Underhanded

Rocking the stage with hard-hitting original songs mixed with covers by Ozzy, Dio and Zeppelin, to name a few, Underhanded may appear to be a traditional rock quartet, but they are anything but. While other bands may play 80s-style rock, members of Underhanded actually lived it. Guitarist Mike Nicoletti and bassist Jules Eros played together through the '80s in a popular New York City hair / glam band called Jagged Steel. They played the NYC circuit and, while performing at CBGB's, caught the ear of Atlantic Records A&R exec Jason Flom, who signed Twisted Sister and Zebra. Flom gave the band the opening slot for Zebra at a large NYC venue. The crowd went crazy for Jagged Steel. Zebra, hearing the reaction of their fans to an unknown opening act, requested to Flom that the band never open for them again. Jagged Steel went on to open for Ritchie Kotzen and other popular bands.

Life ended up taking the boys in different directions, but Mike reconnected with Jules in Southern California in 2004 through the magic of the Internet. They discovered that Mike was in Long Beach, CA and Jules was in Hollywood. Yep, it turns out that Jules was living 40 minutes from Mike for 6 years and neither had a clue. If ever there was a sign to reunite, this was it. Two days later, Jules is in Mike's studio with his bass, and they are playing their songs like 20 years had never passed. They looked at each other and instantly knew they had to start things up again.

Next, they needed a drummer. Jules brought in Marcos Mora. Marcos sat behind the drums and the synergy of these three musicians was instantaneous. A few rehearsals later, the band was ready to start playing in clubs. After a rehearsal, the trio spoke of how the clubs and stages in L.A. were generally small, and Mike said, "Well, if anyone throws anything at us, I hope they throw it underhanded!" The three bandmates looked at each other, all thinking of the darker meaning of the word, and the name stuck.

After a few very well- received shows at The Gig on Melrose in Hollywood, Underhanded decided to get a lead singer. Mike wanted to get back to doing the harmonies that they were missing, and he did not like being "chained" to the mic stand, since it kept him from being able to play with the passion and energy that the music demanded. Underhanded auditioned a number of lead singers and found Steve Green. Steve had been in a number of bands in L.A., and his vocals just blew the guys away!

After a few years of gigging, Marcos departed the band for other ventures. Thomas MacKenzie came in and has brought the energy of the band to a whole new level. While Underhanded enjoys recording, they are first and foremost a live concert band, and that is where they truly shine. Seeing them perform, you feel their energy thunder off the stage and into the audience. You can see and feel the audience absorb that energy and give it right back to the band, who truly feed off the interaction with the crowd.

Underhanded has played L.A. and the O.C., in such places as Viper Room, Paladino’s, The Good Hurt, The Joint, The Gig on Melrose, DiPiazza’s, The Rock House and Blue Café. They have also happily given their time to perform at benefit concerts such as the Seal Beach Fish Fry and Toys for Tots. At every single venue, they have been asked to come back and perform again.

Underhanded is one band you do not want to miss…They will rock your venue.