When I found this blog, I tried really hard to remember some kind of funny story about Steven that would jibe with everyone's witty and light-hearted remembrances. But I am disappointed to say I can't remember a single one of Steven's jokes, although they were many and cruel (I laughed out loud at his hilarious reaction, as recounted by Nicola below, to a meeting about sanctions on Iraq). What I can say is that when I heard the news, I remembered that sunny terrace house in Hanover, 12 years and some 3,000 miles away, and I heard a St. Etienne song to which I had listened to endlessly during the short year I lived there (on further reflection, Steven would be pleased to know, my inner soundtrack switched to the more appropriate Joy Division-to whom he had introduced me via a rare Warsaw LP of which he was quite proud).

Perhaps my lack of jokes would have fitted Steven's then assessment of me; I took myself too seriously. As we became friends over the course of the year-at pub quiz in the London Unity, moving the various illicit pets between locations, some notable birthday celebrations (his, mine and others), endless rounds of Bomberman -- his easy-going character and unconditional friendship (extended to me both by Steven and his/our wider Hanover crew including Nicola, John and Sam, Anne-Fay, Dorian) encouraged a somewhat defensive 19 year-old to let down my guard and embrace my inner geek. While his humour could be harsh-as everyone notes, he wasn't afraid to mock the afflicted-he was, dare I say it, quite sensitive and could be very loyal as a friend.

Steven himself was uncompromising in his refusal to take anything in life too seriously. That provided for all those jokes about contemporary taboos and it also apparent in his cartoons and writing. The consummate cynic, he will remain with me to poke fun at my more sanctimonious outbursts. On hearing the news I actually googled Steven, hoping to find a piece of his writing on the web. I noticed the title of a piece he wrote for the original 'New Words,' "Something Is Always Missing". It might be ten years since we were in regular contact but that title sums it up Steven. - NF.