Steve started his playing carer as a pub pianist soon after leaving school in the early 1980’s. This began as a cheap way to have an evening out as the pianist was rewarded with free beer. At this time it is was unusual for a pub not to have a piano and there were other pub pianists doing the rounds. Steve made up his own songs, often humorous to give some variety and he established a few regular slots.

The Steam Connection
Steve describes himself as first and foremost a steam engine fan and second as a musician. The interest in steam engines started during childhood and developed to a liking of traction engines as a result of the film “The Iron Maiden”. After the film Steve viewed traction engines as “trains that did not need rails” and this lead to visits to small rallies in the local area. Soon this interest progressed from daytime casual visits to shows to being an exhibitor with a table top display of Mamods and camping on-site for the weekend.

Steam and Music Combine - the steam engine rally and musical interests combined at about the age of 17. Steve had a Harmonium Church Organ that he took to a local rally (probably Rushden Cavalcade at Knuston Hall in 83/84) on a trailer behind his Dad’s car. At the time most rallies only had entertainment on Saturday night so Steve performed his pub set in the beer tent on Friday night.