Rugburns Biography - Sweetslyrics

Steve Poltz is a gorgeous singer/songwriter with an amazing talent < equally gorgeous voice!! He has recently finished touring with Jewel. He played acoustic guitar in her band < was also the support act on the Spirit World Tour 1999. To see Steve live is amazing. He is a very gifted performer with a natural ability to relate to any crowd.


He was born on the 19th February 1961 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada < was raised as an alter boy. Steve often talks about this on stage < will say "That's where I learnt about wine!!"

His father was an air conditioning salesman < consequently Steve moved alot as a child: Pasadena < Palm Springs, before eventually settling in San Diego California where he learnt to play the guitar. Initially music was just a hobby for Steve < when he left University he worked as a salesman selling plumbing supplies!!

Eventually his budding desire to perform led Steve to Europe, where he earnt his living as a street performer. He busked in several different countries: Paris, Morocco, Barcelona......his talent grew < soon Steve was performing his own songs in earnest.

He returned to San Diego in the early 80's < formed a band with his old friend 'Dr' Robert Driscoll. They called themselves the Rugburns. Originally a two piece, they sang in local bars < clubs. 4 cassettes were released: The Real World, Yo Baby Dolls Chill Your Minds, Polyester Angst < Lick Her Shoes. Soon the Rugburns grew to include Stinky aka Jeff Aefdt, Gregory Page, John Castro < James Castro.

The Rugburns have released 3 albums to date. The first ' Morning Wood' (1993) 'Mommy I'm Sorry EP' (1995) < 'Taking The World By Donkey' (1995). More info in Discography!! Jewel co wrote the song 'Old Lovers House' < also sang harmony vocals. She also appeared in the video for the song Hitchhiker Joe.

Steve met Jewel in early 1993 when she was a waitress. At this time Steve had a regular slot at the Innerchange Coffee House in San Diego < helped Jewel get her first gig. They became close friends < began writing songs together, frequently debuting these songs at the Innerchange. Jewel was discovered < one of the songs that she < Steve wrote together became a hit. You Were Meant For Me (Yes that gorgeous specimen in the video is Steve Poltz!!!) released in 1997 broke all records < gave Steve the break that he needed. He was signed to Mercury Records shortly after the songs release < began to put together ideas for a solo debut album.

Steve played guitar on 2 of the songs from Jewel's solo album Pieces Of You: 'Adrian' < 'You Were Meant For Me'. Jewel returned the favour < sang harmony vocals on several songs from Steve's debut album 'One Left Shoe': 'Impala', 'I Thought I Saw You Last Night' < 'Silver Lining'. She also co wrote the songs 'One Left Shoe', 'Impala', I Thought I Saw You Last Night' < 'Silver Lining'.

One Left Shoe was released in the spring of 1998 < took just 15 days to record!! The album consists of beautiful ballads like 'Look To The East', 'Everything About You' < 'Forbidden Fruit', but also takes a more playful tone with the doo wop style 'Impala', the jumpy 'Silver Lining' < the Mighty Mighty Bosstones accompanied 'Beautiful Day'. One Left Shoe is a great debut album < if you haven't heard any of Steve's music before < you're a little curious to see what has inspired me to create this website.............Buy 'One Left Shoe'!!!!!