From Noiseworks to Jesus Christ Superstar, Jon Stevens is a true legend of Australia music, writes JESSE KUCH

on Stevens has arguably one of the most phenomenal voices in the Australian music industry today.

However, one thing many people don’t know about him is that like fellow adopted Australians Crowded House and Russell Crowe, he was actually born and raised across the Tasman in New Zealand.

When asked about his heritage, Stevens is philosophical.

"I’m half and half, I’ve been here in Australia since 1981," he told TimeOUT from Sydney in the middle of a national reunion tour of Noiseworks.

"I’ve had British, Australian, US and New Zealand passports so really I’m just a citizen of the world."

Discovered by an EMI label representative in his home country, Stevens rose quickly to the top with two New Zealand No.1 singles, Jezebel and Montego Bay.

After travelling to Los Angeles to record his first self-titled debut album, Stevens made the move 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 Australian scene and the seeds of the now famous Noiseworks were planted.

Noiseworks went on to become one of the best loved Australian bands of the ’80s and early ’90s, recording three albums and hit singles like Hot Chilli Woman and No Lies before parting ways in 1992.

From there, Stevens’ career has been as diverse as it has been successful, doing everything from fronting INXS after Michael Hutchence died to starring as Judas in the phenomenally successful musical Jesus Christ Superstar, alongside John Farnham and Kylie Minogue.

Stevens says the many different paths his career has taken is part of the reason he continues to perform.

"As an entertainer it’s good to be able to do different things, I don’t want to be one-sided or pigeon-holed," he said.

Recent times have seen Stevens earn a whole new legion of fans, young and old, through his successful solo career and a reunion tour for Noiseworks, which has played to sold-out shows across the country in the past year.

"It’s awesome seeing the old ones with their teenage kids coming along, it proves that music is a universal thing ," he said about his new-found fan base.

"Real live entertainers are a dying breed; there is so much smoke and mirrors in the entertainment industry these days."

Another key to Stevens’ success has been his community involvement with shows like Channel Nine’s Domestic Blitz.

After using the Noiseworks hit Reach Out (Touch Somebody) on the show’s soundtrack, the producers approached Stevens to do a special performance to benefit Tourettes sufferer Bianca Saez.

Stevens says community work like this helps keep you grounded.

"Just to be able to help somebody who needs it, there is no hesitation from me," he said.

"Being able to contribute is what it’s all about."

Stevens says his hectic touring schedule means a trip to Cairns will be a well-earned holiday after a massive overseas tour.

He even plans to get in a spot of fishing.

"I’m definitely hoping to get to out on the water while I’m up there."

He says his more intimate acoustic shows, like the one at Vertigo Bar, are a chance for him to relax and have some fun.

"The acoustic thing is about having a good time and connecting with the audience," he said.

"I try to make sure everyone, including myself, is having a good time."

>> Jon Stevens performs at Vertigo Bar in the Reef Hotel Casino on Wednesday, December 3 and Thursday, December 4 from 9.30pm. The shows are free.

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