The man behind the trumpet: Meet Barmy Army’s Simon Finch
The infamous trumpet that can be heard across English Cricket grounds has become a regular tradition for decades.
It’s a match made in heaven and the man behind the instrument these days is Simon “Finchy” Finch whose talents bring stadiums to life.
The 52-year-old has taken up the role as the official trumpet player for the ‘Barmy Army’ since 2020.
But he had to wait a year before making his debut in Birmingham during the England-New Zealand Test series.
“I knew the previous incumbent Billy Cooper was stepping down after 15 years,” Finch said.
“I didn’t really know what it entailed, what it meant but just to play the trumpet with the cricket.”
Finch has a deep connection with this ‘horn’ and is definitely qualified to take charge.
He has been an avid performer since his school days.
He said: “I turned pro in about 1996.
“I’ve been a trumpet player for 42 years.
“Music’s been everything for me.
“It’s given me a great life, it’s given me inspiration, it’s given me a purpose.”
Being affiliated with one of the biggest Cricket fan groups in the world has its perks.
Not many can say they are able to travel across several continents doing what they enjoy.
Originally from West London, Finch continued to make waves after performing at Birmingham in 2021.
In fact, Edgbaston Cricket ground holds a special place in his heart.
“The Hollies stand, is incredible and that’s where I get the most support and that’s where I feel that if the wind’s right and everyone’s in the right mood, the trumpet can just bring so much energy to that stadium.
“Because it’s a covered roof, the sound can really echo and reverberate.
“I can wander around freely and generally feel that I’m safe.”
Since then, he’s travelled all over the world with his signature piece bringing joy to the locals.
“One of my other favourite grounds in the world was Mount Maunganui in New Zealand just because it’s a beautiful ground,” Finch said.
“It was a day/night match and the lights on that pitch, it just turns the whole ground into this lime green, beautiful like fluorescent green.
“And you got the mountain just behind you, and you’ve got the sea, a five-minute walk away to the beach.
“It’s just the most perfect place.”
However, being well-known and a focal point of the Barmy Army has its challenges.
In fact, he had quite the experience at Mount Maunganui.
“That’s my nemesis ground as well,” Finch said.
“Because that’s where my trumpet got nicked out of my hands and we had to take chase after this guy and wrestle him into the ground.
“Because of that my trumpet got damaged in the process.”
There is also a physical dilemma in playing an instrument at a ground for the whole day, sometimes for even five days in a row.
He said: “Playing the trumpet is a long going endeavour.
“I practise everyday. I have to practise everyday.
“It’s muscular power, it’s just tiring, it’s like the more reps you do, the more tired you get.
“Sometimes I can play at 15/16 times in an over, by the end I need to rest for 45 minutes.”
The performer expresses how difficult it can get to continuously be at his best.
It’s an unusual physical activity compared to what some would associate, but there is always the pressure that comes along with it.
“You’re not only dealing with muscle power but muscle nuance, knowing how to recover from a heavy session and co-ordination of a few muscles, much like sports people,” he said.
“I don’t really practise anything special before a Test match.
“I kind of make sure my stamina’s strong because you never quite know how much you’re gonna need to play.
“I don’t drink too much, I hardly drink on the ground.”
It’s not just at the cricket grounds where you’ll see “Finchy” performing.
When he’s not in the stands, it’s his professional business that garners attention.
Finch said: “I often get calls to go to do gigs.
“So, I don’t really stay and watch Cricket as a spectator the way I used to, which I kind of think it’s sad in a way because it’s a different experience.”
At his age, the ever-young trumpeter does not take things for granted.
Finch always looks to be professional and represent the best way he can.
His view is that the dedicated fanbase of the ‘Barmy Army’ is the reason why that he is able to do what he does.
The 52-year-old said: “I play professionally, I’m representing myself. I’m representing the Barmy Army.
“I take good care of that.
“Wandering around the ground is part of what I do, it’s what it’s all about, it’s taking it to the fans.
“Ultimately, I’m a fan, one of them, we’re all together in this.
“I just happen to have this amplifier in my hands, so I stand out.”
