Bio

Steve Luongo is an internationally recognized drummer, producer and songwriter who hails from Westchester, New York. At the age of 6 he announced to family and friends that he knew he would play drums for the rest of his life. Steve has been playing drums, touring the world and making records ever since.

- At age 15 he was in his 1st serious rock band. Years later the band known as Rat Race Choir band broke onto the NY music scene from Southampton, Long Island after playing an extended summer concert series there. They went on to perform nationally for over 25 years performing up to 300 nights a year. Steve served as drummer, producer and second lead vocalist. Steve then added other musical outlets to his career by touring and/or recording with other well-known artists. Lengthy international tours with Leslie West/Mountain, John Entwistle/The Who, Alan Parsons, Todd Rundgren, Heart’s Ann Wilson and others became a huge part of Steve’s career. One off recording sessions or performances with Richie Blackmore, Joe Walsh and Billy Squier also became a part of Steve’s musical life. The most prolific and significant of all was his work with the late John Entwistle best known as the iconic bass guitarist for The Who. The two musicians became the best of friends. Steve produced, performed, co-wrote and toured with The John Entwistle Band until John’s death in 2002. It was Steve that wrote and delivered the eulogy at John Entwistle’s memorial service in London. He also produced and directed the documentary film An Ox’s Tale: The John Entwistle Story. - - Steve always enjoyed exploring music technology. During a recording session in the 80s Steve was given an early MIDI demonstration by electronic keyboard pioneer Roger Powell of Utopia. As a result Steve started Drums On Line, the first online recording service for drum tracks; Steve performed the drum parts remotely with the ability to upload it into a session anywhere in the world. Continuing to explore technology, Steve and The John Entwistle Band also took part in the first ever internet jam session from a NAMM show in California. This project was done in partnership with Intel and Cakewalk Music Software and set a bench mark in this area. - - As a result of other advances in music technology Steve was able to enter the world of movie making by composing and performing soundtracks for various independent films in his recording studio. He then began producing and directing music related films. Over time he added many titles to his credit. However, his proudest achievement as a filmmaker was the completion of the documentary film “An Ox’s Tale-The John Entwistle Story.” Steve produced and directed the film with Icon Entertainment. - - Steve has been creating works of art for as long as he has created music. He has worked with oils, acrylics, pen and ink and charcoal but finds photography and his own unique hybrid art to be his main creative platform. His art and photography have been displayed in galleries and continue to draw new fans with each showing. His art is an additional artistic outlet as well as a source of enjoyment.

-Late in 2001 Steve and fellow Rat Race Choir member, guitarist Mark Hitt formed the progressive rock band TorQue. The two musicians co-wrote 11 songs for the debut album titled TorQue 103103. Luongo served as producer and lead vocalist in addition to his usual spot as drummer. Steve has said that 103103 is among his proudest musical achievements. TorQue 103103 is considered to be the completion of a progressive musical journey that began with his first band in 1968.
- 2002 Steve founded and serves as executive director of The John Entwistle Foundation which provides free and easy access to music education and instruments for those in need through children’s cancer hospitals and public libraries. The foundation raises funds by staging concerts and auctions. Steve has performed as drummer/musical director with Robin Zander and Rick Nielsen/Cheap Trick, Mark Farner/Grand Funk Railroad, Michael Bolton, Dickey Betts/Allman Bros., Rick Derringer, Buck Dharma/Blue Oyster Cult and others.

- 2005 Steve produced and performed at a series of disaster relief concerts to benefit the victims of the Florida hurricanes Wilma and Katrina

- 2007 Steve acted as producer, songwriter and drummer for a project involving Brian Johnson (vocals) and Cliff Williams (bass) of AC/DC fame. Along with guitarist Mark Hitt the informal quartet co-wrote and recorded 10 tracks in the studio. The foursome also toured successfully along with guitar legend Mark Farner and vocalist Joe Lynn Turner to raise funds for The John Entwistle Foundation. As a result the foundation opened the Cliff Williams music therapy room in Ft. Myers, FL and the Brian Johnson music therapy room in Sarasota, FL.

- 2008 Steve performed a set of classic Cream material with bassist/vocalist Jack Bruce to a sell out crowd at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Raleigh, NC. The trio featured Jack Bruce on vocals and bass, Mark Hitt on guitar with Steve on drums and backing vocals. The concert raised funds for the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Foundation.

RECENT CAREER
Steve completed construction on a new recording studio dubbed The Studio At Villa Pines. Projects include UK vocalist Anthony Parsons, NY singer songwriter Taylor Kuchera and Florida based artist Roland Reynoldson

Steve's unique original "Hybrid Art" was featured at a number of galleries and art shows throughout Florida. His art is collected internationally.

Steve Luongo began touring a lecture and performance series during 2011 at colleges and theaters. His lectures include solo performances of new material, stories from his many years of touring and educational information about the music business.