Steve White (drummer) - Musical Career

Musical Career

White was given a small drum as a child by his uncle and upon joining his local Boys Brigade he began to learn his craft. As with White's band mate Paul Weller, he was given full support from his parents who went out of their way to help their son develop. White spent his youth having lessons from the late George Scott of Wanstead E11; learning from recordings of Buddy Rich and Louis Bellson. White later took lessons with drumming teacher Bob Armstrong at Bob's Masterclass studio, then in Hornchurch, Essex. White complemented his work gigging with local bands with part-time work, spending any spare cash on updating his collection of jazz records. In 1983, White auditioned for an unnamed band which turned out to be Paul Weller's new group, The Style Council. Weller was impressed with the 17-year old drummer's jazz background and asked White to come back the following day. White stayed with the band for some years but was never actually invited to join, even though he appeared in most of their videos and on all but a few recordings. He became the youngest drummer on stage at Live Aid at Wembley in 1985 (and also played the Live 8 gig at Hyde Park with The Who).

White left the Style Council in 1988 in order to pursue other projects and went on to play with many well known acts, such as Ian Dury, The Redskins, and the Jazz Renegades. When the Style Council reformed for a one off gig for Japanese TV in 1990, Paul Weller invited White to his studio to hear a few demo tracks. White was soon back full time behind the kit for Weller's solo projects. His brother Alan White is also a drummer, who played for Oasis for nine years (1995–2004). Alan White has been quoted as saying about his brother that beside influences such as Ringo Starr and John Bonham, his brother was also one of his main influences. During Oasis's tour of the United States in 2001, Alan White had tendinitis leading to Steve standing in several shows.

White is also a member of supergroup The Players with ex-Style Council keyboardist Mick Talbot and ex-Ocean Colour Scene bassist Damon Minchella.

He has his own website, where he answers the fans' questions, and discusses his recent activities with Paul Weller, Chad Smith and many more respected musicians. In 2005, he took over drumming duties for The Who at Live 8, after their regular drummer Zak Starkey, Ringo Starr's son, joined Oasis on their tours and recording sessions.

White is currently taking a break from gigging and recording with Paul Weller. He is now in Trio Valore with Damon Minchella and Seamus Beaghan. He was playing with Jon Lord.

He funded the setting up of a testicular cancer awareness website www.checkemlads.com after he became aware of a fan ill with testicular cancer and on chemotherapy. It is now one of the biggest young men's cancer awareness websites in the UK.

Steve now is the UK front man for the MAPEX drum company and can be seen in various locations across the country doing drum shows on Mapex kits and busy doing private tuition in Manchester.

Steve now managing artists Abi Phillips and Sam Gray.