Aerosmith Tribute Band, Pump Returns to Rock the Stage, Along with Scar Tissue in Fall/Summer Shows

It’s that time again, as Pump, an Aerosmith tribute band, featuring new lead singer, Mike Castella, will be playing in the areas of Long Island and Pennsylvania over the next seven months.

Frank Tassielli, Pump’s bass guitarist and booker/promoter, said he is thrilled to have Castella join the band, and sees nothing but positives for the gifted group in the future.

“I’m very happy with our new singer,” Tassielli said of Castella, a Mineola, Long Island, native’s vocal talent. “It’s a big step forward for us.”

Saturday, December 2nd at 8:00 p.m. — Rock City Dogs–a classic rock-themed hotdog restaurant– 3 E Main Street, Bay Shore, N.Y.

First up, Tassielli will be sitting in with Scar Tissue, a Red Hot Chili Peppers (RHCP) cover band who will be playing two sets of the Chili Peppers’ best hits.

Flea, one of Tassielli’s heroes and longtime bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, is known for his bass-slapping, undeniable funky style.

Tassielli said he is excited to emulate Flea’s magical energy, and he has been diligently working on mastering the Australian’s complex baselines for the show.

Saturday, January 6th at 8:00 p.m. — Excite Center at Parx Casino — 2999 Street Road, Bensalem, Pa.

Pump, in its first performance of 2024, will hit the stage at the Excite Center at Parx Casino in Bensalem, Pa. You can purchase tickets by clicking the link above to the right.

Tassielli said it will be great to get back to playing Aerosmith covers, as Tom Hamilton, the bassist for the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame band who co-wrote Sweet Emotions and Janie’s Got a Gun, has been another huge influence, along with Flea, on his musical career.

“I feed off these bass players, ” Tassielli said. “They’re both awesome, but different in their own ways.”

Friday, January 19th at 7:00 p.m. — the South Huntington Library — 145 Pidgeon Hill Rd,, Huntington Station, N.Y. 

Back home on Long Island, Pump will be performing a semi-acoustic set at the South Huntington Library, which has a 120-seat capacity, in Huntington Station, N.Y.

Thursday, March 21st at 7:00 p.m. — The Warehouse at 203 Broadway, Amityville, N.Y.

At the Warehouse, Pump will be playing two three-song melodies, with one set of songs from Aerosmith’s 1977 Draw the Line Album. The other melody will be a mix of a few of the band’s biggest hits. Plus, Pump will be performing other great tracks you do not want to miss, for sure.

Friday, April 5th at 7:00 p.m. — Havana Winery — 105 South Main St., New Hope, Pa.

An eatery that showcases awesome tribute bands and wines, Pump will have its opportunity to rock in its return to Pennsylvania at Havana Winery.

Saturday, April 20th at 8:00 p.m. — Cinema Arts Centre at 423 Park Avenue, Huntington, N.Y.

Pump will be playing Aerosmith songs in accordance with the nineties-themed night. After the show, the theater will showcase a viewing of Wayne’s World, a 1992 comdey flick in which the Boston-formed group made a cameo appearance.

Saturday, June 29th at 7:30 p.m. — Seaford Library — 2234 Jackson Ave, Seaford, N.Y. 

Pump will be holding court in a special outdoor show as part of the Seaford Library Summer Concert Series.

Saturday, July 11th, from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Pump will be at Good Ground Park in Hampton Bays, N.Y. (9 Squiretown Rd.)

Pump is comprised of lead singer Mike Castella, Frank Tassielli on bass/background vocals, Tom Collier on lead/rhythm guitars, Jason Perillo on lead/rhythm guitars and keyboards and Tom Battaglia on drums.

For more information on Pump and upcoming show dates, go to Pumprocks.net.

— Jerry Del Priore

Photo: Courtesy of Pump.