Emerging from the basement where I'd been doing my drumming training, I ended up being homeless for awhile. Sleeping on the floor of a friends flat was hard, but my dream of becoming a musician was strong and I endured. Eventually I took the steps required to start a musical journey which began with meeting a local guitarist and singer Bren Canty, a partnership that continues to this day. Being eager to connect with active bands, I soon joined forces with the renowned London saxophonist and rock & roll bagpipe player, Dave 'Brooksie' Brooks. This opportunity led to numerous gigs in London and introduced me to the legendary drummer Sam Kelly and the iconic Station Tavern in Ladbroke Grove, a cornerstone of the 1970s and 1980s London blues scene.
Performing at the Station Tavern's Sunday Jam proved to be a pivotal moment in my career, offering the chance to play alongside top London based bands such as Shakey Vic, the Paul Lamb Band, 'Detroit' John Idan, Big Joe Louis, Wolfie Witcher, Pappa George, TJ Johnson, and many others.
This experience marked the beginning of a 25-year period during which I performed in many different styles and with numerous prominent London and UK bands and visitng overseas artist's at celebrated London venues including: The 100 Club, The Marquee, The Dublin Castle, Dingwalls, Hammersmith Apollo, Jazz Café, The Borderline, Bulls Head Barnes, and many others. My drumming journey extended across the whole UK with performances at major venues and national festivals including: Glastonbury, Womad, Notting Hill Carnival, Green Man, Shambala, Leeds Festival, GLC Rock Against Racism and many more.
Playing drums internationally, I have toured extensively across the UK, Ireland, most of Europe (from Italy to Norway), and as far afield as Mexico and Japan. My diverse musical experiences include performing with well-known artists and bands like William Bell, Zoot Money, Daniel O'Donnell, Chris Jagger, Zambula, The Foundations, England, Maluju, Abdul Raheem, Kangaroo Moon, Bristol Reggae Orchestra, Baka Beyond, Top Topham, John O'Reilly, Andy Mitchell, Pete Gill, Eddie Martin, London Calling, and many others.
Currently based in picturesque South Wales, I continue to evolve as a musician by song writing and recording new music in my home studio. I'm also keen to share my 50 years experience as a full time professional musican by giving interviews, talks and lectures and through online drumming books and courses (available globaly) and with individual drum kit lessons in person and online.
I send my best wishes to the hundreds of drum kit students I have helped to develop their skills, and express my thanks and gratitude to the many incredible musicians and bands I've had the privilege and pleasure to work with over the decades. Although not everyone could be personally mentioned here, their contributions and friendships are deeply valued and much appreciated.
Below a snippet of Steve with 'England' Live in Tokyo







