Simon started learning music around age 6, initially on violin, then piano, then drums and percussion. He spent his youth around Northampton (England) playing with various orchestras, concert bands and big bands.
He was always around music as his family were involved in many ways. His younger brother Joel Barford is now a busy session drummer.
Simon’s interest in recording led him to study Music Technology at Birmingham Conservatoire. He met Templeton Pek in the local scene and began to record them. This later led to joining the band on drums after Chris Houghton, releasing many albums, EP’s and toured extensively throughout Europe. He later started a career in game audio, now directing whilst also working on other music, film and television projects.
Templeton Pek were regularly playlisted on radio and television internationally. They were featured in Dirt 2, Dirt Showdown and other games, adverts and media.
Simon was endorsed by Tama and Pro Mark. He toured and played alongside Korn, Sum 41, Rise Against, Taking Back Sunday, Bullet For My Valentine, Bad Religion, Alkaline Trio, All Time Low, Pennywise, Four Year Strong, Mindless Self Indulgence, Millencolin, Zebrahead, No Use for a Name, NOFX, Lagwagon, Ignite, Hundred Reasons, Funeral for a Friend, Fightstar, Story of the Year, Reef and many others.
The band are still active with drummer Jon Keen.
