A couple of months ago, when I was invited to interview Australian rock legend Jon Stevens, I couldn’t help but dive into my archives to see when we last spoke. Turns out, it was back in 2018. And now, here we are in 2025—time really does fly!
I won’t lie, back in my late teens and early twenties, I was a massive Noiseworks fan. Like millions of other girls, I absolutely adored Jon Stevens. And honestly, who wouldn’t? He was gorgeous, had an incredible voice, and oozed rockstar charisma. Fast forward to today, and guess what? Not much has changed!
Fans of the Aussie rocker will be pleased to know he’ll be performing at this year’s Sounds of Rock Music Festival on September 6 at Seafront Oval, alongside a great lineup of artists.
Jon Stevens has had and continues to have, an incredible career, from Noiseworks to INXS, and a huge solo catalogue that he rarely gets to play because fans always want the classics. But he shows no signs of slowing down. “I’m just getting started! Performing, writing, recording, I love the whole artistic side,” says Jon. “Music has been my life since I was 16, and I can’t imagine it any other way. I’ve just finished a new album I’ll release later this year, once I’m off the road!”
Jon tours year after year, which helps keep his voice in top shape. “Honestly, touch wood, my voice is better now than when I was 35,” he says. “I have more control, not just over my instrument, but over my mindset. I’m grateful every day to still be making and performing music.”
For Jon, there’s nothing like being on stage, especially with the Noiseworks and INXS collection where he gets to play the hits of both those bands. He has done many tours with INXS.
“It’s an honour and a privilege”, Jon says, “particularly the INXS songs for people who never got to experience them live, it’s wonderful to see the younger ones singing every word. I now have something like three generations that come along to my shows. It’s pretty special.
“Everyone’s got a catalogue of Aussie rock n roll, it’s what people grew up listening to.”
Jon has had countless career highlights, but one that stands out is playing with a Beatle. Ringo Starr played drums on a track for Jon’s Starlight album, and they even performed together at Ringo’s birthday party in L.A., alongside Dave Stewart from the Eurythmics.
“I didn’t have any expectations, but Ringo exceeded them all, he is an amazing man, so down-to-earth and real, just like Dave,” Jon recalls. “At the end of the day, we’re all just musos who love making music, playing, and talking about it.
“I’ve met a lot of people over the years,” Jon adds. “You spend your whole life looking at these people from afar, and then one day you get the good fortune to meet them and sometimes to work with them. It’s kind of surreal.”
Jon has been through some ups and downs and says that life has a way of shaping everything, whether it’s family or friends. He continues, “In the rock n roll world, certainly when we were young and travelling around Australia and the world back in the 80’s and 90’s it was pretty wild!
“Not a lot of musicians survived, and a lot fell by the wayside. I call myself a bit of a survivor.”
Last year, Jon hit the road with Kate Ceberano (who was here in 2024) for the Superstars Live Tour, where they performed songs from Jesus Christ Superstar, which they hadn’t sung in over 30 years. “It was an amazing time,” Jon recalls. “Kate then sang some of her hits, I sang some of mine, and we performed together, it was an incredible show and so much fun.”
Jon has nothing but admiration for Kate: “She’s an amazingly talented all-rounder, art, painting, quilting, writing, there’s nothing she can’t do. She’s also a fantastic musician and such a positive, uplifting person. I’ve known her for years; she’s just a wonderful human being and I love her to bits.”
Beyond music, they share a cultural bond: “Kate’s Hawaiian, I’m Māori, and we’re both proud Australians. That connection runs deep.”
Jon loves performing at huge festivals because it’s a great chance to catch up with fellow musicians. “Touring solo can feel isolating after a while, but festivals are a different vibe,” he explains. “You get to hang out with fellow artists, catch up with old friends, and support each other. We’re all still here, still working hard, still delivering, it’s good to be alive.”
Touring can be tough with all the constant travel, but if there’s a chance to sneak in some fishing, Jon’s all in!
“When I hit Hervey Bay, I’m bringing pure Aussie rock anthems, so get ready!
“A real Aussie rock ‘n’ roll show is something every generation should experience,” Jon says. “This era won’t last forever, and in 20 years, the Aussie pub rock scene will be gone, so, get out there and rock on!”
Jon was diagnosed with hereditary heart disease after a life-changing health scare in 2009. Despite feeling fit, a routine check-up revealed a completely blocked main artery, leading to life-saving double heart bypass surgery. Jon stresses the importance of regular health screenings, especially for those with a family history of heart conditions.
“Go and get checked now,” Jon urges. “If you’re not doing it for yourself, do it for your kids and family, because they’re the ones who suffer in the end. The check-up all those years ago saved my life. It could save yours too!”
Jon adds, “Even though I’m getting older, I’m as fit as a bull. Every day is a blessing. I’m very grateful to still be here for my family, kids and grandkids. At the end of the day, they’re what matters. Everything else is kind of irrelevant.”
To find out more about the Sounds of Rock Music Festival in Hervey Bay head to facebook.com/soundsofrock.