Mike Stevens (saxophonist)

Mike Stevens
Stevens performing with 10cc in 2013
Background information
Birth name	Michael William Stevens
Born	(1957-01-26) 26 January 1957 (age 60) Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, England
Genres	Popular
Occupation(s)	Musical director
Instruments	Saxophone, keyboards, guitar, vocals
Years active	1980s – present
Associated acts	Annie Lennox, Take That, Jeff Lynne, Bill Withers, 10cc

Michael William "Mike" Stevens (born 26 January 1957) is an English musician. He is best known as Take That's musical director.

Born in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, Stevens began music lessons on the clarinet and piano and was encouraged by his father, a professional drummer. Stevens studied composing and conducting at the Birmingham School of Music between 1975 and 1979 before working on cruise ships as a performer. In the 1980s he moved to London and became a sought-after saxophonist; he was signed to RCA Records in the United States and began touring with artists such as Barry White, Brenda Russell, Dionne Warwick and The Temptations. In 1988 he toured with Bill Withers, eventually becoming Withers's musical director.

In 1992, Stevens was hired to work with newly formed pop group Take That, becoming their musical director the following year. He toured with the group until their split in 1996, playing keyboards, saxophone and guitar as well as backing vocals. His work with Take That made him an in-demand musical director for other touring pop groups; he subsequently directed Eurythmics, Mika, Sugababes, James Morrison, Will Young, Geri Halliwell, Boyzone, B*Witched, 911 and Five. Upon Take That's reformation in 2006, Stevens was re-hired as their musical director, employing musicians such as Milton McDonald, Lee Pomeroy, Donovan Hepburn, Bernie Smith, and Marcus Byrne to create the live band. Stevens has supervised or performed at events such as Live 8 in London, The Nelson Mandela 90th Birthday Tribute Concert, and concerts for The Prince's Trust.