Stevie King
Blues Jam M.C. 2005 - 2015
Guitar, Vocals and occasional Bass
Are you local?
If only...
Where are you from, originally?
Another planet, obviously, but I tell people I was born in Forest Gate.
What's your tipple?
Strong dark ales, cheap whisky, wines of all colours.
What's your earliest memory?
Tuesday.
What was the first record you ever bought with your own money?
The Sound of 65 by The Graham Bond Organization.
...and do you still have it?
Yes, in glorious Mono, and it still plays, too!
Any hobbies/interests?
- Science Fiction
- Superhero Comics
- Old black & white horror movies
- The Goon Show
- Round The Horne
- Hemlock Shoames
Do you remember the very first gig you went to? What was it like?
Savoy Brown and Tony Knight's Chessmen at my school dance - much more educational than school.
Worst job you've ever had?
Home Care Officer for Camden. It was such a rotten job I did it for 30 years.
What's your claim to fame (not necessarily musical)?
Came second in a Radio One battle of the bands, recorded live at the Beeb, and got introduced on air by Alan Freeman.
If you could invite 6 people (past, present or fictional) to dinner, Who would you choose?
Dinner? No thank you. I honestly couldn't eat another thing..
Been playing/performing long?
Far too long.
Been in any bands?
- The Mobile Cabbage
- Stewed Eels
- Valkyrie
- First Aid
- The Private Sector
- Jack Plug & The Sockettes
- Blue Blazes
- Good Vibrations
- 2 Close 4 Comfort
- Richard Dobney's Blues Engine
- Bad Hair Day
- The Andy Robinson Band
- The Last Project
- Stevie King's Blue Cats
- The Bop Cats
- Stevie King's Paw Boys
What first got you interested in the Blues?
The British Blues boom; Pirate Radio.
What other types of music do you like to listen to/play?
I enjoy many types of music but can only survive limited exposure to Classical, Jazz, Reggae, traditional Irish, C+W or Klezmer.
Favourite Blues artists?
Junior Wells, Elmore James, Howlin' Wolf, Magic Sam, Albert King.
Favourite artists (any other genre) ?
The Hooters (the band, not the restaurant!), Lou Reed, Cyndi Lauper, Lady Gaga.
Ever been lucky enough to meet or share a stage with one of your musical heroes?
Yup! John O'Leary of the original Savoy Brown Blues Band (see above) on stage at the Coach & Horses - thank you, Terry!
Favourite instruments and/or equipment?
Epiphone SG, Fender Bassman top with Marshall 2X12.
If you had to sum up your relationship with the Blues using just one word, what would it be?
Symbiotic.
Who would you pick (past or present) for your dream band?
Alan Vincent, Adrian Shaw and Cormac O'Prey (aka Stevie King's Blue Cats)
Most embarrassing moment?
Still too embarrassed to tell you!
Proudest moment!
Being asked to host the Blues Jam.
What do you most enjoy about the Blues Jam?
It's my spiritual home.
If you could travel back in time to be present at one moment/event in musical history, what would it be?
I'd go back to the time I saw Jimi Hendrix play live at Chelmsford Corn Exchange, and pay more attention.
Who would they cast to play you in the movie of your life?
Lon Chaney Jr.
Marmite: - Yes or No?
Yes, with Cheddar Cheese.
If you were invited on "Desert Island Discs", which 8 records would you choose?
...and what would be your luxury item?
HP Sauce.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Shut up and play your guitar!
Go on - tell us a secret!
I like chips in brown gravy.
