Interview: Steve Norman
copyright Sabrina Winter
Being a member of Spandau Ballet propelled Steve Norman into the spotlight for 30 years, performing internationally with great artists around the globe. Steve speaks exclusively with Victoria Nangle about of his forthcoming solo show, Iggy Pop, and Spandau’s new frontman
Hi Steve, how are you doing today?
I am very well, thank you. Especially as the sun is shining with a vengeance in Brighton.
What made you decide to embark on your solo shows after playing with such iconic music figures and in Spandau Ballet for years?
I’d had various music industry friends pushing me to do it for some time; telling my story through music and dialogue. But to be honest I didn’t always feel confident enough. The music side I knew I could handle but the baring of heart and soul during the QnA section kinda scared me. However, last summer I jumped in at the deep end and performed in Madrid with my band, the QnA being in Spanish (I lived in Ibiza for many years and am fairly fluent). I then realised that you’re just talking to people. And I’m quite good at that.
The show set also promises tracks from acts that have influenced you – how big an influence have your peers been on your own material?
A pal of mine, who is also Spandau’s sound engineer, recently told me that he can hear almost every artist or musician that I have ever listened to in my sax, vocals and guitar work. I thought this a massive compliment.
One of the biggest influences on my songwriting has to be the Tamla Motown soul sound. It permeates almost everything I do. I also love electronica and often mix the two styles on my demos.
I idolised the Bowie musicians whilst I was growing up so for them to be performing on a song of mine was very special.
It’s impressive that you have worked with the likes of Glen Matlock, Kim Wilde, Steve Harley and Iggy Pop. Are there any tracks of yours – or theirs – that you would love to tinker with – or jam together – and in what way?
I am so fortunate and grateful to have worked with so many artists that I admire. Not all of them jam, although I personally love the spontaneity of improvisation; most recently with master blues guitarman Earl Slick and other Bowie sidekick, pianist Mike Garson. To be asked by Mike Garson to take a sax solo on ‘Aladdin Sane’ performed in his avantgarde style was an honour.
I wrote and produced a song ‘We Are King’ for supergroup, Holy Holy (feat. Woody Woodmansey, Glenn Gregory and Bowie/T.Rex producer, Tony Visconti who played bass on it).
I idolised the Bowie musicians whilst I was growing up so for them to be performing on a song of mine was very special.
Another highlight for me was the time I performed improvised sax with Iggy. He brought me on stage with these words…
“Introducing Steve Norman from Spandau Ballet… Where are ya mother ******!”
I was so proud.
As a writer, is there anyone currently breaking through or riding high in the current charts you would love to perform one of your tracks? Which one, and why this person?
I’m really into ‘Girlfriend’ by Christine & The Queens right now. C&TQ is the stage name of Héloïse Letissier. I love the sound of her voice, especially the French version of the song which brings a certain exoticness to it. I believe it’s generally a good time for creative music but there are so many artists that copy each other that they tend to sound alike. Originality is always so refreshing.
How has it been playing with Spandau’s new frontman Ross William Wild? Has he brought his own dynamic to the shows and the band, and how have the fans responded?
This is an exciting time for Spandau. Everyone is on the same page now so to speak and it means that we can build again without ridiculous and untimely gaps. Ross has undoubtedly helped to reinvigorate the band. He is young and energetic and has given us a hefty shot of adrenalin. He’s also a right nice bloke.
For the most part the fans are as excited as us. The small minority that complain on our sites that it will never be the same are right in their assumption – it will never be the same, but they should take their complaints elsewhere. If you don’t like the fruit then don’t tickle our vine.
What is your biggest ambition for the future?
I very much enjoy my solo work and will carry on with this direction. However, Spandau is of great importance to me and will inevitably take priority. We aim to create new music as well as perform the hits that people know and grew up with. We will no doubt head to the studio soon. And I’m super excited about it.
Steve Norman, The Old Market, Saturday 8 September, 7.45pm, £36/26, theoldmarket.com
