James Stevenson

40 Years In The Rock ‘N’ Roll Wilderness

Self-chosen collection spanning mid-level career of punkspawned guitar journeyman. After entering punk’s fray as Chelsea’s guitarist in

1977, James Stevenson joined Gen X briefly before Billy Idol baled to the US. Stevenson then had stints with Gene Loves Jezebel and Kim Wilde alongside stretches of hired-hand anonymity. Obviously competent, his contributions drive rather than shine on 40 Years In The Rock

‘N’ Roll Wilderness’s two selfpicked discs of career highlights, the brightest being Gen X’s punk-speed cover of Bowie’s Andy Warhol and his playing on Tricky’s Brand New You’re Retro. Also represented are Stevenson’s dalliances with Glen Matlock’s post-Rich Kids outfits, The Smart, Beki Bondage, Gene October and Gary Holton before he arrived at the International Swingers (formed in 2011 with Matlock and Blondie drummer Clem Burke), and bravely assumed the Mick Ronson role at Visconti and Woodmansey’s Holy Holy gigs.

Never the bride, perhaps, but Stevenson was a reliable workhorse who deserves this rare flash in the sun