If you’re nostalgic for the sheer power of a classic rock trio, then keep your eye on Long Island band, Bear Success. About six years ago, they began bringing striking instrumental originals across Long Island and the New York City area. It all started with childhood best friends Jeff Morris and Alex Roth, who play bass and guitar, respectively. In 2017, the band sought a new drummer. The group chose Chris Piazza, a seasoned musician with eleven years of performing experience, as their new third member. Since then, Chris Piazza’s powerful and intricate drumming style has added new dimension to their sound. Trained by Meat Loaf’s long-time drummer John Micelli, Chris Piazza brought just the skill and artistry that the band needed.
With the addition of Chris Piazza on the skins, Bear Success have continued their steady string of shows with a new zeal and have taken on a new commitment to composition. In addition to their consistent instrumental output, they begun adding vocals to some of their songs, while still maintaining the spine-chilling power that comes from a talented trio of a drummer, a bassist, and a guitarist. It’s hard to find a band more dedicated to instrumental prowess, emotional expression, and performing original music.
Inspired by progressive rock bands like Rush, Led Zeppelin, and Radiohead, it’s clear that they’ve studied their heroes and emulated their dedication to instrumental technique. It’s even uncanny how similar their formation is to Rush’s – a bassist and guitarist who are childhood best friends later find their third essential member in an experienced drummer. But although they revere the greats who have come before them, they avoid discussing their influences much at all. Instead, they focus on what they want to say as original artists. In a world where many find it difficult to let themselves shine for who they are, nothing could be more worth listening to.
Bear Success is sure to stick together for years to come not only because of their sheer talent, but also the solid foundation of friendship that glues them together. They’re as close as brothers, and while they take rehearsing seriously, there’s no shortage of random outbursts of screaming laughter. If you’re lucky enough to be at a live show, you’ll likely catch a glimpse of such a comical outburst mid-performance. Their love for the music and each other provide fuel for one-of-a-kind performances.
You can check the following links for live show dates, recordings, and videos.The band can also be found on iTunes and Spotify.