IT was one of those nights that singer-songwriter Jon Stevens will never forget.
Having hit the jackpot to work with Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) on new album Starlight, he found himself invited to Stewart’s house where he met fellow dinner guest Ringo Starr.
“It was just one of those things in a very informal environment with about six of us there; we ate dinner, got the guitars out and started singing songs and telling jokes,” Stevens said.
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READ NOW“From that night, Ringo played drums on my song One Way Street; I’m still in awe of having worked with him.
“He’s still touring and was in the middle of a tour when we did the drums at his house in LA.
“He said to me ‘Nobody asks me to play drums on their records’. I guess everyone’s just scared but he’s such a wonderful man.”
Stevens, now a doting grandfather of two, released Starlight in March and is celebrating by touring Australia with long-time friend Kate Ceberano.
He said he first met Ceberano in Brisbane in 1987 and was immediately struck by her vivacious nature and big smile.
The pair went on to star in the 1992 musical Jesus Christ Superstar and have performed together on and off since.
“She’s just a great woman; everyone loves her and what you see is what you get,” Stevens said.
“Before the tour started it had been about three years since we’d sung together.”
Stevens said Ceberano’s brother Phil kicked off the concert before being joined by his sister.
Stevens follows with his Starlight songs and other hits before the trio finish with numbers from Jesus Christ Superstar and other favourites.
“I’m the youngest of 11 children, so it’s always been the more the merrier for me,” Stevens said.
“With Kate and Phil, it’s like a big family.”
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Jon Stevens and Kate Ceberano – Starlight tour
Where: Astor Theatre
When: August 18
Tickets: www.astortheatreperth.com