SHELTER STUDIOS

As a journeyman drummer both on the road and in the studio, storage of a complete set of drums with road cases can be more than problematic in New York City. The Music Building at 584 8th Ave. provided musicians a place to not only store their equipment but to rehearse their bands as well. Steve shared a loft on the 10th floor with Charlie Midnight and Steven Addabbo. Eventually they sold out their share to Steve and he began to not only use it for his own personal projects but offered it to other bands to rehearse as well. This led to the creation of Shelter Studios in 1982.

The Shelter Studio name was the idea of Jerry Roberts who noted many bomb shelter locations throughout the city, indicated by the familiar shelter logo, would work well as a haven or "shelter" for the NYC music scene. Steve thought this would be a great name for the business. Shelter became so popular that Steve was booked out of his own room. Two additional rooms were rented on the 10th and 11th floors. Jerry Roberts, Chip Simons, and Steve Priest, assisted Steve with the running of the studio.

Steve invited one of his projects "The Billy Idol Band" to utilize Shelter. The White Wedding album was written and rehearsed prior to the band traveling to LA for the final recordings. KISS, managed by Bill Aucoin, now Steve's manager stored their stage gear at Shelter and Grandmaster Flash rented Steve's road cases for touring. Steve often hand dinner with the Furious Five after picking up the check for the rental on 57th street.

Madonna was recording in the next room at Red Hot Studios with Nez Perce and Steven Brai.

Steve introduced Billy to Madonna and he would on occasion drive them to the Village following late-night sessions. Steve Stevens and Phil Fiet in the back seat with Madonna between Idol and Steve.....what a site!

Renting an apartment on the upper east side and traveling crosstown became an issue for management of the business. A large open space loft became available for rent at 301 W. 37th St., directly across from the music building. Shelter studio once again expanded with three 1500 square feet floors, a 16tk recording studio, 5 rehearsal rooms, a party rental space and 2 living lofts.

CURRENT SHELTER STUDIO DRUM SETUP IN SOMERSET,NJ

Steve moved his expanding family to a house in Scotch Plains, NJ. Touring and the move to NJ interfered with the running of the enterprise.

Shelter closed in 1990 only to reappear in Westfield,NJ. The studio set up shop with Earthquake Studios in Scotch Plains for a brief time and Steve began juggling both his musical career and a new-found education pathway. The equipment was placed in storage for future plans.