Composer Simon May shares his struggles and journey to recovery after a challenging tour that almost shattered him on his work for EastEnders.
Freshly Spun: The Unstoppable Music Composer
Meet Simon May, the man who penned the iconic EastEnders theme tune, and the music for Howards' Way, Eldorado, and Crossroads, as well as a hit parade of singles. Dan Moore recently put quill to parchment about him.
The 80-year-old maestro embarked on his career post-Cambridge, teaching modern languages and music before catching the attention of BBC producers with his co-written musical Smike. It was EastEnders that brought him his chart-topping anthem, Every Loser Wins, featuring Nick Berry.
Family man of four, Simon shares a golden jubilee with his spouse, Rosie, in their Guildford, Surrey abode. He's currently scouting venues for his popular Rick! musical, inspired by Washington Irving's Rip Van Winkle.
Ever wondered what money wisdom your folks passed on?
Simon's father, Don, ran a furniture business. A benevolent soul more concerned with customers than profits, Don instilled in Simon, "Money's not the most important thing in the world." If only he had imparted some savings advice for the tender years and the prosperous ones, affirms Simon. He tries to be the bank of wisdom for his offspring.
Did cash flow freely in your childhood home?
Simon and his brother had a cozy upbringing. A pocketful of change was never too far, and good schools were within reach.缩写: Simon 和他的兄弟有个舒适的起ником，没有钱太少，而且 Educationsweet eduction was a priority.
What constitutes Simon's biggest financial fiasco?
A regrettable financial blunder by Simon involved bankrolling the Simon May Orchestra's concert tour through his company, resulting in an crippling six-figure loss. The tour led to severalnighters at Drury Lane Theatre, Fairfield Halls in Croydon, and other esteemed venues.
Have you found yourself financially stranded?
Indeed, due to the tour's losses, Rosie and Simon experienced a financially barren stretch. A heart-wrenching situation that demanded the sale of their picturesque thatched cottage, with their youngest being only three, and their oldest at 13. It was a humbling experience that instilled in Simon a more frugal outlook.
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Financial Lessons from Simon MayWhile there's no specific financial advice for musicians based on Simon's experiences, here are some helpful tips for managing concert tours:
- Budgeting: Create a budget that outlines all expenses, including travel, accommodations, personnel, and equipment.
- Diversify income streams: Increase revenue beyond ticket sales through merchandise, sponsorships, and streaming content.
- Emergency Funds: Set aside funds for unexpected expenses or setbacks during the tour.
- Seek Professional Guidance: Consult financial advisors who specialize in the entertainment industry regarding financial management and compliance with laws and regulations.
- Risk Management: Insure your tour against potential risks like cancellations or delays due to health issues or natural disasters.
The Best and Worst Times of Simon May's Financial Life1986, undisputedly, was a purple patch for Simon financially with the success of EastEnders and Howard's Way. aside from a series of chart-toppers like Every Loser Wins, Marti Webb's Howards' Way theme, and Anita Dobson's EastEnders single Anyone Can Fall In Love. It opened doors to pleasant getaways, and even helped foot the bill for their residence.
The most pertinent financial decision was investment in their children's education, ensuring they received a balanced education from both state and independent schools.
The pièce de résistance of Simon's possessions is an original Wurlitzer jukebox, a princely purchase from 1970, equivalent to £10,000 in today’s money.
In the realm of savings, Simon's chosen route is the humble cash ISA, into which he deposits money monthly through a direct debit. A far cry from his profligate past, giving way to a more miserly mindset.
Accessorizing Life's Simple PleasuresInstead of lengthier sojourns in average accommodations, Simon and his partner opt for superior lodging for a single stay.
If he were handed the Prime Minister's post, Simon would easwiftly roll back national insurance contributions hikes and levy a hefty tax on crypto profits. Additionally, he'd cease penalties on farmers, making the nation less reliant on imported produce.
Simon's primary financial focus at present revolves around resuming speaking engagements with NMP Live, entertaining audiences and reaping the rewards.
- Simon May, the composer of the EastEnders theme tune, shares, "Money's not the most important thing in the world," a sentiment instilled by his father, Don, who ran a furniture business.
- Curious about celebrity lifestyles, Simon's financial blunder involved bankrolling a concert tour through his company, leading to a six-figure loss and a temporary financial hardship for him and his family.
- Dealing with the consequences of this setback, Simon instilled a frugal outlook in his children and emphasized the importance of personal-finance education.
- Deciding to prioritize his children's education, Simon invested in both state and independent schools to ensure they received a balanced education.
- In his current endeavors, Simon prefers investing in cash ISAs to achieve his savings goals instead of speculating on expensive items like his prized Wurlitzer jukebox.
