Steven VX

'Young Belfast Calling' Back in time, there was the old school mantra middle aged musos loved to use " you had to pay your dues" to count . In those days the young kids didn't give a toss for this attempted put down, but I think its safe to say that this kid has certainly shown what he's made off. Once known as Steven Donnelly, the original lead guitarist / frontman / songwriter from highly rated teenage Belfast rockers VX [Belfast] since 2009. Steven VX took full advantage of the free time during his bands 2013 summer burnout hiatus to launch his own solo elektro / akoustik punk rock n'roll alter ego. He's been a fixture on the local scene now for many years, as a band member / solo performer / Photographer / gig promoter, & DJ. He's also been writing / recording / producing, & out there gigging relentlessly. Making it to the hallowed stages of punk rock n'roll landmarks such as 'The Ulster Hall', the '100 Club' and more along the way. He has recorded, and performs a live set the majority of which is self penned originals, as well as a choice selection of not the obvious cover versions featuring some of his favourite classic punk & rock n' roll (etc) tunes by the likes of the New York Dolls, The Ramones, The Clash, The Cramps, Johnny Thunders, Dr Feelgood, Rich Kids, Mott The Hoople, Eddie Cochran, The Adverts, David Bowie, Iggy & the Stooges, Against Me, Anti Flag, Stiff Little Fingers, Rudi, Motorhead amongst many others. One thing he's really proud off, is the fact that he's never played a solo (or 'VX' the band) gig that didn't include at least a few of his own self penned compositions in the setlist. So don't be expecting some oap showbiz cabaret punk covers pub act when you attend a guaranteed in your face 'SVX' show. Steven had the honour of opening both the 2013 / 2014 BBA Punk Festivals in Bangor, which also featured a host of legendary punk acts, such as UK Subs, 999, The Lurkers, Tim (TV) Smith (Adverts), Steve Ignorant (Crass),The Outcasts, The Defects, Barb Wire Dolls and many more. He also played a second set during the 2014 festival with his other band, the reformed 'Ex Producers'. SVX also performed a big stage Féile Unplugged solo set on the lawn of Belfast City Hall, during the 2013 Féile 25 celebrations in August, and was again re-booked for a slot during the 2014 / 2016 (with The Art Rats) festivals. The much acclaimed 'Good Vibrations' film in which he's featured as the "rural punk kid" and extra scenes was recently released on DVD after a very successful big screen cinema run, and he can also be seen in the 'Defects-Made In Belfast' doc, which was released in early 2015. By the end of summer 2014 Steven VX had performed over 60 gigs in only the past two years, which have included the much coveted Belfast support slots for the highly anticipated live debut of X-SLF [featuring Henry Cluney and Jim Reilly], and the long awaited Belfast debut of 999. Other high profile support slots have included the likes of 'John Otway' in Bangor and the return after 36 years of 'Penetration' to Belfast. And not forgetting his participation in the occasional local punk super-group!! 'The All New Jimmy Segus Review' who supported anarcho legends 'Culture Shock' at the 'Warzone' during late 2013. In the summer of 2014 'Steven VX' made his Dublin debut supporting critically acclaimed swedish female punkster 'Monica & the Explosion', and then there was the Belfast International Tattoo Convention show in the main hall of the Titanic Centre, which was something else. The stage was situated at the bottom of the very impressive repro ships staircase, which looks amazing. In a surreal twist of fate, 'SVX' joined the rejuvenated original late 1970s Belfast punk band the 'Ex Producers' on lead guitar. His father was in the original line up way back in the day, now he's a member in 2014. In October the band supported 999 at the Voodoo, and legendary celtic rockers 'Horslips' at the iconic 2000 capacity 'Ulster Hall' in Belfast, which was sold out. In December SVX played his debut London show at the legendary '100 Club' along with 'The Outcasts, The Defects and XSLF on a special Harp Bar Belfast / Good Vibes Christmas party bill. Another sold out show. Steven recorded his solo contribution for the 'Time To Be Proud' EP series during Oct 2013, celebrating the vinyl history of the vintage NI punk/ New Wave scene. It's his version of the Ex-Producer's late 1970s NI punk anthem 'Newer Wave 79', which was included on disc 9, and then released during Jan 2014. Who would've guessed what was going to happen just a few months later? He also participated in the recording of the 'Punkerama records' christmas 2013 charity single, which was a local punk 'Band Aid' style line up cover of The Greedies 'A Merry Jingle, with all proceeds going to a local childrens charity. The Steven VX 'Soundcloud' was launched on 15.7.14 with the release of the 'SVX 'The Boy Looked At Johnny' EP, which is a 62nd birthday tribute to the late great 'Johnny Thunders' RIP, and features three essential covers and one original self penned track 'Dirty Pretty Things'. All the ltd edition faux vinyl cd copies in four different coloured wraparound poster sleeves were snapped up very quickly, but these tracks as well as rocked up cover versions of Screaming Lord Sutch's 'Jack The Ripper', The Yobs, Keith Richard, Chuck Berry's 'Run Rudolph Run' & David Bowie's 'Valentines Day' are all available (more will be added in time) for everyone to hear, so make sure to check them out! https://soundcloud.com/stevenvx/sets/steven-vx-the-boy-looked-at-johnny-ep Work on the debut 'Steven VX' album (and its accompanying singles) is on-going, with a mid 2017 release being targeted for the LP. Please check out the 'Glampunktv' youtube site, home of all the 'Steven VX' video promos, as well as a host of other SVX & Punkyjoe created clips, which were made for other well known & not so well known bands. http://www.youtube.com/user/GlamPunkTV/videos Finally, in true punk rock n' roll DIY style, he recently released his totally in house created and professionally presented 2nd solo ep 'Rocket 21', to celebrate 'Record Store Day 2015', which in a very short time has been picking up very healthy sales, with a lot of very positive worldwide feedback, radio play, and fantastic online reviews. As one website reviewer put it "This is the future of NI punk....". All the copies of the physical cd are now gone, but the worldwide download version with an alternate fourth track (+ merch) is available via the' SVX-Bandcamp' page https://stevenvx.bandcamp.com/ So think of the swagger of Johnny Thunders, mixed with the Steve Jones wall of sound, while adding a big pinch of Anti Flag's rebellious streak, then you'll be getting the vibe. During November 2015, SVX spread his wings into the non-ugly pop / anti commercial crap world of alternative club djing, which is somewhere he never actually intended to venture, but bookings are being offered to the newly christened (by friends) 'DJ Wolf'. Its been a pretty painless transition, from playing live in your face punk rock n' roll, so far. Feb 2016, and the new open collective,'Steven VX & The Art Rats' who are at present a full on electric band (but will also still perform acoustic shows as required) are now in rehearsal preparing for their upcoming gigs and recording sessions. Kicking off in Dublin on 30.04.16, supporting Duncan Reid (ex The Boys), & TV Smith (ex The Adverts) in Voodoo Belfast on 09.09.16,+ more shows including Steve Ignorant (ex Crass) in Dublin during Oct 2016 are already confirmed. (Steven VX & The Art Rats (open collective phase 1) launched 28.04.16, until 03.11.16). More SVX info coming your way very soon! Hard to believe how young this kid actually is. "From Belfast With Love" Steven VX. Steven VX - Elektro Akoustik Punk Rock n' Roll from Belfast NI. "Like" to receive updates. #SVX