Steve Balsamo

"On a cold late December morning in '83, I found a wallet in the gutter outside my friend's house on the way to school. It was empty but for a gold American Express card and some old photographs. I handed it into my form teacher and a few hours later was called into the headmaster's office to be told it belonged to the actor Melvyn Hayes, who was playing in 'Babes In The Wood' at The Grand. The school had called the theatre and Melvyn was delighted that the wallet had been found. A few days later he invited me and two friends to see the pantomime, bought us drinks and sweets and give me a fiver (which in 1983 was a lot of cash!) to thank me for finding his wallet - the photographs being very important to him. It was the first time I had stepped foot into ANY theatre. We had a backstage tour and I was mesmerised at all the unseen work that goes on, but when we went onto the stage and looked out into the beautiful auditorium I had what felt like an electric shock. Maybe it was a future memory".

Steve Balsamo born in Swansea and raised a stone's throw away from Swansea Grand Theatre in the Sandfields, passing it every day on his way to school. Learning the ropes in local rock bands, Steve shot to fame in the mid 1990's as Jesus in the West End revival of 'Jesus Christ Superstar', where he won The Variety Club's 'Best Newcomer Award'. Soon after Steve was signed to Columbia Records where he released and toured a solo album, 'All I Am' before forming The Storys with three other Swansea singer-songwriters.

The Storys signed to Warner Records, recorded 3 albums and travelled the globe, opening shows for Elton John, Celine Dion, Joe Cocker and Santana - winning amazing reviews, fans and song writing awards along the way. Five very enjoyable years as a singer and songwriter with Jon Lord of Deep Purple followed, as well as writing songs for many artists including Meatloaf, Slash of Guns and Roses and Sir Cliff Richard.

Steve is currently performing with 'Balsamo Collins Riley' and their debut EP is coming soon. "I'm very excited to be part of Grand Ambition. I am passionate about passing on my knowledge of the industry and can't wait to develop, mentor, facilitate and inspire the next generation of musicians, songwriters, composers and performers within my home town of Swansea. If we don't act now, we will lose them".