Steve Abbott (musician)
Steven Paul Abbott | |
|---|---|
| Born | Luton, England |
| Occupation(s) | Vocalist, songwriter, artist manager, live music promoter, concert agent, A&R executive, arts advisor |
| Years active | 1978–present |
| Known for | Frontman of UK Decay, founder of Big Cat Records UK and Arc of Light Classical Recordings, founder of Harmonic Artists Ltd |
| Notable work | UK Decay, Big Cat Records UK, Arc of Light Classical Recordings, Bedlam Management |
Steven Paul Abbott is an English vocalist, songwriter, artist manager, live music promoter, concert agent, Artists and repertoire (A&R) executive, and arts advisor. He serves as the frontman for the British post-punk group UK Decay, recognized as part of the pioneering gothic rock movement. Abbott also established and curated the Lutonia Literature Festival.
Early life
Steven Paul "Abbo" Abbott was raised on the Farley Hill Estate in Luton, England. His education included attendance at Farley Junior School, followed by Rotheram High School and Luton VI Form College.
UK Decay
In 1978, Abbott became a member of Luton’s post-punk band The Resistors, which he renamed "UK Decay" after encountering the phrase on a Daily Mirror headline. During an interview with Steve Keaton for Sounds, Abbott introduced the term "Goth" to describe the band’s style—a phrase later acknowledged as the earliest connection to Gothic rock music and its associated fashion.
UK Decay extensively toured Europe’s rock and art venues. Following their role as support for the Dead Kennedys during their UK debut tour, they joined the band on their 1981 US tour, performing alongside rising West Coast acts such as Black Flag and Circle Jerks. The group was vocal in opposing racism and discrimination, frequently facing hostility from right-wing factions; notably, their track "Sexual" was among the earliest to address "trans" sexuality.
Between 1979 and 1983, UK Decay released one album, For Madmen Only, along with five singles, securing several months on the UK Independent Charts with songs like "For My Country". Abbott departed from UK Decay in 1983 to create Furyo, an experimental quartet that issued a mini-album and an EP in the UK plus a full-length album in Japan.
Return to UK Decay
In 2008, the group reunited to take part in Rock Against Racism events held throughout Europe. Four years later, in 2012, they unveiled the album New Hope for the Dead, with production by Chris Tsangarides. That same year, they collaborated with Luton Town F.C. ‘SOLYD’ and Luton Foodbank to release the Wonderful Town EP, directing all revenue toward these charitable organizations.
Big Cat Records UK, 1989–
Abbott initiated the establishment of Big Cat (UK) Ltd in 1989, financing it through his work as an office equipment delivery driver in Luton. The label’s name was inspired by a lyric from the reggae artist Big Youth’s track "Lightning Flash." The first artist signed was Carter USM, whose album 101 Damnations included hits like "Sherriff Fatman" and "Rubbish." The roster expanded to feature prominent names such as Jeff Buckley, Pavement, Luscious Jackson, Mikey Dread, Junior Delgado, Big Youth, Heather Nova, Faith Over Reason, Mercury Rev, Cop Shoot Cop, Foetus, and Grandaddy. By 1995, Big Cat had established itself as a key player in the ambient music scene with releases from EAR, Paul Schütze, Pauline Oliveros, KJ Heino, and Thomas Köner. Abbott further grew the business internationally by inaugurating a joint Bedlam Management / Big Cat (UK) Records office at 580 Broadway in New York City in 1997.
Arc of Light Classical Recordings
Abbott founded this classical label by signing composer John Tavener; its inaugural release was Tavener’s Akathist of Thanksgiving, performed by the Westminster Abbey Choir alongside James Bowman and Martin Neary. The label also produced a Grammy-nominated rendition of Henry Purcell's Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary, commemorating its 300th anniversary with a performance at Westminster Abbey featuring soloists Emma Kirkby and Ian Bostridge. Abbott played a role in organizing Elton John's rendition of "Candle in the Wind" at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales and compiled the tribute album Diana, Princess of Wales – Tribute, which included contributions from Aretha Franklin, Bryan Ferry, and Peter Gabriel.
Other notable releases encompassed works by Benjamin Britten (A Ceremony of Carols), Gregorio Allegri (Miserere), as well as John Tavener’s "Innocence" and "Adeste Fidelus - Christmas with Emma Kirkby." These projects featured artists such as Emma Kirkby, James Bowman, Martin Neary, Westminster Abbey Choir, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Singers, and Alice Neary.
Bedlam Management 1979–2007
Established by Abbott alongside Linda Obadiah, Bedlam Management represented several influential popular music artists including EMF—whose debut single "Unbelievable" achieved success on the US Billboard charts and whose album Schubert Dip sold more than four million copies—Claytown Troupe (signed to Island Records), Mercury Rev, and Heather Nova. In the classical field, clients included Hayley Westenra (2003–2009), Nicola Benedetti (2005–2009), and Aled Jones (2004–2005). Abbott was also behind the creation and production of The Choirboys and All Angels, both affiliated with Decca Records. Additionally, he co-produced two albums for Westenra alongside Ian Tilley that featured Japanese songs; both albums reached Japan’s top 10 under Universal Japan.
V2 Records 1998–2002
After Linda Obadiah sold her 50% share in Big Cat to Richard Branson's V2 Records, the UK and US divisions of Big Cat became the core of V2's operations in both the United Kingdom and North America. Abbott took on the role of Head of International, playing a pivotal part in expanding the company’s global presence. He later moved to New York to serve as Head of A&R for North America from 1999 until 2002. Notable artists connected with this period include Moby, The Black Crowes, RZA, The Jungle Brothers, and The White Stripes.
Artist manager and promoter
Upon his return to London, Abbott established Harmonic Artists Ltd, a management and live event agency representing talents such as Guy Chambers, Cerys Matthews, Jules Buckley, Zara McFarlane, Lang Lang (UK), Cherry, Carroll Thompson, Heather Nova, and Mercury Rev. The agency also provides concert representation for Joe Hisaishi (UK), Lang Lang (UK), Jules Buckley, Guy Chambers, Chad Lawson (UK), Zara McFarlane, Carroll Thompson, and Vanessa Wagner.
Abbott holds a position on the advisory board of The Arts Club located on Dover Street in London and acts as Cultural Ambassador for Luton. His promotion of live performances extends to prominent venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Manchester's Bridgewater Hall, and Birmingham's Symphony Hall. Furthermore, he is a trustee for Tomorrow's Warriors.
The Good Life Experience Festival, Hawarden
In 2014, Abbott collaborated with his wife Cerys Matthews and Caroline and Charlie Gladstone to initiate The Good Life Experience Festival, which centers around outdoor activities. The festival offered experiences including bushcraft, lake swimming, axe throwing, trapeze, alongside international music performances featuring DJs Gilles Peterson, Norman Jay, and Trevor Nelson. It also highlighted authors and chefs like Thomasina Miers, Helen Sharman, Michael Morpurgo, Michael Rosen, and Ben Fogle. The last festival before the pandemic in 2017 drew an audience of approximately 7,000.
Public appearances
Abbott appeared as a judge on BBC Two’s reality competition Classical Star in 2007. In 2011, he took on an on-camera mentorship role for BBC Two’s Goldie's Band: By Royal Appointment, supporting musicians overcoming difficulties toward a culminating live concert at Buckingham Palace before Prince Harry. His other BBC contributions include Radio 4 features such as The Grace of Jeff Buckley and Nitin Sawney on Jeff Buckley, as well as BBC4’s documentary What Makes a Great Tenor.
Personal life
Abbott wed Cerys Matthews in January 2011. He is also an avid supporter of Luton Town F.C.
External links
- "Manager Spotlight: Steve Abbott", Music Managers Forum, 5 January 2022.