Simon Napier-Bell – Talks NOMIS Studios, Paul and John Weller…

In this conversation, recorded for my book, legendary music manager, producer, and author Simon Napier-Bell takes us inside the creation of NOMIS Studios, the state-of-the-art Hammersmith rehearsal complex he built out of a Victorian dairy with two-foot-thick concrete walls.

Originally created to give top-tier acts a luxurious, soundproof, and private space to hone their live craft, NOMIS quickly became the beating heart of the London music scene. It was here that Simon first crossed paths with John and Paul Weller, renting Weller Snr an office and witnessing the daily coming-and-goings of the crew.

He reflects on the distinct and fascinating character of John Weller – a man often perceived as a “rough diamond” but whom Simon found delightful, humorous, and affectionate – as well as Paul’s varying moods and legendary dislike of mime-synching on Top of the Pops.

Simon also details the striking musical and stylistic crossover between the era-defining bands he managed, like Wham!, and The Style Council, sharing his views on how Paul Weller and George Michael were parallel visionaries pulling from the same rich lineage of British blue-eyed soul, jazz-pop, and sharp visual presentation.

Click your preferred podcast platform to listen…

The Origins of NOMIS: How a desire for a luxury rehearsal space led to transforming a Victorian dairy with two-foot-thick concrete walls into the center of the British music universe.

In the Orbit of John Weller: Affectionate memories of Paul’s father and manager, his love of tea, his “cash is king” mentality, and why he rented an office at Sinclair Road.

The Style Council and Wham! Connection: Exploring the unspoken musical crossover, rhythmic similarities, and shared blue-eyed soul aesthetics between George Michael and Paul Weller.

The Legendary NOMIS Canteen: A look inside the democratic sanctuary where superstars like Tina Turner, Lemmy, and Paul McCartney queued up alongside unsigned teenagers for a cup of tea.

The Art of the Mime: Reflections on the evolving rules of Top of the Pops backing tracks, and Paul Weller’s notoriously brilliant refusal to be a “good” mime artist.

A Life in Music Management: Simon’s candid advice on digging into rock history, the emotional challenges of writing biographies, and his enduring memories of a golden age.

You can also read Simon’s Facebook post R.I.P. NOMIS STUDIOS here

Simon Napier-Bell at Studio Nomis in London in May 1981. (Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns)

Dancing Through the Fire

Simon Napier-Bell is one of over 250 contributors to my Sunday Times Bestselling book, Paul Weller: Dancing Through the Fire, which is available now.
Click on the image below to grab your copy…

Simon’s Books…