The Steve Miller Band is an American rock band formed in 1966 in San Francisco, California. The band is led by Steve Miller on guitar and lead vocals. Originally a blues rock group, the band shifted to a more pop rock-oriented sound which helped rocket them to commercial success starting in the mid-1970s. Here is a quick answer to the question – Yes, the Steve Miller Band is still together and actively touring as of 2023.
History of the Steve Miller Band
The Steve Miller Band was formed in 1966 in San Francisco by Steve Miller. Miller grew up in Dallas, Texas and was greatly influenced by blues artists like T-Bone Walker and Les Paul. He dropped out of college to pursue music full-time, eventually relocating to San Francisco and forming The Steve Miller Blues Band with guitarist James “Curly” Cooke, bassist Lonnie Turner, and drummer Tim Davis. They shortened their name to The Steve Miller Band in 1967.
The band released their debut album Children of the Future in 1968 which featured psychedelic blues rock songs. However, they began transitioning towards a more commercial pop rock sound over their next few albums like Brave New World (1969) and Your Saving Grace (1969). The Steve Miller Band achieved major mainstream success with their 1973 album The Joker which featured the title track hit single. More hit albums and singles followed throughout the late 1970s like Fly Like an Eagle (1976) and “Abracadabra” (1982).
Band Members
While Steve Miller has remained the frontman and leader of the band since its inception, the lineup has changed significantly over the decades. Notable past members include guitarists Boz Scaggs and James Cooke, bassist Lonnie Turner, and drummer Tim Davis. The current lineup of the Steve Miller Band (as of 2023) consists of:
- Steve Miller – lead vocals, guitar
- Kenny Lee Lewis – guitar
- Joseph Wooten – keyboards
- Jacob Petersen – bass
- Ron Wikso – drums
Steve Miller is the only constant member throughout the band’s history. Lewis joined in 2000, Wooten in 2011, Petersen in 2015, and Wikso in 2016. This current lineup has been stable for several years now.
Later Years and Recent Tours
The Steve Miller Band continued releasing albums in the 1980s and 1990s, though they did not match their 1970s commercial success. Their most recent studio album was 2011’s Let Your Hair Down. While Steve Miller took a couple hiatuses from touring in the 2000s, the band has remained active on the road over the past decade.
Some of The Steve Miller Band’s most notable recent tours include:
- 2010 – Tour with B.B. King
- 2011 – Tour promoting Let Your Hair Down
- 2012 – Co-headlining tour with Santana
- 2014 – Americana Tour
- 2017 – Summer Tour with Peter Frampton
- 2019/2020 – Tour celebrating 50th anniversary of Fly Like an Eagle
In 2022, the band had to cancel a few shows due to Steve Miller contracting COVID-19. However, they rescheduled the dates and were back on tour later in the year. Currently in 2023, The Steve Miller Band has a busy touring schedule booked well into the summer.
So in summary – yes, the Steve Miller Band remains active with Steve Miller still at the helm along with a solid core backing band. They continue touring extensively, entertaining crowds with hits like “The Joker,” “Fly Like an Eagle,” “Abracadabra,” “Rock’n Me” and other classic rock radio staples.
Musical Style and Legacy
While starting as a blues rock band, the Steve Miller Band shifted towards a more commercial pop rock sound in the early 1970s. Their music blended elements of psychedelia, blues, pop, country, and even jazz. Lyrically, Steve Miller mixed philosophical musings with catchy wordplay meant for mainstream appeal. Instruments like synthesizers, keyboards, and sound effects became more prevalent in their songs over the decade.
Steve Miller crafted many iconic 70s rock hits that remain staples of classic rock radio. Some of their most popular and enduring songs include:
- “The Joker”
- “Take the Money and Run”
- “Rock’n Me”
- “Fly Like an Eagle”
- “Jet Airliner”
- “Jungle Love”
- “Swingtown”
- “Abracadabra”
The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016 in recognition of their musical legacy. Many critics and fans appreciate the Steve Miller Band for their catchy, melodic songs even if they aren’t the most “authentic” blues rockers. Their accessible pop rock helped them connect with mainstream listeners in the 1970s.
Steve Miller’s guitar skills are also acclaimed, fusing blues rock riffs with interesting effects and tones. His partnerships with other talented guitarists like Boz Scaggs and James Cooke created memorable dual guitar interplay in their songs.
Conclusion
Over 50+ years since forming in 1966, the Steve Miller Band remains active today in 2023. While membership has fluctuated, Steve Miller has been the leader and constant throughout the band’s history. They continue touring and performing their many classic rock radio hits for loyal fans. With an enduring musical legacy including iconic songs like “The Joker” and “Fly Like an Eagle,” the Steve Miller Band retains its popularity as a staple of classic rock and remains rightfully inducted in the Rock Hall.