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# Steve Thompson

Steve Thompson: Songwriter

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/blog/)
- [Cherry Red](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/cherryred/) - In December 2020 I signed a deal with Cherry Red Records and product started to be released from January 2021. The collections below represent what is out there now as well as proposed releases. Book mark this post as I will update it as new stuff comes out. Click on the art image for more
- [Flow River Flow](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/flowriverflow/) - Someone asked me where I find my inspiration for writing songs. I mean, at 72 I can’t be writing about girls and cars. So here’s the story. I let my mind wander and I conjure up a picture. A still picture or a moving picture. I call the technique “Cinematic Writing”. I don’t know if
- [A New Chapter](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/a-new-chapter/) - Last week I told an old friend that I felt a new chapter was beginning in life’s adventure. I couldn’t explain why, only that the sense of change was there, waiting. Since then, things have started to shift. The planets seem to be lining up. Oddly, some pieces of the puzzle appeared before the events
- [The Whole Truth](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-whole-truth/) - I have given many interviews about my time as a heavy metal producer. I’ve always been pretty nice about Conrad Lant. Here’s an excerpt from one: And finally, my last production for Neat. We had a young tape operator called Conrad Lant. Lovely lad. He was in a band and he was forever telling us
- [Consett Skyline](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/consett-skyline/) - I wanted to get back into making some experimental electronic music again. I had pretty much forgotten how to use either of my DAW’s (Digital Audio Workstation) - Propellerheads Reason or Ableton Live. I’ve got some studying and revision to do. After a bit of non-productive time in LIVE, I moved over to REASON and
- [SMOKING NOTES](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/smoking-notes/) - A recent conversation sparked memories of my working with record producer, Gus Dudgeon. Over the years I worked with Gus many times. In any studio session, I would always be there as the songwriter. But also on Gus’s sessions I’ve been at different times: Guitarist, bass player or keyboard player. All of which I’m crap
- [Released At Last: SOUTHBOUND](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/released-at-last-southbound/) - Pretty GirlKeep On Winding [EDIT] Sadly after this post was written and the EP released, Alan Burke of Southbound died unexpectedly on Friday 30 April 2021 However he did have the chance to enjoy this release just two weeks before he passed away. Here are the words he used to describe the experience. On the
- [DISTANT PRODUCTION of DISTANT DESTINATION:](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/distant-production-of-distant-destination/) - Around 2019 I was gigging a full 6-piece electric band. Lockdown put an end to that. During lockdown, my writing naturally became more contemplative. This song is one of those. There's some deeply personal stuff buried in that lyric. Recording it had to be done differently too. All the parts had to be recorded remotely
- [THE SINGER ON MY LEFT IS ER...............](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-singer-on-my-left-is-er/) - This song "Guy Walks Into A Bar" is our show opener. It's a more recent composition and, whilst I've dissed the naivety of my lyrics I'm quite pleased with the cinematic story of this one. So I'm a bit unhappy that I found myself forgetting the words to the second half of verse 2. But
- [BOP BOP SHE WAH](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/bop-bop-she-wah/) - Like I say, I was mostly a backroom boy during my music career, never in the limelight. But now I’ve accidentally ended up centre stage. I get a bit embarrassed announcing hit song after hit song. Those pop songs with naive lyrics written by my younger self. So it’s a breath of fresh air to
- [TWO SONGS - THREE HITS](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/two-songs-three-hits/) - Here, from our recent Two By Two Brewery, show is a couplet of songs responsible for a lot of record sales. Hurry Home, a top 20 hit for Wavelength was in the UK charts for three months. Sarah Brightman also recorded Hurry Home and it appeared on a bonus CD (Rare Tracks) coupled with her
- [Diva #2](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/diva-2/) - I promised you another diva video from our Two By Two Brewery show and this time it's Jen Normandale with her version of a song I wrote for Elkie Brooks. Elkie had already decided to record another of my songs "One Of A Kind" but she asked if I could come up with a single
- [Diva #1](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/diva-1/) - I promised you some Diva toons from our recent Two By Two show. Here's the first from Kirsty Forster tomorrow I'll post another from Diva Jen Normandale. Lots more to come Mark Mylchreest shot the whole show. Round about now some of you may be thinking, "shit why did I not go to that show"?
- [FOLLOW THE DIVAS](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/follow-the-divas/) - Another live one from our 24/08 Two By Two Brewery show. Let me tell you a little about this song and how it feels to sing it. Don’t get me wrong, I ain't no Stevie Caruso but do I try my best. This is a song Tommy Morrison and I wrote for Elkie Brooks. It
- [A Whitley Bay Song.](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/a-whitley-bay-song/) - This here is a Whitley Bay song. Inspired by a poster in the infamous Ship Inn whilst I quaffed ale with my publishing mentor Brian Oliver. I worked on the concept for the song on the train journey home. Eventually, I reached home, a bedsit attached to the Burgundy Cobbler nightclub in Whitley Bay. First
- [The Bank Manager and a Hit Song](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-bank-manager-and-a-hit-song/) - This is a story about my bank manager. I posted it on Facebook a week ago and it has got 600 likes so far. Several people remember the man with fondness. Read the full story below. I had been tidying up my email and came across a message from 2 years ago that I had
- [Rockin' At Rocking Horse Rehearsal Studio](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/rockin-at-rocking-horse-rehearsal-studio/) - nextP Photos by Daviator
- [Cantankerous Old Bastard](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/cantankerous-old-bastard/) - I have tickets to sell for a couple of talk shows in March [[2020]] so in a mercenary manner, I’m going to tell a story full of name-dropping and revealing a 35-year-old secret. In a risky strategy, the secret will reveal that I am a bit of a twat but I hope people will forgive
- [Paris By Air](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/paris-by-air-story/) - Dateline 1979 (ish) and I was house producer at Impulse Studios, Wallsend, UK and producing for Neat Records. I had set up a sister company, Neat Music Publishing and had done a sub-publishing deal with Bruce Welsh of the Shadows. This took care of the Neat Catalogue but the arrangement also handled my own songs.
- [THE CRY OF THE AUTUMN CROW](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-cry-of-the-autumn-crow/) - KRAAARRRK !!!!!! KRAAARRRK !!!!!! Leon pulled his flimsy coat tighter around his shoulders, breathing out a cloud of vapour into the frigid autumn air. He looked skywards for the source of this disturbing and harsh sound. KRAAARRRK !!!!!! Was it an omen? It certainly was ominous and so many things had presented themselves as omens
- [YouTube](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/youtube/) - Over the years more and more YouTube videos have emerged featuring songs I wrote for various people. I will update this list from time to time. Wavelength https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNG6anfVJbk Sarah Brightman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E52NbrYxl0 Sheena Easton https://youtu.be/RWX7nGwSt5o?si=qWplpjhsmTMC6RMf Celine Dion https://youtu.be/BUIz7iZvIWg?si=MeO96sLXuD3LmwWL&t=1174 The Searchers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pusDOUSpDyA Chris Farlowe https://youtu.be/ATrfmIeDpZ8?si=EF3j5HIAlEYPV5no Tygers Of Pan Tang https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxiHjhztJjQ Eurovision https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxiHjhztJjQ Alvin Stardust https://youtu.be/Rc1rJa3bvd8?si=sm3kujLe9cjh9J94 Elaine Paige
- [Bar The Doubting](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/bar-the-doubting/) - We had a great rehearsal this week with the full band. When I say full band I mean this is my solo show on acoustic and vocals but first I added a percussionist (Barry Race) then a keyboard player (Richard Naisbett) and then a couple of BVs (Jen Normandale and Kirsty Forster) This song is
- [THE LONG FADE](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/thelongfade/) - An album fifty years in the making. Available on all the platforms: Spotify, iTtunes, YouTube etc. Look for the platform icons to the right or below and click on your choice There is a very limited number of CDs left (CLICK HERE). However, it is available to download from Cherry Red Records on all the
- [Vocal Rehearsals At The Secret Location](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/vocals/) - After the last show, I decided to add a couple of chick backing vocalists to/lighten the load and so in came Jen Normandale and Kirsty Forster, two fine vocalists. Last week we had our first vocal rehearsal which worked exceptionally well. Let me share with you some highlights. First off is the opener. Scroll down.
- [Three Diva's](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/three-divas/) - Here you go: 3 Diva's in a row: Sheena, Celine, Stevie. A song I wrote for Sheena's album, Madness Money & Music. It went top 20 all round the world. Cert Gold in Canada which caught wor Celine's attention and she put it out as a single in French. A massive hit, cert Gold in
- [DISTANT DESTINATION](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/distantdestination/) - Available on all the platforms: There is a limited edition CD version of this album which you can order here. If you choose to download Click here for a free PDF of the CD artwork and sleeve notes. Coming Soon
- [Vocal Rehearsal At A Secret Location](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/vocal-rehearsal-at-a-secret-location/) - First rehearsal tomorrow at our secret location for the enhanced line-up ahead of the The White Room show. Vocal rehearsal so it’s just us girls. Tickets for the show (limited capacity) http://bit.ly/room2024
- [DISTANT DESTINATION](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/distant-destination/) - The Long Fade album was released in 2019 to some great reviews. It also got plenty of airplay. It was re-released in 2021 by Cherry Red Records as part of an extensive deal on recordings I've made going as far back as the early seventies. I began my musical career in 1969. Since The Long
- [Acoustic Set](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/acoustic-set/) - THE CARRIAGE JESMOND AUG 5th (AFTERNOON SHOW) I've written songs that have been recorded by Celine Dion, Sheena Easton, Elkie Brooks, The Hollies, The Searchers, Tygers of Pan Tang, Baby Ford, Colin Blunstone, Sarah Brightman, Wavelength, Elaine Page, Bruce Ruffin, and Chris Farlowe, Middle Of The Road and many others I also wrote and produced
- [Obsolescence](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/obsolescence/) - I’m embarking on an experimental project. I plan to use only free virtual instruments and effects. The bulk of these will come from the Computer Music magazine giveaway. Next I need a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) to host the virtual instruments and effects plugins. There are a number of free ones to choose from but
- [The Last Teardrop](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-last-teardrop-3/) - In 1990, I got wind that Elkie Brooks, the highly regarded British singer, was about to record a new album. I selected 3 song demos that I thought might suit her. I popped the envelope containing the audio cassette into the post box with a mixture of hope and pragmatic acceptance. These things nearly always
- [Road Trip](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/road-trip/) - It’s Tuesday - it’s Road Trip Day !!! My first stop is my lockup on Portrack Lane where I’ll pick up the small PA, projector and screen, pedal board and other gubbins. Then northwards. I plan to cross the Tyne a little further West than the Sat Nav suggested because I spotted a rather nice-looking
- [A Very Tenuous Jeff Beck Connection](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/a-very-tenuous-jeff-beck-connection/) - In the late 70’s I was house producer at Neat Records in Wallsend. In 1981 I took a brief sabbatical and went to London to cut a recording of one of my songs for State Records with Wayne Bickerton producing. The recording is attached to this post, I am playing guitar on the track, but
- [A Chance Meeting](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/a-chance-meeting/) - I posted preview clips for my upcoming album at the weekend. There's still a fair bit of work to do on the album but I think we're on the final or penultimate lap. The album started just before the lockdown and as a result, went through various stop-and-start stages. Some tracks got shelved and new
- [IRON MAN OF NORTON: Second Shipment - Various Artists](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/iron-man-of-norton-second-shipment-various-artists/) - Available on all the platforms: Spotify, iTtunes, YouTube etc. Look for the platform icons to the right or below and click on your choice With fabulous artwork by Mark Mylchreest, this is the second set of various recordings I have made over the years. The collection features a vast range of artists. Just take a
- [On The Road In The Seventies](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/on-the-road-in-the-seventies/) - I've been working on another set of chapters from my book which I will release soon. Here's a little story from one of the chapters: One of my favourite gigs was at Bellingham Town Hall. It seemed such an adventure to go so far and as a non-driver, it was always something of a mystery,
- [Memory Lane TYNESIDE](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/memory-lane-tyneside/) - A recent conversation prompted me to reach for the book "Memory Lane TYNESIDE". I've posted a few indicative pages to give you the gist. Then I turn to page 27 where the image at the bottom is captioned: "In 1971, young people enjoy a concert given by musical group Bullfrog in Eldon Square". We made
- [I WILL GO BACK](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/iwillgoback/) - Available on the platforms listed to the right (or perhaps below if you are on a mobile). Choose your service or view the video below. This is a download only release but there are 10 limited edition CD’s available. These are white label CD’s in a jewel container and professional print sleeve. Each CD is
- [Goodbye Consett](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/book/) - I have been writing a book now for a couple of years – “Stories From A Songwriters Life”. I’ve decided to release the first few chapters for free. The collection of these early chapters is called “Goodbye Consett”. This collection is now available as a Kindle Book and you can find it here The next
- [Taking The Easy Way: Alvin Stardust](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/alvin-stardust/) - The Forgotten Single In 1988 I wrote and produced this song for Alvin Stardust. Now, thanks to DJ Mike Read and Cherry Red Records it finally sees the light of day. (album to follow) Click on the icon of the platform of your choice. Read the story behind this recording.
- [Remembering Alvin Stardust](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/remembering-alvin-stardust/) - NOTE: if you arrived at this page by going to www.alvinstardust.xyz after March 4th 2022 www.alvinstardust.xyz will take you to the download platforms for Alvin’s single “Taking The Easy Way” Back in the late eighties I pitched a song “Taking The Easy Way” to Alvin Stardust. A few weeks later his manager called me and
- [Youth Opportunity Schemes & The New Wave of British Heavy Metal](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/youth-opportunity-schemes-the-new-wave-of-british-heavy-metal/) - I’ve told the story many times about the time I was House Producer at Impulse Studios/ Neat Records. We had at the studio a young assistant called Conrad Lant. Conrad was on a youth opportunity scheme meaning he got £10 on top of his dole (unemployment benefit) for doing work experience with us. Conrad talked
- [British India House](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/british-india-house/) - When I quit my band Bullfrog in 1974 it was to concentrate on becoming a songwriter. I made some demos assisted by Bullfrog drummer Jim Harle in a studio called Mortonsound in Carliol Square Newcastle. The building that was home to Mortonsound Studio was impressively named “British India House”. I used to walk down an
- [Forty Years Of Airplay](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/forty-years-of-airplay/) - A recent series of email exchanges with this young lad (right) has reminded me of a story you may enjoy. Back in the eighties Mike Read was on Radio One (when it was listenable). He held the plum spot of Breakfast Time. I was on a roller coaster ride of a hit single with Hurry
- [I Quit Heavy Metal and a Flower Pot Man Came To Call](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/i-quit-heavy-metal-and-a-flower-pot-man-came-to-call/) - Another chapter from my book for your perusal: I Quit Heavy Metal and a Flower Pot Man Came To Call "Lots of sunny people Walking hand in hand” Let's Go to San Francisco: John Carter and Ken Lewis. An intriguing chapter title, I hope you’ll agree. There was no trigger for this story emerging from
- [Laid Back Procrastination](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/laid-back-procrastination/) - I mentioned earlier my new album for Spring to be accompanied by a live show (possibly the last one ever). Well, album production has been slowed down by external events. Two consecutive studio sessions were postponed by Covid isolation requirements. On the third attempt I, myself suffered from a lurgy (non Covid). This stymied my
- [Sleepless Nights](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/sleeplessnights/) - Over to the right or perhaps below if you are on a phone are links to all the platforms where you can download or stream these songs. Tommy Morrison was a very good friend of mine and a terrific songwriter. We wrote many songs together and I also demo’d for him some of his songs
- [Double Disk Plus Demos](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/double-disk-plus-demos/) - In 1982 I had a massive top 20 hit song and with the proceeds I bought a house in Whitley Bay and installed a recording studio. Over the following years many of my musician friends called in and helped me lay tracks. Elements of this story have since appeared in various blogs and interviews. Fast
- [Hindsight And History](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/hindsight-and-history/) - The picture to the right is my first band Bullfrog as featured on the CD cover of a new release from Cherry Red Records. The picture is from 1971. It’s our “Beatles on the rooftop” moment. Except this is Eldon Square, Newcastle. Years later other bands played Eldon Square in officially organized shows. But ours
- [IRON MAN OF NORTON: Boxed Set - Various Artists](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/iron-man-of-norton-boxed-set-various-artists/) - Artwork, Mark Mylchreest – Click to enlarge. Available on all the platforms: Spotify, iTtunes, YouTube etc. Look for the platform icons to the right or below and click on your choice With fabulous artwork by Mark Mylchreest, this is an eclectic collection of various recordings I have made over the years. The collection features a
- [Hollow Victory (A Sketch)](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/hollow-victory-a-sketch/) - I’m working up this forgotten song (Hollow Victory) into new arrangement for a new album (Distant Destination) with my band. This is not it - It’s just a teaser. A doodle from which the full song formed. I may post other teasers or work in progress. It's a very powerful song IMHO and is destined
- [Almost Something](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/almost-something/) - Both albums featured in this post are available on all the platforms: Spotify, iTtunes, YouTube etc. Look for the platform icons to the right or below and click on your choice. It was a balmy night in the beautiful old town of Prato in Tuscany. I was the only occupant of the restaurant. As I
- [A Pocket Full Of Memories](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/a-pocket-full-of-memories/) - Yesterday evening I sat on the patio with a beer watching the sun go down. An old man with less hair, fewer teeth and a pocket full of memories. The memories that rise to the surface at times like this are often unexpected and quite random. Around 1986 I had signed an exclusive music publishing
- [Goffy Plays Hurry Home & A Fan Rings In From Nunthorpe](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/goffy-plays-hurry-home-a-fan-rings-in-from-nunthorpe/) - Check out the clip below from Goffy on BBC Tees this Sunday then read on for connections to some of the other musicians he mentions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4zY9VoWnB4 Apart from Goffy's kind words about me he also mentions Dave Black and Pete McDonald. Dave was a good friend of mine and the inspiration for one of
- [The Subtle Art Of Namedropping](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-subtle-art-of-namedropping/) - Or My Connection To The Beatles and Frank Zappa In 1973 my band Bullfrog signed to Cube Records. We also signed to Essex music who owned Cube. In 1974 they set up Cube Artist Management Limited (CAML) and we signed to that too. Why not? All the eggs in one basket - safest place (that’s
- [Test Post to Twitter and Facebook](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/test-post-to-twitter-and-facebook/)
- [CREAM: The Late Sixties](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/cream/) - When I was a schoolboy The Beatles made a big musical impact on me. But imagine being 15/16 years old when CREAM were happening. I recall seeing a poster outside the Empire Theatre in Consett adverting a gig by a local band. It described the event as “Cream Music”. Imagine that! The name of this
- [Glam Queens And Street Urchins](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/glam-queens-and-street-urchins/) - I've just done a deal with Cherry Red Records on a wide range of product. Expect to see my album "The Long Fade" re-released on the Cherry Red label soon. There will also be some new recordings coming along soon (more of which later) The first piece of product announced is a number by my
- [The Tour That Never Was](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-tour-that-never-was/) - About a year ago me and Jack Mylchreest started to put together a two man show. Well one man and a boy really It was kind of an unplugged and seated version of my full band show. We had routined most of the songs plus some extras previously not featured. Jack was to sing the
- [Out-Takes Rarities And Demos](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/out-takes-rarities-and-demos/) - Album an entirely free download when you purchase THE LONG FADE album. (track listing below) 01: ‘The Last Teardrop’ this version is sung by Lorraine Crosby, whilst a little later Elkie Brooks went on to record it as a single and on her album Pearls 3. 02: ‘I Don’t Want To Be the One’ was
- [John Verity Band](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/john-verity-band/) - Live at the Marquee Club Wardour Street. That's me on the far right playing keyboards. This was a blast for me because I never got to play the Marquee and this gave me the chance. Can't remember when this was but it was knocked down soon after. John V (left in top pic) was in Argent
- [Photo Shoot](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/photo-shoot/) - I've been working on an album with Jack Mylchreest. After he guested on my bands last gig we decided to put him on the last album and reissue with some alt mixes and new tracks. We're also considering doing some gigs just the two of us so a photoshoot was arranged with his dad Mark
- [Two Producers and A Songwriter Change a Light Bulb](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/two-producers-and-a-songwriter-change-a-light-bulb/) - L to R: Gus Dudgeon, Steve Thompson, Peter Collins Everyone knows Gus Dudgeon as a terrific record producer of artists like David Bowie, Elton John, Elkie Brooks, Chris Rea, Lindisfarne and many more. Nobody thinks of him as a songwriter but I know he wrote at least one song. I know this because we wrote
- [A Legacy In Rock](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/a-legacy-in-rock/) - There comes a point in the Autumn years when a guy might contemplate what his legacy (if any) could be. This could be small things like good deeds remembered. Luckily, I think I’ve sown enough of those to offset any bad shit I might have done. As I was preparing my Songwriting Masterclass I found
- [THE LONG FADE (An album 50 years in the making)](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-long-fade-an-album-50-years-in-the-making/) - TENACITY. Publicity By Perseverance… P.O.Box 166, Hartlepool TS26 9JA UK Dave Hill: +44 (0)7951 679666 tenacitymusicpr@gmail.com THE STEVE THOMPSON BAND Consett born Steve Thompson has written songs that have been recorded by Celine Dion, Sheena Easton, Elkie Brooks, The Hollies, The Searchers, Tygers of Pan Tang, Baby Ford, Colin Blunstone, Elaine Page and Chris Farlowe.‘Steve
- [The Story of a Song](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-story-of-a-song/) - This is an intimate view of the development of a song from inception to completion. I shared this earlier in a private Facebook group and now sharing it further afield. The song is “One of A Kind”. The first section is just me on an acoustic guitar. There’s just a title, no lyrics and my
- [Pics From The Show In Consett](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/pics-from-the-show-in-consett/) - Thanks to Ian Bone.
- [THE HOMECOMING SHOW](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-homecoming-show/) - Wow, what a lovely time I had last night at The Steel Club, Consett “Homecoming Show". I don’t think I’ve ever done a show with such a warm and friendly atmosphere. My highlights are too many to mention. Dave Ditchburn’s gyrations were infections to the whole front line. Many times I looked out on a
- [Like My Father's Father Released Today](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/like-my-fathers-father-released-today/) - Today the official release date of our single "Like My Father's Father" Get it on APPLE MUSIC https://itunes.apple.com/…/like-my-fathers-fathe…/1459242162 OR iTunes SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/album/273TbhOxu8XE9dbvXbxqOw These are single downloads. If you want the full pack of the Full track plus the Radio Edit plus the "B" side "Red Dust Overture" OR - to order the full package on
- [Like My Fathers Father](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/like-my-fathers-father-2/) - Here is a preview of our single "Like My Fathers Father" out April 12th. It will be available to download or order CD via www.fathersfather.xyz from 12th https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tRwVxafG_o
- [Thoughts on the Third Age](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/thoughts-on-the-third-age/) - I give talks in various places for an organisation called the University of The Third Age (U3A). This is most enjoyable and the members are usually very nice people. I’m not disposed to join a U3A though as I’m just a youngster myself! I looked up the “third age” as I like the phrase and
- [Projection](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/projection/) - Book my band and you get a maintenance fitter (aka songwriter) thrown in. Last week I sorted the projector at the Steel Club so it’s ready for my show but it also means they can now watch football and see the whole of the pitch. I moved the ceiling mounted projector nearer the screen. I’m
- [The Band Plays On](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-band-plays-on/) - Publicist Dave Hill just reminded me that it’s a year since we enjoyed a fantastic show at The Georgian Theatre, Stockton. The band were ecstatic and more shows were booked. Then they fell like dominoes. Eventually, there were just three of us left. So, me, Jen Normandale and John Dawson began an incredible adventure. Ian
- [Stories From Goliath - Crazy and Musical](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/stories-from-goliath-crazy-and-musical/) - My formative years were spent at Consett Iron Company. I was assigned to the Blast Furnace as a Fitter. In the picture below are the three blast furnaces of Consett. In the forefront is the Goliath gantry crane. That was some piece of engineering. The gantry trundled left or right in the picture. The cabin
- [Free CD - Like My Fathers Father](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/free-cd-like-my-fathers-father/) - Our new single will be released on 12th April. It will be downloadable £1 and on CD £3. But you can get if FREE. Everyone who buys a ticket to our show at The Steel Club Consett on April 11th will get a free CD the day before the official release. You can purchase tickets
- [Neat Recording Artists Come Together On One Album](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/neat-recording-artists-come-together-on-one-album/) - I’m just contemplating how many prescient moments my life has thrown up. When I was house producer at Neat records how could I know that 40 years later Neat 02, Neat 03 and Neat 06 would merge under one recording session? This will happen this coming Tuesday when Jayne Mackenzie (Neat 03) is part of the backup
- [New Single for April 12th](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/new-single-for-april-12th/) - The new album to be entitled “The Long Fade” will be ready mid Spring. There are many collaborators contributing to this album and we’re all very chuffed with it. We’ll be going into our first rehearsal on Monday for our show at The Steel Club Consett on April 11th. Tickets are available from the venue
- [Nights That Pass In The Ship](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/nights-that-pass-in-the-ship/) - It was 1980 and I'd just spent the day in the studio making demo recordings of some new songs. I session guys had done a fine job. One of 'em said "why are you still writing pop songs when all this heavy metal is happening". (NWOBJHM). They all got onto this and pressed me to
- [First Steps](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/first-steps/) - I am in a philosophical mood today. Just ignore me if you wish. When I quit my band Bullfrog it was to concentrate on becoming a songwriter. I made some demos assisted by Bullfrog drummer Jim Harle in a studio called Mortonsound in Carliol Square. I recently chanced upon the tape from that day and
- [](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/2454-2/) - My mate John Cook found some picture in his attic that has brought memories flooding back. Early 80’s I had bought a house in Whitley Bay with the proceeds of a hit record. I’d built a recording studio in the dining room. That place became a Mecca to local musos and singers. Mrs T declared
- [The Long Fade](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-long-fade-2/) - I’ve been having a ball with old friends and new in various recording studios. They say when you retire you should take a hobby. Painting, gardening, fishing. I’m cutting an album. How rock n roll is that. We've been at it since the summer so there's a lot of pics. There's also been a lot
- [The Long Fade](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-long-fade/) - We had an absolutely wonderful time at Custom Space Studios today. The music and the playing was terrific. I laid down some acoustic guitar and then Steve Dolder played his Beat Boxx on a track. I declared his drumming “beautiful”, an adjective I’ve never used for drums before (Steve said he’d never heard it before
- [Double Bass](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/double-bass/) - I had a remarkable day in a recording studio yesterday with these two incredible bass players. My regular guy with my band John Dawson rock solid as ever. At one point the studio was invaded by a fan who declared “John Dawson, you’re my hero! - then, (to his friend) hey Eddie- It’s the bass player with
- [Bullfrog on Eldon Square](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/bullfrog-on-eldon-square/) - My first band Bullfrog formed in 1969. I have always said there is only one picture of the original 1969 line-up and that's a Sunday Sun clipping from when we gave an impromptu concert on Eldon Square. However, I have just re-discovered these tiny "proofs" in my scrapbook. I'm scanned them at a ridiculously high
- [Simon Calling](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/simon-calling/) - My (unfinished) book concludes with a gig my band did at The Georgian Theatre last March. So much has happened since that I decided to do a series of blogs “after the show”. This is one such blog. Not long after that show my lawyer Simon Long called me. It was my birthday but that’s
- [Behind The Wheel](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/behind-the-wheel/) - It is surely remarkable how history so often repeats itself. Back in 1994 I had written and produced a “single” for Alvin Stardust called “Taking The Easy Way”. Alvin was, what they call “deal shopping” meaning we were looking for a record company to put it out. One day I got a call from Alvin’s
- [After The Show](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/after-the-show/) - In 2018 I began writing a book as many people had been encouraging me to do. The book is a combination of all the stories I’d told people over the years. It is unfinished but in skeletal form I know it concludes with a show I did with my band at the Georgian Theatre in
- [New Album](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/new-album/) - There is every likelihood of a new album from the band in the New Year! Back in the summer, we had a string of departures from our ranks and so myself, Jen Normandale Ian Halford and John Dawson took to the recording studio. As a guitar, bass and drums combo, we started to sound remarkably Country Rock! I was obliged
- [Internet Revelations](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/internet-revelations/) - Trawling the Internet is such an interesting pastime for songwriters. This is my song that Sheena Easton released on her top 20 album, Madness Money and Music. Here is just one of the revelations from this mornings trawl. When “Take My Time” her first album was re-released on CD in the US on 19 June
- [I Will Go Back](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/i-will-go-back-3/) - Here is another song from my archives. It’s a song from the musical I did with Tom Kelly, Steel Town. As we were writing, it was always planned to stage the show at the Customs House, South Shields. For obvious reasons I also wanted to take it (back) to Consett. One day I drove out
- [Colin Blunstone](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/colin-blunstone/) - COLIN BLUNSTONE: A PERSONAL REFLECTION This article about my time working with Colin Blunstone first appeared as an exclusive to the Zombies Fan Club. Click here to read it on the fan club page. I was always a fan of Colin Blunstone’s singing, so when he recorded my song “I Don’t Understand You” in 1982
- [Steve Thompson Songwriter: A songs, stories and multimedia show with a "cracking six-piece band"](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/steve-thompson-songwriter-a-songs-stories-and-multimedia-show-with-a-cracking-six-piece-band/) - STEVE THOMPSON SONGWRITER The Steve Thompson Songwriter show is a songs and stories multimedia show with a fantastic 6-piece band (click for the lineup biographie
- [Anoyther  Psots](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/anoyther-psots/) - cjnnjxvx xcvklknlmvxc
- [Testing The Plumbing](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/testing-the-plumbing/) - This is a short post to demonstrate Wordpress hooking up with Twitter and Facebook.
- [My Time as a  Member of Metal Band Fist (NWOBHM)](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/my-time-as-a-member-of-metal-band-fist-nwobhm/) - Around 1978 I was equally active producing bands for Neat Records and writing and demoing my own songs. One day Keith Satchfield of Fist approached me and asked if I had any songs suitable for the band (Fist). He was trying to get a commercial edge to their output. I said sure no problem and
- [The Blog So Far](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-blog-so-far/) - The Steve Thompson Band is set to go into rehearsal in January. It's about 15 years since I gigged regularly (with the Mick Whitaker Band) and I hadn't really intended to do this now. There have been posts on Facebook, Twitter and this blog but Things have developed rapidly so I thought I'd lay it all
- [Remembering Charlie Crane](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/charlie-crane/) - Charlie Crane I met Charlie Crane mid to late 80's through my work as a songwriter. I had just come to the end of a publishing contract with MCA Music and Charlie had just left employment as a publisher (can't remember - maybe it was ABC Music) I was looking for a new publisher and
- [Foolin' Myself - Jimmy Chambers](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/foolin-myself-jimmy-chambers/) - I've found two versions of this song on my hard drive. I originally wrote and demo'd it around 1977. I can't recall why I was running around making new demos of this song in 1980 but I must have had some action on it. My old mate Gus Dudgeon recommended one of his session singers, Jimmy Chambers so
- [Songwriting Masterclasses](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/songwriting-masterclasses/) - The first songs I wrote were pretty rubbish. However, I worked at it and eventually I must have got it right cos I’ve sold hundreds of thousands of records around the world. I also studied the masters: Lennon/McCartney, Goffin/King, Bacharach/David, Todd Rundgren, Brian Wilson (who Todd must also have studied). With my band we play
- [Searcher For A Day](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/searcher-for-a-day/) - When I posted yesterday the story about my song that the Searchers recorded I forgot to mention that I was actually a member of the Searchers. Ok, just for a day but it left me with a terrific memory. I had co-produced with John Verity a solo single with Mike Pender. He was still in
- [The Evolution Of A Song](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-evolution-of-a-song-2/) - I was a big fan of the Searchers in the sixties so it was a pleasure to work with them in the early 80’s. Now not many people know this but the song they recorded was originally a “Cowboy Song”. Yes, the first demo demonstrates this both in the lyrics and in a short intro
- [How I Gave Venom The Devil](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/how-i-gave-venom-the-devil/) - This story is taken from a piece I wrote ages ago called "Remembering the Eighties". The 80's story was originally commissioned by a website called "Metal Godz". The site is long gone and my eighties article remains unfinished and unpublished. During all the recording sessions for Neat Records, we had the assistance of Conrad Lant.
- [Chris Farlowe](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/chris-farlowe/) - Chris Farlowe recorded my song “Looking For Love In A Stranger” around 1980/81. I’ve always assumed it to be an unreleased track. Unreleased my arse !!! - Whilst doing some research and prep for our show The Georgian Theatre, Stockton on March 25th and I discovered it's not on one album, not on two but
- [Please Don't Sympathise](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/please-dont-sympathise-2/) - This song dates from 1981. I had quit as house producer at Neat Records. I had begun to realise that I was largely helping other people build careers whilst mine was on hold. I was becoming bogged down in Heavy Metal and whilst there’s no doubt I’m a bit of a rocker, I really wanted
- [Unsung Heroes](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/unsung-heroes/) - Back in the early 70’s, there was a very healthy gigging scene for bands in the North East of England. Many venues featured two bands, some had several and so we all got to know one another. I was in a band called Bullfrog and on one show we double-billed with another local band, Beckett.
- [One Of A Kind](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/one-of-a-kind/) - This song was co-written with Tommy Morrison. Elkie Brooks released this a single in Germany and France and then worldwide on the Pearls 3 album and then later on her Greatest Hits CD. The video takes you through the various stages of the song. Naked song alert !! – the mix-up starts with my rough
- [Going Solo](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/going-solo-2/) - It was 1983 and I had just signed an exclusive songwriting deal with MCA Music. Record Producer, Gus Dudgeon wrote to MCA complementing them on their wisdom in signing me and urged them to get me cracking on some songs for the new Elkie Brooks album. I’d worked with Gus a few times up to
- [A Tale Of Two Guitars](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/tale-two-guitars/) - Here are my boys. I’ve had the Stratocaster on the right for 40 years. Back in the late 90’s my good friend Dave Black recommended a guitar technician to me. He also suggested bumping my string gauge up from 9’s to gauge 10. Well, Peter, I think his name was, in Cramlington did a great job.
- [What's New?](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/whats-new/) - In the New Year, there's a lot that's new in our new show. Some new faces, new singers. Some new songs, new stories and some new old songs too. Plus a new venue. Ok so The Georgian Theatre, Stockton is 250 years old but it's brand New with a fabulous refurbishment. And we're trying something new at
- [Guest of Honour](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/guest-of-honour/) - The Guest of Honour at our March 2018 show @ The Georgian Theatre, Stockton will be the former Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland Cllr Barry Hunt. The ST Band backed Barry on his Charity CD featuring Steve massive hit Hurry Home. The CD helped Barry achieve the highest donation to Mayoral charities or Obviously (£24,000.00)
- [](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/1848-2/) - Yesterday I walked from my home in Norton to my studio in Stockton. I figured if I keep this up in no time at all I'll be mega fit and save a load on car parking. To prove this fact to non believers I video'd my feet doing said walking. Interestingly YouTube then auto-played "Walking
- [Jobling, The Musical](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/jobling-the-musical/) - Yesterday saw the culmination of a lot of hard work. This was the premier show of Jobling The Musical which my collaborator Tom Kelly and I began several years ago. Relatively recently an opportunity came up to stage the musical at the National Centre for the Written Word (The Word) in South Shields. Shortly after
- [Me Last Days (Evolution of a song)](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/last-days-evolution-song/) - I've finished writing all the songs for Jobling The Musical and Lee Morris is busy arranging them for the Westoe Brass Band. The show will take place at The Word, South Shields, June 24th. To whet your appetite I thought I’d share the demo for one of the songs here. (Health warning: my own vocals
- [1818 Days Since Showtime](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/1818-days-since-showtime/) - Back in October 2011, I set up a website to assist with the production of a community play. The play was “The Bonny Moorhen” which told the story of the “Battle of Stanhope” that took place in 1818 (remember that number). The play was to take place in a converted barn on March 22nd, 2012
- [Down To The River](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/down-to-the-river-4/) - ‘Down to the River’ premiered at the National Centre for Spoken Word in January 2017. Now you can enjoy it here https://steve-thompson.org.uk/dttr/ by clicking through the numbered tabs at the top. The exhibition takes as its source the poem, ‘Geordie,’ which features in Tom Kelly’s poetry collection ‘Dreamers in a Cold Climate’ (Red Squirrel Press).
- [A Status Update](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/a-status-update/) - We released the Mayor of Redcar & Cleveland's CD this week. The launch went great and it's a terrific version of my 1982 hit "Hurry Home". After the day was done was somewhat exhausted. Many people worked on this recording with me but it fell to me to produce it, develop the artwork, make the
- [2017 And Running](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/2017-and-running/) - Time to hit the ground running for 2017. There should be another outing for the "Steve Thompson Songwriter" show early April. More on that when we have it. I'll also be taking the show around as a one-man talk with Multi Media and the first of those is in March for Loftus Tradesmen's Reform Club.
- [The Steve Thompson Band - A Year in Pictures](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/steve-thompson-band-year-pictures/) - It's that time of year so here's a review in pictures of the past year of the Steve Thompson Band. See you in 2017
- [Merry Christmas](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/merry-christmas/) - Well, that's it for 2016, we've done our last show for the year. Actually, considering Nemix was a showcase warm-up you could say we've done our only gig of the year. Aha the best things are a rare treat !Who knows what the New Year might bring - watch this space. I want to thank
- [Live On Metro Radio](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/live-metro-radio/) - We'll be live on Alan Robson's Night Owls show Monday 12 December featuring just two of our four fabulous singers Mick Whitaker and Kerrianne Covell. This is a special preview of our Live Theatre show on December 14th where we'll also be joined by Lorraine Crosby and Terry Slesser. https://goo.gl/NzMAQg Tune in to Metro on
- [X Factor Star Teams Up With Veteran Songwriter](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/x-factor-star-teams-veteran-songwriter/) - Kerrianne Covell who hails from Norton on Teesside has been on the journey of her dreams since the age of 12. Having won a competition in 2013 with the region's favourite and biggest radio station TFM, Kerrianne performed at the Metro Radio Arena as the champion of their Big Audition. Supporting the likes of Pixie
- [The Whitaker Band](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-whitaker-band/) - Over the years mine and Mick Whitakers paths have crossed many times. Around 1997-1999 I was gigging in a line-up with him that I thought was really good. The pic to the right shows Mick, Ken and me at the Bierex in Newcastle, one of our regular gigs. For me. this was probably the most
- [BECKET MEETS BULLFROG](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/becket-meets-bullfrog/) - We'll be opening with a Bullfrog number with Sless on vocals. How cool is that, only took us 42 years to get around to it. Gigs announced soon.
- [I Searched (And Never Found)](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/i-searched/) - Just finished the first track on my "Places in Time" album (below) I Searched (And Never Found) by ST Media More about the Places In Time project HERE It would be in the early 90's Molly and me found ourselves in Derbyshire visiting Matlock Bath (Little Switzerland) and one day we set out to find
- [Places, first notes finally laid down after 2 years](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/places-first-notes-finally-laid-down-after-2-years/) - Two years ago I contemplated a music project idea in a restaurant in Tuscany https://steve-thompson.org.uk/places-in-time/ I've thought of it many times since but have still to lay down the first track. At the weekend, I finally began. I awoke in the Blackenrigg Hotel to one of my favourite views overlooking Ullswater in the English Lakes.
- [Places in Time](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/places-in-time/) - A couple of days ago I found myself on a quite Sunday evening in a restaurant in Prato, Tuscany. I was the only customer. There was some lovely ambient music playing and along with the red wine, subdued lighting and lovely surroundings I became very relaxed and began to contemplate a new music project. It
- [Milestone](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/milestone/) - Steve Thompson Band reaches a Milestone We've been rehearsing in Middlesbrough since February and the band is really starting to sound good. It took so long because firstly, I've not played in 15 years and I was well rusty. Secondly, the material presents such an eclectic range that we've had to work really hard to get
- [Steel Town](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/steel-town-2/) - September 12th 1980 - The British Steel Corporation closed down Consett's iron and steel works thus ending a 140 year old, proud tradition and throwing 3000 people out of work. Steel Town, (the musical) tells the story of the dying days of steel making in Consett and the town's struggle for survival. All of this
- [Eurovision 1983](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/eurovision-1983/) - In 1983 I was asked to write English lyrics for the Italian finalist in Eurovision. I was up against the wire and had to do this really quickly. As I was working Tommy Morrison rang me and said, "what are you up to" (as he often did). I told him what I was doing and
- [New Keyboard Player](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/new-keyboard-player/) - Dean Stockdale has joined us on Keyboards. The picture now featuring Dean is the CD that gets distributed around collaborators. It just never worked out with Les Watts - conflicting schedules and location of rehearsals took their toll. However, I'm sure Les will pop up later in another part of the project. Now we're steaming
- [Underground - Overground](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/underground-overground/) - Last night one of the songs we rehearsed was “Paris By Air” which was a hit single for the Tygers of Pan Tang and also on the top 20 album “The Cage”. The signature guitar intro is gone because we’re doing a new arrangement in a different key to work for Lorraine Crosby. Now not
- [Don't Pity Me](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/dont-pity-me/) - This week I posted this picture containing three elements on Facebook and asked what the connections were. Nobody got it so here are the answers. Left to right the three elements are Charlotte Black, The Pity Me Village Sign and Celine Dion. Connection 1) In 1981 I went to Pity Me where there was a
- [Bullfrog Bootleg](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/bullfrog-bootleg/) - On October 10th 1974 I got a call from our manager to say there was a gig going that very night supporting Wishbone Ash could I contact everyone and get the band together for the show. I rang round everyone including the roadies and we were ready to rock. When the call came in I
- [Another Guest Artist: Steve Lamb](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/another-guest-artist-steve-lamb/) - I posted this video in Facebook yesterday under the heading "THE PERFECT GUITAR SOLO" - The upshot is that the conversations that followed mean that Steve Lamb with be appearing as another guest artist when the band hits the road. Back in the '80's my house in Whitley Bay was like the world famous Brill
- [First Rehearsal Dramas](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/first-rehearsal-dramas/) - Our second rehearsal takes place tomorrow and I've just had these Kev Howard pictures in from rehearsal one (more to come) It was a good rehearsal but not without mishaps. On our next rehearsal Les Watts will be joining us on keyboards but for the first rehearsal I wanted to strip it right back to
- [Another Guest Vocalist: Phil Caffrey](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/another-guest-vocalist-phil-caffrey/) - I'm pleased to announce that Phil Caffrey will be joining our bevy of guest vocalists. Phil and I go back quite a ways. From the days when I used him and his brothers, Peter and Paul: The Wallsend Beach Boys as backing vocalists on all my productions at Impulse studios, through a deal with Phonogram
- [Down To The River](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/down-to-the-river-3/) - Well as the Band has been in existence for a month or so, time for a solo album I think ! "Down To The River" is Tom Kelly's poem which I'm set to a series of soundscapes. You can purchase the CD at http://stmedia.org/shop/ or download it from Bandcamp or just listen to it. (cover image Kev
- [Sarah Brightman Releases Hurry Home](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/sarah-brightman-releases-hurry-home/) - A new release by a major artist of one of my songs has become less common these days so I'm delighted to see that Sarah Brightman has released "Hurry Home" It is the second track on CD 1 of her triple CD set "Rarities". Coincidentally, my band were discussing the arrangement of this song in
- [A New Guest Vocalist Announced](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/new-guest-vocalist-announced/) - I'm delighted to announce that Mick Whitaker will appear at some shows as guest vocalist when we hit the road. Mick is regarded as one of the finest vocalists the North of England ever produced. He and I go back years and have a huge catalogue of material to draw upon. Maybe we'll pull something
- [The Perfect Valentines Day Gift](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-perfect-valentines-day-gift/) - Complete with demo versions and rare Sarah Brightman Version http://stmedia.org/product/hurry-home-wavelength/
- [Bullfrog Resurrected](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/bullfrog-resurected/) - This article in the Newcastle Journal from 2005 is interesting. "The Day the Music Died - And So Did Bullfrog" the article declares. Well get ready for a resurrection ! Tomorrow my new band starts rehearsal and the first number we'll play is the song mentioned in the article "In The City" We're purposely starting out with
- [The Disco Years](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-disco-years/) - Here's one definitely going into the set even though I had a hit with it. What I'm even more proud of is that it earned us a BBC ban. My first and only. Halfway though this kicks into my demo featuring Lorraine Crosby on BV's http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7FrJzUtVPg
- [Please Don't Sympathise - Song Story](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/please-dont-sympathise-song-story/) - Here is another of my songs going through it's various stages. Firstly there is my home rough demo using a DR 55 Dr Rhythm drum machine (a very early drum machine ). Next I took it to Guardian Studios in Pity Me (UK) where Paul Smith supplied the drums I did the rest and Dave Black added the vocals.
- [Going Solo - The Lost Song](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/going-solo-the-lost-song/) - Here is the second part of the story I promised. You can read the first part here. Actually, Gus came back to my mind this week with the passing of David Bowie. Gus was one hell of a story teller and story he recounted to me many times was how he produced Bowies’s “Space Oddity”.
- [Going Solo](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/going-solo/) - Writing a song in the room next to Motorhead I recently told part of this story as it related to Lemmy of Motorhead. Here is the full story (part one) It would be circa 1983/4. I had just signed an exclusive songwriting deal with MCA Music. Record Producer, Gus Dudgeon wrote to MCA complementing
- [The Steve Thompson Band In Consett](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-st-band-in-consett/) - An earlier iteration of the ST Band expressing workers solidarity at Consett Empire in the musical "Steel Town" circa 2000. There may be some Steel Town songs in the set with the new line up. L to R Gary Cowie - Keyboards, Guitar - Me, Drums - Paul Westgate, Bass - Richard Rutherford, Vocals -
- [The Last Teardrop](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-last-teardrop-2/) - Earlier this year I was in Finland where I delivered a lecture on Heavy Metal. I was having a beer whilst waiting for my tram when Meatloafs "Anything For Love" came on juke box. Of course I had to wait and wait until I heard my old mate Lorraine Crosby come in with that killer
- [40 Years On](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/40-years-on/) - I've been having an email conversation with a guy who recently bought my old band Bullfrog's single (on vinyl obviously) He was intrigue that the B side was the stand-out track whilst the A side is crap so I told him the story. I'll be telling this and other stories when my band hits the
- [Strike Up The Band](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/strike-up-the-band/) - My band goes into rehearsal in January.Core line-up is Paul Smith - Drums, Richard Rutherford - Bass and me on Guitar. Since my repertoire is so eclectic having written for a broad range of artistes http://goo.gl/HMlCxV we will use those early rehearsals to establish a sound and vision. Then we'll add keyboards and vocals. The
- [A Night On The Pop](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/a-night-on-the-pop-3/) - Facebook reminded me that I posted this 2 years ago today. It's a newspaper cutting that I broke down into separate pics so it could be read. It didn't really work on Facebook so here it is again in my blog. You should be able to read the clips in order. It tells the story
- [I Used To Be Famous](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/i-used-to-be-famous/) - This is my granddaughter Mia in the video below aged 6 spoofing up one of those "sell your house" TV shows. She tells her viewing public "The man who lives here used to be famous but he's not that famous any more" Huh - out of the mouths of babes !! Anyway, fast forward 8
- [When You Close Your Eyes (Who Do You See)](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/when-you-close-your-eyes-who-do-you-see/) - Oh No Something aint right You don't wanna talk And I don't wanna fight You seem so close Yet so far away The truth will come out In the light of day Are you there at all When I take you in my loving arms When you close your eyes Who do you see When
- [Saturday Shake Up](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/saturday-shake-up-demos/) - Found this on an old cassette. Me and Mick Whitaker are pitching some demo ideas for a theme tune to Malcolm Gerrie of TTTV. Mickey Sweeney gets a mention too. We're obviously feeling quite "happy". I'm a little vague about whether we got the gig or not but I think maybe we did. I think
- [Folk Songs](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/116/) - I set out to record versions of many of my songs in a fashion that anyone could sing them. i.e. Folk songs (which is where they all have their roots anyway. You can check them all out here. Eventually I hope to have them all recorded with my own vocals (ugh !) and a simple
- [The New Digital Dawn Arrives:](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-new-digital-dawn-arrives/) - These workshops are now available via "crowd-sourcing" - as new participants book the cost goes down. So it's really worthwhile to get others in your network involved. The next session is Digital Video in Tyneside so go here https://steve-thompson.org.uk/booking/ click on the video tab to see how many are attending and use the contact form
- [The Community Challenge](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-community-challenge-2/) - In the year 2000 we saw the very first online pubquiz between Skinningrove in Timms Coffee House and the Black Bull in Trimdon. Skinningrove won! This was a great boost for Skinningrove for a number of reasons. Firstly Skinningrove were just recovering from two massive floods. The other reason was that the Black Bull had
- [Dam Head Rangers](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/dam-head-rangers/) - This project began life as a musical. We're now developing the story to become a Monkees/Beatlesque/Mash TV series. We're working with Teesside University students to form a scriptwriting team and we may also be working with Middlesbrough College. Men from the Swallwell and Whickham area of Gateshead deserted during the First World War and lived hand-to-mouth
- [Wolf Fm](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/wolf-fm/) - info to come
- [Newcastle Community News](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/newcastle-community-news/) - NCN developed out of the early Internet activities of Wolf FM, a community radio project in Walker, Newcastle. It grew and grew, attracting local interest as well as a large following of Geordie ex-pats from all over the world. We worked with Newcastle Literacy Trust and Newcastle Libraries Service and developed several groups of community reporters. This
- [Word FM](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/word-fm/) - Info to come
- [Digital Villages](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/digital-villages/) - Info to come
- [The Community Challenge](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-community-challenge/) - Info to come
- [The Octorama](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-octorama/) - Info to come
- [The Straad Players](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-straad-players/) - Info to come
- [The Bonny Moorhen](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-bonny-moorhen/) - Info to come
- [Voices](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/voices/) - Click "play" to see all pieces play in order. Click on "playlist" for info and to watch pieces individually.
- [Jobling](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/jobling/) - A Musical: Book and Lyrics: Tom Kelly, Music: Steve Thompson JOBLING is based on events surrounding the gibbeting of William Jobling, Jarrow Pitman and the last man gibbeted in the north in 1832. Jobling was tried and hung at Durham, then gibbeted on Jarrow Slake for his part in the murder of South Shields magistrate
- [Down To The River](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/down-to-the-river/) - Down To The River is a Multi Media adaptation of the epic Tom Kelly poem "GEORDIE" which was published by Red Squirrel Press in a collection entitled "Dreamers In A Cold Climate".For the purpose of this new work which will be released on DVD the 20 minute reading has been broken down into 9 distinct
- [Occupy Stanhope](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/occupy-stanhope/) - I have been working with Jack Drum Arts of County Durham on a Community Play based on the subject of the 1818 "Battle of Stanhope". The play will run for 3 days in March 2012 in a barn in Stanhope. Basically the story goes like this: the Napoleonic wars had ended and there was a
- [Before We Depart](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/before-we-depart/) - I got chatting to an old buddy that I cut a couple of albums with and toured with back in the 80's and the upshot is we've started trading licks for a possible new album. Mostly under wraps for now. More soon. He's a track I've started working on that bears the title BEFORE WE DEPART
- [Sleepless Nights](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/sleepless-nights/) - Caffrey, Morrison & Thompson I put a whole bunch of tracks recorded in the nineties through Digital mastering kit and this album was the result. There are tracks written by me some by Tommy Morrison and some co-writes, all sung by Phil Caffrey who also had a hand in some of the writing. Sadly,
- [Southbound: Released At Last](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/southbound-released-at-last/) - Three tracks recorded circa 1977/8 by popular North East band Southbound. I produced this session for the Neat label but it never saw the light of day. Now some 38 years later I've dug out an old cassette, digitised it and then ran it through some sophisticated software to breath some life into the recordings.
- [Songs Of Love Work And War](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/songs-of-love-work-and-war/) - This was originally a review at South Shields Customs House with music from the Steve Thompson Band, narration from Tom and back projected images. It has become a Kelly/Thompson "genre" of material and new songs are being added and new forms of delivery considered. Below is the live album available to listen for free and
- [Urban Grit](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/urban-grit/) - This is probably the first Kelly/Thompson and is largely experimental. Some of the material found it's way into the Voices Exhibition but others remain unreleased.
- [Lecture In Finland](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/lecture-in-finland/) - I'm off to Arcada University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki in a couple of weeks and they've asked me to give a lecture for students in ... wait for it: HEAVY METAL
- [Revolutionaries In The Cellar](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/revolutionaries-in-the-cellar/) - Facebook's new(ish) feature "on this day" reminded me that 3 years today I posted the picture below under the caption "Plotting revolution in a cellar in Finland". Indeed we were, hard to identify but the picture I'm clutching is of Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin who allegedly had a clandestine meeting in Tampere, Finland where
- [Lonely At The Top](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/lonely-at-the-top/) - I wrote Lonely at The Top for the Tygers of Pan Tang for their 3rd album "The Cage" back in 1982. They were already planning to record my song "Paris By Air" but their chief songwriter, John Sykes had just quit the band and strong songs were in short supply. I went round to
- [Rubber Blocks to Loftus](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/rubber-blocks-to-loftus/) - What have Middlesbrough Music Live and Loftus Library got in common? Four rubber blocks that's what. Thanks to Martie at Music Life I took charge of 4 rubber blocks and shipped them down to Lofus calling on Mr Motivator, Barry Hunt to help offload. They're now sitting under John the librarians desk so when he
- [Latest Post](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/latest-post/) - I've just added this blog to the equation so I can add more recent developments to the otherwise static resume page.
- [Sneak Previews](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/sneak-previews/) - Here are two previews of the exhibition taking place on September 11th and 13th as part of the Heritage Open Day at Loftus Town Hall. . Although we can't do the 8 screens and speaker of the Octorama justice here, these two clips may give you a flavour of the eventNB - the audio and
- [Attic Museum](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/attic-museum/) - Trying to have a tidy up in my studio. I consigned to the attic two TX7 (DX7) sound modules and an Akai S950 sampler. I also took up there some 2 inch 24 track master tapes. These were from sessions I did with my old friend Gus Dudgeon and when Gus died a coupla years
- [East Cleveland Image Archive](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/east-cleveland-image-archive/) - There can be no doubt that the East Cleveland Image Archive housed at Loftus Library will play a big part in the "Iron Age to Digital Age" exhibition. The diagram below shows how images are panning out with regard to East Cleveland Villages. We think that we will place images geographically around the 8 screens.
- [Cirn 2010](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/cirn-2010/) - I'm in Prato for the CIRN (Community Informatics Research Network) conference. It's rainy but nice. My conference paper is here. I'm spending time pre-conference getting some desk work done in a nice little alcove in my hotel room. I'm planning to run a community teaching session in Saltburn (UK) from here so I'm making some
- [Re-enactment Of Historic Event](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/re-enactment-of-historic-event/) - On Thursday 18th November children at Whitcliffe Primary School will re-enact a famous event from their Schools history. Actually the story relates to Skinningrove school but both schools have been amalgamated and children of Skinningrove and Carlin How all attend Whitecliffe. Whitecliffe has the logbooks of both schools going back over 140 years and one
- [Captain Kirk Flies The Zeppelin](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/captain-kirk-flies-the-zeppelin/) - Straad Kirk has been cast in the role of the captain of the Zeppelin that will fly over Skinningrove School re-enacting an event that took place nearly 100 years ago. Unlike the actual Zeppelin of 1915 the one Kirk will be flying has a fully stocked bar. Clearly the cast will be frequenting this craft
- [Distance Learning](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/distance-learning/) - Projected onto the wall in Salturn from room in Prato During the October 2010 workshops at Destinations in Saltburn I explained to the participants that I would be out of the country at a conference the following week and so there would be no session. They said that they attend any way because it’s quite
- [Animex Fringe 2011](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/animex-fringe-2011/) - If you can’t make it to the event in Saltburn today (Thurs 3rd March) you should still me able to enjoy it online. I say “should” because this is experimental. At http://tvcm.co.uk/animex2011 there is a tweetstream with the hashtag #tvcmanim11 – a chat stream, a live stream and a “blogcast” releasing each film at the
- [Production Resumed](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/production-resumed/) - Production has begun again after the Christmas break on “Tommy and Barry Go Back”. We lost a lot of production days before Christmas to weather condition and ill health so we have postponed the world premiere to March 3rd. It’s the same venue, Saltburn Community Theatre at 7.30pm. We moved our production location to Destinations in
- [October](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/october/) - I have a slightly altered remit from October 1st and a range of exciting and interesting Community Informatics and Community Media projects starting up.Drama in the DalesThis project led by Jack Drum Arts is about the creation of a ‘community play’ for Weardale, inspired by the story of ‘The Battle of Stanhope’ as immortalised in
- [Adventures in North Yorkshire](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/adventures-in-north-yorkshire/) - I spent the day filming for the Cornfield Flowers Project with Chris Wilson. We started out at Silpho field and then spent some time in the very atmospheric Spaunton Quarry. Then Chris led the way to the secluded "mushroom field" Finally we returned to the Jeep having left the engine running as had been hesitant
- [Drama in the Dale](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/drama-in-the-dale/) - October 1st and 2nd sees 3 workshops taking place in the locations below in the Drama in the Dale production "The Bonny Moorhen". This is a community play being developed by Jack Drum Arts with community groups to dramatise the Stanhope Riot of 1819 My part in this is to develop additional Digital activities. These
- [Diverse](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/diverse/) - For no apparent reason this thought came to me as I was out driving: "I've played guitar with the Jeff Beck group and sung with the Nolan Sisters". How diverse is that? So. how did these two, poles apart situations come about? Well, firstly producer Wayne Bickerton picked up on one of my songs and wanted to
- [Parsley](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/parsley/) - This parsley being used in tonights dinner came from our garden. I'm so tempted to go the whole hog: grow my own stuff, police my own property, do my own education, hope for the best with health and form my own little republic. Goodbye UK., a photo by ST Media on Flickr.This parsley being used
- [Is Buddypress Any Good?](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/is-buddypress-any-good/) - Just pondering. Wordpress is great but I've never seen or developed an effective Buddypress site (a plugin to turn WP in to a social network, forum etc) Possibly WP is best used as a blog/cms and leave social networking and forums to dedicated platforms. http://buddypress.org/ Steve T
- [Girl in the Lane](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/girl-in-the-lane/) - Just release the second track from my Places in Time album. With concept in 2007, first track in 2009 and second track in 2013 this is clearly a slow burner. Steve T
- [Steel Town Revisited, Remixed, Remastered.](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/steel-town-revisited-remixed-remastered/) - I'm remastering the original cast recording of Steel Town. Also there are demos, poems, live cuts & unreleased tracks. http://steeltown.co.uk Apart from the songs featured in the show there is a wealth of related material including oral history recordings. This will take a little while and in order to accommodate the inevitable cast of thousands
- [Another Shared Posting](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/another-shared-posting/) - The shared posting feature with Blogger and Google + was a bit odd just now so I'll try again now.
- [Google+](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/google/) - Right, I've hooked my Blogger account to my Google+ account so I wonder what will change.
- [A Bit More Plumbing](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/a-bit-more-plumbing/) - what I'm trying to achieve here is to post to Wordpress AND Blogger. Steve T
- [Johnny Two Phones](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/johnny-two-phones/) - I finally did something sensible (I think) with technology. I bought an expensive state of the art (at the time) HTC Desire. As a Mac user I didn’t want to put all my “apples” in one basket so went Android instead of iPhone. I really do like Android. However, all that desirability of apps is
- [Digital Footprint and Employment](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/digital-footprint-and-employment/) - I’m developing a new course for seeking employment supported by digital tools and social media. This also gives some consideration to Digital Footprint, sometimes referred to as Net Rep (Reputation). There are lots of horror stories about potential employers Googling a candidate to find all sorts of really embarrassing and compromising pictures and texts in
- [Online Music Collab](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/online-music-collab/) - I've been watching developments in this field for a while. The process I use most is the sending of a track to a vocalist to add record their part which they then transmit back to me. I then compile the finished mix. Actual online collaboration has been attempted by several software producers but has never
- [Old Days vs New Days](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/old-days-vs-new-days/) - Computer recording vs the old days: spent about 4 hours yesterday trying to recover a lost track. Weird stuff with lots of blind alleys trying to rectify. I'd done all the right things with incremental saves and backup files but it seems many of the saves were corrupted. So how would this play out in
- [SONG STORY: One Of A Kind](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/song-story-one-of-a-kind/) - For a while I published "Song Story Sunday" where I took a song and made a collage of it, going through the various stages of development. Today I'm reviving this feature for a song called "One of A Kind". This song was co-written with Tommy Morrison. Just under a week ago I heard this song
- [Cubase Gets It Right](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/cubase-gets-it-right/) - With version 7, in my view, Cubase has finally got it right and I'm referring largely to the mixer. I could never really get to grips with the mixer in all previous versions. It was baffling and the window just floated all over. Now the mixer is much more solid visually and is a full
- [Geordies Lament](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/geordies-lament/) - Finally, procrastination begone ! First track for a project started years ago to produce a collection to be called "Down To The River" based on Tom Kelly's epic poem "Geordie". Now after thumb twiddling, technology traumas and distractions, I'm calling this complete. I could tweak this and adjust that but I'm not letting this boy anywhere
- [Unfinished Song 2000](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/unfinished-song-2000/) - Rediscovered this on my iTunes today. When I was in the Whitaker Band I produced an album "The Tuesday Club" circa 1999. This is one of my many unfinished songs and we slotted it between the tracks as if it got there by accident. Sorry, it's my naff vocals - maybe I should dust off
- [Music by the Yard](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/music-by-the-yard/) - I once worked with an Irish audio engineer, I don't know if the fact he was Irish has a bearing on this but he had an interesting way of determining the length of pieces of music. He worked in a studio run by video production outfit and would be asked to music of a specific duration
- [Stockton - Hamburg](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/stockton-hamburg/) - I picked up the following story from Guido Russo on Facebook. It seems just as I was crawling about under the stage, setting up for Stockton Weekender a crowd was "going wild" to one of my songs on another stage in Hamburg, Germany. Was I in the wrong place? The following from Guido."I was near
- [Digital Ideas Tapes](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/digital-ideas-tapes/) - I've got boxes of "ideas tapes" (Cassettes) in the attic. Luckily digital ideas are easier to store and access (see pic) Back in the 70's and 80's my various publishers and production companies were always badgering me for more songs - give is more !! make us money !! - oh the stress. Sometimes the
- [Social Media Optimisation](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/social-media-optimisation/) - I'm making this post on the basis that it should go to all my social media outlets using a mixture of plugins + smoke and mirrors. I've pretty much cracked it all but for Google+ - Now, Google + does not play nice with very much else at all. It's a shame where Google have
- [Facelift](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/facelift/) - I think it's time to overhaul my http://stmedia.org website. I quite like the Wordpress skin I'm using but it has some odd anomalies. Perhaps it's time to use a more modern and updated template. I think what I'll do is create a mirror site and copy the content. Once I'm happy I'll port the skin
- [Hands On Middlesbrough](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/hands-on-middlesbrough/) - These pictures are from the Aspirational Digital Stories workshop held in July 2014. All the participants designed their ideal city and then presented their ideas to the groupe group.
- [He's Got A Dream](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/hes-got-a-dream/) - In 1999 Tom Kelly and I wrote and produced a musical "Steel Town". It tells of a young man's dream of escaping the Steel Works into the world of music (wonder who that could be?) Tom produced the lyric to the song I'm posting which brilliantly captures how that young man's parents may have felt
- [Windows Movie Maker](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/windows-movie-maker/) - After Windows 7, Movie Maker changed drastically. There is no time line. In my opinion the timeline is fundamental to video editing (also to music and audio). The lack of a timeline in my view renders Movie Maker in Windows 7 and beyond useless. WMM 2.6 Luckily there is a work around. Download Windows Movie Maker 2.6
- [Remembering Alvin](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/remembering-alvin/) - I was sad to hear this week that Alvin Stardust had died. I spent quite a bit of time with Alvin in the late 80's producing an albums worth of my songs with him. The tracks never saw the light of day so I'll attach a compilation of them to this post. I know Alvin
- [IFTTT](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/ifttt/) - I've only scratched the surface with IFTTT https://ifttt.com/ but it looks set to become ever more highly regarded with $30M in funding. IFTTT is pronounced like Gift without the "G". It means "If This (happens) Then (make) This (happen). It's kind of a visual programming tool kit for the Internet and social media. It's pretty
- [A Test](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/a-test/) - Trying the Hootsuite app to post to my site.
- [An Elegant Solution](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/an-elegant-solution/) - I’ve been developing some new digital workshops lately http://bit.ly/embdig15 My process work is all in Dropbox but I share the guide docs with participants in Google Drive as they all get a login and password in the Workshops. I had a mild panic when my entire process folder representing several years of work disappeared from
- [Happy New Adventure](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/happy-new-adventure/) - Here we go 2015. The start of the working New Year is always a bit of an adventure. Started me thinking, Like many people in January 2000 I was starting the new millennium with great hopes for the future. I was working on a new musical Steel Town that would be staged that year. Also I was
- [Social Injustices](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/social-injustices/) - I shared a letter on Zero Hours contracts a few days ago on Facebook thinking my little circle of bolshy friends may have something to say about it. Now I'm astounded to see it's been shared over 14,000 times and the likes may go over 13,000 anytime soon. This and the 100's of PM's I've
- [Trying Out Quick Gallery](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/trying-out-quick-gallery/) - Photo Gallery by QuickGallery.com
- [The Do Button](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-do-button/) - The "Do Button" from IFTTT looks like having amazing possibilities https://ifttt.com/products
- [Another Test](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/another-test/) - Sorry to bother you with tests but it seems my Wordpress postings do get triggered to Google + via the Jeptack sharing plugin. However the title is not included and it seems a somewhat random image from my blog gets posted. What happens if I purposely add an image to this post?
- [Do My Blogs](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/do-my-blogs/) - Also go to Googe+ Sorry, as you've probably guessed, this is yet another test.
- [Lonely At The Top](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/lonely-top/) - I wrote Lonely at The Top for the Tygers of Pan Tang for their 3rd album "The Cage" back in 1982. They were already planning to record my song "Paris By Air" but their chief songwriter, John Sykes had just quit the band and strong songs were in short supply. I went round to their
- [Do My Blogs](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/blogs/) - Also go to Googe+ Sorry, as you've probably guessed, this is yet another test.
- [Scribefire](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/scribefire/) - Why did I ever stop using this? The Scribefire Firefox plugin allows you to write to multiple blogs right from your browser. I used to do this a lot. It seems to have progressed a lot over the years and looks quite sophisticated now. Maybe it even works in Google Chrome too. I shall have
- [He's Got A Dream](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/hes-got-dream/) - In 1999 Tom Kelly and I wrote and produced a musical “Steel Town”. It tells of a young man’s dream of escaping the Steel Works into the world of music (wonder who that could be?) Tom produced the lyric to the song I’m posting which brilliantly captures how that young man’s parents may have felt
- [Remembering Alvin](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/remembering-alvin-2/) - I was sad to hear this week that Alvin Stardust had died. I spent quite a bit of time with Alvin in the late 80's producing an albums worth of my songs with him. The tracks never saw the light of day so I'll attach a compilation of them to this post. I know Alvin
- [IFTTT](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/ifttt-2/) - I've only scratched the surface with IFTTT https://ifttt.com/ but it looks set to become even more highly regarded with $30M in funding. IFTTT is pronounced like Gift without the "G". It means "If This (happens) Then (make) This (happen). It's kind of a visual programming tool kit for the Internet and social media. It's pretty
- [Hamburg - Stockton](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/hamburg-stockton/) - I picked up the following story from Guido Russo on Facebook. It seems just as I was crawling about under the stage, setting up for Stockton Weekender a crowd was "going wild" to one of my songs on another stage in Hamburg, Germany. Was I in the wrong place? The following from Guido. "I was
- [Digital Ideas Tapes](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/digital-ideas-tapes-2/) - I've got boxes of "ideas tapes" (Cassettes) in the attic. Luckily digital ideas are easier to store and access (see pic) Back in the 70's and 80's my various publishers and production companies were always badgering me for more songs - give is more !! make us money !! - oh the stress. Sometimes the
- [Social Media Optimisation](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/social-media-optimisation-2/) - I'm making this post on the basis that it should go to all my social media outlets using a mixture of plugins + smoke and mirrors. I've pretty much cracked it all but for Google+ - Now, Google + does not play nice with very much else at all. It's a shame where Google have
- [Facelift](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/facelift-2/) - I think it's time to overhaul my http://stmedia.org website. I quite like the Wordpress skin I'm using but it has some odd anomalies. Perhaps it's time to use a more modern and updated template. I think what I'll do is create a mirror site and copy the content. Once I'm happy I'll port the skin
- [Unfinished Song 2000](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/unfinished-song-2000-2/) - Rediscovered this on my iTunes today. When I was in the Whitaker Band I produced an album "The Tuesday Club" circa 1999. This is one of my many unfinished songs and we slotted it between the tracks as if it got there by accident. Sorry, it's my naff vocals - maybe I should dust off
- [Music by the Yard](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/music-by-the-yard-2-2/) - I once worked with an Irish audio engineer, I don't know if the fact he was Irish has a bearing on this but he had an interesting way of determining the length of pieces of music. He worked in a studio run by video production outfit and would be asked to music of a specific duration
- [Old Days vs New Days](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/old-days-vs-new-days-2/) - Computer recording vs the old days: spent about 4 hours yesterday trying to recover a lost track. Weird stuff with lots of blind alleys trying to rectify. I'd done all the right things with incremental saves and backup files but it seems many of the saves were corrupted. So how would this play out in
- [SONG STORY: One Of A Kind](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/song-story-one-of-a-kind-2/) - For a while I published “Song Story Sunday” where I took a song and made a collage of it, going through the various stages of development. Today I'm reviving this feature for a song called “One of A Kind”. This song was co-written with Tommy Morrison. Just under a week ago I heard this song
- [Cubase Gets It Right](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/cubase-gets-it-right-2/) - With version 7, in my view, Cubase has finally got it right and I'm referring largely to the mixer. I could never really get to grips with the mixer in all previous versions. It was baffling and the window just floated all over. Now the mixer is much more solid visually and is a full
- [Geordies Lament](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/geordies-lament-2/) - Finally, procrastination begone ! First track for a project started years ago to produce a collection to be called “Down To The River” based on Tom Kelly's epic poem “Geordie”. Now after thumb twiddling, technology traumas and distractions, I’m calling this complete. I could tweak this and adjust that but I’m not letting this boy anywhere
- [Online Music Collab](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/online-music-collab-2/) - I've been watching developments in this field for a while. The process I use most is the sending of a track to a vocalist to add record their part which they then transmit back to me. I then compile the finished mix. Actual online collaboration has been attempted by several software producers but has never
- [Is Buddypress Any Good?](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/is-buddypress-any-good-2/) - Just pondering. Wordpress is great but I've never seen or developed an effective Buddypress site (a plugin to turn WP in to a social network, forum etc) Possibly WP is best used as a blog/cms and leave social networking and forums to dedicated platforms. http://buddypress.org/
- [Girl in the Lane](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/girl-in-the-lane-2/) - Just released the second track from my Places in Time album. With concept in 2007, first track in 2009 and second track in 2013 this is clearly a slow burner.
- [Steel Town Revisited, Remixed, Remastered.](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/steel-town-revisited-remixed-remastered-2/) - I'm remastering the original cast recording of Steel Town. Also there are demos, poems, live cuts & unreleased tracks. http://steeltown.co.uk Apart from the songs featured in the show there is a wealth of related material including oral history recordings. This will take a little while and in order to accommodate the inevitable cast of thousands
- [Go Free](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/go-free/) - The sixth track from the Caffrey Morrison Thompson album Sleepless Nights http://bit.ly/YqT8xS
- [A Bit More Plumbing](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/a-bit-more-plumbing-2/) - what I'm trying to achieve here is to post to Wordpress AND Blogger.
- [Sleepless Nights CD](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/sleepless-nights-2/) - Here is the first and title song on the new Caffrey Morrison Thompson CD "Sleepless Nights". It's a £1 dowload. Free to listen. The album will feature 15 tracks in total. I'm digitally remastering all the songs so I'll put another track up every few days or so.
- [Social Media Plumbing](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/social-media-plumbing/) - Using a terrific Wordpress plugin - "Social" by Mail Chimp to hook up my Facebook and FB pages and Twitter
- [How I Gave Venom The Devil](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/how-i-gave-venom-the-devil-2/) - This article is taken from a story I wrote ages ago called "Remembering the Eighties". The 80's story was originally commissioned by a website called "Metal Godz". The site is long gone and my eighties article remains unfinished and unpublished. During all the recording sessions for Neat Records we had the assistance of Conrad Lant.
- [Trying Something Out](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/trying-something-out/) - Just added the Buffer plugin to my site so I guess this will go to Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin
- [SONG STORY: Laugh At It All](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/song-story-laugh-at-it-all/) - SUNDAY SONG STORY: I've let this slide a bit but here's a new story. Way back I did a demo session at Guardian Studios in Pity Me. I never went back but this was largely because I did not drive back then and it was a good ways out for me. Anyway, little was I
- [SONG STORY: Merry Christmas](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/song-story-merry-christmas/) - SUNDAY SONG STORY: This weeks story has a festive theme so I thought I'd bring it forward a day. Back in the 90’s I was producing demo recordings for other songwriters. They would send me their rough efforts and I’d record a polished product with which they could seek fame and fortune. I had a
- [SONG STORY: Empty Pockets](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/song-story-empty-pockets/) - SUNDAY SONG STORY: The previous two stories have included Toni Haliday and this is the third and final in a song story trilogy. You may have noted in the preceding stories that I was striving to develop material that would work for Toni as an artist. She was young and edgy and I needed material
- [SONG STORY: Looking For Love in a Stranger](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/song-story-looking-for-love-in-a-stranger/) - SONG STORY SUNDAY: Back with a story after missing a couple of weeks. This week let’s look at “Looking For Love In A Stranger”. Toni Haliday walked into the studio one day and said she wanted to be a pop star. She eventually had some success with Curve but I recall she was just 14
- [TESTING](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/testing/) - Posted via email from Steve's Gmail Blogging
- [Song Story Jaws 3D - The Lyrics](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/jaws-3d-the-lyrics/) - A Love Song for Two Dolphins In the early 80's I was signed to MCA Music. One day I got a call from my mentor there, Pete Waterman. Pete said I there was a big-shot movie producer in town and I was was urgently needed the next day in London to meet up with him.
- [Song Story - Messing Around](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/song-story-messing-around/) - I realise the previous stories may a bit name droppy so this one will be a bit of an antidote to that. I have written my fair share of duffers so let's have a listen to one now shall we. When I quit being in a rock band and decided to concentrate on songwriting it
- [Digital Download](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/digital-download/) - Finally, Hurry Home by Wavelength available as a digital download. People who have worn out their vinyl have been contacting me for years about this. The vinyl version is changing hands for anywhere between £1 and £40.
- [Song Story - Mike Pender](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/song-story-mike-pender/) - As last weeks SONG STORY SUNDAY featured the Searchers, how about Mike Pender this week. First you’ll hear “It’s Over” which was a solo single for Mike. I did not write this song but I produced the single as well as paying bass and keyboards on it. My co-producer and I, John Verity gave him
- [Hurry Home Song Story](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/hurry-home-song-story/) - Here is the story behind Hurry Home. The audio collage you can hear below starts with my rough demo. Unfortunately auto-tune had not been invented in those days. The rough demo was laid down after a heavy metal session I recall, everyone had left and there was only me and audio engineer Mickey Sweeney in
- [Song Stories](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/song-stories/) - I've been thinking about this for a while. For any song there will be demos, pre-demos, work-tapes, and perhaps various versions. It means trawling though cassettes and hard drives but I was thinking I might do that with a number of my songs - watch this space.
- [An Experiment](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/an-experiment/) - Get the Video Gallery Pro widget and many other great free widgets at Widgetbox! Not seeing a widget? (More info)
- [Cellar Club South Shields](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/cellar-club-south-shields/) - This was the Whitaker Band in 1998 or 1999 (can't quite remember) at one of our favorite gigs - the Cellar Club, South Shields. I took these down from my old site as I had run out of file space. Here we go again. Vocals: Mick Whitaker, Keyboards & Backing Vocals: Andy Hawking, Guitar and
- [Diverse](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/diverse-2/) - For no apparent reason this thought came to me as I was out driving: "I've played guitar with the Jeff Beck group and sung with the Nolan Sisters". How diverse is that? So. how did these two, poles apart situations come about? Well, firstly producer Wayne Bickerton picked up on one of my songs and wanted to
- [Abandoned Places](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/abandoned-places/) - One day I'll finish my "Places in Time" project. Meanwhile I just found an older recording inspired by Henk van Rensbergen's "Abandoned Places" Website. Henke kindly allowed me to use some of his evocative images to accompany my music for an exhibition in 2002. Abandoned Places by ST Media
- [The Muse](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-muse/) - I just wiped my Mac and started to reinstate software. Ableton Live and Propellerheads Reason/Record were fine but Cubase would not recognise the dongle. Same problem with my soft synths Korg M1 and Wavestation (I used to have these synths) and Absynthe. I decided to just use these on the PC and finsh earlier projects
- [QR Experiments](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/qr-experiments/) - I've been experimenting with different QR code things. Just found this - Share Square - pretty cool. If you recognise the image to the right then you most likely know what to do with it. If you don't have a smart phone you can still see the results here: http://shsq.re/UB
- [Never Go Back](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/never-go-back-2/) - I've mentioned to a few people my habit of knocking out a quick song and then forgetting it. Everyone says "run a tape recorder and capture them". But that would destroy the art of it - a song created, performed and forgotten all in 10 minutes or however long it takes a video or some
- [Song For Europe](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/song-for-europe/) - I was contacted recently by Gordon Roxburgh who runs a website called www.songs4europe.com which is all about the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest and the Song For Europe competition. Gordon has been commissioned to write a book on the same subject and conducted an online interview with me about my involvement with Eurovision
- [The Still Man](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-still-man/) - It's been a while but I'm trying to pick up my various experimental music projects and develop them further. About a year ago I started to produce a piece in Prato, Italy. I decided to call it "The Still Man". It's taken me until now to dust it off and upload it. It still needs
- [Attic Museum](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/attic-museum-2/) - Trying to have a tidy up in my studio. I consigned to the attic two TX7 (DX7) sound modules and an Akai S950 sampler. I also took up there some 2 inch 24 track master tapes. These were from sessions I did with my old friend Gus Dudgeon and when Gus died a coupla years
- [Hello Technorati](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/hello-technorati/) - HVYEKZ8JN7VD
- [A Winters Day](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/a-winters-day/) - This song was inspired by this photograph A WINTERS DAY IN A RAIL YARD, EAST CLEVELAND THE SNOW LIES WHITE AND UN-WALKED THEN A MAN LOOKS OUT INTO MY EYES FROM OH SO MANY YEARS AGO HE SAYS; YOU ARE THE FUTURE AND I THE PAST BUT I KNEW YOU'D PASS THIS WAY IF YOU
- [Girl In The Lane](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/girl-in-the-lane-3/) - Another work in progress. Destined for my Places in Time Album. Perhaps a strange track, I'm not even sure if it's good or bad. Girl In The Lane by ST Media
- [Voices](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/voices-2/) - Voices Album available for download. Life by ST Media
- [Steel Town](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/steel-town-3/) - Steel Town Original Cast Album is available for download. Red Dust Overture/Finest Hour by ST Media
- [Power Glam](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/power-glam/) - In the early 70’s my band Bullfrog were signed to Cube Records. In a moment of madness we wrote a jokey song called “Riddley Tiddley Tum”. We tried to cloak our daftness by naming it Glancy after our first singer. However, our record company picked up on it and pronounced it to be our first
- [A songwriter, his songs and his lawyer](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/a-songwriter-his-songs-and-his-lawyer/) - This is the title of a presentation I'll be giving at the Stockton International Riverside Festival on July 31st 2009. More details on venue e.t.c. to follow. "Creating a hit song, or several can be a rewarding experience, however the song will be published, performed, recorded and sold globally. Keeping up with where the song
- [MySpace Song Reinstated](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/myspace-song-reinstated/) - Further to this story, I finally got an answer from MySpace re their removal of one of my songs. They suggested I write to Sony BMG which I did. I wrote the following Hello, I am the composer of "Ne Me Plaignez Pas" recorded by Celine Dion in 1983. It was originally released by Sheena
- [Cyber Bullying On MySpace](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/cyber-bullying-on-myspace/) - I have sent MySpace a complaint about cyber bullying on their site. The cyber bully in question is MySpace themselves with their sledgehammer and nut tactics. They have summarily removed one of my tracks with no discussion and no right to appeal. I own the copyright in the song in question. The song is Ne
- [When The Boat Comes Home](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/when-the-boat-comes-home/) - I awoke last night With the strangest of feelings Of the like I'd never known And I heard your voice Tell me you'd see me When the boat comes home When the Boat comes home When the storm clouds break I'll go down to the shoreline And I'll look way out to sea Till I
- [Fire And Water](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/fire-and-water/) - The River fills With tears from above Flows down the valley Into Skinnigrove The River flows Down to the sea Where a fire burns brightly FIRE AND WATER THEY ARE WORLDS APART LIKE THE STEEL IN YOUR SOUL AND THE LOVE IN YOUR HEART BUT THEN FIRE AND WATER COME TOGETHER AT LAST WHERE THERE'S
- [Ne Me Plaignez Pas](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/ne-me-plaignez-pas-4/) - plus - check this one
- [Ne Me Plaignez Pas](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/ne-me-plaignez-pas-2/)
- [Hurry Home](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/hurry-home-3/) - Hurry Home by WAVELENGTH
- [Hurry Home](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/hurry-home-2/) - Hurry Home by WAVELENGTH
- [Ne Me Plaignez Pas](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/ne-me-plaignez-pas-3/)
- [Beach Bump](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/beach-bump/)
- [Chiki Chiki Ah Ah](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/chiki-chiki-ah-ah/)
- [Waiting](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/waiting/) - See the lad with the twirly twirly hair playing bass. It's not him, he's miming to my bass part. I played bass on the Wreckage album (uncredited)
- [The Weckage](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-weckage/) - I'm actually in this, heavily disguised and playing keyboards. Seriously - positive proof at around 6 min 55 secs.
- [Three Rivers](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/three-rivers/) - Now, in time honoured tradition, let's end with a song.
- [FOOTNOTES](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/footnotes/) - Well, the 08 08 08 road trip is over. I enjoyed it immensely. There were many other places I could have gone and many more stories I could have told. I think I've learned something for future picture story road trips. Additional info (its like a travelogue innit?) Bamburgh Castle (nice video here) http://www.visitnorthumberland.com/site/highlights/the-icons/bamburgh-castle Bamburgh
- [Home - The Tees](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/home-the-tees/)
- [The Wear - Durham](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-wear-durham/) - Running late so just a quick stop to capture the flavour of Durham.
- [The Sage Gateshead](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-sage-gateshead/)
- [Jimi Woz Here ? !!](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/jimi-woz-here/)
- [Old And New](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/old-and-new/)
- [Down To The River](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/down-to-the-river-2/)
- [The Side](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-side/)
- [The Guildhall](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-guildhall/) - This is the Guildhall - my band played here many times in the 70's
- [The Swing Bridge](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-swing-bridge/)
- [The Tyne Bridge](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-tyne-bridge/) - The Tyne Bridge - (puffs chest with pride) Kinda hard to do justice to in a picture just hurriedly pointing and clicking. You see evidence of it in many of these Tyne pics. It was the inspiration for Sydney Harbour Bridge which was also built with steel from this region. (chest swells even larger with
- [THE TYNE](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-tyne/) - And now moving down from Byker to the quayside area of Newcastle My appointment (failed) was in the area to the right. The rest of the pics were shot in the area to the left on the North bank of the Tyne.
- [The Free Trade](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-free-trade/) - This is an interesting pub. I did not go inside (this trip) but I can tell you what is inside of great interest. The Juke Box remains stocked with a classic set of 60's records.
- [Byker Library](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/byker-library/) - 4pm arrived in Newcastle - Byker to be precise. Only 4 hours late !! This is Byker Library (now named the Brinkburn Centre). It is 100 years old this year. Sadly there was a fire recently in the roofspace as you can probably see. I'll learn more when I return to keep the appointment I
- [Digital Dark Room](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/digital-dark-room/) - Found a problem I had not expected. It's hard to choose and edit picture on a laptop in a car with the sun streaming through the windows. I figured a new way to run a digital dark room in a car. I threw my coat over my head to create a cloak over the laptop.
- [Titanic's Sister!](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/titanics-sister/) - I shall now reveal what is so special about the inside of the Swan Hotel... You step into the TITANIC !! The Dining room actually! - well good as. When Titanic's (identical) sister ship, Olympic was scrapped in 1937, many of the fittings and artworks were auctioned. The "Olympic Suite" conference and dining room were
- [The White Swan](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-white-swan/) - I'm inside the hotel I mentioned now having pea and bacon soup and uploading. hotel is something quite special.
- [Alnwick](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/alnwick/) - 2.30 and I'm in Alnwick. My itinerary is shot. Cancelled my meeting in Newcastle. I seem to have arrived during a festival.
- [The Viking](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-viking/) - In the seventies my band performed many times in the Viking Ballrom at Seahouses. Sadly this seems to have gone the way of many a riverside or sea front property.
- [Seahouses](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/seahouses/) - I'm in Seahouses now and I'm running late. I will pass through Alnwick on my way to my appointment in Newcastle. I wanted to take you inside a pub there but there may not be time. I know it's cheating but if I can't make it I'll upload pics from and earlier trip. Pic from
- [Fortress Furniture](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/fortress-furniture/) - Back in the seventies between my career as a rock star (failed) and becoming a songwriter I took a gig at the famous Newcastle department store, Fenwick. I enjoyed a stint during that autumn on the delivery truck. The deliveries were mostly to Northumberland and one day we delivered some wardrobes to Bamburgh Castle. (yes
- [Bamburgh Castle](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/bamburgh-castle/)
- [Angel of the North](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/angel-of-the-north/)
- [Testing the Upload Theory](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/testing-the-upload-theory/)
- [Pit Stop](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/pit-stop-2/) - Pit stop 9 am - just off A1. I know I've been going only a short while but I like this spot and I need to test the connection and the theory of mobile uploads. It's working even if a bit sluggish. Must press on after this as I'm heading to the far north of
- [Setting Off](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/setting-off/)
- [Supplies](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/supplies/) - First pic of the day. Gathering essentials for the road trip.
- [The Road Trip Plan](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-road-trip-plan/) - I wrote the following in a private forum. I have copied my postings here to share with others. To read in Chronological order - CLICK HERE. I live in the South of my UK region which is the North East of England. The north-most part borders on Scotland and is incredibly beautiful. The south-most part
- [Packet Tops](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/packet-tops/) - I heard "The Letter" by the Box Tops the other day and the memories came flooding back. Way back in '67 when that record charted I was about to begin my bid for rock stardom but, being only 15 many of these tunes we just a wonderfull noise and I could not comprehend how they
- [Journey](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/journey/) - Home at last here we are Never made that distant star But we found something good Right here in the neighbourhood I never really understood But now I know that ......... My journey ends here with you I know you feel the same way too My Journey ends at the start Right here in you
- [What If](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/what-if/) - Promises Doesn't anybody keep them? What a mess What a shame I confess, I've been guilty of the same thing But I did not mean To break the dream And shake the faith we had What if heaven isn't really there? Would we have the will to journey on? Keep on going till we find
- [Everyman](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/everyman/) - Many who die for a cause are faceless, ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary situations, not the famous, not great leaders but those that stand at the back, a face in the crowd, everyman. Folk Version This post and the media contained in it is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
- [Everyman](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/everyman-2/) - Downloads are below. Right click on a link and select "save as" to save to your computer. Please let us know how you get on and what the reaction is if you perform it and if you record it please let us hear it. Everyman Song -|- Everyman Lyrics (with Chords) -|- Backing Track -|-
- [Silent Stone](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/silent-stone/) - One of the worst Pit disasters in the north-east of England was on the afternoon of Thursday January 16th, 1862 at New Hartley Colliery, near Seaton Delaval, in Northumberland. The accident was caused by a beam, weighing forty-three tons, which fell into the pit shaft, trapping the majority of men who worked at the colliery.
- [The G.I. Bride](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-g-i-bride/) - During the Second World War many young girls from the north-east and many other parts of the U.K. met and fell in love with American servicemen and Steve Thompson's auntie, Evelyn Haggan, became a GI Bride. She left her family behind and sailed on the Queen Elizabeth to begin a new life in America. Evelyn
- [I Will Go Back](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/i-will-go-back/) - Taken from STEEL TOWN. A young man plans on leaving his hometown to pursue his dreams. This is a well-worn story of young people leaving their homes in Ireland for America or the north of England and heading for the supposedly bright lights of London. no folk version yet - alternative version below This post
- [Nothing Like The Wooden Horse](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/nothing-like-the-wooden-horse/) - Jarrow man Tommy Kelly was a German Prisoner of War from April 1940 until the end of the war. He spoke little of his experiences but what he did say was that it was nothing like the 1950 British film, THE WOODEN HORSE which gave a very different picture to the harshness he experienced. Sorry
- [Jimmy and Johnny](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/jimmy-and-johnny/) - Jimmy McCauley and Johnny Kelly were two marchers on the historic Jarrow Crusade. Two hundred men from the town of Jarrow marched to London in 1936. The town's shipyard, Palmers, had closed in 1933 resulting in mass unemployment. The aim of the march was to bring Jarrow's plight to the government's notice as life for
- [Sometimes Feels Like Heaven](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/sometimes-feels-like-heaven/) - This song, featured in the musical STEEL TOWN and captures the desperation of families living with the threat of unemployment. Their source of employment, Consett Steel Works, closed in September, 1980.ìSometimes feels like heaven is pouring tears down on me.î sorry no folk version yet - below is an alternative version rehearsal recording This post
- [Steel Town](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/steel-town-2-2/) - The title track of the STEEL TOWN musical. Consett moved from a hard working town, ìRaising hell in this frontier townî as its fame grew. The same story could apply to the industrial heartlands in Europe and the USA. sorry no folk version yet but here is an alternative version preceded by a story from
- [Like My Fathers Father](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/like-my-fathers-father/) - The north-east was at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution, sons followed fathers and grandfathers into the Pits, Steel Works and Shipyards. ëMy Father's Father' remembers, commemorates and celebrates that world sorry no folk version yet. Alternative version below. This post and the media contained in it is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
- [Don't Try This At Home](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/dont-try-this-at-home/) - See yonder ladder up tree. Branch is mostly sawn through. Rope is tied to branch and slung over pegoda. Noose in end of rope lynch mob style. Stevie the lumberjack climbs into noose and applies his not inconsiderable weight. Sounds of creaking branch. Branch breaks and sails though the air towards the overweight chap swinging
- [It'll End In Tears](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/itll-end-in-tears/) - Consett made steel for one hundred and forty years. The Blackpool Tower was built with Consett steel as were bridges throughout the world. Making steel was a way of life. It gave the town fame and its identity. When the Steel Works closed the entire site was demolished and today there is little evidence of
- [You Were There](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/you-were-there/) - I WAS SO AFRAID I'D RUN AGROUND AND NEVER GET TO SHARE THE THINGS I'D FOUND LOOKING BACK I SEE IT NOW I WAS NEVER ALONE MAYBE I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN because........ YOU WERE THERE LOOKING THROUGH MY EYES YOU WERE THERE SEEING THE SAME SKIES AND WHENEVER WE'RE APART WHEN I LOOK INTO MY
- [The "Voices" Exhibition](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-voices-exhibition/) - I had a great time over the past two days with my fellow artists from the WMDJ Voices project. This is a multi media project with Photographer, Peter Dixon and poet, Tom Kelly. Click here for more information. The WMDJ ìbandî pictured right (click image to enlarge) spent the last two days working on the
- [Silent Stone](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/silent-stone-2/) - By Earsdon Church I saw one day as I was walking home a sad and lonely place where stands a silent stone This silent stone it told to me a tale of working men but how could these be miners when some were only ten The story now was fading in nineteen ninety nine I
- [Music  by the Yard](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/music-by-the-yard-2/) - I once worked with an (Irish) sound engineer who was often required to supply pices of music for advertising jingles. He would take a piece of library music and recortd it to quarter inch tape. Since this machine ran at 15 i.p.s. (Inches per second) he could now measure out the required piece with a
- [Paris By Air](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/paris-by-air/) - I walk down the street With time on my hands The signs on the walls Show far off lands But I don't know a soul In this neighbourhood Can afford the fair They're stuck here for good The only way I'll ever see the world Is if I can become A rich mans girl Use
- [My First Publisher](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/my-first-publisher/) - Through the wonders of T'internet my very first publisher Brian Oliver made contact recently. I'd had songs published and recorded before this was the first time I'd had a relationship with a publisher that to my mind is how it should work. Brian was constanly enthusiastic but equal in his criticism and commendation of my
- [Agent](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/agent/) - The drummer of my first band has a site telling the story here. Our old (no pun intended) agent Ivan Birchall signed his guestbook and since then both Jim and I have been in touch by email. I told a couple of stories relating to Ivan on Jims site here and here For some reason
- [The Story Ends](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-story-ends/) - Aksana is still in a Monastery in Russia. I've decided that for me this project is at an end and I will now be offering the material to other artists
- [I Don't Want To Be The One](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/i-dont-want-to-be-the-one/) - I've begun to feel there's something wrong Something's gonna break before too long I don't know the reason for this feeling And I can't put my finger on what's wrong Do you feel it too is it so strong? Do you feel it too or am I wrong I've begun to get a sneaking feeling
- [The Last Teardrop](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-last-teardrop/) - Maybe it's late But it's later than you know You've taken my trusting heart As far as it will go I have wasted precious time Waiting for the goodtimes Now I'm here to tell you I will wait no more Love me and leave me You can say goodbye But I've cried the last teardrop
- [New Life](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/new-life/) - A new piece entitled "Life" has been added to the Voices project. You will find it here http://www.stmedia.org/wmdj/jarrow.html.
- [WMDJ  In Durham](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/wmdj-in-durham/) - WMDJ held a "band meeting" in Durham this week in the fabulous Gala Theatre. Much progress was made with some artistic and business decisions ironed out. The trio are working on a DVD and booklet to be released at the end of October 06. This will be distributed to interested venues of which there are
- [Academic Blogging From Oxford](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/academic-blogging-from-oxford/) - Maureen Almond is currently spending time in the Dreaming Spires doing something very deep and meaningful with some bloke called Horace. You can read all about it in Maureens blog HERE Maureen says: "if you have time, go to www.ccc.ox.ac.uk there's a fabulous picture of the college where I am. The sundial is very famous".
- [Stories to add](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/stories-to-add/) - Steel Town preparations - the anecdotes Jackie - direction Consett Petrol Staying My Father LWAW - vid - Engineering Shop, Castleside - Images from Failklands, GI Bride
- [Hollow Victory with ST Vocals](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/hollow-victory-with-st-vocals/) - I said I wouldn't do this but what the hell. This is me singing the completed song Hollow Victory The orchestra at the front will not necessarily stay but so long as we're in a what the hell mood ....... This really needs a session singer. I'm not able to put it across as I
- [Hollow Victory](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/hollow-victory/) - Its A Hollow Victory With a bitter taste And the road behind you Is laid to waste You made your exit And you had your say What about the time You could have been having All the days of love and living and laughing Days go by Suddenly Days turn into years Time can fly
- [WMDJ Band Meeting](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/wmdj-band-meeting/) - WMDJ are having a band meeting next week here We'll be discussing the VOICES project and some exhibition spaces that have been offered.
- [Hurry Home The Demo](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/hurry-home-the-demo/) - Recorded by Wavelength Here it is, the demo that launched a top 20 hit, warts an all. the warts include the sound of a passing taxi on the headphones, a track played way too slow by fumbling fingers and some evidence that I had taken a little bit of "medicine". I did do one other
- [Groundhog For A Day](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/groundhog-for-a-day/) - In the late 70's early 80's I was house producer at Impulse Studios (Neat Records) in Wallsend. Around this time Tony McPhee of the Groundhogs came in to record a couple of tracks. He needed a band so I booked my mate Paul Smith on drums and I played bass. I got to be a
- [Paris By Air](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/paris-by-air-2/) - Recorded by the Tygers Of Pan Tang Top 40 single in the UK and featured on the album "The Cage" which reached 13 in the Album Charts. The demo was sung by Toni Haliday Click here to hear it Click here for the Tygers version.
- [WMDJ  Voices](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/wmdj-voices/) - Some 8 years after the last time I amalgamated my music with Tom Kelly's poetry I'm working on this new project. This time the "band" has a new member in photographer Peter Dixon and the project will work towards gallery multi media exhibitions. We have some interest for venues. The picture to the right is
- [The Story So Far](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-story-so-far/) - Well, Aksana has joined a Monastery in Russia. That's the closest translation Graeme could put on it. Where does that leave the project - who knows? This girl lives the life of a Hollywood tragedy as has been commented on before. Apparently she's trying to find herself. Let's hope she does as I aint going
- [Breaking Out](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/breaking-out/) - Anyway, the only way we knew how to break out of that Steel Town was with music so, with all the strength we could muster we set to it. We built ourselves a large following, supported many big acts and got a record deal. Our first producer was Roger Bain who had produced Black Sabbath.
- [The Beginning](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-beginning/) - I started out in the real home of heavy metal, the Steel Works! Like all the kids in my town, I went straight from school into Consett Steel Works. I had other plans, and with another steelworker from my school formed a band and together with two other guys, we served two apprenticeships. One of
- [Intro - or "I've Forgotten Most Of It"](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/intro-or-ive-forgotten-most-of-it/) - People say of most decades, ìif you remember it, you weren't thereî. I remember it all right but much of it is blurred by the passage of time, the speed at which things were happening, and of course the other ìstuffî that renders your brain cells a little less active. I'm afraid I have forgotten
- [Remembering the 80's](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/remembering-the-80s/) - The webmaster of Metal Gods Website asked me to write this article eons ago. My memory must be faulty because I seem incapable of finishing it. I've just come across my notes so I thought I would serialise it here. Click here to read the story
- [Steve T's 365](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/steve-ts-365/) - In 2003 I decided to keep a picture diary and chart a whole year by taking one picture per day. I'm going to republish them here but hopefully it will not take a full year to upload. The pictures tell a story within a story but only those who were there will know this. Howard
- [The Aksana Project](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-aksana-project/) - I am working with this Russian Vocalist and her Record Company. I'm redeveloping some existing material as well as writing news songs. This material represents some of my best work in years. You can chart the progress in the Project Blog
- [My Space](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/my-space/) - A friend recently extolled the virtues of MySpace a social networking kind of thingy so I set one up. Well I set up two actually, the first one was a mistake and I seemed to be in a space looking to "date" other MySpacers or at best engage in spotty teenager stuff. I realised my
- [Songs For Characters](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/songs-for-characters/) - About 12 years ago the BBC ran a cartoon series called "Little Monsters". I wrote songs for five of the characters (see below) Recently I came across some DVD's in the pound (£1) shop so I bought a couple for my granddaughter who was not born at the time of the original shows. Whilst refurbing
- [Ne Me Plaignez Pas](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/ne-me-plaignez-pas/) - French adaptation by Eddie Marnay of Please Don't Sympathise Je sais qu'il me traite Comme il traite les autres On dirait presque Qu'il ne m'aime pas Quand vous me dites Tu devrais t'en aller M®?m'si c'est vrai «a ne m'aide pas Je comprends vos raisons Vous voyez s?r'ment mieux que moi Oui mais Ne me
- [Please Don't Sympathise](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/please-dont-sympathise/) - Everybody tells me I should try to forget you They tell me why but don't tell me how I know they mean well But it does not help me I'll work it out by myself somehow Gotta be on my own It's just something I must face alone Please Don't Sympathise It Really Doesn't Help
- [The Greatest Adventure](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-greatest-adventure/) - There's a little love In The Coldest Land Hiding in the darkness Longing to be found And there's a little hope In the saddest heart Hoping to find And be found But love is rare So when you find it Take the strongest chains And bind it Closely to your heart Where it is safe
- [Hurry Home](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/hurry-home/) - Lying awake thinking of you It helps to see the lonely night time through You've been away, seems like a year But one day is too long without you here I know it has to be that you're away But I will call you up with just one thing to say: Hurry home, hurry home
- [Don't Look Down](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/dont-look-down/) - Don't Look Down One of my legion of fans :-) spotted that this features in the "Jobs To Do" section but withoutany sample of the work. I forgot to add this. Fact is I'm unsure if it's right for Aksana but since it comes from the same burst of creativity I'll finish it and
- [Bel - R  - US](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/bel-r-us/) - Project is stalled a bit at present as Aksana got arrested by 8 armed cops bent on deporting her. When they realised their mistake they said oops ! - you can use the deportation airline ticket for a little holiday instead. (only one way of course) so she's in Belarus for a little while
- [Note to myself](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/note-to-myself/) - songs in this project Hollow Victory Recording partially laid - needs vocal What If Rough Demo - needs work on lyrics Don't Look Down song complete - needs vocal - upgrade demo Life As We Know It germ of an idea - work on it I Will Go Back work on recording and programming Sleepin
- [Hollow Victory](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/hollow-victory-4/) - Hollow Victory This is now complete as a song with arrangement, lyrics etc. The link above is to a partial backing track that may be about the right key for Oxana or maybe a tone up from that. I've sung a version of this but I ain't uploading it here as it's a little embarrassing.
- [What If](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/what-if-2/) - Listen to "What If" A quickly thrown together first draft demo of a song I've had around for a coupla months now
- [Marching](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/marching/) - How long does it take to back up a load of data, format a hard drive and re-install windows? As long as it takes to lay this track on another computer:- -MARCHING Bored with the maintenance process I started noodling on an acoustic guitar and then this sort of happened. Yes, there are lyrics and
- [Sleepin' Train to Paree](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/sleepin-train-to-paree/) - Sleepin Train To Paris - Just a short clip to evaluate the key. I can see several adjustments to make to this before version 2 is uploaded
- [Hollow Victory](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/hollow-victory-2/) - Check this out:- Hollow Victory - This makes it sound a little like a folk song but it's not. Well, maybe it is - ALL my songs are folk songs. The end product I have in mind is a rock song - I hope you can see it. This is a working draft complete with
- [Visiting Chic Vocalist](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/visiting-chic-vocalist/) - Chick vocalist ( aged 4 and a half) has now left. Session was a success although she occasionally concentrated on dance steps and forgot to sing. What this means for this project is that the studio is all powered up and working. This being the case I'll be starting to lay tracks and the first
- [Silent Stone](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/silent-stone-3/) - This song is special to me. I came across this monument to 204 miners near where used to live. After I put up the story on a website it attracted a lot of interest (click here) As you will see on that page this resulted in a man sending me a book which together with
- [Chick Vocalist](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/chick-vocalist/) - Just been doing some more on the studio refurb. I've got a visiting talent this weekend and she sang some stuff to me over the phone that proved she'd moved on a bit from twinkle twinkle little star. I've therefore laid down some of her favourite tracks from Grease ready for her session. I finally
- [Paris By Air Picture Disc](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/paris-by-air-picture-disc/) - The record company MCA said that a picture disk did not exist (like they should know!) I said it does exist and I've got one because my Gran saw one in the shop and bought it for me. They offered my Gran a job in their PR department but she declined.
- [Hollow Victory](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/hollow-victory-3/) - With all this revamping of older stuff I thought it time to add something new. Early working draft of Hollow Victory - This is just a section of the intro which also forms the chorus. Needs some crunchy guitars on there too.
- [I Will Go Back](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/i-will-go-back-2/) - Early working draft of I will Go Back
- [Looking For Tracks](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/looking-for-tracks/) - I came across this female version of The Last Teardrop on a DAT. It is Jayne McKenzie who I first recorded a single with when she was 11 years old. On the same DAT I found her version of Lovin' Arms and a more cheesy version of the same song aimed at Eurovision. I then
- [Hurry Home: A Story](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/hurry-home-a-story/) - People contact me all the time about replacing their scratchy vinyl copies. Here's one story behind such a request. Back in '87, my wife (then girlfriend) had to spend 7 weeks in France with her family while I stayed here in the UK. As you can imagine, a disaster for any teenagers in love! Anyway,
- [Opening Suggestions](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/opening-suggestions/) - The Greatest Adventure The Last Teardrop Hurry Home - Sara Brightman Hurry Home Backing Track higher Key Eb verses F chrouses Beautiful Sight I Will Go Back
- [Singing Under Fire](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/singing-under-fire/) - My good friend Tony Markey came to my studio to do a vocal session today. Tony is not around a great deal because he spends 3 months at a time singing on a cruise ship and 3 months at home. When I say "singing" I have to point out that Tony is not the kind
- [Sunday Supplement](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/sunday-supplement/) - The Sunday Supplement on BBC Radio Cleveland with guests me (top), Hayley (right) and Paul Anderson (left) presenting. Phone in's and discussions about what's in the Newspapers. This is my second visit. I struggle to stay "with" the programme, express an opinion on things I have (a) no knowledge of and (b) no opinion on,
- [Sailing On A Friendship](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/sailing-on-a-friendship/) - with Brian Oliver We all have our hopes and dreams They sometimes seem out of reach But climb on my shoulders and we'll touch the sky. Remember you're not alone We all share a common goal We all want the best from life So get on board and hold tight. CHORUS: We're Sailing on a
- [I Had a Dream](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/i-had-a-dream/) - I had a dream It seemed so real You were back home with me Opened my eyes To realise That it just could not be I had a dream A beautiful scene We were all safe and sound But with daylight The image took flight No trace of you was found Far away so far
- [Love Takes Prisoners](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/love-takes-prisoners/) - It seems so easy in the movies The tears are never real And if the hero has a broke heart You know that it will heal By the end of the reel But in real life You can't take chances You're only safe In those scripted romances Love takes prisoners (whoa oh oh oh) Steals
- [Empty Pockets](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/empty-pockets/) - Standing all alone With nowhere to go some people do it all Not for fun just for show Day turns to night Night turns to day Money turns to dust And then it blows away The world is no fun With Empty pockets No food in the freezer No Gas in the car The world
- [A Museum Visit](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/a-museum-visit/) - Back in the late seventies I was house producer in a recording studio. One day an artist brought in a little black box called a ìBoss Dr Rhythmî. It was the first time I had seen a drum machine. It was cute looking machine about 6 inches by 4 but no drummer would have felt
- [Wavelength Where Are They Now ?](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/wavelength-where-are-they-now/) - Hurry Home was in the UK charts for 3 months. It was quite an experience for me but I never got to meet the band. Over the years I have been contacted several times by people looking for the band but I have been unable to help. There was a record label wanting to put
- [Gus Dugeon & The Caffrey Brothers @ Mill Studios](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/gus-dugeon-the-caffrey-brothers-mill-studios/) - The Caffrey Brothers recording sessions for Phonogram with Gus Dudgeon producing. Gus (right) and engineer Stuart Epps, during† Caffrey Brothers recording session The fabulous Mill Studio where we cut four tracks. Now owned by Chris Rea who was once also produced by Gus at the Mill Relaxing outside the residential part of the Mill The
- [Baby Ford and the BBC Ban](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/baby-ford-and-the-bbc-ban/) - Pete Adshead who was to become Baby Ford was sent up to my Whitley bay studio to collaborate with me by his manager Joe Chibley. We co-wrote several songs. The usual way of working was that Pete would send me a bunch of suggested titles in the post and I would work up a track,
- [The Works Tour](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-works-tour-2/) - I worked with visual artist Maggie Parker and poet Maureen Almond. Maggie and I illustrated Maureens new volume of poems, "The Works" for a multi media tour. Maggie provided images and I produced soundscapes and together we were the Laptop Orchestra backing up a remarkable poet. Click here for some reports from this exciting tour
- [Final Gig for the Works Band](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/final-gig-for-the-works-band/) - The Works Band (pictured below) played their final date on this hellraising tour at the "Youthy" in Thornaby. It was a tremendous gig. Highlights for me were having my windscreen smashed by a pheasant as I drove to the gig, turning vegetarian the moment I saw the pie and peas supper and offending the Lady
- [Happy Hacker](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/happy-hacker/) - I'm currently hacking code. Struggling with three languages - PHP, CSS, and Dutch !
- [The (Road) Works](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-road-works/) - This week saw the penultimate gig on The Works tour at the Everyman in Liverpool. The first thing I noticed on entering the City was that the Scousers had taken their European City of Culture 2008 win and started tearing up the streets of Liverpool. Such is the disruption that even locals can't find their
- [From A Distance](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/from-a-distance/) - I was in Stockton today and parked in a rooftop carpark. Scroll down to see what interests me about this picture. Well, I was stood beside that red brick building a few days ago and took this picture. Then I had an idea - probably a daft one. Next week I'll go to that spot
- [Travel Warp](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/travel-warp/) - Driving home this evening down the A19 from Tyneside to Teesside, close to Hartlepool I suddenly found myself in the USA.
- [Can We Fix It ????](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/can-we-fix-it/) - My old Akai S950 sampler just died. We'll it's have a few health scares lately but I fear this time could be terminal. I have more advanced technology waiting to take over this once cutting edge machine but this would involve several hours setting up and I just need to switch on and go to
- [The Works Tour](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-works-tour/) - Well I'm about to hit the road on the first gig of a small tour! It's the Hydrogen JUkebox in Darlington this evening. OK, so it's not a hotel trashing rock and roll thing but I'm looking forward to it. The tour is a with poet Maureen Almond who will be reading selections from her
- [Warrior Women & The Server Technician](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/warrior-women-the-server-technician/) - I don't know if the humour of this situation will come across in print. I was working in Hartlepool with a group today called the Warrior Women. This ICT centre had the feeling of the Marie Celeste and when we tried to log on we were getting nowhere with usernames and passwords. We were almost
- [Mini Holiday](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/mini-holiday/) - Molly and me took off on a mini holiday at the weekend. We headed for Boroughbridge to stay here . Before arriving at our hotel we visited Castle Howard and spent about 4 hours in this atmospheric place. We arrived at our hotel late afternoon and immediately took advantage of the hotels gymn. I particularly
- [The River Flows](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-river-flows/) - Had a Sunday drive today and came to a very interesting spot. I had a strong feeling that the river was flowing the "wrong" way. Read more! »
- [Gus Dudgeon Foundation Launched](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/gus-dudgeon-foundation-launched/) - This trip to Reading for the GDF launch was quite something. Pictured below are me and Adam Francis with that MCI desk from The Mill Studio. I never thought I would see it again. How well I remember our time in that fabulous studio with Gus. Gus was of the habit of playing the previous
- [A Personal Memory Of The Searchers](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/a-personal-memory-of-the-searchers/) - I was always a big fan of The Searchers so I was delighted when, in 1982 they recorded my song "I Don't Want To Be The One"† About a year or so later I heard they were performing in my area and I arranged to go. The gig was Castles in Catchgate (NE of UK)
- [Mike Pender](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/mike-pender/) - Me and John Verity produced Mikes a single "Its Over" . We didn't write the song so we made him do one of ours on the B side. The song we gave him "Brothers And Sisters" was pretty crap really and I can't remember why we didn't give him something decent but hey, that's showbiz!
- [It'll End In Tears](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/end-in-tears/) - We built a town of iron and steel Sweated blood, began to believe We were Gods made in furnace flames As we watched our town growing in fame but nothing lasts, forever's a dream money says it's time to leave It'll end in tears, it'll end in tears We're only smiling to hide our fears
- [Gateshead Titanic](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/gateshead-titanic/) - I worked for 6 weeks withe the Reavely Theatre School in Gateshead helping youngsters compose songs for their production of a musical called Titanic. I did a pre Easter visit to kick strart this. The Schools owner Sandra had a Great Uncle Albert who served on the Titanic and was one of those who perished.
- [Raven - Rock Until You Drop, The Coffee Cup March](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/raven-rock-until-you-drop-the-coffee-cup-march/) - Producing this album was an intense but rewarding experience. I've heard these guys work described as "athletic rock" and that's just about right. I've uploaded a couple of samples below. We decided we wanted a marching sound to bring in the "Rock Until You Drop" track so we mike'd up the toilet floor next to
- [Digitising History](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/digitising-history/) - In 1999 a guy in Australia sent me 40 photographs of King George V and Queen Mary visiting shipyards in our area. He also sent me the Smiths Docks Role of Honour with hundreds of names of dock workers who served during the war. Mike Conquest sent me these family heirlooms as he assumed I
- [Bush Carnival](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/bush-carnival/) - I live very close to Teesside Airport. ìAir force Oneî flew over my house and landed there so that ol' buddies Tony Blair and George Doublyuh could have a nice visit. When I mentioned in a forum an American replied ìgee I'm sorryî I had some inside information so me and a friend Andrew went
- [The Police](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-police/) - Just Kidding. Surprising how many times I've pulled the same gag over the years. (scroll down) Must be an ".... ism"
- [Celine Dion:  Ne Me Plaignes Pas](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/celine-dion-ne-me-plaignes-pas/) - No doubt you've heard the charming story of how Rene Angelil mortgaged his house to fund Celine's career! But did you know that Celine set out on her dream of international stardom armed with one of my songs? Ne me Plaignez Pas ! Click here to see a video clip - 56K Modem (REAL) -
- [Searchers Find Missing Mastertape](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/searchers-find-missing-mastertape/) - In 1982 The Searchers released my song "I Don't Want To Be The One" on PRT as a single. It only achieved moderate chart success but went Gold on "Street Scene" a compilation album.† There was talk of an album with PRT and another of my songs "Innocent Victim" was recorded. However, the album never
- [Anniversary](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/anniversary/) - Today is my 22nd wedding anniversary. I came across the document below left that shows this month marks another, and some would say (don't tell my wife) an even more important one. See below, me and that red strat have been together for 27 years and never a cross word!
- [The Attitude (Fear of Crime Project)](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-attitude-fear-of-crime-project/) - I produced a CD with a group of young people from East Middlesbrough in Studio 64. Over a period of 4 weeks I had helped the group write a track that expressed their feelings about the place they were growing up in. II also produced a video featuring the song and this was shown along
- [Steel Town](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/steel-town/) - Around 1996 I started teaching music composition part time at South Tyneside College. Here I met poet, playwright and local historian Tom Kelly. Tom had written many songs too and over the next 3 years or so we exchanged stories and anecdotes in the staff room. I told Tom of my early days in a
- [The Burgundy Cobbler - Whitley Bay circa 1978/79](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-burgundy-cobbler-whitley-bay-circa-197879/) - In the late seventies I was producing bands and running a record company in Wallsend (UK). At night I played in the Mick Whitaker Band. We played the Burgundy Cobbler in Whitley Bay on Tues and Wed nights. I lived in Manor Court Next door, a block of bedsits owned by the Sid McCulloch who
- [WMDJ Urban Grit](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/wmdj-urban-grit/) - In 1999 I worked with Poet Tom Kelly on a CD called "Urban Grit". We called the collaboration WMDJ. There is a WMDJ site at www.wmdj.org.uk and specific details of Urban Grit HERE This me working in my Studio at around the time of the WMDJ Urban Grit collection. There number of things you don't
- [Bullfrog](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/bullfrog/) - My first band. Second line-up Top left to R Pete MacDonald, Jim Harle. Bottom Left to R, Robin Hird, Steve Thompson. The picture to the right is the Freemasons Arms in my hometown, Consett. it was around 1969/70 when I played my very first note in public with these guys. Jim has a website that
- [Pointless Excesses](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/pointless-excesses/) - Came across this pic of me in my archive. Don't remember where or when it was taken. My brother dug it out and sent me it. So - what excess. Well, behind me are four 4X12" speaker cabinets driven by two amps. Clearly we had roadies in those days, I wouldn't want to carry that

## Pages

- [Steve Thompson](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/) - Steve Thompson New album DISTANT DESTINATION is out now. Live shows with cut back versions of songs Steve Thompson wrote for International artists. Several albums out now on Cherry Red.
- [airplay](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/airplay/) - Man Of A Million Faces Man OF A Million Faces Duration 3:55 Click to play – three dots in media player to Download Or right click and “save link as” any problems email me mail@steve-thompson.org.uk Exclusively available to music lovers at www.stmedia.bandcamp.com/ Coming Soon Man And Machine#1 – an eclectic mix of
- [Steve Thompson: Talks & Multimedia Presentations](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/talks/) - I give multi-media talks in places like Women’s Institutes, Lunch Clubs, Retired Men’s Forums and Social Clubs, U3A, etc. My various talks draw from my personal life experiences and are always very well received. I use a full range of multimedia and usually bring my own equipment. The talks usually last around 45 to 50 minutes
- [The Steve Thompson Acoustic Show](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/stacs/) - TENACITY. Publicity By Perseverance… P.O.Box 166, Hartlepool TS26 9JA UK Dave Hill: +44 (0)7951 679666 tenacitymusicpr@gmail.com Steve Thompson has written songs that have been recorded by Celine Dion, Sheena Easton, Elkie Brooks, The Hollies, The Searchers, Tygers of Pan Tang, Baby Ford, Colin Blunstone, Sarah Brightman, Wavelength, Elaine Page, Bruce Ruffin, Chris Farlowe, Middle Of
- [Bullfrog Recordings](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/bullfrog-recordings/) - In reverse chronological order. Clicking on a title brings up a media player. The media player has a download function. October 1974 Travel On (Live bootleg Newcastle Odeon) Sept 1974 Dozy Dora August 1974 Hoppin' Madd Mr Sun The Joker 1973 Angel Above Do It Together Ice Cold Dick Just a Chance 1972 Farewell End
- [Contact](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/contact/)
- [Shows](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/shows/) - Sun 9th June @ 6pm The White Room, Stanley Details to be added. Tickets £10 https://www.bit.ly/room2024 Sat 24th Aug @ 2pm Two By Two Brewery Details to be added. Free entry.
- [](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/5267-2/) - Teest As I experience great joy from designing and making Jewellery. I can share that joy by offering colourful bespoke handmade jewellery at very affordable prices. All items are unique, and I can also take special orders, for example if you see something you like, but would prefer a different colour, just let me know
- [ST Media](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/stmedia/) - Digital Consultancy and Development I’m doing less of this stuff now so this single page represents what used to be a whole web site. I don’t do much of the corporate or SME stuff anymore but I do do community and creative stuff. Things like Digital Story Telling, Digital Image Creation/ Manipulation, Blogging, Music, Internet
- [Shop](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/shop/)
- [An Evening With ....](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/stories/) - My time in the music industry has furnished me with many stories. In this show I will share them with you accompanied by multimedia. The evening will kick off with “A Songwriters Life” and after an intermission we’ll conclude with “The Godfather”. This means the stories will be told in the opposite order in which
- [Press And Media](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/pressandmedia/) - Cuttings and Press Releases Northern Echo Feature Eight Day Review Cherry Red Records Announcement Fishermans Arms Review Fireworks Review Ready To Rock Review Northern Echo Review Cluny Press Release Steel Club Press Release Georgian Theatre Review Media
- [The Neat Records Story](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/neat/) - STOP PRESS - LATEST NEWS New for 2021. When lockdown eases I will present this story at a venue with reduced capacity. However, we're installing a state of the art camera and streaming system. You will be able to book tickets for the venue (limited numbers) or book a ticket for the live stream. More
- [Little Monsters](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/monsters/) - Some time ago now the BBC ran a cartoon series called “Little Monsters” based on the books of Tony Garth. I wrote songs for five of the characters (see below) The songs are kind of a nod and a wink to things from The Beach Boys to Bon Jovi and I recall having a lot
- [Line-Up](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/line-up/) - A cracking band who share a marvellous bonhomie, the “Steve Thompson Songwriter” show is a must for anyone with the slightest interest in music. It’s entertaining, informative and it ‘works’. Look out for this show. (Ian Wood, Get Ready to Rock) [one_fourth padding="0 4px 0 4px"] [/one_fourth][three_fourth_last padding="0 4px 0 4px"] Steve Thompson - Guitar/Vocals
- [Songwriter's Masterclass](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/masterclass/) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] All the tips and tricks of songwriting: will be suitable for non-musicians too. [/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]When my first band Bullfrog failed to set the world alight I decided to forget about being a rock star and become a songwriter. It took me a year to make the transition. I took a day job as the
- [CDs Downloads & Streaming](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/cds-downloads-streaming/) - [vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text] THE LONG FADE An album fifty years in the making. Over to the right are the streaming and download services. If you choose to download the album then click here for a free PDF of the artwork and sleeve notes AND LYRICS! (New). We highly recommend the CD to enjoy the tracks in
- [SUBSCRIBE](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/subscribe/) - Subscribe to our mailing list * indicates required Email Address * First Name Last Name
- [Resources](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/resources/) - [one_third padding="0 10px 0 0px"] SONGS Red Dust Overture In The City Fathers Father (I Will Go Back ???) ONE OF A KIND LOVE TAKES PRISONERS Still Standing Still SET TWO The Big Sky Hurry Home Looking for Love in a Stranger The Last Teardrop Please Don’t Sympathise GUY WALKS INTO A BAR PARIS BY
- [Cheque Payments](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/cheque-payments/) - Please send a cheque for £11 (£10 +P&P) payable to ST MEDIA and post to Suite 4, Calvin House, Green Dragon Yard, Stockton on Tees, TS18 1AT (please allow 5 working days for your cheque to clear)
- [Album Title](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/album-title/) - Our album due for release in April is as yet untitled please help by voting for one of the suggestions below. OR - suggest your own title. N.B. this is advisory only - we will not be going with Stevie McSteve Face! [wpforms id="2360" title="false" description="false"]
- [Consett Talks](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/consett-talks/) - [vc_row height=”auto”][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_empty_space height=”8px”][us_single_image image=”2010″ size=”full” align=”center” animate=”fade” animate_delay=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_empty_space height=”8px”][vc_column_text]I will be giving a series of talks in my hometown of Consett. The venue is The Steel Club, 36 Medomsley Rd, Consett DH8 5HA. 01207 508013. All talks start at 7 pm and there is an entry charge of £2 The talks usually last around 50 – 60
- [01Terms](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/01terms/)
- [PR](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/pr/) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] TENACITY. Publicity By Perseverance… P.O.Box 166, Hartlepool TS26 9JA UK Dave Hill: +44 (0)7951 679666 tenacitymusicpr@gmail.com STEVE THOMPSON: SONGWRITER This fabulous songs and stories’ show featuring a brilliant six-piece band and multimedia projections has been wowing audiences and can be seen at venues around the country – dates TBC. (scroll to the bottom for
- [Privacy Policy](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/privacy-policy/) - Who we are Our website address is: https://steve-thompson.org.uk. This is the website of Steve Thompson, a musician, songwriter and producer and his band. What personal data we collect and why we collect it Comments When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP
- [ST BAND VIDEOS](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/st-band-videos/) - THE LAST TEARDROP LOOKING FOR LOVE IN A STRANGER PARIS BY AIR PLEASE DON'T SYMPATHISE
- [June 2016 Rehearsal](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/june-2016-rehearsal/)
- [First Rehearsal](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/first-rehearsal/) - First Rehearsal Pics - Kev Howard
- [Down To The River](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/dttr/) - [vc_row height=”auto”][vc_column][vc_tta_tabs][vc_tta_section active=”1″ title=”Home”][vc_column_text]‘Down to the River’ premiered at the National Centre for Spoken Word in January 2017. Now you can enjoy it here by clicking through the numbered tabs above.[/vc_column_text][us_single_image image=”1749″ size=”full” align=”center”][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”1″][vc_column_text] The River Overture [/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/201733908″ max_width=”900″][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”2″][vc_column_text] Geordies Lament [/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/201733133″ max_width=”900″][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”3″][vc_column_text] The Yards [/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/207992609″ max_width=”900″][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”4″][vc_column_text] Signing
- [Stream](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/stream/)
- [STB Instagram Page](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/stb-instagram-page/) - [wdi_feed id="1"]
- [Steve's Stuff](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/steves-stuff/) - [vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_wp_custommenu nav_menu=”18″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]This site started as my resume and then became my general music and multi media site. Now that it foregrounds the new band (2016) all my “other” stuff sits under this menu item.[/vc_column_text][us_single_image image=”1324″ size=”tnail-1×1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
- [The Story of William Jobling](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/the-story-of-william-jobling/) - In 1830 the Northern Union of Pitmen, led by Tommy Hepburn, was established. In April 1831 the union refused to sign their annual bonds (contracts) which tied them to a pit for a year and a day. They wanted better working conditions, including a reduction in the working hours for children from 16 to 12

## Products

- [THE LONG FADE](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/product/the-long-fade/) - The eagerly awaited CD album from The Steve Thompson Band We ship to The UK, USA & Canada, Europe, Australia. Postage cost will be added when you enter your address. If your location is not listed for postage cost then contact us. If you plan to download from iTunes etc you can download the album artwork and sleevenotes for free from here: Artwork
- [DISTANT DESTINATION](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/product/distant-destination/) - The eagerly awaited second CD album from The Steve Thompson Band. We ship to The UK, USA & Canada, Europe, Australia. Postage cost will be added when you enter your address. If your location is not listed for postage cost then contact us. If you plan to download from iTunes etc you can download the album artwork and sleeve notes for free from here: Artwork If you prefer streaming or downloading then click here

## Testimonials

- [Enthusiasm and Passion](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/testimonial/5293/) - I’d like to thank you again for a very informative and witty talk about New Wave of British Heavy Metal. We learned such a lot about the music industry and your role in it. Your anecdotes were interesting and your enthusiasm and passion were evident throughout your talk.
- [Darned Good Laugh](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/testimonial/darned-good-laugh/) - Steve Thompson: world traveller, thinker and musician. And every time he comes here we can be sure of one thing. A darned good laugh. (Subject: Adventures in Academia)
- [Most Entertaining](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/testimonial/most-entertaining/) - Thank you for your most entertaining talk yesterday. I was not alone in finding it humorous and full of interest even though I am not totally into the genre. Your sensible omission of some of the tales which may have rattled a few cages was much appreciated as was your timing and natural flair as
- [Audience in Stitches](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/testimonial/3660/) - "Steve had the Fisherman's Arms audience in stitches as he recalled what it was like when these historic events took place" (Subject: The Neat Records Story)
- [Thoroughly Enjoyed It](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/testimonial/thoroughly-enjoyed-it/) - "We met at the Forum on Wednesday just gone. Over 100 members turned up for your presentation and I can safely say we all thoroughly enjoyed it". (Subject: A Songwriter’s Life)
- [Sex and Drugs](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/testimonial/3638/) - "Ladies, here to tell us all about sex, drugs and rock and roll" …………….. (Subject: A Songwriter’s Life)
- [Absolutely Emotional](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/testimonial/gainford-history-group/) - "It falls to me to give the official thank you on behalf of the group. It is customary to use words like 'interesting' or if it’s really good 'fascinating'. What I just witnessed goes way beyond that, it was absolutely emotional". (Subject: A Songwriter’s Life)
- [Very Proud](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/testimonial/very-proud/) - "I’d like to say how very proud I am to know that someone as talented as you hails from our area". (Subject: A Songwriters Life)
- [Best I've Seen](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/testimonial/best-ive-seen/) - "I’ve been coming here for years and we’ve had some good speakers but that guy this morning was the best I’ve seen. It was such a different sort of talk and the topic was unique". (Subject: A Songwriter’s Life)
- [Full Of Pathos](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/testimonial/full-of-pathos/) - "May I say how people on Monday were very taken with your presentation. Your subject was something very different. Full of pathos and a burning sense of injustice, it was very moving" (Subject: JOBLING)

## Categories

- [Blog](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/category/blog/)
- [Music Projects](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/category/projects/)
- [Places In Time](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/category/places-in-time/)
- [Community Projects](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/category/community-projects/)
- [Remember the 80's](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/category/remember-the-80s/)
- [08 08 08 Roadtrip](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/category/08-08-08-roadtrip/)
- [Demos](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/category/demos/)
- [Folk Songs](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/category/folk-songs/)
- [Lyrics](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/category/lyrics/)
- [Musings](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/category/uncategorized/)
- [News & Stories](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/category/news-stories/)
- [Song Stories](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/category/song-stories/)
- [Oxana](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/category/oxana/)
- [YouTubes Relating To Me](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/category/youtubes/)
- [Podcast](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/category/podcast/)
- [About The Show](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/category/about-the-show/)
- [About This Show](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/category/about-this-show/)
- [After The Show](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/category/blog/after-the-show/)

## Tags

- [Song Story 2018](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/tag/song-story-2018/)

## Product categories

- [CD](https://steve-thompson.org.uk/product-category/cd/)