Meet the Band
Russ Oblinger - Bass Guitar
Russ Oblinger started his professional career in the early 70’s touring with show bands along with his childhood friend Ron Beitle, present drummer for the Neid’s Hotel Band. His career blossomed in 1972 when he joined Pittsburgh’s legendary Rhythm Kings playing bass and writing songs. In 1978, Russel moved to Detroit where he was hired as bassist and arranger for a Geffen Record’s recording act. He spent the next two decades touring with other Geffen Bands like The Little River Band, Eddy Money, and Clarence Clemens. During this time he logged hours of session time at the legendary A Squared Studio in Ann Arbor before returning home 26 years later to Pittsburgh. Since his return, Russ had been in retirement until recently joining the Neid’s Hotel Band.
Bruce Cody - Keyboards & Vocals
You could say that Bruce was born to play music. A 4th generation musician, going back as far as his great-grandfather, who was a circus musician in France. His musical life began by traditionally studying music at the age of 7. The rock-n-roll bug bit, when he was 15. He gave up the music lessons to join a rock band, and was playing professionally, in bars at 15 years old.
His musical influences at a young age were progressive rock bands like, Kansas, Genesis, Yes, and Pink Floyd, all very technically challenging. After 20yrs of listening and playing that type of music, he decided to go to the opposite end of the spectrum, and learn to appreciate the “feel” of music, Blues and Rock and Roll. It took a while to appreciate and get the feel for that type of music, because it wasn’t as technically challenging, but when he plays now, his style is the perfect combination of the “technician, with feeling.”
Ronnie Beitle - Drums
Ronnie made his debut as the drummer for Wild Cherry when they released their platinum hit in 1976, “Play That Funky Music”. After that album went platinum, they cut a few more before Ronnie went on to join other rock bands throughout the years. Now, as the Nied’s Hotel Band’s claim to fame, Ronnie continues to keep the beat with some of the most consistent drum playing in the industry.
John Vento - Lead Vocals
John was born into a family of entertainers so it is no wonder that his passion for performing shines when he is on stage. As the lead vocals for the Nied’s Hotel Band and The Businessmen (www.business-men.com), he has become a legend in entertainment in the Pittsburgh area. During the past six years, John has released three solo albums and countless more between the two bands. Vento is a fine rock-n-roll blues vocalist known for his wild and energetic live performances. John’s selfless giving to local charities has recently won him the well deserved award for the Elks Citizen of the Year.
Click here to learn more about John Vento
Joe Birch - Rhythm Guitar
Joe Birch has been the front man for a number of bands for over 20 years, but joins the NHB with the gift of guitar and unbelievable harmonies.
Joe spent a lot of time in Nashville learning the music business, writing songs, meeting people, and growing as a musician. His voice has a natural country sound, but Joe enjoys singing and playing music on all levels. He has played with country artists like Big Kenny from Big and Rich. Although life has brought him back to Pittsburgh, Joe stays in contact with the Nashville scene and does a lot of graphic work for sets as well as studio work for TV and music commercials. Joe runs a freelance graphic arts studio in Sewickley called In-House Graphics, Inc.
Tim Hadley - Lead Guitar
One of the most respected and talented guitarists in the Pittsburgh region, Tim brings a unique approach to his instrument and to the band. Influenced by the likes of the Beatles, the Stones, Crack The Sky, and Bruce Springsteen; Tim has a producer’s perspective and real knack for dynamics and arrangement. A veteran of the Pittsburgh rock scene, (Trinity, Jet Set, The Businessmen - to name a few), Tim proudly produced the Businessmen’s 1997 self titled debut release.