I have been singing and dancing and acting since I was a child. It always felt completely natural performing and it wasn't until I began a journey with four other guys that my path into the unknown became just a little more defined.
I was doing theatre @ SSU when I was approached by a student. He had dark hair and eyes, yet seemed laid back and the eyes exuded kindness. He introduced himself and asked me if I had any interest in singing in a band. A band? An enthusiastic Uh...sure that would change the path I was on forever. See I had been in a couple of bands in high school, before that moment and I missed it very much. We exchanged important information and went on our merry way.
A month or so later I found myself in "THE SHED." We rehearsed for hours in the drummer's mother's shed. When I walked in there they were all placed in a circle. Darryl Joyner on Keys & vocal, Ted Richardson on Guitar, Steve Miller on "the skins." & Steve Wallace on bass. Steve Wallace was the guy who had initially approached me in the middle of Red Square. Steve W. had given me a list of cover songs, about half of which I was already familiar with. The first song we did was "Don't Dream it's over" by Crowded House. I was very nervous, but I felt it went well. Everyone was being cool, and then the drummer spoke up "What do you want to do next Golden Throat?" Uh..., a little stunned I said "Billy Idol's Rebel Yell." I was good to go. Y-NOT was born and the rest is history. Soon after Marco Riva would replace Ted on guitar and Y-NOT went out to... "Chew Bubblegum and Kick Ass, and we were all out of Bubblegum."
7yrs later Y-NOT went through some changes. Michael Sheppard on guitar and then finally Dave Manners on guitar. We were the Spinal Tap of guitar players band.
2yrs after that, original members Darryl Joyner and Steve Wallace decided it was time for them to go. It was a sad and frustrating time. Dave, Daren, myself and Steve Miller hung in there for almost 3 1/2 yrs. Soon after I was on my own. I was scared at first, but I figured it out eventually. All of us remain good friends. We were like a family to each other and there was a bond that was so strong for us. Yes, we got frustrated with each other, but we always came back to square one. Where it counts. Our love and respect for one another. I have been playing with Darryl and Steve Miller and recently Marco Riva again. I love playing with these guys, and I have to say that I have taken it for granted that these guys will be there for me when I call as I would be for them.
Steve Miller was the "Rock" if you will, of the band and for me. I never worried about anything when he was around. I knew he always had my back and hoped that he knew that I had his. Steve was not interested in exploring anything that didn't seem manly enough to talk about and that did irritate me sometimes, since I am so in touch with my feminine side. Regardless he loved being looked at as the strong one and anyone that knew him loved him for it. His obsession with the NEW YORK GIANTS was something to behold. I loved it when the COWBOYS and THE GIANTS played. He was so serious. If the Giants lost, well...lets just say it was best to keep it on the DL.
I played with him recently after the Y-NOT reunion in 99 and it was great. He continued to be a great drummer. Playing with Steve made me a better musician. We both greatly improved right before each others eyes over the years and I think we were both overwhelmed by how amazing it felt when we played together. He was younger than I, but he felt like my big brother. It is now a memory. A great one.
Steve Miller has moved on from this life. It was far too short, but live he did, and live in our hearts he will. In this crazy & unstable world we live in, Steve Miller stayed steady and proud and true to himself. He rocked many. He made a mark on all of us and Rock-N-Roll, all his own. He was a great musician, a son, a brother and he was my friend. I will never forget you Steve. ROCK ON!
-Paul Lewis

STEPHEN LEE MILLER
November 4 1967 - September 18 2003