Steve Fanger
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Steve Fanger | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Stephen Fanger |
| Born | September 30, 1946 Bournemouth, United Kingdom |
| Origin | Bristol, United Kingdom |
| Died | February 9, 2021 (aged 74) Bristol, United Kingdom |
| Genres | Blues, Rock, Reggae, Punk |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, Business Owner |
| Instrument(s) | Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals |
| Years active | 1972–2021 |
| Formerly of | Gunner Cade, The Vultures, Blue Beyond |
Steve Fanger (30 September 1946 – 9 February 2021) was a British musician and business owner, known for his involvement in the Bristol music scene and as the founder of Painless Removals, a local removals company in Bristol.
Early life and family
[edit]Steve Fanger was born in Bournemouth, United Kingdom, inheriting his distinct German- sounding surname from his Swiss father and a deep love for music from his mother. Alongside his two brothers, J.D. Fanger (who became Depeche Mode's tour manager for 35 years)[1][2] and Michael Lovejoy (later a violinist with the English National Opera),[3] Steve's passion for music blossomed during his school years. Though a vocalist and guitarist, Steve was particularly admired for his electrifying harmonica playing, which became a hallmark of his performances throughout his career.[4]
Musical career
[edit]Steve's professional music career began in 1972 when he joined the band Gunner Cade. They performed as a support act for CAN during a UK tour the same year, playing at venues such as the Rainbow Theatre in London. In 1974, Steve formed The Vultures, a Bristol-based group blending blues, reggae, rock, and punk with female vocals. The Vultures became well known in the local Bristol scene but never secured a recording deal.[5]
He continued to perform with various musicians and groups throughout his career [6] including Blue Beyond alongside Gene Dunford.[7] He was a regular at local open mic nights, such as the Miners Arms Presence Open Mic, and collaborated with notable Bristol musicians.[8]
Painless Removals
[edit]In 1978, Steve Fanger bought a van primarily to transport his band's equipment. However, as friends and acquaintances kept asking him for help with their home moves, Steve saw an opportunity.[9] What started as informal assistance soon evolved into Painless Removals, a professional home removals company in Bristol.
Personal life and death
[edit]Steve Fanger remained a prominent figure in the Bristol music scene throughout his life, leaving a lasting impact with his contributions and performances.[10][11] After years of illness, he died on 9 February 2021 at his home in Bristol.
References
[edit]- ^ "JD Fanger - Artist Profile". Genius. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
- ^ "Shake The Disease: Depeche Mode At The Precipice". Record Collector Magazine. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
- ^ "Discussion: IT.Arti.Musica.Classica". Google Groups. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
- ^ "Andy Fernbach - Bournemouth Beat Boom". Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ "The Vultures - Bristol Archive Records". Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ "Spikey the Mango Band - Punk Music Catalogue". Retrieved 27 July 2021.
- ^ "Steve Fanger - Blue Beyond". Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ "Steve Fanger performing with Blue Beyond". Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ "The History of Painless Removals". Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ "Steve Fanger Live Performances". Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ "Best of Steve Fanger, 1991-1995". Retrieved 27 July 2021.