They have performed alongside some of the biggest names in music – but you probably wouldn’t recognise any of these musicians if you passed them on the street. Such is the nature of being a ‘sideman’ (or sidewoman) – a musician who is integral to a performance but tends to avoid, or be left out of, the limelight.
Bringing these performers out of the shadows is Steve Banks who says he came up with the idea for the show many years ago to shine a light on, and celebrate, the amazing achievements of the sidemen of rock and roll. ‘You wouldn’t recognise most of these artists if you fell over ‘em.’
In what is becoming a new year tradition, episode eight of Steve Banks and The Sidemen will perform in January at the Byron Theatre.
What’s new and interesting with the Sidemen this year?
The Sidemen show continues to evolve as new members join. There’s about 15 of us now, all players are session guys and many still tour which means we chop and change as commitments allow. This show we are playing a few more songs we ‘wished we’d written’ to add to our cache of staples. A contemporary tune from The National, for example, plus Steve Miller, Dire Straits and John Mayall to name a few, and then there’s our beloved Jo Jo Zep/Black Sorrows tracks as we have our very own Black Sorrow (Jeff Burstin) on guitar as always.
Who’s new on the bill?
We are an eight-piece on stage, our newest member – Alex McLeod – who’s a super guitarist (The Sea Benz) will play alongside Jeff and that’s a pairing I’m looking forward to!
How will this show be different from the others?
This show is different in that we’ve added songs we wished we’d written instead of those we either wrote or helped to make famous. Might be a tribute to Brian Wilson in there too. It’s a cracking set list with lots of new tunes and a new face.
What’s the most exciting thing for you about this year’s show?
The most exciting thing about this show is the pairing of Alex and Jeff on guitar, and to sing with Amy Stuart and Chloe West again – and then there’s Brendan St Ledger on Keys (Wendy Mathews) – and, and, lol, not forgetting Grant and Mike – or Jeff…
What’s inspiring you?
My inspiration remains constant and that is to keep live music alive and to champion the support of musicians out there, and in this region particularly, who deserve material support for their craft.
What is your current earworm?
Current earworm/s vacillate between ‘Bloodbuzz Ohio’ (The National) and the ‘Bluey Theme Song’ courtesy of my beloved grandson Remy.
Steve, are you having enough fun?
I’m always having fun in multiple areas. As a muso for sure, but also loving grandpappiness as I call it. Plus, we were in the studio with the Sidemen recently and that’s always a blast.
Steve Banks and The Sidemen will perform their show on Friday, Janaury 16, at 7.30 in the Byron Theatre. More information and tickets can be found at byroncentre.com.au.
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