During the sixties, Stephen Vaughan Williams played bass and managed local beat group, The Inventix. They won first prize in a battle of the bands at Ashby-de-la-Zouch Arts Festival in 1965 and toured the club circuits sharing the bill with bands and cabaret acts such as Shirley Bassey, Bob Monkhouse and Ken Dodd. In his retirement, Steve took to the guitar and he’s been a popular and prolific performer in Derby for the last 15-years.
The Inventix Rhythm Group (left-right): Paul (Guitar), Steve (Bass), Brian (Drums), Terry (Vocals), Chris (Keys)
Tragically, a fall on the winter ice and subsequent operation in 2009 left him with limited use of his left arm. In order to keep active, Stephen fought on with performances of his poetry, stories and acapella singing.
In 2010, Stephen had his first publication, “Don’t Kiss Me in the Bright Lights” which was published in Assent magazine. Assent is edited by Adrian Buckner, former poet laureate for Nottinghamshire and lecturer at The University of Derby. Stephen has since had a second poem, “The Poppyman” published in a local magazine called City-Zine.
In 2012, Stephen Vaughan Williams took to the movies and his performance of traditional song “Shenandoah” featured in the mass participation project Derby Soap Opera. The feature film was coordinated by Derby arts centre QUAD and directed by world renowned film maker and artist Marinella Senatore. He also took part as an extra in the Jean-Claude Van Damme film “UFO” which is due for release in Jan 2013.
2012 also saw Stephen’s first album of poetry “I Looked to a Star” which was released on 9th November 2012. The launch party featured guests from music and spoken word groups Steve has attended and supported throughout the years. Performers included Keith Kendrick and Sylvia Needham from the Derby Heritage Traditional Music Club, Sophie Snell from The Flying Donkeys and regular performers from the local poetry nights.
Stevie later went back on the Derby music scene with support from his guitar accompanist Jonathan Eagles and was not unknown to spontaneously stand up in a cafe or restaurant and belt out his favourite songs.
“How lovely!”
