1] which is an experimental electronic project in which Simms plays electric organ.[2] He performed at London South Bank University at their inaugural Magnetic South festival in April 2016.[14]
Simms, Verity Susman and Kat Duma received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Original Music in a Documentary at the 12th Canadian Screen Awards in 2024 for their work on Tramps!.[15]