Steve Strange
The first time I met Steve I was holed up in a hotel near V Festival. In the wee hours of the morning I heard a voice belting out songs from the piano in the reception area and found Steve in full voice with wine and song flowing. The few times I have had the pleasure of working with Steve have been thoroughly enjoyable. He is passionate, humorous and a joy to be around.
Tony Feldman, Showtime Management I’ve known Steve for many years and I’m lucky to call him a friend. I think his strength is his intense loyalty and the fact that he has such a warm personality. He’s very intuitive and as a promoter who works closely with him, I know just how hard he works for his artists. I remember when he persuaded me to put on Ash at King Tut’s, they were still at school and could only play in the holidays. But between us we got creative and put Ash on in the middle of the bill between two local acts so that they could benefit from the other bands’ fans. It sums up that intuition of Steve’s in knowing what to do to get the best for his artists.
Geoff Ellis, DF Concerts
In 2009, Steve was putting together the A-Z tour for Ash and asked us if we could do the Z date. So we booked an 80-capacity village hall in the tiny village of Zennor on the Atlantic Coast of Cornwall. The hall was also holding its Christmas pantomime, so the scenery had to stay up and the band performed to a tiny crowd, including Steve. Later they retired to the local pub who I’m told had their best bar take ever! I’d like to thank Steve for being such a constant supporter of SW1, and for all his wisdom over the years.
Katy Barnes, SW1 Productions Steve is the best person anyone can work with: he is extremely generous with his time; he encourages people around him to flourish; and he is incredibly loyal. I could not have asked for a better mentor. It’s very surprising to find anyone that has a better relationship with artists and managers than Steve does. We have worked together now for over 13 years and he has the same passion for the job now as he did then.
Josh Javor, X-ray Touring