The Band Index

Simon Says

AmericasUnited StatesAlternative MetalAlternative RockHard Rock
Community

Follow Your Favorite Band Today!

Be the first one to follow Simon Says!

Top Simon Says Community Posts

Loading posts...
Sponsor content

Band Timeline

Early 1990s

Formation and Early Days

Simon Says was formed in the early 1990s by a group of high school friends in Sacramento, California, including Matt Franks, Zac Diebels, and Mike Johnston. They started by playing in high school auditoriums around California and built their foundation as an alternative metal band. The addition of bassist Mike Arrieta in 1995 completed the band's early lineup.
1994-1997

Independent Releases and Growing Recognition

During this period, Simon Says self-released two records: the demo EP 'Touch Yer Toes' in 1994 and the album 'Little Boy' in 1996, followed by 'Perfect Example' in 1997. These releases helped establish the band's local fan base and attracted the attention of music industry professionals, including manager Jeff Saltzman, who played a key role in advancing their career by connecting them with producer Mark Needham and securing a deal with Hollywood Records.
1998-1999

Major Label Debut and Breakthrough

In July 1998, Simon Says signed with Hollywood Records. The band released their major-label debut album 'Jump Start' in 1999, which featured hit singles like 'Life Jacket' and 'Slider' that gained significant airplay on modern rock stations. Their rising profile was further boosted by their participation in the ESPN X Games Experience tour in 1999, exposing them to a wider audience and solidifying their status in the alternative metal scene.
2001

Second Album and Name Change

Simon Says released their follow-up album 'Shut Your Breath' in 2001, which included the radio hit 'Blister (Nothing)'. However, dissatisfaction with their record label's promotion led to Simon Says leaving Hollywood Records. That same year, the band changed their name to Key to Arson, reflecting a new phase in their musical journey. Drummer Mike Johnston departed, and Dave 'Stixx' Marich joined as the new drummer, marking a significant lineup change.
2004

Final Album and Breakup

As Key to Arson, the band completed an album titled 'Light 'Em Up'. Despite the efforts to continue their career under the new name and identity, the group disbanded by the end of 2004. Members went on to pursue other projects, with notable activity including Zac Diebels and Matt Franks forming Automatic Static, which later planned to release an album.
2023

Reunion and Return

In 2023, Simon Says reunited after nearly two decades. The reunion saw the band reintroduce their music to contemporary audiences by adding their albums to streaming platforms. They also announced plans to release new music, including a 3-track EP expected in early 2024 and a full-length album slated for May 2024. This comeback represents a resurgence in their creative output and signals their return to the music scene after a long hiatus.

Albums

simon-says_1st_album
Little Boy
9 tracks
1996
simon-says_2nd_album
Perfect Example
10 tracks
1997
simon-says_3rd_album
Jump Start
12 tracks
1999
simon-says_4th_album
Shut Your Breath
12 tracks
2001
Sponsor content

Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Zac Diebels

N/A

Guitar

Mike Johnston

N/A

Drums (drum set)

Mike Arrieta

N/A

Bass

Matt Franks

N/A

Lead vocals

Story of Simon Says

Simon Says: A Sacramento Rock Band's Journey

Simon Says, hailing from Sacramento, California, is a rock band with a history rooted in the California high school scene. The original lineup, featuring vocalist Matt Franks, guitarist Zac Diebels, and drummer Mike Johnston, cut their teeth playing local high school auditoriums in the early 1990s. Bassist Mike Arrieta joined the fold in 1995, completing the classic quartet.

Their early efforts, two self-released records, caught the ear of manager Jeff Saltzman, who saw their potential. He secured them a deal with Hollywood Records in 1998, after pairing them with renowned producer Mark Needham. In 1999, they unleashed their major-label debut, "Jump Start," which spawned two hits on the modern rock charts. Their follow-up, "Shut Your Breath," delivered another radio smash with the song "Blister," solidifying their presence on the rock scene. The band even took part in the ESPN X Games Experience tour in 1999, showcasing their energetic live performance.

However, the band’s journey took a turn in 2001. Promotional disagreements with Hollywood Records led to their departure from the label and a name change to Key to Arson. Shortly after, drummer Mike Johnston decided to pursue other endeavors, replaced by Dave "Stixx" Marich.

Despite the change in direction, the band ultimately disbanded in 2004. But in 2023, Simon Says made a triumphant return, reuniting to reintroduce their music to a new generation. They added their albums to streaming platforms, giving fans access to their energetic rock sound. Even more exciting, they promised new music on the horizon, indicating a renewed passion for creating and sharing their music with the world.

Sponsor content
Loading....

Bands you may like