I am filming a Documentary on my late Dad, the DJ Steve Walsh. I will be interviewing DJ's, Artists, industry key people to trace his story.
THE STORY
Steve Walsh was a DJ, Performer and Radio Presenter who quickly became a pioneer on the London soul music scene in the late 70’s through the 80’s. Walsh started his career in pirate radio before hitting the mainstream and working with many renowned DJs of the time. Growing up in Pimlico, South West London his love for music started at a very early age and from the age of 17 he was regularly DJing in local London pubs.
He soon started working with Gordon Mac (Kiss FM & Mi-Soul Founder) and a crew of like-minded music lovers and established DJ’s and together they co-created Kiss - initially a pirate station which later became Kiss 100 when obtaining its FM licence in 1989.
Steve’s career went from strength to strength and throughout the 80’s he had radio shows with stations including Invicta, JFM, BBC Radio Medway / Kent, County Sound Guildford, Capital Radio and BBC Radio London.
Although he made an impact in the radio world, Walsh will be best remembered for his live work in nightclubs and the launch of The Soul Night Out radio show and night at The National in Kilburn, North West London co-hosted with acclaimed DJ Tony Blackburn.
Inspired by his love for Soul, Black and Dance music, he was passionate about bringing these music genres to a wider audience and introducing new music and artists to his avid listeners and followers. By the mid 80’s he was at the height of his career and working alongside some of the best soul artists and bands in the world including Soul II Soul, The Fatback Band and even named the band Imagination with Leee John.
His 1987 version of The Fatback Band’s “I Found Lovin” was archetypal of the genre 'South London Soul'. This went on to chart at Number 9 and he performed it live on the likes of Top of The Pops, as well as being invited to perform it on stage with Bill Curtis and The Fatback Band at the iconic West London music venue Hammersmith Palais.
Walsh’s passion for live music and iconic DJs led to a love for the Ibizan party scene and in June 1988 he was on the ‘White Isle’ filming the video for ‘Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now’ – his 3rd single – a cover of McFadden & Whitehead’s original disco track from 1979. After the video wrapped, Walsh was involved in a freak car crash on the island which led to a broken leg and several days in hospital. Tragically, following the emergency flight back to London, Walsh suffered a fatal heart attack after a routine epidural resulting in his shock death at the age of 29. The impact that Walsh had on the soul music scene meant his unexpected death left peers, fans and followers in shock and devastation. Equally devastating for his young widow Sue and three daughters, Natalie, Hayley and Leanne – Leanne being the youngest at only 16 days old.
In the weeks following Walsh’s death, there was an outpouring of tributes from his radio peers and faithful followers which culminated in a funeral attended by hundreds.
However, due to the reputation associated with the industry, as well as some of Walsh’s rumoured dalliances, inevitably, negative press followed with several tabloid newspaper stories being run.
Steve’s daughter Hayley, aged only 4 at the time of his death, has always shared his love for soul music and is embarking on a journey to get to know her Dad, and better understand him through the eyes of his peers, colleagues and friends. This documentary will feature a collection of interviews, imagery and insights into the life of the DJ Steve Walsh and plenty of stories to be told!
THE CONCEPT
To create the initial treatment and pilot Hayley will be interviewing some key industry people, within the beautiful settings of Soho House x Soho Works spaces. This will be created to pitch to Netflix, Amazon, BBC, Channel 4 and ITV.
This project closed unsuccessfully on 17th April 2024