Steve Holley Interviewed
By Phil Holbrook
The Reluctant Dog by Steve Holley-cat no:SJPCD133 available from Angel Air
I recently interviewed Steve Holley. Steve has had a long and varied career working with such greats as Ian Hunter, Joe Cocker, and Paul McCartney to name a few. Steve has just released his first solo album entitled The Reluctant Dog named after Steve's own dog called Oliver.
Phil: This is your first solo album-how come you decided to do it now?
Steve: Actually I didn't really set out to make an album, I have always written songs, but lacked confidence in my ability to perform them, especially when I compared them with the skill of some of the artists I have been lucky enough to work with. So I began to record a few of the ones that wouldn't go away, so to speak, with an eye to publishing, but after recording six or seven tunes, it began to take on some sort of form, and pushed on by the comments of those around me, I decided to have a go.
Phil: You sing on all the tracks- I never knew you were a singer-is this something you have kept quiet?
Steve: Some would say I'm not a singer! But I love singing, I've always sung background parts, and harmonizing is one of my favourite things to do. Lead vocals are another story altogether, I just tried to convey the words to the best of my ability.
Phil: Out Of England is one of my favourite tracks-how do you divide your time between the UK and USA?
Steve: I'm glad you like that one, I never seem to get enough time in England these days, and as the song says my heart always longs to be there, but I really love America as well. Both my wife and daughter were born in the USA and they also would like to spend more time in the UK, but school, and the fact that we have dogs complicate the issue. I of course always look forward to the annual Ian Hunter tours, which are often the highlight of the year!
Phil: How does working
with Ian compare to working with Paul McCartney?
Steve: They are both living treasures! At this point in time I have worked a great deal more with Ian, and always feel elated walking on to a stage with him. Perhaps the only comparison you could draw between them, would be their absolute commitment to their work. Neither of them are afraid to take chances, and I believe they would both continue to write and record, with or without an audience, just for the love of it.
Phil: Who were your musical influences?
Steve: Initially my parents, my mother is a singer and my father plays sax and clarinet. I had a little drum set that they bought me for my fifth birthday and I remember playing along with the Billy Cotton Band Show! As I grew up I would have to say I was influenced mostly by The Shadows, Chuck Berry, then The Beatles.
Phil: Tell me about your early days growing up?
Steve: I grew up in south west London, and the drummer in my parents band was also the next door neighbour. I was always asking him to teach me, and I remember him saying that as soon as I could sit on the stool and reach the pedals he would! I'm happy to say he was a man of his word. When I was almost eight, we moved out a little, to Staines, I lived and worked in this area until I relocated to the USA in 1982.
Phil: What are your thoughts on doing drum solos?
Steve: I prefer to leave them to others! I have a penchant for playing songs, I've never considered myself a drum soloist although of course if required, I'm happy to oblige! There are quite a few extraordinary players who can hold my attention with solos, but a much greater number that can't!
Phil: In order to work with someone, do you have to like their music?
Steve: No, but it sure as hell helps!
Steve at Bilston. Photo by
Phil Holbrook.
Phil: Do you prefer playing with different bands or would you like to just play with one band on a regular basis?
Steve: I enjoy playing with different bands, for the variety and challenges it presents. But there is no question that the time I enjoy most, is working with one band long enough, to feel totally at ease with every part of the performance.
Any plans for a solo tour to support the album?
Steve: I would love to tour to support the album, however, it's unlikely due to my commitment to others at this time. Still if there was a reason down the line, and the opportunity, it is something I would welcome.
Phil: Drummers seem to get a lot of jokes made about them? Any thoughts on this?
Steve: Many! We are often perceived as being a few sandwiches short of a picnic, and in some cases this is true! Also, the drums are often considered to be the easiest of the instruments to play, and not so directly involved in the music. They are merely the beat! For example: (Q) What do you call someone who hangs out with musicians? (A) A drummer! But I can assure you it is a noble art, and if you hang out for an evening with me, I can probably come up with a joke pertaining to just about anybody in this business!
Phil: How did you first get to introduced to Ian?
Steve: Ian and I were introduced at a benefit performance in New York, that I was helping to stage, he arrived with Mick Ronson, and we played Standing In My Light & Dudes. I became a member of the Hunter/Ronson band shortly thereafter, and the tour that followed was one of the best times I can remember.
Steve with members of Folks Like Us who toured the UK last year.
Phil: What are your thoughts on the current Iraq crisis?
Steve: I hate war, who doesn't? I have unbelievably mixed feelings about this one, but now that our troops are committed, all we can do is pray that it comes to a rapid conclusion, with as few casualties as possible. I am essentially an optimist, and hope that within my lifetime humanity can grow to a point where this kind of action is unnecessary.
Phil: Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions?
Plenty, but not many involving music! All I hope musically, is that I can continue to play and more importantly, to enjoy playing for the rest of my life.
Tell me about working with Chuck Berry?
I have been lucky enough to perform a total of just three shows with Chuck Berry, and it must be said, he wouldn't know me from a hole in the wall! The first time was about ten years ago, in Mexico City, and was one of the worst experiences of my life, for too many reasons to go into here, although in retrospect, some of the experience was hilarious. The second and third shows I'm delighted to say, were in New York City last year and fabulous. Chuck received a standing ovation from the sold out crowd on both nights, and I had a ball!
Catch Steve on tour with Dar Williams from April 9th
to May 17th 2003.
I would like to thank Steve Holley for taking the time out from his busy
schedule to do this interview. Cheers Steve!
Philip Holbrook
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