STAIRWAY TO HALEN

On this website I don’t review many tribute or cover bands as I try to concentrate on upcoming original talent. But with the huge popularity of such groups as Get The Led Out and Australian Pink Floyd who play to massive crowds I need to occasionally break the rules.

Stairway to HALEN is a four piece Led Zeppelin/Van Halen tribute band based in central Connecticut whom I had the pleasure to experience at the Beach House Grill in Stratford. The band consists of Tommy Bellini (Lead Vocals), Billy DiNapoli (Guitar/Vocals), Arnie Couzzo (Drums/Vocals) and my good buddy Bob Ambrose (Bass/Vocals).

Lets picture the scene. It was Memorial Day Sunday (respect for the men and women in service). What had been a beautiful morning and afternoon turned into a fairly stormy evening. As Stairway to HALEN were playing on the Beach House’s spacious patio the band waited an hour or so for the rain to subside before starting their first set. To my surprise not a soul left because of the weather. A true testament to the band’s dedicated following.

As soon as Stairway to HALEN‘s first song, Zeps “Song Remains The Same”, came blaring through the p.a. the sizable audience crowded around the stage. From there the band drove into “Nobody’s Fault But Mine”. Bellini’s voice was forceful and robust. His on stage persona entertaining and compelling. DiNapoli’s guitar was extremely stimulating and the backbeat tandem of Couzzo and Ambrose captivating. The entire assembly rocked with the band’s masterful musicianship.

Next up was Halen’s “Beautiful Girls” and “Dance The Night Away”. Again Stairway to HALEN was immaculate. Everyone was enjoying the music and swaying to the beat. The rain had stopped and revelry was in the air.

The whole evening the band alternated between Zep and Halen. “Kashmir”, “Lemon Song into “Bring It On” into “Stairway”, “Mean Streets” and “Panama” tore through the throng like knives. Their fans were in a controlled frenzy. Everyone felt the heat.

To the audience’s delight Stairway to HALEN played an eighteen song first set. By the time they played their last song the whole assemblage was in awe.

Even though I left somewhere in the middle of their second set there were some memorable moments. At one point Denise Daniels Biagi filled in for Bellini on lead vocals for a kick ass version of “Rock and Roll” merging a little something from both bands.

The entire evening was a blast. Please catch Stairway to HALEN whenever you can. They tribute the night away.

 

 

 

Stairway to HALEN tour dates

• 6/9 – Orange Ale House, Orange, Ct. -2pm
• 6/14 -Windmill, Stratford, Ct.
• 6/23-Stonebridge, Milford, Ct.
• 7/3 – The Beach House Grill, Stratford, CT. (Town of Stratford fireworks)
• 7/27-Blackstone Irish Pub, Southington, Ct.
• 8/11-Beach House Grill, Stratford, Ct.

 

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