The Doc – Bassist | Performer | Groove Architect
From church halls to iconic blues stages, Steve Old has lived and breathed music from the moment he first wrapped his hands around a guitar at age 14. What began with four simple chords at a parish youth club soon sparked a lifelong passion that’s carried him through decades of bands, stages, and unforgettable performances.
Cutting his teeth in early school bands like The Nomads, he developed a love for live performance and collaboration. Swapping his battered acoustic for a Gibson EBO, he discovered the bass — and with it, his true musical voice. That discovery would become the foundation of a career spanning rock, soul, and blues, grounded in groove and driven by feel.
After time away to focus on family and business, the new millennium saw a musical rebirth when he met guitarist and vocalist Benny Brown. Together they formed The Lightning Brothers with Steve on drums, then the acclaimed 9-piece soul band Soul Intension, showcasing powerhouse vocals and polished showmanship. It was during this era that Steve honed not just his musicianship, but also his skills in production and live event coordination.
The next evolution came with Smokin’ Jo, a stripped-back blues outfit that reignited his love for the bass. The lineup soon evolved into The Smokin’ Benny Brown Band — a high-energy power blues trio that would go on to dominate the South of England’s live circuit. Alongside guitarist/vocalist Benny Brown and drummer Jonathan Hilton-King, Steve formed one half of one of the tightest rhythm sections on the scene.
With standout shows at The 100 Club, The Blues Kitchen, The Dublin Castle and Ain’t Nothin’ But , plus festival slots at Swanage Blues Festival and Beer Rhythm & Blues, the band built a reputation for electrifying performances and authentic musicianship. They shared stages with legends including The Animals, Steve Cropper, and Mick Taylor, and even released a studio album before Brown’s departure to Australia brought that chapter to a close.
Not one to stand still, Steve and JK went on to form The Few with vocalist Harry Budd, delivering powerful covers with rock and blues roots. After a brief hiatus and stints with Innovator, Harpin’ On and Knucklehead he reunited with Hilton-King and Budd — joined by guitarist Chris Powell — to relaunch The Few with renewed purpose and energy, playing a variety of energetic and popular crowd pleasers.
Today, Steve continues to hold down the low end with precision and passion — a seasoned performer whose journey embodies the spirit of British blues and rock: authentic, soulful, and always in the groove. Why is he known as The Doc? Guess you'll have to ask him!