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When a musical hero goes above and beyond

This email popped into my inbox Friday. I reprint it here with Steve’s permission.

My name is Steve Allen. I am a relatively unknown songwriter from St. Catharines. I have been quite a fan of yours for many years. I thought you might be interested in a story …

I have been an insanely huge fan of Elvis Costello for over 30 years and have always loved the musicianship of keyboardist Steve Nieve. One day I spontaneously contacted him through a social media channel and jokingly asked him to play piano on a song of mine.

I was surprised and amazed when he got back to me and asked me to send him something.

I quickly wrote a song and recorded a rough demo of me singing and playing guitar. I sent him an mp3.

He writes me back and tells me he loves the song and will record a track!

Shortly thereafter he sends me a piano track that he recorded at his home in Paris. My mind was completely blown! It was beautiful. I took it into a studio and produced the song, adding a couple of guitars and upright bass.

This was a dream come true for me! I had never had a dream come true before.

The internet is a strange and wonderful thing at times, to let people connect in ways that were never possible before. But more amazing than that is the fact that an idol of mine turns out to be such an amazing guy to do that for me.

If you’re interested in hearing the song, you can find it at the link below.

Keep doing great work Alan, I enjoy hearing you on the radio and reading your blogs.

Cheers
Steve Allen

Sometimes your heroes live up to all your expectations and dreams.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 38011 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

2 thoughts on “When a musical hero goes above and beyond

  • Wow, that’s awesome. Sometimes you just never know.

    Reply
  • Alan,
    What a wonderful surprise this morning! Thanks to the two Steve’s for a delightful mix and for sharing their loves.
    Lesley

    Reply

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