Steve Negus
Encyclopedia
Steve Negus is a Canadian
drummer and songwriter
who was a member of the progressive rock band Saga
for twenty-six years.
, Fludd
. The band was searching for a new drummer, and offered Steve the job that night. Several weeks later Steve joined Fludd as their new drummer.
While in Fludd, Steve Negus met bassist Jim Crichton and keyboardist Peter Rochon, who would later join him as founding members of Pockets, the original working name of Saga
. Brian and Ed Pilling were the creative force behind Fludd, and about a year after Steve joined, Brian was stricken with leukemia
and the band couldn't continue to perform.
A new band, Pockets, was formed out of Fludd's rhythm section. Negus, Crichton, and Rochon went into eight months of rehearsal to form the new band with Jim Crichton's younger brother Ian Crichton on guitar, and Michael Sadler
as the singer. They changed their name to Saga a year later.
With Saga, Negus earned many gold and platinum selling CDs in Europe, Canada and the U.S. In 1981, the band went to England to work with Rupert Hine
as producer, and Worlds Apart
was recorded at Farmyard Studios. Producer Hine also had Steve plays drums on Chris de Burgh
's album, The Getaway
. “Don't Pay the Ferryman
” was the single from that album, which went to #34 on the Billboard Hot 100
chart in the United States. The Getaway went to number one on the German
charts, followed by Saga's own Worlds Apart at number two.
In the late 80's, Negus and keyboardist Jim Gilmour left Saga and formed GNP (Gilmour Negus Project) with singer Robert Bevan for Virgin Records
. The CD Safety Zone which was produced by Negus came out in 1989. Before a follow-up CD could be written and recorded, Negus and Gilmour reunited with Saga
which ended GNP. In 2003 Steve left Saga once again.
In 2007, Negus released his first true solo project "Dare to Dream" through Cyclone Records. Steve Negus also co-produced and engineered songs for Jaclyn Kenyon
on her original songs "Whatcha Gonna Do" and "See it Through me" in 2009.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
drummer and songwriter
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
who was a member of the progressive rock band Saga
Saga (band)
Saga is a progressive rock quintet, formed in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Jim Crichton and Welsh-born vocalist Michael Sadler have been the principal songwriters for Saga. Ian Crichton is the band's guitarist; apart from his work with Saga, he has recorded several solo albums as well as sessions...
for twenty-six years.
Biography
While playing at Larry's Hideaway, a club in Toronto, Steve Negus' drumming came to the attention of the Canadian rock bandRock Band
Rock Band is a music video game developed by Harmonix Music Systems, published by MTV Games and Electronic Arts. It is the first title in the Rock Band series. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions were released in the United States on November 20, 2007, while the PlayStation 2 version was...
, Fludd
Fludd (band)
Fludd was a Canadian rock band in the 1970s, best known for their 1973 hit "Cousin Mary".The band had its roots in a band called The Pretty Ones, formed by Ed Pilling and Greg Godovitz. The band was briefly part of Toronto's Yorkville scene in the 1960s, but broke up before achieving much...
. The band was searching for a new drummer, and offered Steve the job that night. Several weeks later Steve joined Fludd as their new drummer.
While in Fludd, Steve Negus met bassist Jim Crichton and keyboardist Peter Rochon, who would later join him as founding members of Pockets, the original working name of Saga
Saga (band)
Saga is a progressive rock quintet, formed in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Jim Crichton and Welsh-born vocalist Michael Sadler have been the principal songwriters for Saga. Ian Crichton is the band's guitarist; apart from his work with Saga, he has recorded several solo albums as well as sessions...
. Brian and Ed Pilling were the creative force behind Fludd, and about a year after Steve joined, Brian was stricken with leukemia
Leukemia
Leukemia or leukaemia is a type of cancer of the blood or bone marrow characterized by an abnormal increase of immature white blood cells called "blasts". Leukemia is a broad term covering a spectrum of diseases...
and the band couldn't continue to perform.
A new band, Pockets, was formed out of Fludd's rhythm section. Negus, Crichton, and Rochon went into eight months of rehearsal to form the new band with Jim Crichton's younger brother Ian Crichton on guitar, and Michael Sadler
Michael Sadler
Michael Sadler may refer to:* Michael Thomas Sadler , radical British Tory Member of Parliament* Michael Ernest Sadler , British historian, educationalist and university administrator...
as the singer. They changed their name to Saga a year later.
With Saga, Negus earned many gold and platinum selling CDs in Europe, Canada and the U.S. In 1981, the band went to England to work with Rupert Hine
Rupert Hine
Rupert Neville Hine is an English musician, songwriter and prolific record producer, having produced albums for artists including Kevin Ayers, Tina Turner, Howard Jones, Saga, The Fixx, Bob Geldof, Thompson Twins, Stevie Nicks, Chris de Burgh, Suzanne Vega, Rush, Underworld, Duncan Sheik, and ...
as producer, and Worlds Apart
Worlds Apart (Saga album)
Worlds Apart is the fourth studio album by the Canadian progressive rock band Saga and was originally released in 1981. The album has been released with several different covers. The album was produced by Rupert Hine...
was recorded at Farmyard Studios. Producer Hine also had Steve plays drums on Chris de Burgh
Chris de Burgh
Chris de Burgh is a British/Irish singer-songwriter. He is most famous for his 1986 love song "The Lady in Red".-Early life:...
's album, The Getaway
The Getaway (album)
The Getaway is singer Chris de Burgh's sixth original album, released on A&M Records in 1982. The album was spearheaded by the U.S. hit, "Don't Pay the Ferryman", a strangely upbeat, mythology-tinged ballad that evokes images of the Grim Reaper....
. “Don't Pay the Ferryman
Don't Pay the Ferryman
"Don't Pay the Ferryman" is a single by Chris de Burgh from the album The Getaway. It was produced in 1982. In 1983, the single reached #34 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States....
” was the single from that album, which went to #34 on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
chart in the United States. The Getaway went to number one on the German
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
charts, followed by Saga's own Worlds Apart at number two.
In the late 80's, Negus and keyboardist Jim Gilmour left Saga and formed GNP (Gilmour Negus Project) with singer Robert Bevan for Virgin Records
Virgin Records
Virgin Records is a British record label founded by English entrepreneur Richard Branson, Simon Draper, and Nik Powell in 1972. The company grew to be a worldwide music phenomenon, with platinum performers such as Roy Orbison, Devo, Genesis, Keith Richards, Janet Jackson, Culture Club, Lenny...
. The CD Safety Zone which was produced by Negus came out in 1989. Before a follow-up CD could be written and recorded, Negus and Gilmour reunited with Saga
Saga (band)
Saga is a progressive rock quintet, formed in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Jim Crichton and Welsh-born vocalist Michael Sadler have been the principal songwriters for Saga. Ian Crichton is the band's guitarist; apart from his work with Saga, he has recorded several solo albums as well as sessions...
which ended GNP. In 2003 Steve left Saga once again.
In 2007, Negus released his first true solo project "Dare to Dream" through Cyclone Records. Steve Negus also co-produced and engineered songs for Jaclyn Kenyon
Jaclyn Kenyon
Jaclyn Kenyon is a singer/songwriter from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Jaclyn became a performer by the age of 12. At that age, Jaclyn performed at the Honey Jam showcase in Toronto, Ontarioshe. Jaclyn was the youngest performer ever at the Honey Jam and quickly received media attention...
on her original songs "Whatcha Gonna Do" and "See it Through me" in 2009.
Saga studio albums
- SagaSaga (album)Saga is the first studio album by the Canadian progressive rock band Saga and was originally released in 1978.-The Chapters:Two of the songs, "Will It Be You? ," and "Tired World ," were part of a series of eight songs that Saga included within their first four albums called "The Chapters," which...
(1978) - Images at TwilightImages at TwilightImages at Twilight is the second studio album by the Canadian progressive rock band Saga and was originally released in 1979.-The Chapters:...
(1979) - Silent KnightSilent Knight (album)Silent Knight is the third studio album by the Canadian progressive rock band Saga and was originally released in 1980.-The Chapters:Two of the songs, "Don't Be Late ," and "Too Much to Lose ," were part of a series of eight songs that Saga included within their first four albums called "The...
(1980) - Worlds ApartWorlds Apart (Saga album)Worlds Apart is the fourth studio album by the Canadian progressive rock band Saga and was originally released in 1981. The album has been released with several different covers. The album was produced by Rupert Hine...
(1981) - Heads or TalesHeads or TalesHeads Or Tales is the fifth studio album by the Canadian progressive rock band Saga and was originally released in 1983. The album was the second of the band's to be produced by 1980s producer Rupert Hine...
(1983) - BehaviourBehaviour (Saga album)Behaviour is the sixth studio album by the Canadian progressive rock band Saga, and was originally released in 1985, two years after the moderately successful Heads or Tales...
(1985) - Wildest DreamsWildest Dreams (Saga album)Wildest Dreams is the seventh studio album by the Canadian progressive rock band Saga, originally released in 1987. It was their first album without original drummer Steve Negus and longtime keyboardist and vocalist Jim Gilmour.-Atlantic Records:...
(1987) - The Beginner's Guide to Throwing ShapesThe Beginner's Guide to Throwing ShapesThe Beginner's Guide to Throwing Shapes is the eighth studio album by Saga, originally released in 1989.-Track listing:# "How Do I Look" – 4:33# "Starting All Over" – 4:01# "Shape" – 5:10# "Odd Man Out" – 4:54# "The Nineties" – 4:16...
(1989) - The Security of IllusionThe Security of IllusionThe Security of Illusion is the ninth studio album by Saga. The album marks the return of keyboardist Jim Gilmour and drummer Steve Negus, both of whom left the band in 1986 due to management concerns.-Track listing:# "Entracte " – 0:58...
(1993) - Steel UmbrellasSteel UmbrellasSteel Umbrellas is the tenth studio album by Saga.-Track listing:# "Why Not?" – 4:18# " Never Alone" – 4:28# "Bet On This" – 3:53# "Shake That Tree" – 4:18# "Password Pirate - access code - Password Pirate" – 3:36# "I Walk With You" – 4:02...
(1994) - Generation 13Generation 13Generation 13 is the eleventh studio album by Saga.-Track listing:# "Chances Are #1" – 1:42# "Generation 13 " – 2:43# "All Will Change" – 1:57# "The Cross " – 4:06# "Danger Whistle" – 0:45# "Leave Her Alone" – 4:33...
(1995) - Pleasure & the PainPleasure & the PainPleasure & the Pain is the twelfth studio album by Saga.-Track listing:# "Heaven Can Wait" – 6:16# "How Do You Feel?" – 4:07# "Welcome To The Zoo" – 4:31# "Where's My Money" – 5:19# "You're Not Alone "97"" – 4:20# "Taxman" – 3:39...
(1997) - Phase OnePhase One (Saga album)Phase One is a studio album by Saga.Phase one was originally released during the 1997 European Tour and was made available at the merchandise stands and through The Saga Club. It contains 3 demo-versions of songs from Images At Twilight: You're Not Alone, Mouse in a Maze and Hot to Cold. These...
(1997) - Full CircleFull Circle (Saga album)Full Circle is a studio album by Saga, their thirteenth album of new material.-Track listing:# "Remember When " – 5:20# "The One" – 4:21# "Follow Me" – 5:07# "Uncle Albert's Eyes " – 5:22# "Home" – 5:06...
(1999) - House of CardsHouse of Cards (Saga album)House of Cards is a studio album by Saga, their fourteenth album of new material.-Track listing:# "God Knows" – 5:29# "The Runaway" – 5:35# "Always There" – 3:52# "Ashes to Ashes " – 5:05# "Once in a Lifetime" – 4:21...
(2001) - MarathonMarathon (Saga album)Marathon is a studio album by Saga, their fifteenth album of new material.- Track listing :# "Marathon" – 4:59# "How Are You?" – 5:22# "Breathing Lessons" – 4:24# "Hands Up" – 3:44# "Streets of Gold " – 5:11...
(2003)
Saga live albums
- In TransitIn Transit (Saga album)In Transit is a live album by Canadian progressive rock band Saga. The album was recorded in Copenhagen and Munich in 1982. In Transit went platinum in Canada and gold in Germany.- Track listing :...
(CD; 1982) - How Do I Look (CD; 1998)
- Detours - Live (2CD; 1998)
Saga compilations
- The Works (1990)
- All the Best (1993)
- The Very Best Of (1994)
- Defining Moments (1994)
- Remember When - The Very Best of Saga (2006)
Other album appearances
- Chris de BurghChris de BurghChris de Burgh is a British/Irish singer-songwriter. He is most famous for his 1986 love song "The Lady in Red".-Early life:...
- The GetawayThe Getaway (album)The Getaway is singer Chris de Burgh's sixth original album, released on A&M Records in 1982. The album was spearheaded by the U.S. hit, "Don't Pay the Ferryman", a strangely upbeat, mythology-tinged ballad that evokes images of the Grim Reaper....
(1982) - Rupert HineRupert HineRupert Neville Hine is an English musician, songwriter and prolific record producer, having produced albums for artists including Kevin Ayers, Tina Turner, Howard Jones, Saga, The Fixx, Bob Geldof, Thompson Twins, Stevie Nicks, Chris de Burgh, Suzanne Vega, Rush, Underworld, Duncan Sheik, and ...
- Waving Not Drowning (1982) - GNP - Safety Zone (1989)