Steve Norman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Steve Norman
|
|
|---|---|
Norman in October 2009
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Steven Antony Norman |
| Born | 25 March 1960 London, England |
| Genres | Synthpop, new wave, pop rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, producer, songwriter |
| Instruments | Saxophone, guitar, percussion, vocals, keyboards |
| Years active | 1979–present |
| Labels | Chrysalis |
Steven Antony Norman (born March 25, 1960) is an English musician. He is famous for playing the tenor saxophone, guitar, and percussion for the band Spandau Ballet. This band was a big part of the new romantic music scene.
Contents
Steve Norman's Musical Journey
Starting Out in Music
Steve Norman was born in Stepney, a part of east London. From a young age, he showed a great talent for music. In 1976, he started playing guitar in a school band called The Cut. His bandmates included Gary Kemp, Tony Hadley, and John Keeble.
Over time, their band changed names a few times. They were called The Makers and The Gentry before finally becoming Spandau Ballet.
Success with Spandau Ballet
Spandau Ballet signed a record deal with Chrysalis Records. As the band grew, Steve Norman started adding new sounds to their music. He brought in percussion instruments and, most notably, the tenor saxophone. The saxophone soon became his signature instrument.
Throughout the 1980s, Spandau Ballet became very popular. They toured all over the world and had many hit songs. A memorable moment was in 1985 when Steve Norman performed with the band at Live Aid. This huge concert was held at Wembley Stadium to raise money for charity.
After many successful years, the band decided to take a break in the early 1990s. However, in 2009, after almost 20 years, the band announced they were getting back together! On March 25, 2009, Steve Norman, Gary Kemp, Martin Kemp, Tony Hadley, and John Keeble shared the news. They held a press conference on board the HMS Belfast ship. The band also announced their "Reformation Tour," which started in October 2009.
Steve Norman also helped write a song called "Once More." This song was the first new single from Spandau Ballet in two decades.
Music After Spandau Ballet
In the early 1990s, after Spandau Ballet took a break, Steve Norman moved to Ibiza. He spent some time away from performing live. While living there, he worked with many other musicians and producers. These included artists like Lenny Krarup and DJ Pippi.
Steve Norman also continued to play live at house music events. He performed his saxophone or percussion alongside famous DJs and singers. He even formed a group called 'The Collective' with DJ John Jones.
He has also played with other famous musicians. In 2012 and 2014, he was a special guest saxophonist and percussionist for Steve Harley's concerts. In 2013, he played on three songs for Bruce Foxton's album, Back in the Room. He also played on James Stevenson's album Everything's Getting Closer To Being Over, released in 2014. As of 2021, he performs live with a band called The Sleevz.
Steve Norman has also used his musical talents to help others. He has performed at several concerts to support The Prince's Trust charity. He also played at the "Free Nelson Mandela Concert" with Tony Hadley.
Cloudfish Music Project
In 2001, Steve Norman and Rafa Peletey started a music production team called Cloudfish. They invited Shelley Preston to sing for them. Soon, Cloudfish became a band with Steve Norman, Shelley Preston, and Rafa Peletey writing and producing their own songs. Rafa Peletey later left in 2003 to start his own band, but he still worked with Steve and Shelley sometimes.
Cloudfish continued to create and perform music. They were featured artists on an album by an Italian group called Quintessenza. Cloudfish also had many sold-out concerts, including one at the famous Ronnie Scott's. Their song "So High" was even included on a CD called Dome Ibiza: The Chillout Session Vol. 2.
Steve Norman's Life
Steve Norman enjoys writing. He used to write a regular column where he reviewed CDs for a magazine called Ibiza Now.
He is also a big fan of the football team Tottenham Hotspur F.C..
