All three of you are most likely wondering “What’s the deal? You haven’t blogged since October 4th!”
I can dream, right?
Truth is, I have been super busy with a lot. That’s not an excuse at all. Lessons are packed to the gills and that’s a good problem to have. Feels nice to keep busy with teaching, inspiring young minds and a few adults as well. One of my students asked me “How do you remember so many songs?” and I said “I just do, wish I had a proper answer.”
Which leads to the next topic: cover band gigs coming up soon. Between the two shows approaching, I will be doing about 90 songs total. WHEW! So if you want to ask me “How do you remember so many songs?”, again I say “I just do.” Do I blank out at times? Of course! I learned little tricks from the pros on what to do when you have a brain fart. I won’t say them here because a magician never reveals his tricks 😉
The first gig will be with Supernova at Lentini Farms (Newton, NJ) on Friday October 24. Last year we were told “You can stop early because there’s nobody here” but that was because it got darker earlier and colder too! I doubt people will mill around a corn maze in the dark. We even had space heaters on the stage; I better learn how to play guitar with fingerless gloves like TM Stevens did. I might look cool too.
Might.
The second gig will be at Mason Jar (Mahwah, NJ) with Rubber Duckie Riot. And this gig will be 11 minutes from my house THANK GOD! A CLOSE SHOW!! Been eons since I played in my backyard. This will be on Halloween and yes I’m in costume, as a has-been guitar god. I dress like that every day anyway.
And I was asked recently by DJ Metal Mistress to be on her Metal Meltdown show for Wednesday October 29. She said it will be my pre-birthday bash (it’s on November 2) and that I will be in charge of the songs. You know what I’ll pick! But will also throw some curveballs. It’s how I roll. True to form, we will talk about anything and everything on her show because when the two of us get together, it’s pure comedy with some seriousness thrown in.
Twenty-two years ago, and with only two guitars in my arsenal at the time, I became an artist endorser for Ibanez guitars.
I still pinch myself.
I won’t rehash the whole story, as you can find it on here under the title “20 Years”. Everything you need to know is there. But I will say that I purposely left out some of the negative aspects of being signed with Ibanez. And I don’t plan on airing those stories any time soon. Maybe privately to someone but in print, no. Safe to say that there were a lot of green-eyed monsters when I thought I would have had more support.
Oh well.
Also on this date, in 2003, my first cd was released entitled TWISTED METAL. Again, I’ve relayed the story of how quickly I assembled the songs and how fast it was recorded. But here’s some trivia you will find amusing…
I asked someone to burn copies for me and he did. Kinda. Upon hearing what was going to be my cd, it was someone else’s music?! And what made it worse, it was music that I felt like planting a tree to! The other guy got my music on his cd, and am sure he wasn’t thrilled hearing “screaming rat sounds” (as the drummer Darren Patrick put it). Needless to say, I had ONE DAY to burn a burn of cd’s quickly.
Raced to my parents, as they had a cd burner. I knocked out 10 copies in an hour or so, signed each one, and checked to see if I still had a pulse. Talk about stress! Even though these cd’s didn’t look professional, people still bought copies at the clinic the next day. I even mentioned how they almost heard John Denver-type stuff if I didn’t catch the mistake that afternoon.
Always double-check things, kids!!!
The guy who made the mistake burned me 10 more copies for free, so he made good on his word to fix things. And to think people would have assumed I was this gentle singer-songwriter. Nowhere close!!!
So yes, my career as a solo instrumental artist/Ibanez endorser started off with a Twilight Zone vibe. Seemed to carry onward in all aspects, right? I wouldn’t change a thing though.
First two pics from RDR showSecond two from Spare Parts gig
The double-header gigs were fun but glad they’re behind me. With exactly one hour to schlep from one show to the next…yeah it was rough. I’m not complaining at all; in fact, I am grateful that Bob Lamb asked me (he could have asked any guitarist) to pitch in.
I’m a road warrior now!
First gig with Rubber Duckie Riot was a lot of fun, lots of energy, good crowd, but wow it went really fast. Forty minutes felt like ten, which means it was a lot of fun. I will say this though: not to sound negative, but my guitar tone was muddy, which was weird. Turns out, it was the Morpheus Drop pedal that I borrowed that mucked up the sound. The guitar sounded lifeless, no balls but the crowd loved everything, and that’s the tale of the tape.
Second show with Spare Parts was almost cancelled on account of the singer having a fever yesterday. Not one but two singers were found and they both took turns to sing various songs, and it was very loose and low-pressure. “You know this one?” “Yeah” “Okay we’re doing it.” I didn’t need the Drop pedal and wouldn’t you know it…MY TONE CAME BACK!! Tight, focused, crisp and ME!!! Not a great turnout, but the people who were there were dancing and shouting the words back. No two gigs are going to be alike, right?
I am happier playing guitar more than ever before. Despite the crap tone at the first gig, I loved being on a big stage (that’s been a few years) and going for the throat. What I lacked in tone, I made up for in stage presence and connecting eyes with the crowd. And as an added bonus, it was great seeing Tammy Moore (from Tammy & The Others) after a couple of years. She had been battling breast cancer but thankfully knocked it out of the park!
Now I’m a small hiatus until the two October shows w/Supernova and RDR. And boy do I need it!
I asked for one gig a month. For the most part, I get that. But here’s a twist in my matrix…a double header!?
There isn’t enough coffee in the world.
Bob Lamb, bassist with many cover bands, asked me today if I could possibly do two shows on the same day September 27th. HUH?! I’m a pro so I said yes of course. It will be a long day but a good one.
The first show will be with his band Rubber Duckie Riot at Hawthorne Day in Hawthorne, NJ (of course!) But wait, was I supposed to debut with them on Halloween? Now that will be the second show so this will be the NEW debut. Their guitarist can’t make it so I got the nod. We will only play a one-hour set, in and out.
But then…two hours later (said in French voice ala SpongeBob)…
Bob and I will jackass up to Airport Pub in Sussex, NJ for another gig that starts at 9! I am already tired for next Saturday! This band is called Spare Parts, and it’s basically guys from other bands, hence the name. And it’s more or less a “wing it” thing. Should be a lot of fun but wow I hope to summon up the strength for this.
I am not complaining at all. In fact, I am super grateful for these opportunities. The first half of this year was really slow but since June, it’s been gradually picking up steam. Now this…ZOOM!! Oh, and I got more private students, so all slots are booked. I am back to teaching six days a week, three in the store, three private lessons. I will have Saturdays off and that’s fine with me. My schedule is busy again but relaxed just the same.
You are most likely looking at this picture and thinking “Has Steve lost his mind?”
I did that years ago, so keep up with me.
I will never ever profess to being knowledgeable at all about Buddhism or whatever. However, lately I’ve been feeling things shift, my energy being re-purposed in some cosmic way. Now you’re reading this and ready to sign off but please stay with me here.
The world has been in chaos for quite some time. I’ll never discuss politics, religion, anything that will spark controversy. Simply stated, a lot of people need to wake up and smell the coffee (mine is strong this morning!) Read that above post and mentally check off what you’ve done. I guarantee 20% of it has happened. I can speak from past experiences: I thought being busy was the answer. It’s good to be busy as long as it’s doing things you enjoy. Some people love running around like a headless chicken and then when they are able to slow down, a wave of guilt takes over. Why? Because society does not like when you’re happy!!!
Read that last line again.
Do I miss performing? Yes. Do I miss pushing tickets, stressing the day of a show, and feeling like I’m already tired tomorrow? No. I used to think all of those things were the key to feeling fulfilled. I was so very wrong. I never cared for “Well you only sold x amount so you’re on first, but the other band sold ALL their tickets (bought them in advance, really). Never about the music, all about playing the games. Not conducive to art.
(Oops! I forgot it’s about posing and being delusional!)
Do I miss the hustle and bustle of my last job? At times. When sales were great, I was invincible. But when sales were soft, I felt powerless. That’s no way to live. Especially when you worked with toxic people who didn’t and wouldn’t know how to chill out. Everything was rush-rush-rush, get those sales, or hear the wrath of “I could fire you right now”. Again, that’s how society operates.
Grind away until you die. No thanks.
I would get mocked for doing my walks. Yes that’s true. “Wait, you WALK?!” I’ve been walking since as a child and it’s never stopped. Yet some of my friends and family will scoff it off. Then they try it. And then realize, “Wait, this really is the best!” Even if I walk for 20 minutes, it helps wire me up for the day. Unless it’s freezing cold out, then I can’t make a move!
What’s the point of this blog? I’ll tell ya…
You all need to learn to appreciate who and where you are in life. It took me til about four months ago to suddenly have that light bulb epiphany. But isn’t that silly hippy-dippy nonsense? To those who enjoy being super-busy and “I’ll sleep when I’m dead”, yes. They don’t know any other life because they were taught “YOU HAVE TO KEEP MOVING!” Or maybe some are running away from a reality that they refuse to face, so keeping busy makes them feel a step ahead.
I may not always be right but am never wrong 😉
Also the company I keep has helped me. I had to back away from going to certain shows because the vibes don’t agree with me. Do I love metal? Of course. Do I love the wanna-be attitudes and posturing? No. And that’s really what most people do, no matter the profession. Everyone basically reading the same script, just change the job and don’t trip over the furniture. I never put on an act but was good as making it look like what I was doing was fulfilling. Deep down inside, I was a mess. Here’s the rub: PEOPLE LIKED WHEN I WAS MISERABLE! They felt a connection because, as they say, misery loves company. I shed that skin a while back and watched everyone disappear from my life.
Since the lockdowns, I have learned to embrace and appreciate my solitude. Long walks and finding quiet spots on bike trails and forests made me feel more grounded. I gained a bit more clarity and insight to myself, the world around me, and old wounds started closing. Years of unpacking is a chore, but I am ready to tackle it. And then the strangest thing happened…
I looked at life way differently. People I thought I knew showed their truest colors. I found a new tribe, if you will. They enjoy my company, bad jokes, and aren’t concerned with keeping up with their purported image. That’s so exhausting! These people are chill, no airs, no pretentious nonsense. And surprise surprise, sometimes I actually get invited places! They want me around?! Whodathunkit?!
My world is now more focused, less cluttered. Truth be told, some friends and family don’t like that. Too bad! I like my more relaxed life. I am busy with teaching, and it’s the most rewarding feeling in the world. As I’ve often said, my students love me and want to learn things. Other musicians don’t. Yeah, I found my place after all these years. I can only hope for others to achieve their next level before it’s too late.
One last thing: I’ve learned to protect my peace at all costs. I know/knew too many assholes, to be blunt. They enjoy being antagonistic, surly, basically a bully. Again, they don’t know any other life. I never fit in a lot of wheelhouses growing up. I was made to think nobody could ever like me.
Well, I like me. (Thank you, John Candy!)
I had to learn to like me over the years. I learned to let go of the constant need for validation. Do I want to be appreciated? Yes. But it had to start with me. Was I happy with things? If yes, great. If no, fix them. I had to stop depending on others to make me happy, when they were busy making me unhappy.
That pic was taken Sunday afternoon after I gave a bass lesson to a student. His mom handed me this sign and I was like “What’s this?” She said, “You said this to my son and we both felt inspired to do this for you.” WOW! I am truly humbled for sure. I didn’t think my words had any impact whatsoever.
It has taken me a very long time to ever utter the following words: I am where I need to be in my life.
What brought such an epiphany? Since last November, well…you know the story. No sense rehashing that. In fact, no sense revisiting the past much anymore. I’m honestly tired of it, and some of you are as well. People and events that came into my life are nothing more than distant memories. Good to have some of those memories but better to move forward and rip the rear-view mirror off.
Damn it feels good!
These past three weeks have seen some unbelievable weather. Aside from a day here and there with rain, it’s been sunny, picture-perfect, clear blue skies. (No chem trails!) Weather like this inspires me, and it does wonders for my physical and mental well-being. I realize that this won’t last forever, so I’m absorbing every waking moment possible. I do my walks, observe the deer feasting on grass, and breathe in how wonderful the weather has been.
What’s wrong with me?!
Nothing! I am feeling like “This is where I need to be exactly in my life.” Teaching has been incredibly fruitful, and as I always say my students love and want to learn from me. When I hear things such as “You make this fun and easy” and “I look forward to this day”, it’s a tremendous feeling. I spent years thinking my guitar skills would skyrocket me into the stratosphere. Instead, my skills are being put to a way better use. It’s a more relaxed vibe, a lot of fun and I learn from my students as much as they learn from me.
And another kicker: I am surrounding myself with more positive people. It hasn’t been easy. I spent years thinking “The metal scene is my tribe” and I was very wrong. Granted, I am friends with some people in the metal community but let’s be honest: I’m too esoteric for some. And that’s totally fine. I’m proud to be the quirky/strange/eccentric person and guitarist. I was made to feel as if there was something wrong with me. There never was. I made/make people feel uncomfortable (not intentionally) because I am a pretty together person. I think outside the parameters of what’s expected. Am I better than some? No, just different.
Once I fully embraced who I truly am, all bets were off. Some of my friends accept me as-is. Others saw themselves out. That’s alright. I wish no harm but was never going to bend to their whims. I can’t be molded or corrupted…THAT’S why people ignore me or walk away over time.
So, as we round the corner of the last few months of 2025, I can honestly say that while it wasn’t a great year for me, it got better over time. I stayed in my lane and that’s that. It was the best thing to do.
I’m typing this blog on the first day of September. Amazing that we are in the fourth quarter of the year, the “ber” months as some will call them.
There’s still some summer left, so let’s not speed things up, okay?
I am look forward to what the rest of the year brings. Those who follow my blogs, and/or know me in real life, can attest that the first half of 2025 was not kind to me. One thing I will always do is be straight up with everyone and today is no different. I had a rough winter, dealing with seasonal depression. On top of that, after I spent $1200 on struts and rotors (so much for a routine oil change), I felt very strapped. It sucked. Plain and simple. Private lessons were slow, as were any gigs on the horizon. Some bands who promised me “first call” never made good on their word. I could name names but why give them publicity?
Then on my son’s birthday (May 20), the planets shifted. I started getting gigs from bands such as Supernova (I am always first call with them), and also did some debut sub gigs with Blame It On The Girl, Crash!, and recently Vinyl Renegades. Started getting a couple more private students. I will never lie to anyone: having money instead of flies in my wallet puts me in a better mood. I enjoy performing and love teaching, and when extra cash is slapped in my hands, it’s a bonus.
Am I a mercenary? No. But when you’re broke, suddenly everyone and everything pisses you off.
I have my health though. That’s definitely more important. When the seasonal depression lifts, it’s the best feeling in the world. The weather has been incredibly amazing the past two weeks, and it makes for great walks. And when someone says, “Looks like you’re slimming down a bit”, that’s another bonus. Metabolism and gravity are not my friends sometimes!!!
I am also learning to surround myself with better people. Sounds strange but I know/knew too many miserable people. Am I perfect? No. Was I once a miserable prick? Yes. I have been doing a lot of soul-searching over the past few years and learned some cold hard truths about myself. And what people REALLY thought of me. Sometimes the trash takes itself out. Other times I have to haul it to the curb. Another thing people have noticed about me: “You look more content.” That is true. Not feeling this pressing need to impress anyone anymore is liberating. Looking back, I can’t believe how much of a people pleaser I was. I’m usually pretty aware of things but that was something I had to come face to face with.
I sought validation at every turn and would think “Will this ever come to an end?” It did last November, and since then, the skies opened up for me. I’m a good person, a great teacher and guitar player, write cool songs, and am looking after myself as I should have been doing years before. I learned that most wheelhouses are not designed for me. Everyone else can have their little cliques and weird eco-systems…bless them, really. Enjoy your phony friendships and pretend “scenes”.
I know my worth.
What will the remaining four months hold for me? I don’t know and that’s the best part. No more predicting or hoping for things. I learned to manifest my thoughts into reality and as my friend Glenn once said years ago, “The universe will provide.” All I know is, I have 10 demos waiting to become real songs. If a cover band needs me, I just throw a guitar in a gig bag and head out. If a new student emerges, willing to learn, I’m ready to teach.
I’m willing to learn too, so I’m ready, O Universe!
Last week I posted a blog about the possibility of foisting a 10-second clip featuring a rough demo/new tune. Twelve people upvoted, and nobody downvoted, so as promised, the clip went up on my various socials. Received some nice words, and a few people seemed genuinely excited that I have new music up my sleeve.
But I’m ever the realist here…
Two years ago, my latest cd ACT NATURAL was released on various streaming sites (a month before physical copies were in my hands). The reaction to the new album was, well, less than stellar. Some said the music was still ambitious and unique, others said it was weird. When have I not been weird?! As artists, we live and die by the next album/single/video. It’s a brutal way to live, really.
I distanced myself totally from that album for many reasons. I went into a depression for a while but still felt compelled to write new material. The earlier works were more angry, and while that satisfied my blackened soul for a brief period, I thought “If I don’t want to hear this over and over, what will make someone else want to?” So I created a batch of NEW new material, and while it’s not sunshine and rainbows, it’s not as angry. One drummer commented to me a few years ago that “Your music is SO direct and in-your-face, I can’t handle it!”
Now I see why few people supported my music and live shows.
If a piece of art is too forward-thinking or assertive, people shy away. I can think back to when thrash metal first came out. The old-school metal fans said it was “noise” and “there’s no melody” yet it appealed to someone, right? There’s always an ass for every horse. Anything that challenges the senses tends to be met with either “THIS IS PERFECT FOR ME” or “TURN THIS SHIT OFF”.
My music straddles between the two fences. Facts.
I posted the rough demo on August 25 this year, 10 seconds of a riff, nothing more. But again, being Sir Real (get it?), I have to come to terms with things: Nobody is going to salivate over what I do and that’s okay. I don’t write “drinking man’s music”, more like “thinking man’s music”. While it’s not as complex as Rush or Yes, it has its own set of speed bumps for people to drive over. I hear echoes of past band members asking me “Can’t you write something normal?” or “Can you write a tune like (insert band here)?” The fact is this: people want immediate results, and they tend to think very commercial-minded. Nobody is going to sit and think “Wow, you’re doing something unique. I like that about you.”
Does this mean I stop writing? No way in hell. If anything, the new stuff I’ve created has made me do something I’ve not done with previous demos in a long time: listen to them over and over. Not to come up with melodies, but to bask in the thought of “I did this!” Call it ego, I don’t care. I am proud of my work. Do I think it’s the best stuff? I leave that up to the public.
Judging by the nice responses the newest little clip received, think it’s safe to say that you want to hear something new from me that totally rocks. I am proud to have done some ambient music over the past year, that’s where my head was at during the times. But I want to get my hands dirty again.
What a weekend!! Actually, the whole week was great. Haven’t said that in a long time. Getting more private students, as well as more students between the two stores where I teach. Oh and I did two gigs this weekend…
Let’s recap!
Friday night was the gig with Supernova at Black River Barn. I’ve played with this band quite a few times since 2022, and played in this room about 4 or 5 times. But this past gig was one for the books. Totally insane! PACKED room, wall to wall, people singing and dancing all night long. The vibes were phenomenal; the band was the best it ever sounded (at least with me filling in) and the energy from the crowd was thunderous. Even our Ozzy tribute with “Mama I’m Coming Home” got the whole place singing along and waving their phones in the air. Before I knew it, the show was over, felt like we only played for 20 minutes. It was that much fun!!
Supernova asked for my availability, and I said my schedule is wide open. So, they will get a list of dates to me. As of now, I only have the October 24 gig with them at Lentini Farms in Newton, NJ. But if more gigs happen before and after, great! I really enjoy playing with this band, as you can tell.
Onto today’s gig with Vinyl Renegades, my first time subbing with them. Met the band, got to chatting about gear and how nice the weather is. Decent turnout, great food (that’s always a plus) and the band were impressed with how well I did my homework, so to speak. Got to do songs by Joe Cocker, Blondie, Hall & Oates, and some slightly harder rock as well.
Was really great being on stage (well, the lawn) with Deb Tote Harvey again after a couple of years. Yes she will sing a song or two with Supernova here and there but we hadn’t done a full show together since July 2022. Her boyfriend Tony filled in on bass (he is in Supernova too). After we played, the band asked me for my availability as well! I had fun with them, and again if more gigs come about, then cool.
*Oh and I got to play with a violinist today for the very first time. It was SO cool!!!!
Now here’s the kicker: I play better than ever and am way more relaxed because I let go of needing validation from people. My friends have expressed this after seeing me perform, saying that I look more chill and more focused. That’s always a good thing. No, that doesn’t mean I am ready to get a live band going to do my music, far from it. I want to do one more album but that’s it! I don’t want to sell tickets anymore, don’t miss stressing and freaking over such trivial nonsense. In the words of the late great TM Stevens: “You have to sell TICKETS? You’re a musician, not goddamn Ticketron!”
But it feels good to strut my stuff, even if it’s with covers. I am grateful for any opportunities that come my way. And I will do my best to be as pro as possible.
As I get ready for these two upcoming gigs this weekend, I realized something. Between the two bands, I am doing ninety songs!!!
That’s like, um, a lot.
I am very much looking forward to throwing down with Supernova again at the legendary Black River Barn this Friday night. And then the next afternoon will be my debut sub gig with Vinyl Renegades at Marcella Community Center. No, it’s not my music that people will be clapping to, but I at least get to play to nice crowds.
I like that.
So what about my music? Huh?
I have been listening to the demos, not to come up with melodies but to just enjoy the vibes. I’ve written some pretty cool stuff. Easy to say, really. But while it’s been two years since my last cd (remember ACT NATURAL?), the new stuff I’ve been cooking up dials back a bit on the aggressiveness but is still quite heavy. Yet tuneful and melodic, even without extra melodies on top. Which begs the question..
Should I make a short teaser with one of the guitar demos for everyone to hear?
Anyone who knows me knows that I always do rough guitar demos, recorded into the Tascam and then uploaded to Bandlab for some tweaking so they could a bit more listenable. I might do a quick fade-in/fade-out on a future blog, or even a “shorts” clip on YouTube. Think if people hear something/anything (Todd Rundgren?) from me, they might have their interest piqued?
What do you think?
I will leave a vote tab below. And will wait a week to see the results. If I get a lot of thumbs-up, then I will make a teaser clip. If I get a lot of negative responses, then I do nothing.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE FOR 7-STRING GUITARIST STEVE BELLO 
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