Steve Washington (real name: Steve Tate) is one of the most experienced and sought-after drummers in the UK. He was born in Jamaica, the land of sunshine and reggae, and moved to London in 1962.



Steve turned professional at the age of thirteen and toured with the Mack and Katie Kasson band in the '70s.

Then he played with a punk band called The Slits from 1979 till 1981, after that Steve joined a group called The Red Lights.



In the early 80s Steve joined the Ras Messengers a spiritual Rastafarian jazz ensemble.



Since then, Steve Washington has become one of the UK’s leading session players working with a diverse selection of artists from all over the world. Steve Washington can play a wide range of styles – but he is mostly known for his groove drumming which has become his signature style.



In his career as a professional drummer, Steve Washington has played with many artists and bands such as Whitney Houston, Texas, Take That, Wet, Wet, Wet, Jason Donovan and Nik Kershaw. He has also worked with the Regge Philharmonic Orchestra, The Jazz Warriors and Hugh Masakela. Steve Washington is currently playing and touring with Errol Brown (Hot Chocolate).



Steve also formed his own band, Washington Lees Experiment, with who is touring some English clubs.