Jon Stevens has led a varied and remarkable career, standing strong through the successes and trials that have earned him a place as a respected veteran performer. Through his solid studio recordings and incredible live performances, Jon has proven himself to be an adaptable, hard-working and inspiring artist. He has walked the boards of the world's most prestigious stages and enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside the world's best.
Born in New Zealand, Jon found success at an early age. At 13 he was entered into a local talent contest by his sisters and won first prize, leading to his first record label signing with CBS and the subsequent production of his first hit singles. His debut single 'Jezebel' shot to No.1 in New Zealand's charts, knocking Michael Jackson's worldwide hit 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough' from the top spot. This was quickly followed up by the release of a second No.1 single 'Montego Bay', and the debut chart-topping 'Jezebel' album.
After winning New Zealand's prestigious most up-and coming talent award, Jon expanded to international waters, recording his second solo album, 'Jon Stevens' with Big Time Records in Los Angeles. During this period he performed with Elton John and crossed paths with Michael Browning, his soon to be manager, who would relocate Jon to Australia. A fortuitous introduction to a promising guitarist named Stuart Fraser would sow the seeds for Jon's next major project.
Noiseworks became a mainstream success in Australia in October 1986 following the release of their debut single 'No Lies'. Their self-titled debut album (produced by Mark Opitz) reached No.1 on the ARIA chart, where it stayed for a massive 63 weeks. During this period, Noiseworks were became notorious for their live concerts, eager to play in every town and venue that they could. 'Touch', their follow-up album (produced by Chris Kimsey of Rolling Stones production fame), produced further success for the band also reaching No.1 status. The third album, aptly titled 'Love Versus Money', jointly produced by Noiseworks and Randy Jackson (American Idol), was also well received, enjoying instant No.1 status. During their reign of the Australian charts, their thrilling live concerts, chart success and unified creative power, led to their reputation as one of the greatest rock outfits to emerge from Australia. Regrettably the band parted ways.
Following this decision in 1992, Jon embarked on two new major projects. The first was his debut musical theatre role as Judas in the Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Working alongside Australian music icons Angry Anderson, John Farnham and Kate Ceberano, the show ran for a mammoth 84 nights to an audience of over one million people, breaking all previous Australian box office records. Jon's stellar performance earned him high praise and respect from an enthusiastic audience and his industry peers. Following the success generated by the Superstar phenomenon, Jon decided to launch the second phase of his solo career with his third album, 'Are U Satisfied', with Sony Music. The record had a distinct hard-edged sound that fans were accustomed to and was well received. In 1994, Jon reprised his role in a scaled down Jesus Christ Superstar, touring Australia and New Zealand.
After the final curtain call for Superstar, Jon recorded the theme song for the now defunct Super League rugby competition, and trekked to the US to work with such industry legends as Slash and Mars Lasar (composer/producer). In 1996 Jon released his fourth solo album titled 'Circle', an adult contemporary record receiving a new range of airplay.
1998 saw Jon return to the theatrical stage to play Frank in Happy Days: The Arena Mega Musical. That same year, he appeared at the launch of Foxtel and reunited with Noiseworks friends Stuart Fraser and Kevin Nicol who hit the road for a nationwide tour. In 2000 Jon played a significant role in the Sydney Olympics when his song 'Carry The Flame' was selected from Circle and re-worked to become the anthem for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Torch Relay. He also had the honour of running with the Olympic torch as it made its way across Sydney to the opening ceremony. Re-recording the song for the games gave Jon the chance to work alongside INXS's Jon Farriss, and he performed with the band to a worldwide audience of 2.4 billion people. Collaborating with INXS led to Jon joining the band as guest vocalist, and together they embarked on a global tour, including a 55-day engagement with the legendary Night of the Proms throughout Europe. Jon was officially announced as INXS's "seventh member" in 2002, but soon after the announcement Jon and the band parted ways.
Jon returned to his solo work in 2004, beginning with a hosting gig on the Channel 10 reality show The Resort and similar television programs in New Zealand. This was followed with the release of the R&B-inspired album 'Ain't No Life For The Faint Hearted' (recorded in the US). 2004 also saw Jon travelling to East Timor to visit and perform for the Australian troops. In 2005, Jon released an acoustic album entitled 'The Works' as part of the Liberation Blue acoustic series. Recorded with his band in Melbourne, 'The Works' featured raw, stripped-back recordings of his hits, both solo and Noiseworks. 2006 brought a unique touring opportunity – the "Six Strings & The Works" tour, which saw him sharing the stage with celebrated singer/songwriter Ian Moss (Cold Chisel).
In 2007, Jon joined John Waters and Jack Jones (Southern Sons) for the hugely successful White Album concerts at the Sydney Opera House. Noiseworks reunited to play at A Day For Newcastle (supporting children's health) and enjoyed the experience so much that they continued to tour throughout the year. They began to write together again and debuted a new track, 'Let It Go' on this tour. The year culminated in a headlining appearance on the nationally televised Reach Out For Asia Appeal, performing the tsunami appeal's selected theme song 'Touch'.
After a short break, Jon hit the road again in 2008 to join Ian Moss (Cold Chisel), Jack Jones and Tania Doko (Bachelor Girl) for a national tour. After performing a number of shows in the UK, including an Australia Day event in London, Jon joined his Noiseworks band mates once again for a national tour. They released their first official live album, 'Live 'N' Loud', recorded at The Palms (Melbourne, Australia) in October the year before.
2009 began steadily, with Jon hitting the road yet again to perform his more intimate shows and the commencement of work on new material at Rockinghorse Studios (Byron Bay). He and friend Stuart Fraser appeared as surprise guests on an episode of Domestic Blitz, singing an acoustic version of 'Touch' for a deserving family. But a heart condition that he had been alerted to in December 2008 gave him a scare. A routine check-up discovered that two of his arteries had a critical blockage, requiring immediate hospitalisation. He underwent open-heart surgery with a double bypass on September 16 and spent three months recovering. This harrowing experience led to a significant lifestyle change and a new appreciation for life. Reflecting on his own ordeal, he leapt at the opportunity to become an ambassador for the Hugs For Hearts campaign and several other initiatives relating to his experience, and from there he eased himself back into touring.
Jon Stevens continues to go from strength to strength. 2010 promises to be another productive year for Jon as fans eagerly await his first studio album in five years. He will bring a new touring line-up comprised of Adam Ventoura (Guy Sebastian/Jess Mauboy), Johnny Salerno (Vanessa Amorosi) and Danny Spencer (Jimmy Barnes/Richard Clapton/Rouge Traders). Another Noiseworks tour is also on the horizon, as well as more concert dates with John Waters, Doug Parkinson and Jack Jones for the Let It Be concert tour. Later this year, Jon will perform a 3-week tour of Spain, joined by a full symphony orchestra.
Through his passion and tenacity, Jon has established himself as one of Australia's finest performers, and one only needs to listen to a record or see him in his element – his live shows – to realise what has made Jon a spirited and gifted musical talent.
WEBSITE: www.jonstevens.com.au
MANAGEMENT:
Simon Lucas (Headline Artist Management)
PO Box 1923, Wollongong NSW 2500 Australia
P: +61 2 4227 3247 | M: 0416 080 505
E: simon@headlineartists.com
BOOKINGS:
Frank Stivala (Premier Artists)
9 Dundas Lane, Albert Park VIC 3206
P: +61 3 9699 9555 | F: +61 3 9696 0807
E: frank@premierartists.com.au
PUBLICITY:
Kirri Liepins (Rock Solid PR & Fanbase Relations)
P: + 61 432 711 462
E: info@rock-solid.net.au
W: www.rock-solid.net.au
