originally published: 05/24/2022
(NEWTON, NJ) -- Pump, an Aerosmith tribute band, will perform at Great Divide Campground (68 Phillips Road) in Newton, New Jersey on Saturday, May 28 at 7:00pm. The show will take place rain or shine. It will be the band’s first time playing in New Jersey since 2019.
The band includes Ian C Temple, Frank Tassielli, Ray Monte, Johnny Flaggs Francese, and Tommy Lestat Collier.
“The best thing (about playing in a tribute band) is the love of the music, and hearing what our fans and what Aerosmith fans want to hear,” said Frank Tassielli.
Pump plays all of Aerosmith’s hits along with some rarities like “Adam’s Apple” and “Kings and Queens”. Songs like “Sweet Emotion” and “What it Takes” are staples in every Pump show. On November 18th at the Metropolitan in Glen Cove, NY, Pump will perform the Rocks album in its entirety.
“I firmly believe in asking people what there song requests are. We have a request for ‘Shut Up and Dance" from the Get a Grip album that will be added soon and ‘Deuces Are Wild’ too,” continued Tassielli.
Tassielli has been performing for over 25 years with several tribute bands including bands devoted to Red Hot Chili Peppers and to Billy Joel. He loves playing in an an Aerosmith Tribute is because of the lead guitar harmonies, great vocals and songwriting. His personal favorite Aerosmith songs include “Toys in the Attic”, “Last Child”, and “Jaded.” His favorite albums by the band are Rocks and Just Push & Play.
“I love playing in Tributes,” said Tassielli. “It makes me appreciate the artist that much more!”
Pump has been around for 11 years, giving music fans an energetic, nostalgic performance each night. They play the songs note for note, but are most proud of the live experience they provide. In addition to the music, they incorporate video and audio footage into the show as well.
THE BAND:
Ian C Temple (Lead Vocals). Ian is a native Brooklyn-born rock singer, voice teacher, union TV film tech (grip) and commercial voice talent, spokesman for multiple internationally renowned brands, past and present. When he’s not recording commercial spots from his personal pro studio, working overtime on NBC primetime or rockin’ out with his three stellar tribute bands in NY and CA, he’s upgrading his old Mazda MX-5 or playing Magic: The Gathering with his hometown crew to make it through these lockdowns in high spirits.
Frank Tassielli (Bass/Vocals/Band Manager). Years Performing: 27. My influences are: Dave Larue, Geddy Lee, Eddie Van Halen, Stu Hamm, Randy Coven, John Entwistle, Paul Macartney, and Tom Hamilton, to name a few. Some my personal favorite past gigs include- July 2010 performing in San Juan, Puerto Rico with the Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute band, “Warped”, and also performing on New years eve in Council Bluffs, Iowa, & at Harrahs Casino with Billy Joel Tribute Band “Stormfront”. Personal Highlight: Meeting Joey Kramer in Feb 2014.
Ray Monte (Drums/Vocals). When did Ray discover and learn to love Aerosmith: It was about the 9th grade (1983) when he and group close friends began to explore the great bands of 1970’s. Sitting in class one day, it was very common to doodle on the desk top. Once he grabbed a seat, there was a great Aerosmith lyric written on it. It read, “Down to who knows who is just to socialize”! Later to find out that lyric was an Aerosmith song by the name of “Lord of the Thighs” which was off the 2nd album entitled Get Your Wings! Ray searched out that cassette at a local music store and the first Aerosmith album and the love of the band blossomed. Later acquiring Toys in the Attic and Rocks he was hooked. Life long fan. Profile: Gear, Yamaha Drums, Pearl Pedals, Sabian and Zidj Cymbals. 30 + veteran behind the skins. Ray paid his dues touring the Long Island Club scene in various cover band including leading his own project for 10 years.
Johnny Flaggs Francese (Guitars/Synth/Vocals). Years Performing: 40. John is a seasoned guitarist/singer having played throughout NY, NJ, out west, and up in Canada (eh). including festivals in the mid west with “Gaelforce” Celtic rock. Tribute bands have included “Headgames” Foreigner tribute, and “Razors Edge” AC/DC tribute. He was with last house band at Kenny’s Castaways in NYC called “Radiostar” 80s meets Arena rock. John has written, recorded, and collaborated with Ron Zabrocki, Bearsville studios. and was produced by Billy Cobham with his band “Steelhouse”. John uses Trailertrash pedalboards, Egnater, and Blackstar amps, and whatever weird guitars he can find.
Tommy Lestat Collier (Guitars/Vocals/Talk Box). Years Performing: 40. Influences: Jimmy Page, Johnny Winter, Rory Gallagher, Joe Perry/Brad Whitford, Jeff Beck, Ian Thornley and my Mentor Doug Varady. The veteran of many original NYC projects most notably Grimm Jack. There’s were many gigs’, tours and a lot of history there! A current Member of the Chris Pepe Band. “Growing up across the street from Aerosmith in the 70’s on Commonwealth ave put their music in my blood."
COLUMNS
Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 05/02/2026
Due to a death in the family, the "Sound Bites" weekly column has ben postponed for this week. However, the listings of live music and entertainment are enclosed; we shall return on Thursday May 7 which happens to be the same day as the monthly "Rock On Radio" Happy Hour at the Nottingham Tavern located at 9 Mercer Street in Hamilton Square, NJ with music by Carmen Marranco.
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