Charlie Simpson

Gravel-voiced vocalist Charlie Simpson is perhaps the only pop star to make the convincing transition from fresh-faced boy bander to authentic hard rock frontman. Born in Woodbridge, Suffolk in 1985, he grew up in a musical family, with older brothers Edd and Will, members of indie bands Brigade and Union Sound Set, respectively, and his mother a direct descendant of 19th century composer Sir William Sterndale Bennett. In 2001, he answered an advertisement James Bourne and Matt Willis had placed in the NME to find a new guitarist, and successfully auditioned to form punk-pop t...