NEWS
November 2021
LIVE SHOW - DECEMBER 12th - LONDON
James Stevenson and The West London All Stars With opening set by Smiley
Join James and his all star band plus special guest opening act Smiley. The West London All Stars comprises of Smiley on drums, Terry Edwards – Sax, trumpet and guitar, Peter ‘Bugg’ Rizzo on bass, Patrick Ralla on keyboards, Elizabeth Westwood and Jennie ‘Belle Star’ Matthias on backing vocals and special guest Harriet Stubbs on piano.
VIP Sound check Packages £45 – Witness the last three songs of the sound check followed by meet and greet with James, Smiley and the band.
TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE
May 2021
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD
My brand new album is now available to pre-order.
The Other Side Of The World is James's second solo album. His first, the highly
critically acclaimed Everything's Getting Closer To Being Over, was released five
years ago. It will be released on his own Pink Gun label.
The title track is about James' brother David's fight against the terminal illness
Picks Disease.
"Not many people have heard of the disease - it's a really nasty one. The first lockdown was hard for us all but losing my brother in the middle of it truly broke my heart. The other side of the world is a reference to him living in Australia and also, because it's a neurological brain disorder, that he was on the other side of the world mentally" Says James.
James recorded the album remotely - first recording all the guitars and bass and lead vocals in his own studio to a drum machine, then sending them to Alarm drummer Smiley who added drums in his studio and finally to Peter Walsh (Simple Minds, Peter Gabriel, Scott Walker) who added keyboards and mixed the record in his studio.
"It was a long process, it took nearly a year - but it may be the way the world is going to go" says James.
Guest musicians include Henry Badowski (saxophone), Jessica Lee Morgan (backing vocals), Terry Edwards (saxophone), Elizabeth Westwood and Tracie Hunter (backing vocals), Mike Peters (Harmonica), Johnny Pisano and Thomas Trask (male New York voices), Rana Rains (female voice) and Harriet Stubbs (Piano).
All the songs were written by James except Take A Little Love which he co-wrote with Adam Masterson and Point It To Your Head written by his friend and Rich Kids guitarist the late Steve New, "I loved Steve" says James "Point It To your Head was a song he wrote that I always loved but it was never released - so I recorded a version of it as a tribute to Steve".
"The instrumental New York 10023 is about a crazy night I had with model Paula Hamilton in New York in the mid 80's" adds James.
James says: “Journalist Mick Mercer once cited me as having played in 72% of all known bands! and it does feel like that sometimes. It can be a bit of a juggling act"; he laughs, "I love playing in bands but creating your own record is the ultimate creative experience. I do have 72% etched on my personal guitar picks though!”
You can porder on the store now, prices include postage.
You can also order both of the solo albums together at a discounted price!!
January 2018
40 Years In The Rock 'n' Roll Wilderness (A selective retrospective)
I am pleased to announce a 2 CD retrospecive is available now! The work is entitled "40 Years In The Rock 'n' Roll Wilderness (A selective retrospective)".
The work covers many of the artists I have worked with since the seventies and I am excited to able to bring together some of the finest work I've done into one collection.
You can porder on the store and the price is £15 plus postage.
October 2016
Preview of James playing for new Daphne Guinness Album
A few weeks ago Tony Visconti asked James down to British Grove Studios in West London to play guitar on a few tracks for Daphne Guinness's forthcoming album. Malcolm Doherty filmed him doing this solo for this track. He got the first four bars from the first take and Tony dropped him in after that to complete it with the second take. So here it is if you're interested - We think it came out pretty good. Looking forward to hearing the finished record.
March/April 2016
Holy Holy USA Tour.
The Holy Holy shows began with a bang at two shows in New York. The David Bowie tribute shows at Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall featured a host of musicians including Cyndi Lauper, Debbie Harry, Michael Stipe and Jakob Dylan.
Look out for James in this BBC news report www.bbc.co.uk/news
You can see James on tour with Holy Holy at the following shows
Wed Mar 30 New York NY Carnegie Hall
Fri Apr 1 New York NY Radio City Music Hall
Sat Apr 2 Upper Darby PA Tower Theater
Sun Apr 3 Baltimore MD Baltimore Soundstage
Tue Apr 5 Boston MA House of Blues
Sat Apr 9 Grand Rapids MI The Intersection
Sun Apr 10 Chicago IL House Of Blues
Tue Apr 12 Milwaukee WI Pabst Theater
Sat Apr 16 Kansas City MO Uptown Theatre
Sun Apr 17 Denver CO Summit Music Hall
Tue Apr 19 Dallas TX Gas Monkey Live!
Thu Apr 21 Tucson AZ Fox Theatre
Fri Apr 22 Scottsdale AZ Talking Stick Resort
Sat Apr 23 Las Vegas NV The Pearl Theatre at Palms
Tue Apr 26 Los Angeles CA Wiltern Theater
Thu Apr 28 Anaheim CA House Of Blues
Fri Apr 29 San Francisco CA The Fillmore
Sun May 1 Portland OR Roseland Theatre
Mon May 2 Vancouver BC Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Wed May 4 Calgary AB Grey Eagle Event Centre
Thu May 5 Edmonton AB Northern Alberta Jubilee
Sun May 8 Toronto ONT Phoenix Concert Theatre
December 2015
James Stevenson's first solo show.
James will be playing his first ever solo show as 'James Stevenson and The West London All Stars' on Thursday 17th December at The Water Rats, London. James will be supported by Spizzology and The Rebelles. Tickets, £8 or £7 in advance.
The Water Rats, 328 Grays Inn Road, London WC1X 8BZ
You can also listen to James recently did on local independant radio.
Please skip to around 48mins.
www.mixcloud.com/sohoradio
August 2015
James's Punk Clubs of London Tour.
As part of the Pledge campain for The Internsation Swingers new release, James's recorded a personal tour of legendary punk clubs in London. It's a great insight into how punk rock developed in and around the centre of London.
March 2015
Suzi's Problem (edit).
Check out the new video edit for the track Suzi's Problem from" Everything's Getting Closer To Being Over".
January 2015
'The International Swingers' - Update.
For those in the L.A. Area, James Stevenson & The International Swingers will be performing this Saturday night January 17th at the L.A. Farmers Market at 7 pm.
The response to the Pledge campaign for our new album "Whatever Works Now" has been amazing and is well on its way... there's not long left now to snap up an exclusive package.
www.pledgemusic.com/projects/theinternationalswingers
October 2014
Exciting news from 'The International Swingers'.
Four friends ... Clem Burke, Glen Matlock, James Stevenson and Gary Twinn started the band for fun and a one off Australian tour but quickly realised that they had something a little more special. They were soon writing songs and had more than enough for what they used to call an “album”.
James is excited that The International Swingers are finally getting to record, and that the tie-up with Pledge Music will not only allow the band to keep full control but that fans will be able to get ownership of some unique packages.
We are also pleased to annouce that a portion of profits from the Pledge Campaign will go to support the Mike Peters fronted rock 'n' roll charity, The Love Hope Strength Foundation helping to save lives one concert at a time.
Click here for the Pledger Music page for all the details of pledge packages and a cool introductory video from the band.
September 2014
On The Road with Holy Holy.
James is honoured to be playing with Holy Holy for the upcoming performances of David Bowie's The Man Who Sold The World and a selection of other great Bowie songs. The line-up includes Tony Visconti (legendary Bowie producer and collaborator), Woody Woodmansey (Spiders from Mars), and also featuring Glenn Gregory, Steve Norman, Erdal Kizilcay, Paul Cuddeford, Rod Melvin, Malcolm Doherty, Lisa Ronson, Maggi Ronson, Hannah Berridge Ronson and of course, James Stevenson.
London, The Garage, Wednesday 17th September – Kevin Armstrong, Daphne Guinness – SOLD OUT
Sheffield, O2 Academy, Thursday 18th September – John Parr, Daphne Guinness
Glasgow, O2 ABC, Saturday 20th September – Daphne Guinness
London, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Monday 22nd September – Marc Almond, Daphne Guinness
Tickets available from 0844 477 2000 and ticketweb.co.uk
June 2014
Interview and review.
Many thanks to Grande Rock for the interview and review.
"In a nutshell, “Everything’s Getting Closer to Being Over” is spectacular"
Interview - http://www.grande-rock.com/interviews/james-stevenson
Review - http://www.grande-rock.com/reviews/james-stevenson
And don't forget to check out the official facebook page for the latest news and updates direct for James Stevenson... https://www.facebook.com/JamesOnGuitars
May 2014
Go Mister! James Stevenson. Video now available.
The video for Go! Mister featuring James Stevenson and also featuring The Sexpistilettos, is now available to view.
April 2014
Everything's Getting Closer To Being Over available on iTunes.
The new album is now available to download from iTunes
April 2014
Album Samples.
We are pleased to present some samples from James Stevensons new album ‘Everything’s Getting Closer To Being Over’ .
Order Details Below.
February 2014
Album Release.
The brand new, long awaited and critically acclaimed new album from James Stevenson is now available to buy.
‘Everything’s Getting Closer To Being Over’ is a coherent album full of decent songs, deep grooves and big guitar solos'
'James Stevenson has made his debut album one to enthuse over and recommend wholeheartedly'
'A really satisfying album and in a world where there are just too many ‘average’ albums it stands out as a beacon of good music'
Buy the album now:
January 2014
Review.
Check out this recent review on the Get Ready To Rock website. Thanks to Pete Feenstra for the insightful review.
‘Everything’s Getting Closer To Being Over’ is a coherent album full of decent songs, deep grooves and big guitar solos.
December 2013
Interviews and News.
There is an interview with James by the In The Poppy Fields bloggers with a look into various aspects of James's activities at the moment.
inthepoppyfields.blogspot.co.uk
There was also a great review of james's forthcoming album "Everything’s Getting Closer To Being Over" at the RingMasterReview. It gives a great insight into album!
The album will be available on March 10th, and exclusively at The Gathering when James will be playing with The Alarm in Llandudno.
You can still get the sampler CD "The Shape Of Things To Come" via Paypal now!
(All prices inclusive of P&P)
James is once again back out on the road with the Cult. You can find the continuing tour dates and news at thecult.us.
In other news, The International Swingers will be recording again in January at Dave Grohl's studio. The band are very excited about the getting some more tracks recorded....watch this space for more info or check out www.theinternationalswingers.com and www.facebook.com/TheInternationalSwingers
September 2013
Out on the road with The Cult - Reviews.
The Cult tour has moved on to Australia afer a fantastic trek round the US. We have a few press features, including a brilliant piece in Guitar Player.
http://www.weeklysurge.com/2013/08/12/3640760/concert-review-cult-electrifies.html
http://smellslikeinfinitesadness.com/the-cult-acl-live-concert-review-an-electric-evening/
http://smellslikeinfinitesadness.com/the-top-40-most-underrated-guitarists-in-rock-part-1/
...and the fantastic piece in 'Guitar Player' (click the image).
August 2013
The International Swingers - Lexington Reviews.
We have some reviews from the recent International Swingers shows at The Lexington in London.
contactmusic.com (photos)
July 2013
Back on the Road.
James is hitting the road for a world tour with The Cult!
Previously with the band in the mid-nighties, James will be taking on the Rhythm guitar position. The Cult will be traveling the globe starting in San Diego on 25th July until finishing off in Cologne in Germany on 6th November, playing extensively throughout the USA and then on to Australia, France, The Netherlands, Germany and the UK.
Full tour dates and further info can be found on thecult.us
January 2013
James is releasing an EP/CD from his forthcoming album. It is available to order now.
The three track sampler is entitled The Shape Of Things To Come.
Tracks are Suzi's Problem, Naturally Wired and Been A Long Time Now.
The recording features contributions from Glen Matlock, Pete Rizzo, Craig Adams,
Chris Bell and Steve Norman from Spandau Ballet!
Buy The Shape Of Things To Come via Paypal now!
(All prices inclusive of P&P)
James has just finished his first solo album!
Rob and Joff at inthepoppyfields.blogspot.co.uk just asked James about it -
We couldn't wait for more info on James' upcoming solo album so we
asked him for some more info to whet our appetites!
"All I can say is it's turning out better than I ever could have
dreamed - mostly because producer Pete Walsh is a genius and fantastic
contributions from Glen Matlock, Steve Norman, Pete Rizzo, Geoff
Dugmore, Chris Bell, Criag Adams, Barriemore Barlow, Maggi Ronson,
Tracie Hunter, Elizabeth Westwood and of course Mark Taylor who
relentlessly kicked me up the ass to do it!" Said James.
Now if that doesn't get you excited I don't know what will!
You can see what producer Peter Walsh says here:
http://www.peterwalsh.de/2012/11/28/testpost/
June 2012
James was recently interviewed by In The Poppy Fields
Check it out here.
International Swingers release first recording
A 4 track CD/EP containing three original tracks and a cover of The Easybeats' Friday On My Mind.
December 2011
James has recorded the famous CFC anthem Blue Is The Colour under the name Phil Daniels And The Cockney Alarm.
The track features Alarm drummer Smiley and well known actor Phil Daniels on vocals. All proceeds go to Help A London Child.
November 2011
James and Jay Aston were very flattered to be invited on stage with The Smashing Pumpkins by Billy Corgan at their Brixton Academy gig on November 16 to perform the Gene Loves Jezebel song Stephen.
James is currently rehearsing in LA with The International Swingers for their first ever dates (see under show dates). The International Swingers features James, Glen Matlock on Bass, Clem Burke from Blondie on drums and singer Gary Twinn.
James had a great time on the Willie Nile tour and hopes to be playing with Willie again sometime soon.
October 2011
James is playing with NYC Singer/songwriter legend Willie Nile on UK tour this month.
Thursday Oct 27th - The Blue Funk Rythmn and Blues Club, Poynton WMC, Poynton CHESHIRE, SK12 1RG
Friday Oct 28th - Cromwell's, Faenol Fawr Hotel, Bodelwyddan, St Asaph, Denbieghshire LL18 5UN
Saturday Oct 29th - Bramham Village Hall, Low Way, Bramham Yorkshire LS23 6QT
Sunday Oct 30th - The BoomBoom Club, Sutton United Football Club The Borough Sports Ground Gander Green Lane Sutton, Surrey SM1 2EY
Monday Oct 31st - The Cellars, 56 Cromwell Road Southsea Hampshire PO4 9PN Telephone 023-9282-6249
Tuesday Nov 1st - Beaverwood Road, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 6HF Ticket Line: 0208 761 9078 Tel Venue: 020 8300 1385 / 0635
Thursday Nov 3rd - The Musician, Clyde Street Leicester LE1 2DE Tel: 0116 251 0080
Friday Nov 4th - The Tropic, Grovesnor Vale, Ruislip, London HA4 6JQ
Saturday Nov 5th - The Cluny, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2PQ, 0191 230 4474
Sunday Nov 6th - The Masonic Lodge, Eglinton St, Beith, Ayrshire, Scotland. (3.00pm start, afternoon show)
August 2011
James has been working on Scott Walker's forthcoming album as well as his debut solo album tentatively titled "Everything is Getting Closer to Being Over".
You know you've made it when you're on the front cover of Walking And Cycling On London's Towpaths Magazine!
James and friend Andy Hackett (Edwyn Collins) have done it (click to enlarge)!
James Interviewed In Record Collector Magazine
New Glen Matlock Video - Mister
Hey Mister - Glen Matlock from Yodo Creative on Vimeo.
And a new video from the Alarm - Unbreak The Promise
September 2010
James appears in Glen Matlock's new video "Born Running."
Born Running - Glen Matlock from Glen Matlock on Vimeo.
August 2010
Video of Gene Loves Jezebel appearing at the Hard Rock Cafe in Lisbon 24.8.10
April 2010
James has been working with Glen Matlock on his new album "Born Running" and on a video to promote the title track.
31st Aug 2009
James Interviewed On LA Talk Radio
http://www.latalkradio.com/images/Combat-072809.mp3
21st May 2009
Signings at Strummercamp
James will be doing signings at The Alarm Merch stand at Strummercamp on the 24th of May at 5pm and 9.30pm to promote his Clash tribute CD.
29th November 2008
James inteviewed in Mudkiss
Check out this in-depth interview in top music fanzine Mudkiss.
James recounts his history in the music business, talks about his amazing guitar collection, names his guitar heros and much much more:
http://www.mudkiss.com/james.htm
4th October 2008
Appearance on BBC1 programme Imagine - The Story of the Guitar on BBC1, Sunday the 5th of October at 22.20 & Sunday the 12th of October at 22.20.
James will be appearing on Alan Yentob's "Imagine - The Story of The Guitar", a three part series exploring the history of the guitar. The series starts this Sunday.
From the BBC website:
Alan Yentob embarks on a three-part personal journey to discover how the guitar became the world's favourite musical instrument. Beginning with the rise of the acoustic guitar, the series takes him from an ancient Middle Eastern ancestor of the lute, to the iconic guitars draped round the necks of Bill Hailey and Elvis Presley and beyond.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00dyhyt
Check it out.
