At the age of 18, Kelly traveled to the U.S. to attend the Musicians Institute (MI) in Hollywood, California. After graduating from MI, he formed a local band, and began performing in the Los Angels area. Later, he moved to the East Coast, where he continued playing and performing until the age of 24. In 1995, he returned to Japan, to focus on a soloist career and developing his own style of music.
In 1998, Kelly released an album 'Sign Of The Times' on his own label. That same year, his album became very successful in the Hard Rock, Heavy Metal industry, and sold about 6000 copies in a year. The following year, album sales reached over 10,000 copies, and charted at 3 in annual sales according to 'BURRN!' Magazine published by Shinko Music .
In 1999, Kelly received offers from several record labels. He signed with Roadrunner Records, and released his first major solo debut album ‘Silent Scream’. It competed against 'Guns N' Roses' and 'Rage Against the Machine' and reached 1 in album sales according to 'BURRN!' Magazine. ‘Silent Scream’ stayed in the top 50 for next 9 months.
In 2000, Kelly began performing live as a Hard Rock, Heavy Metal musician at various venues and events including: Roppongi Sweet Basil, Osaka Muse Hall
In 2002, Kelly released his second album ‘The Rule Of Right' again, from his own label: Kelly Simonz's Blind Faith. During that time, he signed with Finland's Record Label 'LION MUSIC' for several albums.
Later that year, he began playing as the opening act for the band 'HTP' which was formed by former 'Deep Purple' member Glenn Hughes and former 'Rainbow' member Joe Lynn Turner. Kelly toured 11 countries and performed 19 different shows throughout Europe in about a month.
European fans appreciated his music abilities, and definitely enjoyed the shows!
In 2003, Kelly became a guitar instructor at ESP/ Musicians Institute (ESP/ MI) in Osaka Japan. His valuable guitar instruction has been very popular and in high demand. He has been giving guitar clinics for students at 5 other branch schools of MI across Japan.
He has been a judge for the GIT Masters contests for 5 years.
In 2005, Kelly became a guitar instructor at Nagoya Communication Arts (NCA).
In 2008, after dedicating years of his time to teaching, Kelly joined a Melodic Death Thrash Metal band: 'Scarlet Garden' while, again, pursuing his solo career (as of Jan.2008).
hallo! thanks for becoming our friend! our new single "volle kontrolle" is out! get it from the itunes store now! www.funkfiaker.com all the best, funkfiaker.
HEY! How are you doing? Its been awhile since I've spent much time on the site. Summer was pretty hectic. I'm in the middle of recording. Hopefully we get it mostly done by mid January. In the meantime I just put up a jam track called 2009. Have a listen! Drop me a message sometime. Take Care, Nikko
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