[3] Born in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire,[1] Stevens began music lessons on the clarinet and piano and was encouraged by his father, a professional drummer.

[4] 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.

[3] 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.

[3] Upon Take That's reformation in 2006, Stevens was re-hired as their musical director, employing musicians such as guitarist Milton McDonald, bassist Lee Pomeroy, drummer Donovan Hepburn, and keyboard players Bernie Smith and Marcus Byrne to create the live band.

In 2012, Stevens led the house band and was musical director for the Diamond Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace, and two years later directed Jeff Lynne's ELO at BBC Radio 2's Hyde Park festival in 2014, using the Take That/Gary Barlow band and the BBC Concert Orchestra to accompany Lynne and Richard Tandy.