Tony is singer-songwriter, musician, and music promoter. He was a member of Iron Maiden in the late 1970s prior to the release of their first album. In 1986 he was the keyboard player with the band Cutting Crew who went on to have a worldwide hit with "(I Just) Died in Your Arms", and founded The Kashmir Klub in 1997 to showcase live music in London.

 What are your best memories of BGS?  

I loved the sense of belonging to something so historic as BGS. I was proud to be a pupil of such a wonderful school. Although I didn't excel academically, the sense of family and even the discipline and formality, gave me great structure in life. I even enjoyed the school lunches!

Can you remember any teachers who had an impact on you?

Eric Dehn was a great teacher and desperately tried to teach me French but was very understanding and accepting of my musical focus in class. Michael Buffrey was a wonderful Art Teacher.

 What did you do after school?

I left and moved to London to join Iron Maiden.

Why music?

I grew up in a very musical house. My dad was a classical pianist and tenor and my mother was a ballet dancer. When I went to piano lessons, I realised that I couldn't read music ! So I memorised the music and made up my own "pieces" because that way no one could say it was "wrong". It was that which steered me into a love of making and performing music.

What have been the highlights of your career?

So many! Touring the world with a band that had a number 1 single, writing, producing and performing a special song for the closing ceremony of the European Games in 2019, touring with my show AWAKE and piggy backing the Iron Maiden world tour.

What challenges have there been?

The entertainment world is a tough one to break through in. It's a constant battle to move forward, but actually the friction of the fight is what gives value to the journey.

What’s next for you?

To take my one man show AWAKE, to a higher level - ultimately a residency in Las Vegas.

What motivates you?

To try and be the best I can. 

How do you relax?

I love a good box set. Currently, I’m binging ‘The Good Doctor’. 

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Never give up,  even when things are dark, keep light in your heart and keep creating even when others don't recognise what you're doing - trust your instincts. 

Why do you support the 500 Campaign and the work BGS is doing to provide more opportunities through bursaries for bright and motivated local children from less affluent backgrounds?

I was lucky to go to BGS on an assisted place. My parents didn't have a lot of money and without that support I would have never benefitted from such a great education.