Simon Kirke Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Simon Kirke is a British rock-drummer and founding member of legendary bands whose beat helped define classic rock — best known as co-founder and the only continuous member of Bad Company and former co-founder of Free.

Introduction

Simon Frederick St George Kirke — born July 28, 1949 — has drummed through decades of rock history. His powerful rhythms laid the foundation for some of rock’s most enduring anthems. Over his long career with Free and Bad Company, along with various collaborations and solo work, Simon Kirke has amassed an estimated net worth of around US$10 million. 
He is married to Maria Angelica Kirke, and remains an iconic figure in rock — respected by peers and fans alike.

Quick Facts

Beats That Changed Rock — The Path to Iconic Drumming

Simon Kirke’s ascent to rock legend reads like a story of persistence, talent, and timing. Raised partly in rural surroundings before returning to London, his early years were shaped by a fascination with music and a decisive gamble: he agreed with his parents that if he didn’t “make it” as a drummer within two years of leaving school, he would pursue a conventional career. 

Just shy of that deadline, he landed a spot with a band called Black Cat Bones — and soon after, together with guitarist Paul Kossoff, vocalist Paul Rodgers and bassist Andy Fraser, formed Free in 1968. Their blues-inflected hard rock and Kirke’s drumming emerged in hits like “All Right Now”, a song that would go on to become a staple of classic rock radio.

When Free disbanded in 1973, Kirke — together with Paul Rodgers — forged a new supergroup, Bad Company, adding guitarist Mick Ralphs and bassist Boz Burrell. Their self-titled debut album (1974) and follow-ups helped define 1970s rock, with Kirke’s drumming present on all lineups.

Defining moments in Simon Kirke’s journey include:

• Accepting a last-chance drumming gig after nearly giving up on music. 

• Co-founding Free and contributing to “All Right Now,” a track that became a global rock anthem. 

• Founding Bad Company and sustaining the band across decades as its sole constant member. 

• Expanding beyond drumming: songwriting, multi-instrument performances, collaborations with major artists, and solo work. 

Through highs and lows — band breakups, changing music landscapes, evolving tastes — Kirke’s defining drive remained steady beats and a passion for rock.

The Core Pillars of Simon Kirke’s Wealth

Simon Kirke’s financial standing is rooted in a blend of musical legacy, ongoing royalties, and strategic longevity in the industry.

• Band Success & Catalog Royalties — As co-founder and long-time member of Free and Bad Company, Kirke earns from record sales, streaming, radio play, and licensing of timeless hits.

• Touring & Live Performances — Over decades, live shows — including reunions, tours with other artists (like Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band), and solo appearances — have contributed to sustained income. 

• Songwriting and Collaborations — As a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Kirke’s contributions beyond drumming add to publishing royalties and music credits.

These pillars, underpinned by decades of relevance, show how Kirke’s art continues to deliver returns long after the studio sessions ended.

Relationships & Personal Life

Kirke’s personal life has remained comparatively private, but certain public facts stand out.

He is married to Maria Angelica Kirke.  He has three children — Domino, Jemima, and Lola — from a previous relationship.  Notably, Jemima and Lola have pursued careers in the arts, reflecting a family environment steeped in creativity.

Key insights into Simon Kirke’s relationships and personal life:

• His marriage to Maria Angelica represents his current stable partnership. 

• His children’s involvement in creative fields suggests a family legacy tied to the arts. 

• Despite rock-and-roll excesses in his era, Kirke has spoken candidly about personal struggles and choices — e.g., at one point quitting drinking — which he credited with improving his life. 

Beyond Music: Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond the drum kit, Simon Kirke’s life reflects both rock-era glamour and thoughtful simplicity.

• He has maintained homes in both Manhattan (USA) and Montauk, New York — reflecting a transatlantic lifestyle befitting a British rock veteran living abroad. 

• He remains active as a multi-instrumentalist, occasionally performing solo or collaborating with other artists — a testament to his enduring passion for music beyond band settings.

• His involvement in philanthropy and mentorship — formerly a member of committees such as the governing board of the recording-industry body NARAS (Grammy-award committee) and organizations dedicated to helping youth through music — underscores a commitment to supporting the next generation. 

In all, Kirke’s lifestyle blends legacy rock star credentials with measured choices and a respect for music as craft.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

According to a respected entertainment-wealth tracker, Simon Kirke’s net worth is estimated at US$10 million.  While some sources list higher estimates, this figure remains widely accepted — reflecting both his enduring catalog value and the realities of rock-era income streams.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Simon Kirke occupies a rare place in rock history: not just as a member of one iconic band, but as a foundational pillar of two. His drumming on tracks like “All Right Now”, “Bad Company”, and “Can’t Get Enough” helped define the sound of classic rock radio for generations. 

Fellow musicians, critics, and fans often cite Kirke’s steady, tasteful drumming — the kind that drives a song without overplaying — as a blueprint for rock rhythm. His musicianship, combined with humility and dedication, has earned him respect across eras. 

Beyond music, his commitment to mentoring and philanthropy — partly through involvement with NARAS and youth-help initiatives — demonstrates a recognition of his place not just in rock history, but in shaping future generations.

Conclusion

Simon Frederick St George Kirke’s journey — from a young Londoner chasing a drumming dream, to co-founding two of rock’s most influential bands — is a testament to perseverance, talent, and timing. With a birthdate of July 28, 1949, and a birthday celebrated every July 28, his legacy spans decades of musical evolution. His estimated net worth of US$10 million reflects not just past glories, but ongoing influence through music, touring, and royalties.

His personal life — marked by marriage to Maria Angelica Kirke and his role as father to artists and performers — complements his public persona with quiet dignity. More than just a drummer, Kirke remains a living bridge from rock’s golden era to its present day, carrying forward a beat that still echoes.

For fans of classic rock, aspiring musicians, or anyone drawn to stories of persistent ambition — Simon Kirke stands as a reminder that rhythm, passion, and authenticity can create a legacy that endures.