No judging my choice of fuel for the show last night!! That waffle friggin’ rocked 🙂

As silly as this will sound, getting to finally play Shortways Barn in Hawthorne was truly awesome. Yes I toured with TM Stevens and accomplished great things but why am I so happy to have played this room? I always liked the vibe, and it looks like it was renovated. The floors and tables looked new.

Best part? It was 14 minutes from my house!

I will explain the title of this blog later. But for now, let’s dive in to my debut performance at this place, shall we? Good crowd, lots of energy, and have to say that my guitar tone was BEEFED up due to the hardwood floors. I had my amp on a milk crate (so punk!) to alleviate the bottom end from being swallowed up. Dialed in the right amount of delays to let the notes bounce around. Rubber Duckie Riot sounded really good too, and I have to give the singer Jay a lot of kudos. He was getting over a fever and dealing with a toothache but he powered through the show like a champ. Bravo!! He had guest singers come up to do some numbers so he could chill, and three different bass players came up to jam out. One was from Kentucky! He did “For Whom The Bell Tolls” with us and it rocked!!!

And people seem to like when we do heavier music 😉 Isn’t that peculiar! Threw down Sabbath, Ozzy, Metallica, RATM, Limp Bizkit, Dope and Papa Roach alongside the more traditional covers that every band basks in. As one person told me last night, “You really come alive with the heavy shit!”

Guilty as charged!

So what is with the title? Okay here we go…

After the show, the drummer Myke paid me some nice compliments and I said “I always bring my A-game.” To which he replied “I do too but it’s not like we’re playing the Garden, it’s Shortways.” Well, I had to say that I treat EVERY gig like it’s MSG. Nobody will see me stand there and do the “dad pose” (tap my foot all night and stare at the ground). Nobody will hear sloppy playing, and I always make sure to dial in the right sounds or close to them. Nothing worse than people looking at each other going “WTF song is this?!” No going through the motions with me, that’s for sure. I ain’t bragging…I can back my words up. Whether I am doing my own songs, or juggling Tom Petty and Sabbath, I can walk away knowing I did a great job.

Did I play my best last night? I played well, some parts eluded me but the most important thing is that I make the band sound good. I flubbed some stuff and had to learn the piano part on the spot for “Don’t Stop Believin'” but that’s the beauty and chaos of live performance. If the crowd responds in kind, that’s all that counts.

And as I was packing my car up, this little fella wanted to roadie for me…

Was a nice surprise to see this mantis hanging on the back window. I opened the trunk and it didn’t move. I said “You can hang there, it’s cool with me.” It was like the universe saying “Ya done good, Bello. Now enjoy your break!”

And how!

That first pic is how the week started: a saddle for the G-string cracked in half as I was checking the tuning?! I’ve had Pinkie (my RG7420MC) for 25 years and while it’s had its share of issues, I have never ever seen anything like THIS before. Seeing this fall apart right before my eyes was, well, eye-opening.

I ordered a new part through Amazon and when I received it on Wednesday, guess what…wrong size! I blame myself because what I thought was quick-thinking was more like low-level panic mode. Sent the part back, ordered the right piece this time through AllParts. So now I have a guitar with a missing saddle.

Or do I?

After I posted the pic of the broken saddle, a high school classmate named Glen reached out to me and said “I have a 6-string LO TRS bridge for you, give me your address.” Wait WHAT?! So yesterday I received this bridge, everything intact, and I started using it for parts. Yanked the G-string saddle of this and installed it on Pinkie…

…and there you have it! Faith in humanity restored. And it’s like they say, “When you’re not looking…” So thank you Glen (if you’re reading this) for rejuvenating Pinkie!

Oh and Supernova did another gig last night. Strap yourself in for this one.

Getting to Tall Timbers was the easy part. What followed after was a lesson in patience. The GPS got all weird, maybe because of low signals in the area? Hmmm…drove up and down these REALLY narrow roads, not my idea of fun. Then I had the common sense to type in “Bear Cave” and it took me right there. I was only a few minutes away yet the GPS took me into outer Mongolia.

If outer Mongolia looks like this place, that is.

Then there was the added bonus of being told to set up on the basketball court? We’re Supernova, not the Lakers! After 45 minutes of sitting around, waiting for answers, we were allowed to set up in the pavilion in case of thunderstorms. Thankfully they never happened but better to be safe than sorry. Setting up was fine, soundcheck was good and then we were off and running…

…more like jogging briskly?

Started the set with more mellow tunes to ease the crowd in, but they pretty much sat there. Granted, we were new to the place, and they were new to us. Once we slammed it into high gear, things took off. And there’s always ONE PERSON who insists on talking to the band as they’re playing!!! I dare these people to run up to Rush or Iron Maiden at the Garden and ask for requests.

If I sound insensitive, I don’t mean it. I’m truly enjoying everything, yet people act like bands know every single song ever written! And some people will be truly disappointed if you don’t know a certain song. It’s weird, really. I would never do that. I’d just go and enjoy the show.

But that’s me.

Still, the band sounded great, all the glitches were out of the way, and while I used the Universe guitar all night, Pinkie was there as backup. I didn’t use her but did check the tuning and stability of the saddle. SUCCESS! But the best part of the night happened after the show…

A family came up to me and said “Our son would love a photo with the band” and I said ABSOLUTELY! You’d think this kid was meeting AC/DC or Metallica…the smile on his face was worth all the grief and drama prior to the show. He said to me “Wow I can’t play that fast” and I joked that I started lessons last week. A few people asked if we did private parties so that would be neat if they happen.

Supernova is taking another two-week break before heading to the Beacon on August 28th. I, however, will be performing with Rubber Duckie Riot next Saturday the 15th at Shortways in Hawthorne…A CLOSE GIG!! Believe me, I don’t mind the traveling but once in a while, a gig that I can throw a rock at is always welcome.

After the week I had with broken saddles, wrong parts, etc…now I can decompress and enjoy a Carvel cake later for my dad’s 81st birthday (which was Aug 7).

Party like a rock star!

Two shows in a weekend and still I survived! Definitely feeling it this morning but that’s all part of the job.

Right?

Supernova played Charley’s Tavern this past Friday and it was interesting. The humidity was thick, the air was dense, and it made playing and performing a bit of a hassle. Our hands were sticking our guitar and bass necks, the sound turned thinner, and it felt like we hit a brick wall. Yet the crowd were dancing along, despite the oppressive feeling outside. I love the heat but even I know when it’s too much. Drank enough water to grow gills for sure. Staying hydrated was a chore but we got through it, didn’t we? My second time playing there and I still enjoyed it very much.

Last night was another story! We played Panther Lake Campgrounds in Bymar (I’m learning about new towns every day) and it was a world away from the previous show. This crowd was insane!!! The band sounded great on Friday but this show…we were definitely on friggin’ fire! Seeing a mix of people all vibing to the songs we threw at them, and we made one girl’s night complete by doing “All Star” by Smash Mouth. Mike said they hadn’t played that song in 20 years; I’d never played it till last night! A first for everything. Also threw in “Boys Of Summer” (The Ataris version) and another impromptu “Purple Rain” while Tony fixed his strap. But the best part was Mike asking the crowd if they wanted to hear “Sweet Caroline” or “Enter Sandman” for the last song.

Give you one hint which song got more response 😉 (Begins with E!)

I have to say though, there’s something about Ibanez guitars that elicit interesting conversations. Friday night I had a guy ask me “Is that all you play?”, and last night a couple of guys said to me “Wow, 7 strings!” Another said “At least you use all seven!” Apparently, when I chug the riff to “Angel Of Death” by Slayer, everyone act like bugs drawn to the light.

Hmmm…time to add that song, guys?

Now that we are winding down from a wild weekend, we can rest up for the next gig which will be on Saturday August 8 at Tall Timbers Campground, a first for the band. And if this show was any indication, playing campgrounds is pretty insane!

Who knew?!

BRING THE NOISE!

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…