Radio 45 in 2025

2024 was the year of development for Radio 45. Striving for stability. Building the brand and building out a business model.

“Working in music is hard. And expensive. Art is war. And Radio 45 brings every tool in its arsenal to the show. Go big or home. Otherwise, why bother? ”

There is no ego here. Aaron, Gary, Scotto and Msexy know well that they work in a landscape dominated by great bands and great players: Donnie Iris, The Clarks, Gene the Werewolf, the Iron City Houserockers — just to name a few.

“We’re happy just to be in the game. We’re discovering some great rooms and meeting some really wonderful people.” says Radio 45 founder C. Scott Gilbert. “We’re fortunate enough to share a stage with some national acts, and nearly everyone we meet is professional to their core, polite, considerate, and free of any drama. It’s been a great experience.”

“We started as a recording project,” added front-man and former BonJourney vocalist Gary Bickerstaff, “but we love to play live and the tribute business has been good to me.” Radio 45 launched two tribute acts in 2024 including Tom Petty and U2 tribute shows — with a forthcoming Cheap Trick tribute show debuting in January. “We’ve been working with songwriters in Nashville and LA — as well as writing our own material — which you will hear in 2025.”

“Strategically…” Added Gilbert, “…the tribute shows help pay the bills and allow us to share our original songs with larger audiences.”

Aaron Greer is the band’s lead guitarist, a primary songwriter, music and wardrobe director — with a voice that just happens to dovetail oh-so-nicely with that of Gary Bickerstaff’s. Its beautiful to behold.

“This marks the third original band project I’ve been part of over the past 20+ years…”, says Greer (also known as “Double-A”).

“And it’s the one I’m most excited about. Why? The songs have an undeniable ‘hit’ quality, and we bring the talent and showmanship to make them shine.”

The band’s heartbeat is non-other than drummer Mark Wesesky — better known by his show-stopping alter-ego “Msexy”. Mark’s music history background and depth of industry knowledge is the stuff of legend — with a matching vinyl record collection to back up that deep knowledge.

“Recording original music is challenging and fun, but when we hit the stage, that’s where our music really ‘Comes Alive!’” That’s a very clever pun by Msexy, as one of the band’s singles carries a title by the same name.

Joni Vayda is the band’s Agent and Logistics Coordinator — a role they quickly realized needed to be filled early in 2024. “People ask me why I’m involved with this band it’s pretty simple;  they’ve got the ‘IT factor’ — and it was apparent the first time I saw them.” Ms. Vayda is a vocalist in her own right and has worked in the industry for decades. “Everything Radio 45 does exudes excellence and professionalism.  That’s what defines us. It’s natural that I’d want to represent these guys.”

Radio 45 in 2025

With the business model up-and-running after an eventful 2024, Radio 45 looks to spend a great deal more time in the studio in 2025. A number of original works are in process now, with a new full-length record expected in 2025. Meanwhile, current recordings are available everywhere music is streamed or sold online.

The band records at Oakwood Studios in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania (just north of Pittsburgh) at a facility affectionally known as The SodaPop House*.

*More on that in 2025.

Not sure exactly what the “IT factor” is?

Not sure? Come to a show in 2025 — fasten your seatbelt — and be prepared to experience something special.

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