as of july 10 this year

As of July 10 this year, it has been formally announced via singer Mike McCormick (live in front of a great crowd) that "Steve Bello is the new guitarist in Supernova!" Lots of cheers, hugs and well-wishes were shown, and it was the best feeling.

I'm 56 and in a band?!

I'm proud to be this age and it feels good to finally be accepted somewhere. Strangely enough, I got tired of trying so hard for years. It's like they always say, "It's when you're not looking." 

As some of you know, I had been subbing with the band on and off since 2022. After a couple of rocky starts, things ramped up, we all got to really know each other yet when they asked me to join back then, my brain and heart said "Don't do it." I was still fixated on making a name for myself as an original guitarist with (at the time) eight albums under my belt. Life had other plans though.

After the release of ACT NATURAL in 2023, things took a weird downturn. Suddenly my music was "weird" and I wasn't getting the love that I wanted. Yet I was getting more gigs with not just Supernova, but Evolution, Blame It On The Girl, Spare Parts, Rubber Duckie Riot...did I really want to be a cover guitarist? 

Once the new album DOWN TO THE METAL was finished being recorded this past March, I received a Facebook message from Mike McCormick, asking me if I wanted to fill my dance card for the rest of the year. I accepted all the gigs, and glad I did. So far, every show has been a great success. Then this nagging feeling sat in the back of my brain.

"You're supposed to be in this band, you idiot!"

Their friends kept saying things to me like "Glad you're finally in the band" and "About time they asked you." Well, as I said, they DID ask me but I turned it down a few years ago. And nobody at the time said "Steve's in the band" but during the most recent gig this past Friday at The Beacon, it was mentioned live on stage. I accepted the offer before they said anything so it was planned quite well.

I posted on my socials and suddenly everyone came out of the woodwork to congratulate me and say things such as "We're so proud of you!" For joining a cover band?! I get it though. Now I'm viewed as "safe" but I'm still putting out new music soon, so don't get too comfortable with me. I zig when others hope I zag. 

I'm still available for any sub gigs should a band need me. As weird as this may sound, this opened a lot of doors for me. No I'm not being chased down (boo!) but suddenly other cover bands are sending me friend requests through socials. 

I also know that with my new album coming out possibly in the Fall, those who are happy that I'm in Supernova won't be into my music. The right audience will find me. 

After 23 years?

Got me there.