2008 is already shaping up to be a busy and exciting year for Jon – the Let’s Get Together tour sees him rocking across Australia, accompanied by friends Ian Moss (Cold Chisel), Jack Jones (Southern Sons) and Tania Doko (Bachelor Girl). In addition, he will once again be leading Noiseworks – the rock and power pop outfit that shot Jon to international acclaim – as they take their legendary live show to various venues around Australia and prepare to release their first studio album in sixteen years.
Born in New Zealand, he found success at an early age; a 13-year-old Jon won a talent contest that led to a record label signing and the release of his first single Jezebel. The track shot to #1, as did its follow-up, a cover of Montego Bay. One chart-topping album (Jezebel) and great homeland fanfare later, Jon took his talents overseas and recorded his second solo album, Jon Stevens, in Los Angeles. During this time he met manager Michael Browning, who then introduced him to a young guitarist named Stuart Fraser. The pair formed an instant bond, planting the seeds from which Noiseworks would soon grow.
Three more talented musicians joined them – Steve Balbi, Justin Stanley and Kevin Nicol. Noiseworks became a mainstream success in Australia in October 1986 after the release of their debut single No Lies. A radio-friendly song, it soon charted and reached #16 in the ARIA chart. Their second single Take Me Back reached Number Three. Their self-titled debut album (produced by Mark Opitz) reached #1 and stayed in the charts for a massive 63 weeks. During their reign, they produced such memorable singles such as Touch, In My Youth, Hot Chilli Woman, Love Somebody, Freedom and Miles and Miles. Their thrilling live concerts, chart success and unified creative power led to their reputation as one of the greatest rock and power-pop outfits to emerge from Australia.
After splitting ways in 1992, Jon embarked on two major projects. The first was Are U Satisfied, his third solo album. The record possessed an infectious raw rock spirit that kick-started the second phase of his solo career. That same year, he tackled his first musical theatre role in the Australian production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical Jesus Christ Superstar. His performance as Judas Iscariot was met with high praise and respect from both his industry peers and his enthusiastic audiences. Working alongside Australian music icons John Farnham, Kate Ceberano and John Waters, Jesus Christ Superstar ran for 84 nights to over a million people. In 1994, Jon reprised his Judas role in a smaller-scale production of the musical, which gave him the opportunity to work alongside his already famous brother Frankie (Castaways).
After the final curtain call for Superstar, Jon recorded the theme song for the now defunct Super League rugby competition, then trekked to the US to work with such industry legends as Slash (Guns ‘N’ Roses) and Mars Lasar (composer/producer). In 1996 Jon released his fourth solo album Circle, recorded in the US. As a testament to his long-standing success, Jon has always followed his heart, and in doing so he developed a record with a more adult contemporary feel and a refreshing departure from his previous harder-edged recordings.
1999 saw Jon return to the theatrical stage to play Frank in Happy Days: The Arena Mega Musical. That same year, he reunited with Noiseworks friends Stuart Fraser and Kevin Nicol and, under the name Noiseworks II, hit the road for a nationwide tour. In 2000 Jon recorded Carry The Flame, the anthem for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Torch Relay, working alongside INXS’s Jon Farriss. This collaboration led Jon to develop a working relationship with the internationally acclaimed band formerly led by Michael Hutchence. With Jon as guest vocalist, INXS toured the US, Europe, South America and Australia, and together they breathed new life into the band. Jon Stevens was officially announced as INXS’s “seventh member” in 2002, but soon after the announcement Jon and the band parted ways.
Constantly endeavouring to move forward and freely express his creativity, Jon returned to his solo work in 2004, beginning with the release of Ain’t No Life For The Faint Hearted. This album indicated a return to Jon’s soul/R&B roots with a modern pulse. The year also saw Jon take on his first TV hosting gig, as part of the Australian reality TV shot The Resort.
In 2005 Jon released The Works, an acoustic album as part of the Liberation Blue acoustic series. Recorded with his live band in Melbourne, The Works featured raw, stripped-back recordings of his hits, both solo and with Noiseworks. The album captured Jon in his element and showcased the vocals that have made him stand tall amongst the greatest singers of our time.
Jon Stevens continues to grow and strengthen as both a singer and songwriter. 2008 promises to be another productive year for Jon as he continues to take his remarkable music to the masses. Through his passion and tenacity, Jon has established himself as one of Australia’s finest performers, and one only needs to listen to a record or see him in his element – his live shows – to realize what has made Jon a spirited and gifted musical talent.
“I couldn’t do anything else now. I’ll keep writing songs and making music and singing until the day I die. I figure that if you’ve got something to give, then give it. That’s what it’s there for.”
