Pittsburgh local band spotlight: Radio 45
Radio 45, which has been compared to classic power pop bands like Cheap Trick and The Raspberries but with a modern twist, are using their newest single, “Good Dawg,” to help raise awareness for Animal Friends.
“‘Good Dawg’ is about the everyday good-hearted person fighting to stay positive when life has its way with you,” guitarist Aaron Greer said. “It’s my story, but it’s also everyone’s story. It’s about overcoming the struggles we face and not letting them define us.”
The band, which also has three separate tribute bands honoring U2, Tom Petty and Cheap Trick, will be launching its first beer in partnership with Punxsutawney Brewing: “Feels Like Summer,” named after one of the band’s singles. They’re also scheduled to release their first full-length album, “Art is War,” in late spring.
Bassist C. Scott Gilbert filled TribLive in on what else we should know about Radio 45:
Band: Radio 45
Band members: Gary Bickerstaff (lead vocals/guitar); Aaron Greer (guitar/lead vocals); C. Scott Gilbert (bass/keyboard/vocals); Mark Wesesky (drums/vocals)
Founded: 2023
Origin of band’s name: We started out as a recording project, writing and recording singles for “radio.” The “45” in our name is a nod to the classic 45 RPM vinyl record.
For fans of: Cheap Trick, U2, Tom Petty, The Knack, Fountains of Wayne
Influences: Cheap Trick, U2, Tom Petty, The Knack, Rush, Van Halen, Journey, The Monkees
Releases: “Transcendence” EP (2023); Singles “I Can’t Take It” (2023); “Happily Ever Over” (2023); “Anti-Gravity” (2024); “Good Dawg” (2025)
Next shows: Radio 45 has several upcoming shows, including a “Good Dawg” single release event on Feb. 11 at the Hard Rock Cafe, kicking off the last week of shows at the venue. There’s also Feb. 18, “Good Dawg” single release show at Jergel’s; March 7, opening for Adrian Vandenberg (of Whitesnake) at Jergel’s; and March 29, The Best of Radio 45 at 31 Sports Bar and Grille.
How to find them: Radio 45 can be found on their website, Facebook and Instagram. (U245 can be found on their website, Facebook and Instagram. Petty 45 can be found on Facebook and Instagram, while Cheap Trick 45 can be found on Facebook.)
Three other Pittsburgh bands to check out: Iris Heather, Noah Goisse and Gene The Werewolf
Favorite pizza shop: West Newton Pizza House
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Mike Palm is a TribLive digital producer who also writes music reviews and features. A Westmoreland County native, he joined the Trib in 2001, where he spent years on the sports copy desk, including serving as night sports editor. He has been with the multimedia staff since 2013. He can be reached at mpalm@triblive.com.
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