Jon Stevens

Jon Stevens has led a varied career in the entertainment industry riding the rollercoaster of highs and lows to become a long term veteran of the take no prisoners industry which has enabled him to be the household name that he is today. Thousands of live and stage shows later, Jon still has the capacity to adapt to any medium, enthralling the audience every time and leaving them rocking in awe of such a hard edged, energetic performance. With a voice that attests the true gospel of his roots, yet, can also belt out a hard edge rock song, there is sure to be something to capture the ear of anyone.

Beginning his career at the modest age of 13, he entered a local talent contest and won first prize, which led to his first record label signing, producing the New Zealand number one single, Jezebel. This was quickly followed up by a second number one single Montego Bay, and the release of the chart topping Jezebel album. After winning New Zealand's prestigious most up-and coming talent award, as well as single of the year in 1980 for Montego Bay, Jon felt he could achieve no more in his home country.

Jon recorded his second solo album, Jon Stevens, in Los Angeles, for Big Time records in 1981 he then moved from the US to Australia, with the help of his then manager Michael Browning. Through Browning he met Stuart Fraser, a promising guitarist on the scene. After a couple of beers camaraderie formed between the two, and the seed of Noiseworks was planted.

Noiseworks became a mainstream success in Australia in October 1986 after the release of their debut single No Lies. A radio-friendly song, it soon charted and reached #16 in the ARIA chart. Their second single Take Me Back reached Number Three, only to be blocked by U2 and Jimmy Barnes. Their self-titled debut album (produced by Mark Opitz) reached #1 and stayed in the charts for a massive 63 weeks. Noiseworks were known for their live concerts, they were always on the road playing in every town and venue that they could.

Touch was the follow up album, (produced by Chris Kimsey of Rolling Stones production fame) also reached #1 status, and stayed in the charts for a credible 42 weeks. The third album aptly titled Love Versus Money, jointly produced by Noiseworks and Randy Jackson (American Idol), was by far their most musically diverse. The first single from the album, Freedom was a total change of musical direction for the band, introducing a heavy groove feel. The hard edged third single Hot Chilli Woman, made it to #1. Noiseworks again toured relentlessly and the album enjoyed instant #1 status. Regrettably the band parted ways in March 1992.

Jon went on to play Judas in the Australian re-vamp of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic, Jesus Christ Superstar alongside Australian icons John Farnham and Kate Ceberano . The show lasted for a mammoth 84 nights and was performed across Australia to over a million people. The reviews were fantastic, it was a show like no other, and broke all previous Australian box office records. Riding the wave of the Superstar phenomenon, Jon was at the perfect crest to re-launch the second phase of his solo career with a vengeance. He returned back to the studio and recorded Are U Satisfied, with Sony Music. The record had a distinct hard edged sound that fans were accustomed to. A scaled down Jesus Christ Superstar was the next step which toured the Australia and New Zealand in 1994, it had a different cast line up, except for Jon, who retained the role of Judas. This production allowed Jon to tread the boards alongside his already famous brother Frank Stevens (Castaways).

Once Superstar was finally laid to rest, Jon went on to record the official song for now defunct Australian Super League Rugby competition. It was also during this time that Jon moved to the US for a couple of years and recorded with such artsts as Slash (Guns N' Roses), and Mars Lasar (writer/producer).

In 1996 Jon released his fourth solo album Circle. With its more adult contemporary feel, this album was a soothing change of direction from the rock-orientated music that fans were used to. The single from the album, When received a new range of airplay, and charted moderately.

1998 saw Jon return to the stage to play Frank in Happy Days the Arena Mega Musical, followed by a stint with a the re-formed Noiseworks II for an Australian wide tour. Then in 2000, the song Carry the Flame was taken from Circle and re-worked with INXS's Jon Farriss to become the official theme for the Olympic Torch Relay (on Warner music), with all proceeds from the sale of that song directed back to the athletes.

The year 2000 also saw Jon begin his association with INXS. He became INXS's guest vocalist, and joined them for countless tours of the US, South America, Europe, Australia and the unique Night of the Proms tour in Europe. Jon Stevens was officially announced as INXS's "seventh member" in October 2002. With the potential for new beginnings on the horizon Jon and the band endeavoured towards a new studio release but after only one single release and creative differences, Jon and the band parted ways.

The beginning of 2004 saw Jon host the Channel 10 reality show The Resort, followed with the release of," Ain't NoLife for the Faint Hearted" which saw a return to Jon's soul/R+B roots and amalgamated the talents of some new guest artists with the skills of some of the most experienced producers in the R+B world.

On November 7 2005 Jon Stevens will release his much anticipated acoustic album titled "The Works". The album comprises of an eclectic mix of Noiseworks favourites and Jon's more recent releases. Recorded in 7 days, it captures the essence of Jon live - rough, raw and ready. Jon translates his songs into a stripped back format showcasing his voice amidst an unconstrained acoustic backdrop.

This album sees Jon commence a new partnership with Liberation records. "The Works" is part of Liberation's Acoustic series, which also features such artists as Diesel, The Black Sorrows to name a few.

• $19^.95

  The Works