Steve Humberstone

The Manager! (John Weller)

At what age did you start your Management Career

Mid-20’s!

Musical influences

The Jam, Buzzcocks, Joy Division and Buddy Holly!

What attracted you to The Jam?

I used to hang around with a couple of lads who were older than me and one of them had the ‘In the City’ album.

As soon as I heard it – the energy and passion just blew me away and I was hooked.

Aside of The Jam, what other bands inspired you?

I found Still Little Fingers later in life and have seen them perform several times and they remain a favourite of mine.

Also, I like early Adam and the Ants and Siouxsie & The Banshees.

Where did you grow up / live? 

I was born and bred in London before moving to East Sussex in my mid 20’s.

My career then took me to the midlands with stints in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and back to Leicestershire where I am now.

What’s your greatest Jam memory? 

My ‘go to’ Jam related memory is when I convinced the Transport Manager (at the company where I worked) that I would look after a company car if he would lend me one for the weekend. I then proceeded to squeeze 7 (seven!) of us into it (it was a Ford Escort Estate) then drove it to Brighton where we saw The Jam and then returned the car the following day, full of rubbish, empty cans and a burnt-out clutch! Suffice to say, ABCM have never asked me to drive them to a gig!!

How did you end up in band Called Malice?

I first saw A Band Called Malice play in the Leicester (at the Firebug) a few years ago and instantly got the same buzz as I did when I first heard the ‘In the City’ album as a teenager. From there, I started attending as many gigs as I could. I became friends with Warren at first and then the rest of the band, moved forwards as ‘roadie’ (although only ‘average at best’ apparently) and the rest is history.

Did u know any of your band mates before joining? 

All of’ em!!

Do u have any memorable / funny stories from your time in A Band Called Malice

Quite a few but none I am prepared to share just yet!!

What’s your most memorable musical achievement / highlight

Highlights for me have kept on coming with A Band Called Malice - from the first gig I travelled to with Warren in the van, escorting the band through a packed crowd to get them to the stage and to ‘my most memorable musical achievement, ’sitting behind the drums and playing along to a song for sound check……despite what the others said – I called it ‘playing!’ However, shaking hands with Warren and Andy to accept the position of Manager is right up there!