Eighties Pop Star Unrecognisable 36 Years After Massive Hit and Bandmate’s Tragic Death

Simon Climie, the former pop star who gained fame as part of the duo Climie Fisher, looks completely different from his 80s heyday. While Climie Fisher's hit track "Love Changes [Everything]" reached number two on the UK charts in 1987, it was their songwriting that truly made an impact. The duo won an Ivor Novello Award for their work and also co-wrote Aretha Franklin's UK number one, "I Knew You Were Waiting (for Me)." Climie has since formed a successful partnership with guitar legend Eric Clapton, winning two Grammy Awards for their collaborations.

Climie Fisher's 80s Success

Climie Fisher achieved great success in the 80s with their hit track "Love Changes [Everything]," which reached number two on the UK charts. The duo also had another top 10 hit with "Rise to the Occasion." Tragically, Rob Fisher, Climie's music partner, passed away in 1999 while undergoing surgery for bowel cancer. Their songwriting talents earned them an Ivor Novello Award and recognition in the industry.

Success as a Songwriter and Producer

While Climie Fisher's music brought them fame, it was Simon Climie's work as a songwriter and producer that solidified his career. He co-wrote Aretha Franklin's only UK number one, "I Knew You Were Waiting (for Me)," her duet with George Michael. Climie also formed a successful working relationship with guitar legend Eric Clapton, earning two Grammy Awards for their collaborations on albums such as "Riding with the King" and "The Road to Escondido."

Remembering Aretha Franklin

In a 2018 BBC interview after Aretha Franklin's death, Simon Climie paid tribute to the legendary singer and reminisced about their collaboration on "I Knew You Were Waiting (for Me)." He described Franklin as being in a league of her own and expressed his sadness at her loss.

Ongoing Partnership with Eric Clapton

Simon Climie continues to work closely with guitar god Eric Clapton. Their collaboration has spanned many years, and they have recently won Grammy Awards for their work on albums such as "Riding with the King" and "The Road to Escondido." Climie recently shared content from Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival benefit show, where they were joined on-stage by Stevie Wonder.

Whether it's his chart-topping hits or his acclaimed writing and production work, Simon Climie has left an indelible mark on the music industry. While his appearance may have changed over the years, his talent and contributions remain as strong as ever.