With a reputation as one of Australia’s finest slide guitarists and blues stylists, Richard has been impressing audiences with his unique sound and approach on both acoustic and electric guitar for over 30 years.

Richard is originally from Wollongong NSW where he co-founded and played guitar for internationally acclaimed Rhythm & Blues band “Whose Muddy Shoes”, with whom he co- wrote and released two original albums, “Gasoline” and “Mile after Mile”.

Since those early days Richard continued to develop his solo performance, and while living in Braidwood NSW for many years, he released two  albums of mainly original work, “No Rain” ( solo) and “Slideways” ( The Richard Steele Trio).

Richard’s prowess on guitar has seen him  recruited to play with artists such as Anni Piper, Ali Penny and The Money Makers, Dorothy Jane Gosper to name a few. He has been featured at many blues, folk and guitar festivals and has opened shows, both solo and with a band, for such artists as American legends, Charlie Musselwhite, John Hammond Jr, Bob Brozman and Del Ray.

Now living in Devonport  Tasmania, Richard has been playing not only solo gigs and venturing out with his band “Chester Draws & The Lowboys “ with Dan Jeffery on bass and Gary Evans on drums which of late has been featuring special guest Kitty Martini, but has rekindled THE RICHARD STEELE TRIO with Bruce Innocent on drums and Roger Tattersall on upright bass.

Unlike many other good blues players, Richard goes beyond reproducing the familiar riffs passed down by the old bluesmen. He creates interesting and often unexpected improvisations, dipping into jazz and western swing influences to Hawaiian and Gypsy, which makes his performance exciting and fresh and thoroughly entertaining.

Richard's festival appearances include Byron Bay Blues Festival. NSW, Great Southern Blues & Rockabilly Festival. NSW, Australian Blues Music Festival Goulburn.  NSW, Thredbo Blues Festival.  NSW, Lithg0w Blues Festival.  NSW, Echuca Blues Festival.  VIC, Leisure Coast Blues Festival.  NSW, Frankston Guitar Festival.  VIC, Music At The Creek.  NSW, National Folk Festival.  ACT, Gympi Muster.  QLD, Devonport Jazz, Riverbend Blues.