“Steve is my kind of drummer. The drummer is like the foundation of a house. Everything else comes from that core place of stability. When I’m performing I don’t want to be distracted by fluctuations in the ground that’s supporting me, the tempo or groove. That’s my boy Steve. He’s right there in the pocket… always.
Economy, consistency and power. He’s the man for the job” – ANNIE LENNOX
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Barney’s rock-solid drumming has taken him around the world many times, playing with a whole host of rock-pop royalty.
Probably best known for touring with Eurythmics legend, Annie Lennox and US singer, Anastacia … but additionally with Jeff Beck, Mike + The Mechanics, Sugababes, The Wanted, Eagle-Eye Cherry & Kelis
Internationally, tours with Japanese guitarist HOTEI (Tomoyasu Hotei), Italian-legend Gianna Nannini and Belgian pop star, Natalia.
As the house band drummer for “Children In Need Rocks” and “Peace One Day” Royal Albert Hall concerts – Steve played with Take That, Robbie Williams, Leona Lewis, Paolo Nutini, Cheryl Cole, Mika, Dame Shirley Bassey, Dizzee Rascal, Shingai Shoniwa, Lily Allen, Corinne Bailey Rae, James Morrison, Marc Almond & the BBC Concert Orchestra.
Contributing to Jeff Beck’s 2002 Royal Festival Hall shows (& alongside drumming heavyweight, Terry Bozzio), Beck’s special guests included – Roger Waters, John McLaughlin, Paul Rodgers, Imogen Heap, Jennifer Batten & Jimmy Hall.
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” You held it all together… Amazing!” – JEFF BECK
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Studio/recording highlights include Jeff Beck’s Grammy award winning Instrumental, “Plan B” (& 2002 album, “Jeff”), Will Young’s UK number one, “Leave Right Now”, Annie Lennox’s “Shining Light” + Dave McCabe & The Ramifications album (a solo offering from The Zutons frontman)
2018 saw Hip Hop superduo, Kids See Ghosts (sample Mr. Chop’s “Stark” (an Instrumental featuring Barney’s beats) for their track, “Freeee (Ghost Town, Pt 2)”
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“You need to get a sense of humour! – LOVE working with you” – ANASTACIA
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Perhaps Steve’s biggest accolade was performing at London’s 2005 Live 8 concert at Hyde Park (with Annie Lennox).
An historic day of international charity concerts organised by the Band Aid Trust.
Most recently, 2025 touring & recording with ERA (a French project he began working with in 2019).
Rewind to 1994 … Steve migrated to Liverpool (from Norfolk) in search of his drumming dream. Mike Dolbear’s Masterclass invitation to the UK Drum Show feels a full circle way to celebrate Barney’s 31st year on Merseyside, by playing some songs, conversation & encourage others to follow their own drumming dream.
