Antonio Socci

Performing on stage has never been an issue for Antonio, making his professional show debut in Hello Dolly alongside Dora Bryan at the Birmingham Hippodrome aged just five.

Whilst a keen singer and dancer, his real passion began when he was handed an old battered trumpet, soon tooting away at school and performing with his father’s ballroom dance band, Tony & The Sapphires, whenever the opportunity arose. Performing with a variety of bands and ensembles over the years, credits include BBC Songs of Praise, The Big Breakfast and tours throughout Europe with The Bevin Boys, Rosemary Ashe and The Jive Aces. Performances at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club London, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Aldwych Theatre and Wilton’s Music Hall soon followed.

On a trip to New York, Antonio first discovered the unmistakable sound of Louis Prima, Keely Smith and their legendary band, The Witnesses, instantly knowing that this was the energetic swing and jive sound he wanted to recreate.

Following the release of his debut album French Poodle and a BBC Radio tour, Antonio and his jive swing band have continued entertaining audiences across the UK with their lively, interactive performances.

Antonio studied Jazz at Birmingham Conservatoire and has built a diverse career as a performer, conductor and ceremonial musician. In 2026, he was appointed Director of Music of The Band of the West Midlands Fire Service, alongside his role since 2018 as Bandmaster of The Band of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, Warwickshire, conducting performances and ceremonial engagements throughout the Midlands including the National Memorial Arboretum, Warwick Castle and parades in Birmingham and Coventry.

Antonio has also appeared as guest conductor for the West Midlands Police Brass Band and performs regularly as a ceremonial bugler for the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire and the City of Birmingham. Recent performances of the Last Post include BBC CBeebies, England v Australia Rugby at Twickenham, Wasps RFC, Premier and Championship football matches for Southampton FC, Aston Villa FC, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, Everton FC, Coventry City FC and Birmingham City FC, as well as performances at Lichfield Cathedral, Birmingham Cathedral, HSBC Canary Wharf and Edgbaston Cricket Ground.

In 2026, Antonio also began teaching bugle for Blind Veterans UK, supporting veterans across the country in learning and developing ceremonial bugle calls.

Alongside his performing career, Antonio is Director of Music for Bugler for Hire and Bagpiper for Hire, supplying professional ceremonial buglers and pipers for funerals, remembrance services and special events throughout the UK.

Bugler for Hire – https://buglerforhire.co.uk/

Bagpiper for Hire – https://bagpiperforhire.uk/

Antonio continues to perform nationwide as both a solo artist and guest performer, including appearances with the UK’s leading jive and swing band, The Jive Aces. He has also performed with his band for the National Memorial Arboretum’s Christmas Lunch shows for nine consecutive years, entertaining audiences totalling more than 2,000 guests and counting.