For those not in the know, Steve Washington, a top of the tree road warrior, was
drummer of choice for Take-That' at the height of their popularity, head-hunted by
Scottish popsters 'Texas' and is now occupying the drum throne for a touring 'Errol
Brown' (Hot Chocolate).

Steve was certainly on form (or something else) on the night of the clinic. Animated and full
of energy, he didn’t take long to warm up the crowd on this cold night, with his contagious
enthusiasm. Coming over all nostalgic about returning to Drumtech, where he studied under our director, Francis Seriau, between ’85-87’, Steve started reminiscing about the size of the coperation back then and was genuinely amazed at how far the college has come.

Telling us about his musical upbringing, Steve astonishingly turned pro at the tender age of
thirteen. Playing in cover bands in his local area, he was fed a healthy diet of Ginger Baker
and Mitch Mitchel. His unbridled fervour led him to buy as many instructional books as he
could afford and duly devour them. The rest is, as they say, history.

Getting behind the kit, one word automatically springs to mind-Groove- with a capital G.
Loose and full of fun, everything Steve plays grooves like hell. Challenging the crowd on
whether we think rudiments are boring, he takes a 5-stroke roll, tripletizes it and then
grooves it on the kit. It sounded wicked!!

Uniquely Steve had brought hand-outs along with him for the clinic. They included a series
of his favourite exercises. He then took time explaining each exercise to the audience and
demonstrating their application. Pure gold dust. Next, he jammed to some backing tracks
and fully worked out that loose feel. The term, playing the drums operates on various levels
when Steve is behind the kit and at play.

Winding up the evening, Steve not only stresses the importance of good musicianship, but
also the need for a friendly disposition. Pointing at his smiling face he tells us that a lot jobs
have come his way because of his personality. Whichever the case, his smiling chops and
drumming chops will ensure that Steve Washington is a leading name on the scene for
many years to come.