Wow we are nearing the end of July but fret not, there’s still more summer to be had. This has been a great summer and year overall for me, even with the setback of my alternator draining my wallet. What are ya gonna do?

I know what I’m doing!!!

The dates above are for August shows. Yes, the July 31st at Charley’s Tavern is still on but since that’s happening next weekend, it was best to show next month’s schedule. With the exception of The Beacon, these are new rooms/outdoor events for me. And one would think “Hey you toured with legends, opened for huge bands and you still get excited about these places?” Actually I do!

Truth be told, I would see bands at Shortways and ask myself “Why am I not playing here?” Granted, it’s not Stone Pony but you know what? I’m still playing! I’m lucky to still have the passion for music, and while my ambitions have shifted/changed over time, the spark is still there. I admit that when I started playing live again and did covers back in 2021, my thought was “What is going on here? I should be THE Steve Bello!” but I had grown tired of that. No more stress, no more pressure, am more relaxed than ever. It shows in my playing and in the way I carry myself.

Some guys are bitter because “I used to open for so-and-so, now look at me.” I felt like that for a little while back in 2021, but over time realized that I’ve still got my chops, endorsements and hair in tact. Not bad for someone nearing 57! While I’m still excited to get DOWN TO THE METAL mastered and out the door soon, it’s not at the forefront of my mind. HUH?! Well, before you assume the worst, let me say this…

I am proud of this upcoming album for a variety of reasons. The biggest and boldest step was that I finally made an album FOR ME FIRST. I never did that before. Was always thinking “Will this be well-received?”, “Will this win me new fans?”, “Am I going to win awards?” Those ships sailed. Granted, I want and hope people will like it as much as I do. Mike and I had a lot of fun making the album, and it will show when someone slips the cd in or listens on a streaming site. The sounds JUMP out of the speakers, leaving no breathing room. Each song is a different journey but arrives at the same destination: it kicks ass.

Is my heart in the cover world? At this point, it’s safe to say that I finally fit somewhere. As I stated in the last blog, the metal/original world never truly accepted me because I never wore the uniform or read the same scripts as everyone else. I still love the music, and will show support from where I sit. But I was shown a new environment, and had to finally be open to it. And because I embraced things, new doors opened and invited me in. Past rooms kept squeezing me out.

I am itching to get back out there starting July 31 and then pounding it out every weekend (with one break between the 15th and 28th). The 29th was added on this week, and that’s cool. Should a gig happen during my little break, I will be ready.

I’m more ready than ever before.

“But I thought you didn’t want to be in a band anymore?”

I’m as surprised as you are. But as they always say, it’s when you’re not looking that things open up. And you can either deny yourself the opportunity or embrace it. I chose the latter.

Four years ago I was asked to join Supernova but my head and heart simply wasn’t into it. I was happy subbing for them, as well as other bands. I was still trying to make a dent with my music but reality hit me: nobody cares about original music much anymore. That does not mean I will stop writing and recording, far from it. People don’t go to hear a band, they see one. And if the music happens to be really good, or at best passable, then people will show support. Simple truth there.

I’ve said this before but the last time I played my own songs live was back on July 9, 2022 at Metalfest 7. It was one of my personal best shows and also felt like a shift was happening. The metal crowd never really wanted me around. I tried for years to fit in rooms that never allowed me. I’m not downing the metal world. I still love metal but there’s too much gatekeeping going on. Metal was supposedly about anti-everything but it’s the most conservative genre around. If you don’t wear the uniform and read the same scripts, forget it.

The other tipping point was the TM Stevens benefit show two years ago. I won’t rehash that, you can find the blog on your own if you wish. I knew as soon as I stepped off that stage that my world changed. I no longer felt the need to impress anyone anymore. Quite frankly, few were impressed with me to begin with. So I am more relaxed than ever.

When singer Mike McCormick approached me with all these gigs because their guitarist Frank had to step down, I accepted. But there was no talk of “You’re in the band.” We talked at Tony’s house when he had his July 4th bash, and they said “It’s your spot if you want it.” And I accepted. They made the announcement live last Friday that “Steve Bello is the new guitarist in Supernova!” It was nice to hear the crowd applaud and cheer for me, as well as the band. Hearing people say “About time he joined” is music to my jaded ears.

I will still sub in other bands, as the other guys do that as well. Unlike the original scene, the cover players have no problem sitting in, helping out. There are some who do not want me around and quite frankly, I’m better off. I know where my talents belong. Are people clapping for my music? No. But they are clapping, whether it’s Living Colour or Darius Rucker (that’s a sentence I just typed!) The number of likes and amount of compliments on my socials is quite staggering. But I also have to be realistic…

Where were some of these people when I was pushing my own gigs and albums? I get it now. In their eyes, I’m “safe” and don’t post a threat. I will still write my brand of strange, quirky music. And if three people buy copies of my new album, then fine with me. So when people ask me privately “But I thought you’d never be in a (cover) band again?”, I tell them “I feel accepted and vindicated. And this is the first band that actually likes me.”

Truth.

First time playing The Beacon in Lake Hopatcong and while some things change, some things still stay the same.

What did I walk into?

To start, this was more of a restaurant with a bar than being a bar that served food. Okay fine with me. For some reason, it reminded me of when I played the Ramsey Country Club years ago with another cover band. Polo shirts, khaki shorts, very collegiate-looking to my eyes. Okay this is going to be something. It’s a nice place for sure, and like most rooms, there’s a lakefront that pleasing to the eyes.

And I stroll in looking like a Metallica roadie!

But I wouldn’t be me if I looked all spit-shined and perfectly manicured. I always said I have dirt under my fingernails and my hair will be slightly askew. Some of the looks I got from the patrons, well, that’s to be expected. I’m not judging, not my style, but am always quietly observing.

What about the show itself?

We didn’t get much of a soundcheck as there’s a rule that no noise can be made until 9pm by the band. How un-rock and roll is THAT? Still, we totally flew by the seat of our pants, did a quick level check, agreed that we’d tweak things as the night progressed. But what happened to my guitar sound?! It was not as punchy or creamy-sounding. It was thinner and less ballsy. The laminated floors and the high ceilings didn’t help. “Think fast!” was what went through my mind. In the past I would have freaked out and let it consume me for the rest of the night, and a few days after.

Not anymore!

My first thought was change the EQ settings on the amp. Then futz with knobs the boost pedals. Fix the delay so it doesn’t wash things out. Did my best for sure. I felt like my tone was too bright in that room. But the most important thing was that THE BAND sounded good. Everything blended well, and the people were dancing all night. My legs were tired watching them!

The first set was more dance/pop/country, with songs like “Footloose”, “Can’t Stop The Feeling” (yes I did a Justin Timberlake song), and a song I totally forgot about, “Honey I’m Good”. Music really has become more disposable, hasn’t it? Anyway, the second set was more on the harder side, with songs by Bon Jovi, Poison, AC/DC and of course “Cult Of Personality” by Living Colour. That to me is where I shine the brightest. And people took notice…boy they did!! I got the respect of the crowd, even if most weren’t there to hear ear-melting solos.

I do those quite well 😉

BTW: Mike announced to the crowd that I am a member of Supernova, so it’s official. People raised their drinks, cheered me on, and some friends said things like “About fuckin’ time!” I have to say, in my many years of playing in bands (including my own), this is the first time I am truly accepted and appreciated. Long may this last.

No Supernova gigs until July 31 when we’re back at Charley’s Tavern. So either I’m going to have a two-week break or if another band needs my assistance, I will heed the call.

And if I ever wear polos and khakis, please smack me.

I’m typing this on July 4th, and it also happens to be the 250th anniversary of America! I have no gigs or lessons this weekend, nothing to do, nowhere to go…

I don’t want to be sedated though.

I’m taking full advantage of enjoying downtime. Yes, I love teaching and performing. Nothing feels like work to me anymore. I half-joke that I’m semi-retired, and that might possibly be true. This week has been rather quiet, as lessons slow down for obvious reasons. Gigs will start up again on July 10. So what to do?

Re-do the back cover of my new album to start. I had to plop $614 on a new alternator last Wednesday, and in the past I would have felt deflated and defeated. But since I’m in a better place mentally, I told myself “This had to happen for a reason.” So I completely re-did the back cover with the liner notes, and will most likely jostle more ideas around. Sent the idea to my friend Rob Englehardt and he suggested a couple more tweaks, which I will do soon. All while sitting in front of my fan!

So while I had a setback with my car, it didn’t dampen my spirits. Not like the music disappeared, right? Once I get more gigs under my belt, I will recoup the money again so I can finally get the new album mastered. Mike and I will head up to Joe Lambert’s when I have everything lined up. And we will watch his magic, twisting knobs and watching his ears perk up over my strange solos.

Even though it’s been sticky outside, I still enjoy doing walks. I don’t stay out too long, just enough to work up a sweat; I still have some winter weight to get rid of! You’d think with the gigs I had, and moving gear all over, that I would drop more weight. I may have but want a little more to evaporate. I will never be the weight I was back in high school but if I can trim down a bit more, that will work.

Oh and I ordered a cool new Jimi Hendrix shirt that should be in the mail soon 🙂

The title of this blog is a bit misleading but stay til the end. Trust me.

Last night I filled in with the band Evolution for the first time in two years. A lot has changed since then, starting with them having a drummer who is more solid and pushes things nicely. Kept the songs focused. Less dead air time in between songs, which is the ultimate mood killer for crowds that are dancing all night. The set list flowed a lot better as a result, with songs ranging from Sugar Ray to Metallica.

I am always a blunt dude but never hurtful. I told the band during the show and afterwards that this was the best show I ever filled in for with them. Think they appreciated that very much. And it wasn’t just them stepping up. I learned to loosen up as well; that might be the result of doing a bunch of shows with Supernova (I’m pretty much their new guitarist now). Consistency is key, and all of us showed it. In the past I would have obsessed over every little note but lately my approach is two-fold: I don’t need to impress anyone anymore, and people go to SEE a show, not HEAR one.

But it helps that the band sounded more cohesive and direct this time around. Of course we had fun, as evidence by the crowd reaction. “Smiles everyone” as Mr. Roarke once said in the 70s…and I just dated myself real bad! I think the band were pleased with me too.

After the show ended, and I was packing up, someone played Whitesnake’s “The Deeper The Love” on the digital jukebox or whatever you young kids call it now. I thought to myself “You don’t hear Steve Vai in a bar too often.”

Was this a sign?

‘Twas a beautiful day for a nice loud rock show at Charley’s Tavern yesterday. The sun was bright and scorching hot, a nice breeze wafted through the air, and all I could think as I was setting up was…

These poor people are gonna need therapy after hearing me play.

This was the fourth show overall, and third with Supernova, and each show is getting better and better. We’re all dialed in with each other, know when to turn up the heat and then dial down the dynamics. Also know how to get the crowd dancing and singing along (alcohol seems to help). Still I tell myself, “You’re just too damn quirky for most people.” They don’t seem to mind though.

First set started off well, with the usual songs that have a nice flow to them. Second set, more of the same, even with Mike pulling up songs on the fly and we just gun it. No dead air here! Can’t have that, or else you lose people. The third set was definitely one for the books…

Tony broke a bass string, rare in these parts, and he didn’t have a spare set in his bag. So while he ran to his van to get another bass, Mike said to Chris and I, “Purple Rain”. And without any hesitation, I launched into the classic Bbadd2 chord (which is still a bitch to play!) and the crowd stood there with jaws to the ground. Tony hooked up another bass, and I yelled out the chord changes to him as we were playing. I have not played this song since my days in Mary’s Basement; last time was 2017! So I told myself “Remember how the solo goes, you prick!” and while I fumbled at times, the crowd ate it up. One of the security guards at the place told me later on, “Prince is hard to copy but you nailed it!”

Damn right I did!

It was a night at the improv with that tune for sure but isn’t that what playing live is all about. Granted, we structure things, make sure the vibes are solid. But every so often, the universe throws a curve ball. And if you don’t have your mitt or cup, well…ouch.

Supernova will be on a two-week break until July 10. But I am hoping another band might need my assistance between now and then. I truly enjoy playing with Chris, Mike and Tony, and it’s safe to say this is the first time in the history of ever where I am accepted and feel appreciated.

That crowd though…I feel bad for their ears 😉

It’s super rare for me to talk about sports. I’m simply not a fan. Won’t spoil it for anyone else though. But am going to say this…

So glad the NY Knicks won last night!

Why would I mention that? Because Supernova played last night at Mason Street Grille, and while most bands’ shows were being cancelled due to the game, ours was still on. Yet when we hit the stage at 9pm, the place was strangely empty. I thought, “Well I guess people are staying home?” That all changed around 10pm or so.

The room started filling up more and more, with a lot of younger people. I am officially an old fart for saying that. Most of the patrons had to have been around the age ranges of my three kids (29, 27, and 25). Maybe even a bit younger. The game was still happening and the vibes were rising. During the second set, the band stopped so people could watch the last nine seconds of the game. Again, I simply don’t give a crap but watching everyone else bite their nails was a sight to see.

With that, the Knicks won their first championship since 1973.

And with that, we could have played The Wiggles and the crowd would have loved it.

We felt unstoppable from that second forward. Black Sabbath, Rick Springfield, Prince and Mountain (you read that right)…anything we played was met with screams and wild applause. This is why I’m glad the Knicks won.

I have to say, props to Mason St for totally revamping the place! It looks so much bigger, all the walls were removed, and the bands play right next to the bar. Also load-in/out for bands is a breeze. The new owners are really shifting gears for the better.

How was the band? Sounded incredible! Everything was clear, punchy, no matter what we played. It all flowed really well. Had a guest vocalist named Patrice come up for two songs; she’s in the cover band Box Of Piranhas (love that name!) With this band, anything can happen. There’s structure but also looseness. I mentioned Mountain two paragraphs ago. The bouncer wanted to hear “Mississippi Queen” and while I knew the song, it was still “let’s see what happens!” Pulled it off decently for sure.

Oh and seeing women dance to “Cult of Personality”…you had to be there.

Another great show in the books as my fake tour continues next Saturday at Charley’s Tavern.

And did Rubber Duckie Riot add another show for me? Stick around…

Day two of my fake tour continued yesterday afternoon with the first of 15 shows with Supernova.

I could get used to this.

Let me start off by saying The Jefferson House is a GREAT place!! Playing by (or on?) the lake was a thrill, seeing people on their boats and some were jet-skiing…at a rock show? Hey, stranger gigs have happened but the vibes and the weather were so friggin’ amazing…I could get used to this (again).

As people filtered in, I was greeted by friends with “Welcome to the band” and “About time you were part of this.” To be fair, neither the band nor myself ever said I was in. I consider myself “temporarily permanent” but will say that I was greeted very warmly by everyone. Have I finally fit somewhere? I could get used to this (but am being realistic about things too). Though the guys said “You can stick around as long as you want.” So maybe I’m the new guy? Haven’t felt like that in eons. After years of being a bandleader, maybe it’s finally time I took a step back and enjoyed playing music again. Seems to agree with me.

We did three sets, started with the mainstays but then added new tunes to the mix that I picked (!) I finally got to do “Rock You Like A Hurricane” by Scorpions when other bands would turn it down. Why did I want to do that? Because it was the first song I ever learned on guitar from start to finish when I was 14. And playing it live for the first time brought me back to when I sat on the couch in my old house, jamming on a Guild Madiera Strat-copy through a tiny red amp. I felt 10 feet tall that day.

Other newbies were “Panama” by Van Halen, which was a LOT of fun to play, as well as…you guessed it, “Cult Of Personality” by Living Colour. I did that one with Rock Hard three years ago and got to do it again with these guys. Oh it sounded so good!! The whole band were firing on all sixes, and the crowd were dancing and singing and groovin’ to the music…wait, I hear a hit single! Even honored some crowd requests in the form of “Honky Tonk Women” by the Stones, and “Rockin In The Free World” by Neil Young. I enjoyed playing a tuneless solo for that one.

Some asked me why I wore a blue finger cot on my index finger. Well, I wish I could say something cool like I saved someone from a bear attack. But no, I tripped up my steps last Saturday on the concrete. Lame. But only the index finger of my fretting hand was scraped?! I took care of it with liquid bandage, and minimized playing the guitar aside from giving lessons. In the past, I would have freaked out. Now I was like “Shit happens” and I rolled with it. A couple of people asked me “Were you going to cancel?” For a SCRAPE?! Hell no!! I remember a gig that TM Stevens did in the 90s where he sliced his fretting hand finger and still did the show. Unless I stop breathing, the show must go on.

Onto the next gig at Mason Street Grille, Saturday June 13!

I could get used to this…

The start of my fake tour of New Jersey began last night at Sam’s Bar & Grill (Ringwood, NJ) as sub for Rubber Duckie Riot.

Ibuprofen is my friend now.

Upon entering the place, and I’ve been there before, I saw a small space cleared for the band. Bands used to be set up in the other bigger room but I can see why they moved them to be closer to the bar. Despite the smaller space, we made it work.

Once we got set up, plugged in, and levels set, we were off and running! With songs ranging from 60s to early 2000s, the set list was flowing. People were dancing all night, and a young band even got up in between sets to play live for the first time and it was very cool. Their one guitarist used my gear and had his own guitar, even said to me, “Um, I’m not used to playing a loud amp.” I replied, “Welcome to the big time!”

And I must have a face that evokes various questions such as “Weren’t you in an Ozzy tribute band?”, “Didn’t I see you in the early 90s playing Mike’s Tavern?” and “Aren’t you Steve Brown of Trixter?” The answer for all three was no! And some people were convinced that I was playing in cover bands in the 90s, which I never did. But people have fuzzy memories, and while I do at times too, I am fully aware of who I did and didn’t play with.

But all told, I had a blast and it was a great way to start off my pretend tour. One down, 16 more shows to go. Fifteen with Supernova, and another with RDR on Halloween at Mason Jar (7 minutes from my house!)

I need to get back in shape though.

Was I ever in shape?

Another pedal?

Yep.

Years ago, I owned an Ibanez FL9 flanger. I loved that thing, had the best tones, and just to show you how weird I am…I love dialing the speed all the way down and the width way up so when the flange dips, it sounds really sick. Like someone throwing up.

Thank you, Jeff Beck!

I sold that pedal because, well, I needed the money. Since then, I was on a quest for THAT sound. I could have bought another FL9 but wanted to challenge myself. I love the Electro-Harmonix Neo Mistress flanger, have no intention on parting with it. I also have a Mooer E-Lady flanger, and it’s cool but that vibe was missing. I also had an Ibanez Paul Gilbert Airplane Flanger, and while that was wild, it was too big!!

I would listen to demos online and think “Nah”, “Maybe”, “Almost” but then I came cross this RockReady BBD model. Hmmm…one guy made a demo, and my dead goldfish could have done better. Some people simply don’t know how to make a demo video. The two other videos made me think “Okay go for it.” Ordered it through Osiamo Music Gear in NY, got the pedal and those FL9 vibes came back!

Ah heaven!

I immediately replaced the EHX with this pedal. Again, not selling that other pedal because I do like it. Good to have backups in case things go haywire.

Plus the pedal is yellow!!!

So why am I always forever chasing sounds? Much like a lot of musicians, I am never satisfied. There are some pedals that I can’t see replacing but when it comes to things like chorus pedals and such, I hear these sounds in my head. Sometimes I can achieve them, other times no. The longest I owned a pedal, not including my original Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal pedal from 1983, is the DigiTech Whammy 5. I’ve had that since 2011! I’ve swapped out other pedals, and when I think I’m settled…another pedal might sneak up on me.

And no you can’t have my HM-2!

With these gigs coming up starting next Friday (!), it’s best that I make sure all the sounds are ready to roll. Gotta change strings on Pinkie and Universe, as I always bring them to gigs. I like creating a spectacle, whether it’s my sneakers, cables, pedals or strings. I’m just a conduit for the music, simple as that. I was never good at jumping around and making those O-faces like Eddie Van Halen. I’d rather play my guitar. Period.

I may shake my hair around a bit though.