| Background: | person |
| Steve Fanger | |
| Birth Name: | Stephen Fanger |
| Birth Date: | 30 September 1946 |
| Birth Place: | Bournemouth, United Kingdom |
| Origin: | Bristol, United Kingdom |
| Death Place: | Bristol, United Kingdom |
| Genre: | Blues, Rock, Reggae, Punk |
| Occupation: | Musician, Business Owner |
| Instrument: | Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals |
| Years Active: | 1972–2021 |
| Past Member Of: | Gunner Cade,Spikey and the Mango Band, The Vultures, Blue Beyond |
Steve Fanger (30 September 1946 – 9 February 2021) was a British musician and business owner, known for his involvement in the Bristol music scene and as the founder of Painless Removals, a local removals company in Bristol.
Steve Fanger was born in Bournemouth, United Kingdom, inheriting his distinct German-sounding surname from his Swiss father and a deep love for music from his mother. Alongside his two brothers, J.D. Fanger (who became Depeche Mode's tour manager for 35years)[1] [2] and Michael Lovejoy (later a violinist with the English National Opera),[3] Steve's passion for music blossomed during his school years. Though a vocalist and guitarist, Steve was particularly admired for his electrifying harmonica playing, which became a hallmark of his performances throughout his career.[4]
Steve's professional music career began in 1972 when he joined the band Gunner Cade. They performed as a support act for CAN during a UK tour the same year, playing at venues such as the Rainbow Theatre in London. In 1974, Steve formed The Vultures, a Bristol-based group blending blues, reggae, rock, and punk with female vocals. The Vultures became well known in the local Bristol scene but never secured a recording deal.[5]
He continued to perform with various musicians and groups throughout his career [6] including Blue Beyond alongside Gene Dunford.[7] He was a regular at local open mic nights, such as the Miners Arms Presence Open Mic, and collaborated with notable Bristol musicians.[8]
In 1978, Steve Fanger bought a van primarily to transport his band's equipment. However, as friends and acquaintances kept asking him for help with their home moves, Steve saw an opportunity.[9] What started as informal assistance soon evolved into Painless Removals, a professional home removals company in Bristol.
Steve Fanger remained a prominent figure in the Bristol music scene throughout his life, leaving a lasting impact with his contributions and performances.[10] [11] After years of illness, hedied on 9 February 2021 at his home in Bristol.