Ian Kirkham

Biography

Ian Kirkham (born 9 March 1963, in Liverpool, Lancashire) is an English saxophonist, best known for his playing with Simply Red. Kirkham was born in Liverpool and grew up in Preston. He started learning piano at the age of five, and saxophone at eleven. He played saxophone with the British soul and pop band Simply Red from 1986 until the band retired in 2010. He reprised his role in the band when it reformed in 2015, and played on their 2019 album, Blue Eyed Soul. He is the second longest running member of the band, behind founder and lead vocalist Mick Hucknall.

Photo

Awards and Honors

Critical Favorites

2011Winner

Best Performance

Simply Red: Farewell

2012Nominee

Best Performance

Simple Red: Viva Chile

2006Winner

Best Performance

Simply Red: Cuba! (Recorded Live At El Gran Teatro, Havana)

Career Highlights

Highlight

Best Performance

SIMPLY RED: For The Last Time

2025Highlight

Best Performance

Simply Red – Live in Santiago de Chile

Video

TrailerSimply Red presents Cuba! (Documentary)

Simply Red: Cuba! (Recorded Live At El Gran Teatro, Havana)