Paul Stephens

Meet Paul Stephens from Sheffield, England.

I first heard AMERICA when I went to a friends house back in 1973, or something, who had loads of albums. One of those albums was HAT TRICK. I was immediately hooked by their unique blend of harmony and their acoustic sound. I decided then that I would start buying their previously recorded albums. HOMECOMING is one of the favourites which includes VENTURA HIGHWAY (what a song). It may seem silly but whenever I listen to AMERICA's music it always conjures up beautiful sunny days in the country. I have been lucky enough to own all of the recorded work up to date (even though I live in England). The only album I could not get hold of was PERSPECTIVE which thanks to the remarkable internet I purchased from overseas.

As soon as I got linked up to the internet I immediately typed in the address on the HUMAN NATURE (another brilliant album) sleeve and was delighted to find other web pages related to AMERICA. I no longer feel a lone fan (being from England). Most people I know have heard of HORSE WITH NO NAME and that's about it. I had no Idea that Gerry and Dewey are still touring and working very hard and its great to see fans writing and sharing their experiences of live gigs.

I doubt that I will ever see AMERICA live again (unless I win the Lottery or they might just tour England [I wish]) but I did manage to see them live at the Manchester Free Trade Hall with Poco back in 1976 (or something). The gig was a knockout but would have been better if we could hear the vocals. The problem was that we were sat on the upper tier and the sound engineers got it wrong and mixed the sound for down stairs never thinking about us poor guys sat upstairs. But we went downstairs for the encore which sounded great. Is there anybody out there that went to the same gig?

I have two video's LIVE IN CENTRAL PARK and LIVE AT MUSIC LADEN. If there are any more available I would love to hear from someone because that is the nearest thing to me ever seeing them live again.

Just a little about myself I'm 45 (ugh) married to Karen with two children Robert & Nicola. I am a driving instructor in Sheffield (home of the great DEF LEPPARD) I am also a keen Sheffield United supporter. I also write and record my own songs on four track (soon to become eight track) with a friend. I also taught myself guitar playing AMERICA songs from various AMERICA song books.

Thanks for taking time reading this note and feel free to contact me. THANKS GERRY AND DEWEY (AND DAN) FOR GIVING ME YEARS AND YEARS OF LISTENING PLEASURE YOU'RE JUST BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Feel free to send your comments or questions to Paul.