Quick Facts
Steve Barnard
  • Steve Barnard
  • 10 Jan 1968 (57y)

Summary

Steve “Smiley” Barnard is a British drummer, producer, and songwriter born on 10 January 1968. He was Robbie Williams’ first live drummer, touring from 1997 to 1998. He later joined Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros, Archive, and The Alarm, and continues to record and tour internationally. He runs Sunshine Corner Studios and has released eight solo albums.

Biography

Personal Life

Steve Barnard, professionally known as Smiley, was born on 10 January 1968 in London, England. He began playing drums at a young age and launched his professional career in the 1990s. He is based in Hampshire and runs Sunshine Corner Studios, where he produces music and records his own material. Smiley has released eight solo albums and published a memoir titled Clang! Smiley Drops a Few in 2020, documenting his experiences in the music industry.

The Robbie Williams Band

Steve Barnard was Robbie Williams' first live drummer, joining the band in 1997 during the Life Thru a Lens era. He performed on Robbie's debut solo tour and contributed to early live arrangements and promotional appearances. His tenure included performances across the UK and Europe, supporting Robbie's transition from boyband member to solo artist. Smiley left the band in 1998 and was succeeded by Chris Sharrock.

He has spoken about his time with Robbie in interviews and podcasts, including the Robbie Williams Rewind series, where he reflected on the energy and excitement of those formative years.

Other Projects and Appearances

After leaving Robbie Williams' band, Steve Barnard joined Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros from 1999 to 2001, recording and touring internationally. He later became a long-term member of the rock/electronica band Archive, contributing to multiple albums and film soundtracks. Since 2010, he has toured and recorded with The Alarm, and in 2022 joined Holy Holy, performing the music of David Bowie alongside Tony Visconti and Glenn Gregory.

Smiley has also worked with The Mock Turtles, From the Jam, Gene Loves Jezebel, Hard-Fi, Lily Allen, Billy Bragg, Newton Faulkner, The Charlatans, Republica, and Mylène Farmer. His studio collaborations include Bruce Foxton, Steve Norman, Richard Archer, Ian McNabb, and James Stevenson. He continues to tour, record, and support charitable initiatives such as the Love Hope Strength Foundation.

His career reflects a blend of live performance, studio production, and creative independence across rock, pop, and alternative genres.