Kirkham was born in Liverpool and grew up in Preston. He started learning piano at the age of five, and saxophone at eleven.[1]
He played saxophone with the British soul and pop band Simply Red from 1986 until the band retired in 2010.[1]
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.[1]
References
^ abc"Ian Kirkham – Saxophonist – Biography". iankirkham.com. Archived from the original on 22 January 2019. Retrieved 29 June 2019. Ian was born on 9th March '63 in Liverpool, England and is a freelance saxophonist and Musical Director best known for his work with Manchester band Simply Red, where his warm and expansive saxophone performances have been a feature for almost three decades.
