Jon Stevens, the celebrated rock artist known for his dynamic career, has marked his 64th birthday by releasing his first album in six years, titled “Shimmer.” This milestone comes after a lifetime of adversity and achievement. A near-fatal health crisis in 2009 turned his attitude on virtually everything—including life, world events, and music—all upside down.
Stevens first found fame as a teenage folk-rock sensation in New Zealand, when his debut solo album made him a household name back in 1979. He quickly became a household name, earning the nickname “the Justin Bieber of New Zealand” due to his rapid rise to fame. His meteoric rise to fame was marked with two number-one hits that arrested the attention of the music industry.
A Brush with Death
In 2009, Stevens encountered his greatest challenge when he had emergency double heart bypass surgery. Doctors informed him that he might not survive the weekend, which led him to reflect deeply on his life and career.
“I would have been one of those guys who just fell over and dropped dead,” – Jon Stevens
While fighting for his life revived his passion, surviving the ordeal did much more than that. Every performance he is grateful for, realizing every show is the most crucial moment of his developing arc.
“I know that what I do has the capacity to be able to heal and to be able to help people because I write from my truth,” he stated. His lived experiences have colored his music massively, but it has fortified his bond with fans.
Rocking the World Stage
Stevens has had a successful and prolific career, fronting classic Australian bands including Noiseworks and INXS. He sang in some of the world’s biggest arenas, enchanting fans with his intimate voice and colossal energy. With INXS he had an incredible ride. His show stealing set at the 2000 Olympics closing ceremony played a big part in making that happen one of the all time iconic rock performances.
Reflecting on his journey with INXS, he remarked, “Michael would love the fact that I was leading the band because we were friends and we’d already sung together.” What was initially meant to be a brief stint with the band turned into three-and-a-half years of extensive touring across the globe.
Stevens emphasizes the importance of live performances, stating, “Every night is like a grand final to me.” It’s really meeting the fans and spending time with the fans — I got emotional recounting this, to be honest — communicating with them on a level beyond entertainment.
Personal Life and New Beginnings
In addition to his musical endeavors, Stevens has found love in his personal life, having been in a relationship with his partner for the past ten years. His affection for her is beautifully expressed in his new album “Shimmer,” where he embraces themes of love and connection.
Stevens says he’s looking forward to his new tour, “Summer of Love Rockfest,” kicking off in Melbourne on Valentine’s Day next year. He is committed to letting fans all the way in on his journey every step of the way.
“There’s no greater acknowledgement than having an audience sing the songs back to you,” he noted, illustrating the profound impact that music can have on both artists and listeners alike.
