Would the real Steve Smith step forward
You’re not the Steve Smith, are you?
Until a few years ago, “you’re not the Steve Smith, are you?” was a common response when I introduced myself. I guess it is inevitable as I have known and worked with several Steve Smiths over the years but I don’t remember ever meeting a George Clooney, John Wayne, David Beckham or a Jonny Wilkinson. But, I have often wondered who the real Steve Smith actually is.
As the BBC produced an article called ‘What difference does it make being a Smith’ recently I thought I would put together a blog on Steve Smiths – just for fun. I will let you decide who the real Steve Smith is.
England Rugby Union
Steve Smith the former England international rugby union player at the time when England won the Grand Slam in 1980. Several years later he founded Cotton Traders with rugby team mate Fran Cotton. He was one of the commentators during the 2003 World Cup when England took the title after a thrilling final against Australia.
Drummer with Journey
Steve Smith is a legendary drummer and there is nothing I can say to demonstrate the shear brilliance of Steve’s drumming so check out the video below. I could never get anything like this out of my Sonor drum kit!
Australian Cricketer
Steve Smith the Australian National cricket team captain is one of the top rated batsmen in the World. Steve won the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy as a result of being named ICC Cricketer of the year and Test Cricketer of the Year 2014 to 2015.
National Football League
Steve Smith is an American football wide receiver currently playing for Baltimore Ravens.
TV Director & Producer
Steve Smith is a director and producer working extensively in British TV. Some of the shows Steve has worked on include: The Graham Norton Show, The New Paul O’Grady Show, The Science of Doctor Who, The Science Club and many more.
Poundland Founder
Steve Smith, founder of Poundland started out working on his father’s market stall in Bilston, West Midlands. His time working on the stall seeded the idea for Poundland. The experience also paid off as he new exactly what to fill the shelves with when he launched Poundland some years later.
Steve borrowed £50,000 from his father to launch the first Poundland store and on the first day of trading the store took £13,000. Steve sold Poundland in 2000 for £50M.
Steven Smith & Father (Opportunity Knocks c1972)
I have taken a fair amount of stick over my name throughout my school life and in my working career. However, in relation to my name there is one that stands out among all others – Steven Smith & Father.
Steve Smith and Father was an organ and drums duo. Steven Smith played the drums while his father played the melody. It didn’t help that I played the drums myself at the time but I am sure that is only a minor detail. I had to live out the last of my school days with the constant reference to this multi-winning act. Day in and day out, students and teachers alike could not resist their Hughie Green impression when I walked into the room.
When I left school in 1973 and embarked on my apprenticeship I thought I would go into remission. But there is always one person isn’t there? In 1974 – two years after their last win on the box – it was apparent my association to said act was still considered fair game. I distinctly remember walking into Brixton College in Ferndale Road every morning to the human drum machine rendition of Steven Smith’s greatest works “tsss t t tsss t t tsss t t tsss” as my friend emulated a very corny high hat rhythm made famous by my Opportunity Knocks name sake. I expect I would still get the same treatment now if I bumped into him in a bar 40 years on.