Treat for blues fans as guitarist returns for gigs in the Gong
Known as one of Australia’s finest slide guitarists and blues stylists, Richard Steele has been impressing audiences with his unique sound and approach on acoustic and electric guitar for more than 30 years
By Bede Ritchie
Wollongong has long been a quiet but powerful engine room for Australian creativity, producing a remarkable flow of musicians, actors and artists whose influence stretches far beyond the Illawarra. The Gong’s creative lineage includes the remarkable guitarist Richard Steele, who, after a long absence, is returning for shows in late May.
Known as one of Australia’s finest slide guitarists and blues stylists, Richard has been impressing audiences with his unique sound and approach on acoustic and electric guitar for more than 30 years.
Richard was a founding member of legendary Wollongong rhythm and blues band Whose Muddy Shoes, which gained critical acclaim and a loyal following in the 90s. Since departing the region for Braidwood and then Devonport (Tasmania), Richard has performed in many bands as a powerhouse guitar gun for hire. He’s also composed and performed in solo and trio settings. Richard is among the elite guitar players on the “must invite” list of every music festival organiser.
“I don’t get up to the Gong that often and haven’t performed there for many years. The Oxford Tavern was a regular venue for The Shoes… but I know that’s gone now,” he says.
“I’m stoked to be able to play at La La La’s and Coledale RSL this time because both have built a great reputation for supporting quality live music.”
Richard’s influences include old school blues, jazz, western swing and country. He can belt it out with the best, but is renowned for his mastery of tone and feel. This is striking on albums such as No Rain, Slideways and his latest volume of original works, SEVEN.
“For me, especially with the guitar, it all comes back to ‘feel’. Without ‘feel’, musical performance is like wearing a beige cardigan,” he says.
On this trip back to the Gong, Richard will team up with a killer rhythm section of Mick Malouf on bass and George Brugmans (another Shoes alumni) on drums.
Richard Steele will be at La La La’s on 21 May; 8pm and Coledale RSL on 22 May; 7pm.
About the writer
Bede Ritchie has escaped the bounds of full-time work and is reconnecting with his passion for creating and performing music. He enjoys supporting quality live music across the Illawarra. Bede lives in Thirroul with his wife Linda and his son’s dog “Igby”.
