BACKSTAGE PASS ARTICLE OCTOBER 1997
TRUCE
What do you get when you have an experienced rock n’ roller with a fabulous voice topped with a unique and entertaining song writing ability? You would have Steve Mitchell and his band Truce. This band is definitely one to see if you like to truly rock n’ roll. With an originator such as Steve you are assured a great gig!
Truce is made up of four talented rockers from the northern suburbs. Steve Mitchell the lead singer, who is also an accomplished bass player, Dennis Weber on guitar and vocals, Tim Collins who actually plays the bass for the band, and Brian Polidory on drums. The current line up has been together all of a few months but Truce itself has been an ongoing project of Steve’s for over six years. The band played out for four years consistently when Steve got out of the scene for almost two years but is now back and ready to rock! I’m sure glad, for I and many others have enjoyed Steve’s musical talent for almost 15 years.
Truce is a name to look for and it has been around in Mr. Mitchell’s life since he was 13 years old. Than a high school band that was together for 5 years, now a name the band digs so their keeping it. In the past six years Truce has enjoyed playing many Chicago clubs, Penny Road Pub, Haven, the Thirsty Whale, a lot of clubs in Milwaukee, the hosts of small Chain of Lakes bars around the Wisconsin border.
Truce’s shows reflect their great song writing and musical talents. You can expect originals that Steve describes as influenced by the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Each member contributes to the bands unique sound. Six months ago Steve and Dennis reunited and scraped all their old material and have updated all the originals. Steve does the lyric writing and the band puts the icing on the cake. “Some of our best songs are those created at rehearsal jams, some entirely in 45 minutes.” They also enjoy bands such as Dishwalla, Tonic, Nixons, and Cry Of Love. A few of these covers may be heard at a show. Steve says the band can sound like them so why not do ‘em. Each member of Truce has a variety of influences. Steve is a big Rush fan and having grown up in the 80’s of course enjoyed all the metal bands of that era. Dennis enjoys Zeppelin and Deep Purple. Tim likes Mountain, early 70’s bands and Brian is into groups like Mr. Big and Yes. Steve says, “It is kind of a weird combination but it comes out very strong with a lot of hooks and strong vocals. Don’t be surprised if some of our songs stick in your head.”
For Steve, coming back he has rediscovered his passion for his music. “I feel like I did when I was 17 years old, my music now is much more emotional and with the decision to put down the bass all my emotions can go into my singing.” Which I might add is very powerful and luring. Of course the dream of becoming a “star” and making a living playing his music is the ultimate dream. But when reality sticks Steve knows, “Just doing it right now and having fun is what matters. The satisfaction comes from writing songs, bringing them to rehearsal and having the band turn it into a musical piece and a good rockin’ song.”
Truce definitely wants to get out where they can be a major player on the circuit. Steve’s true main goal is to play a place like the Metro or Vic with a full house where everyone knows the words to a least of their songs. He adds, “I may never get there but if it does happen that would be great.” Let me say that not only is Mr. Mitchell a talented musician but has remained as nice a person as he was 15 years ago when I first saw him in one of Chicago’s hottest bands of the time, Vengeance.
Truce would like to get in the studio ASAP and play out a little to get their stage legs once again. Two songs you surely will enjoy are “I Want It, I Need It” which is a perfect example of Steve’s fun writing style of being misleading with a surprise ending. Also the tune “I’ve Learned” where his powerful way of expressing his emotions through his music is apparent. This song is true to his belief that “all that you do in your life be it good, bad, or indifferent, you WILL learn from it.”
About three years ago Truce had a cassette with a tune “Throw ‘Er a Bone” that I truly enjoyed. As the band works on their new material I am looking forward to seeing them soon. For those of us who have enjoyed Chicago’s great talented musicians over the years Steve Mitchell and his band Truce is a must see. You will hear some rockin’ music and awesome, heart filled lyrics from a man and his band who know what it is to truly rock!
For more information you can call the band at 847-740-2219 or Email: Steve8it@compuserve.com. Upcoming shows include Oct 4th at a Huge party in Woodstock (Rt. 47 just north of Rt. 176) 8 bands, 20 kegs, all are invited - just follow the signs. Or Oct 18th at Sideouts in Island Lake with 7th Heaven. Also Oct 31st at Redwood Bar and Grill, in Mudelein for a Halloween Bash with special guest Picasso Trigger and Sexual Chocolate.
