Steve Barnard

Quick Facts

Steve Barnard
  • Name
    Steve Barnard
  • Role
    Drummer, Producer, and Songwriter
  • Date of Birth
    10 Jan 1968 (58 years old)

    • Summary

    Steve “Smiley” Barnard is a British drummer, producer and songwriter who served as Robbie Williams’ first live drummer from 1997 to early 1998. He played on Williams’ debut solo tour and early television performances, later building a wide-ranging career across recording, touring and production.

    Biography

    Early life and musical background

    Barnard grew up in Surrey and developed as a drummer within local band scenes, playing regularly in pubs and small venues. These formative years shaped his energetic playing style and strong connection with live audiences.

    He became known by the nickname “Smiley”, a name that emerged organically among fellow musicians and later became his professional identity.

    Someone just said, ‘Steve, drummer Steve, Smiley Steve’, and it stuckSteve Barnard
    Early bands and formative collaborations

    During his early career, Barnard played in several local bands, including Spin Out. The group featured musicians who would later become prominent figures, including Zack Starkey and Gary Nuttall.

    These early collaborations placed Barnard within a close-knit circle of emerging musicians and provided valuable experience in both performance and professional discipline.

    Touring breakthrough

    Barnard’s first exposure to arena touring came when he joined the support act J-Pack on an East 17 tour. Although his role was unconventional, the experience introduced him to large-scale production, international travel and the demands of major tours.

    During this period, he also filled in during soundchecks for East 17, an opportunity that reinforced his ambition to work at the highest level of live performance.

    Joining Robbie Williams

    Barnard entered Robbie Williams’ orbit through session work in London, where he came into contact with musicians involved in Williams’ early solo recordings. He later auditioned for Williams’ new live band, competing against a large number of drummers.

    Williams attended the audition in person, and the chemistry between singer and drummer was immediate.

    Rob walked in, full of energy, and the whole room lifted instantlySteve Barnard

    Barnard was offered the role and became a core member of Williams’ first solo touring line-up.

    Robbie Williams live band (1997–1998)

    As Williams’ first live drummer, Barnard performed on the debut solo tour and appeared on early television performances including TFI Friday and Top of the Pops. He played throughout the initial promotional run for Old Before I Die and during the early life of Life Thru a Lens.

    He also contributed backing vocals on the studio recording of One of God’s Better People, receiving a recording credit on the album.

    Barnard witnessed the songwriting process between Williams and Guy Chambers at close range, including the early development of material for Williams’ second album.

    I watched Rob sing whole songs before Guy had even worked out the chordsSteve Barnard
    Departure and transition

    In early 1998, ahead of the BRIT Awards, Barnard was replaced in the live band as Williams’ career accelerated rapidly. The decision was professionally difficult but marked a turning point in Barnard’s career.

    He has since described the experience as intense and formative, providing skills and perspective that shaped his later work.

    Career after Robbie Williams

    Following his departure from Williams’ band, Barnard diversified his career across recording, touring and production. He has worked with artists including Joe Strummer, The Alarm, Republica, Archive, Lily Allen, Noel Redding, Sia, Matt Goss and Chesney Hawkes.

    He has also developed a substantial body of work as a producer and songwriter.

    Production, writing and studio work

    Barnard operates his own recording studio, where he produces and mentors other artists. His production style emphasises communication, performance and capturing authentic takes.

    He has released multiple albums under the “Smiley’s Friends” banner, collaborating with musicians from across the British rock and alternative scenes.

    Author and personal perspective

    Barnard is the author of the memoir Clang! Smiley Drops a Few, which documents his life in music with humour and candour. The book includes detailed reflections on his time with Robbie Williams as well as his broader career.