- 11/4/2007
Well, as most of you know, there was a change in line-up. This site was maintained by people who are no longer in the band. It will remain for archival purposes only. Any and all info on STEPDOWN should be found at MySpace.com/stepdownrocks. Also, here is the MySpace for Gary, Sean & Cody if you're interested in what they are doing now.
The Long and Winding Road......
08/21/2006
Has come to an end for me. I have decided to take a much needed break from music. But don't worry, I'll be back soon, somewhere, doing something, while hitting your favorite wrong notes and drinking all of your Jager bombs! I would like to personally thank Mike Layne, Gary Horrie, and Ryan Rose for believing in me and giving me a shot when no one else would. Also, Sean Reneau for making me laugh when I needed it, and Jerk Mccoy for blowing my ears out on a weekly basis. I would also like to thank everyone who came out and supported me over the past few years! Last but not least, thanks to 105.7 the X for all of the cool shows and support. Matt, Anna, Kev.... all of you guys. Thanks!
StepDown is something I am obviously very proud of and something I believe in very much. I love everyone that was ever involved with this band and look forward to the continuing success of StepDown!!! No word yet on when my final show with the band will be, but I will let everyone know ASAP. Now, GFYM - cfb
From the desk of STEPDOWN...
- 8/14/2007 Press Release! No, not the Van Halen press release either.
First of all, you may have heard that Sean Reneau is Stepping Down from the band. This is true. Original music is in his heart and the band just could not fulfill this gap for him. Check out his other project called "Nuance" on their MySpace page here. We wish Sean the very best in his musical ventures!
In other news, this very well may be drummer Gary Horrie's last weekend with the band. He's agreed to do both shows this weekend with the band before going out on the road filling in with a band from Nashville, TN called "Hot Action Cop". HAC has had a couple hits, videos, on movie sound tracks & video games and touring all over the US right now. Their latest album should be coming out towards the end of the year sometime. Check their MySpace page here for more info. Gary says, "I would love to come back & do shows with STD if at all possible on off dates." If anyone wants to send a message to Gary, check out his solo music MySpace here.
So.. be sure to come out this weekend & wish Gary luck on his new venture!!! Friday night is SOP's downtown, Peoria. Saturday night is guaranteed to be the craziest night in Local Rock & Roll history right there at Goodfella's in Pekin, IL. Ryan Marsh from Sinking In will be filling the lead singer roll this weekend. Keep your eyes posted here or on our MySpace site for more info on what is going on with STEPDOWN!
Oh yeah? Well now you kow!
- 8/31/2007
Important news flash! Tonights show @ Bridgestreet in Sparland is CANCELLED! Spread the word. However, this just gives us a night to prepare for an awesome show tomorrow @ Kep's Place in Washington. StepDown goes on @ 9pm, but there will be a benefit going on starting at 11am with all kinds of fun & games for kids all day long. Karaoke most of the day, then @ 4pm, Jeneration Jones will be rockin' the stage! I believe there is going to be a guitar raffled off as well! It's a "Celebration of Life" benefit for Nancy Greer, we hope to see ya there!
LAST WEEK....
Wow, we did some cool stuff last week... Thursday we played the Peoria Civic Center for the "Rock & Roll up your sleeve" blood drive with some other kick ass area bands. We were even on the Channel 31 news! Check it out here. Then Friday we had a pretty good time rockin out @ the Captains Wheel in Pekin!! Thanks for everyone who came out & partied with us!!!
Can you say PARTAY???
- 7/18/2007
Wow, what a weekend! Friday night with Red Shirt & Mindset Evolution was a great time. We all know the guys in Mindset are crazy to hang with, but Red Shirt was pretty crazy too. What a bunch of great guys and awesome musicians. Their show was very energetic & sounded killer. Go check out the pics from the show on our Gallery page. Then, Saturday night we played in the Beer tent at the HOI Fair after the Saliva show. We had a very good time playing for a bunch of crazy ass people. Thanks to everyone who came out!
Now... moving onto this weeks shows. StepDown is making their debut at Crusen's on Farmington Rd, Peoria this Friday. Forever we've had people asking us "when ya'll playin at Crusen's"... well, here ya go. We need everyone's support for this show! We need to show Crusen's what they've been missing!! So, call your friends & make sure you get your butt's to Crusen's on Friday. We'll be giving away one of our new shirts to the person that brings the most people! So do it to it people!!
Some other new things you might want to know... we do have 2 more originals we've added to our setlist. One is called "Day of Rest" and the other one, "Fell Apart". We should be getting these recorded very soon. Watch for updates on that! Also, we do have some new shirts & stickers available at our shows. We've only got a limited supply though, so if you want one, you best not hesitate! Also... we've FINALLY GOT ALL OF THE PICS UPDATED!! Go to the "Gallery" page & check them out.
Does anyone use iGoogle? If not, why the hell not??? Gosh, all you need need to do is make google your home page. You can customize your the page with all kinds of handy "Gadgets" from calendars, to weather updates, you tube videoss, to email notifcation or what ever. If you are one of the cool people who are doing this, then check this out.... Introducing the "Official StepDown Update" Google Gadget. It contains a lot of different StepDown links & automatically updates you on the next show. Just click on the image to get it!! If you use it, give us some feedback on how you like it or how it works for you!
Here comes the rock... yeah, we gonna bring it!!
- 7/08/2007 You had your weekend off people... Now is the the time to REALLY ROCK. Goodfella's was a party no doubt.... but, you could not possibly ask for much more than what you'll get this coming weekend..... First of all, check out Redshirt from Chicago. Their guitarist grew up in the same town as Tom Morello (AudioSlave, RATM) and Adam Jones (TOOL) and he knows both of them personally. Small world eh.... They also have connections with Chevelle, Stabbing Westward, Helmet and that old band BUSH... Anyway, they are a really cool group of guys worth checking out. We hope you'll do that! StepDown will be doing the opening honors at 11:30pm, followed by Redshirt and then MINDSET EVOLUTION!!!
The Saturday night... you'll find StepDown rocking the Heart of Illinois Fair in the Miller Beer Tent. Keep in mind that this is the same night JTM will be opening for Saliva! As soon as Saliva hits their last note, we'll be firing up some hard core rock that you've all come to know & love. We're hoping the bands will stop by and honor us with their rock & roll presence. We played last year the same night as Buck Cherry & know that this year will be no less of a party! Make your plans now!!! We want to see you there.
Oh yes, and to further prepare you for yet another killer show, don't forget that StepDown will be making their debut at Crusen's on Farmington Rd, Peoria, IL the following Friday. We need your help to make this the most killer party that Crusens has seen!!!!!
Boom chica wah wah...
- 6/29/2007
Hey kiddies! Goodfella's is the place to be this weekend... Friday (tonight) they're holding their first original show with 3AM Project & Sinking In. Make your plans now to come out & support local music! Then on Saturday, StepDown will be throwing down all night long! You should probably just grab at tent & camp out for the weekend. I'm sure Denny would love that. Goodfella's did some remodeling & knocked a huge wall out to make it even bigger! You're not going to find a better place around to see a band. We want to see you there.
In light of the BOTB, big congrats to our good pals Mindset Evolution! We had a great time entertaining ya'll. All of the bands did a tremendous job on their performance. BTW, check out our "Events" page for some pretty sweet shows coming up, including our first original show with Mindset Evolution & Red Shirt from Chicago!
The Aspen Reign Battle of the Bands
- 6/22/2007
ARE YOU READY TO ROCK? Hell right... Yes, tonight will be one to remember. It's the Aspen Reign Battle of the Bands at the Peoria Expo Gardens Opera House. We've really been looking forward to this show & hope you guys can come out & rock with us & the other bands. Click on the image above for more info!!
Then, afterwards tonight, we'll be rocking out at Bridgestreet in Sparlin until the wee hours of the morning. If you haven't been there yet, this will be a great time to check it out! We love the place!
Playing at Steamboat days was a complete blast last weekend! It was very hot, but the heat didn't slow us down much. We appreciate all the support we had for the show! 105.7, the X, we love you!!!
THIS FRIDAY!!!
- 06/12/2007
Hey people, make sure to come out to the Cefcu Center Stage this Friday night to see us! We are opening for Mike & Joe and we will be playing from 6:30- 8:30. We also decided as a band to get drunk before we go on, so you never know what might happen! If you come out, you can find out!
StepDown gets acoustical...
- 6/7/2007
Wow, last weekend's show pretty much rocked our faces off. The Captain's Wheel was a great time!!! Ton's of friends we haven't seen in a long time. Even Mr. Rodtini was there. Thanks to everyone for partying with us!!!
Yeeeeeah... Let's get acoustical, coustical, I wanna get acoustical, coustical... what, ya got something against Olivia Newton John?? What the...?? OK, a little FYI if ya haven't heard! StepDown is performing an ALL AGES acoustic show at the Peoria Park District's Golf Learning Center this Saturday ( 7815 N. Radnor Road, Peoria, IL). We'll be rocking out from 1-5pm outside. What a deal... you can listen to some live music & enjoy the festivities! They are having a their 3rd annual 5 GRAND Pitch & Putt Challenge from 8-5pm. Here's some details....
Play our 9-hole, par-3 course as many times as you want for $10 a round. Prizes awarded at each hole daily for "closet to the pin". Shoot a Hole-In-One on the 9th hole and win $5,000! Plus, on Saturday from 1-5 pm STEPDOWN will be playing live, and 95.5 GLO and 105.7 The X Rocks will be have live remotes from 10 am-2 pm. For more information, call (309)690-7162. You can download a flyer here.
Hope to see ya there!!!
ARRRRRHHHH ME MATEY
06/01/2007
Shiver me timbers!!!! STD will be walking the plank tonight at the Captain's Wheel! The home of awesome food, fast drinks, and the only place that still allows Rod Teaney to do his acoustic show!! Get there early and throw things at Gary. He will deflect them with his super strong drum sticks.
Thanks to everyone who came out last weekend to Kep's! It was a great time as usual. As was our show at SOP's the week before. Thanks to the Salisbury wedding party that joined us on stage and somehow got us to play songs that we either have never played before, or haven't played in a long time! Also, thank you to the person that dumped a full beer into my pedal board! Really, it needed to be cleaned anyway! Maha. Anyway, good times had by all. Don't forget, to come out tonight and buy the band some Jager Bombs. We'll need em!
Post Local Anesthetical...
- 5/11/2007 What a weekend we have for you! TONIGHT... right after the Local Anesthetic Birthday Bash @ the Expo, truck it over to the Bridgestreet Bar & Grill in Sparland (about 10 minutes North of Chillicothe) for the official after hours party! StepDown along with a special set from "Sinking In" will fill the air starting around 11pm! The last time StepDown was at Bridgestreet was pretty insane! This time will be 10 X the fun! Rumor has it, the 105.7 Sexy Xies will be there!
Then, Saturday night StepDown makes it's return the The BullDog in Peoria Heights for another killer show.
Don't miss out.... We'll see you there!
THIS SATURDAY!!!!!
04/30/2007
This Saturday will mark our long awaited return to the hottest club in Pekin..... Goodfella's!!! Also, it is my (CFB) birthday celebration, so I expect record breaking attendance and only the finest gifts that money can buy. Saturday is also "ladies night" so all women who flash the doorman, get in free. I think..... Anyway, drinks will be poured, and I might even puke on stage, so you surely don't want to miss this party. Sean will be making his famous "creeptoad" shot's for anyone interested. He will also be in drag. So make sure you get your ass' out to Fella's!
This Saturday!!
- 04/18/2007
Stepdown makes their return to Washington's very own Kep's Place! We always have a blast here! Get there early for great food and you own chance to pin the tail on the Sean.
On another note, sorry for the lack of updates on the site. We are working on getting some pics up from the last few gigs. Speaking of our last few gigs, you guys have been great! The support you have shown us really makes us happy that we do what we do. We also have some cool upcoming gigs, so stay tuned for the news!!
WHOOOOOOOWHAT?!?!?!?!
03/07/2007
Last weekend was a BLAST at Kep's Place! Thanks to all of you who came out, including the Sexie X'ies! They were looking HOT as usual! Lots of things are going on this week with StepDown. First off, we will kicking your ass' at SOP's Friday night from 11:30-3:30. Make sure you get there early because the last few times we have played there it was packed! Saturday night we make our return to Goodfella's. We ALWAYS have a blast there. Plus, the bartender's make the strongest drinks known to man. I can't stress that enough. They really are strong! Ask Frank to make you a tall one and put it on Sean's tab. If Sean refuses to pay for it, you can take him out back and make him cry like a girl. Also, we will have special guests The Megasonics with us. They will play in between our breaks, so there will be NON-STOP music!! So you better show up! Kick Hot Tub Johnny in the nuts, and win a date with Dave Glover.
NEW TUNES RELEASED!! That's right, head over to http://www.myspace.com/stepdownrocks and check out our newest original "I'm Afraid I'm The Same." It will be officially debuted this coming Sunday night on 105.7 The X' Local Anesthetic show with Anna & Bella. Also, we recorded our cover of "Land of Confusion." Check it! Later peeps!!!
Long drives, ice storms, and ROCK & ROLL baby!
- 3/2/07
Holy schnikies did Pontiac come alive last weekend... even in the midst of a huge ice storm! We weren't sure if we would all make it there in one piece, but the Gods of Rock & Roll were on our side that night. We were amazed at the turn out we had at the Exit 197. Sooo many thanks go out to Joe, Amy, Keri Jo (Studio One), Steph, Devo & Brett just to name a very few! We are definitely looking forward to the next time we come back!
This weekend.... I hope you're ready!!!! We have another AWESOME show lined up for Kep's Place in Washington! This place is one of the coolest places around & is always packed! This time, we're bringing along with us, the Sexy Xies from 105.7 the "X" Rocks! I'm sure there will be some of the 105.7 jocks on hand with some cool "X" giveaways too! Hopefully the weather will be better... but then again, any weather is good for ROCKIN' your ass off!
Hey guys & gals... also, we're just about done with the final mix for our new tune "Afraid I'm the Same"... We're looking to debut the song on Local Anesthetic this Sunday on 105.7 the X. Listen up from 8pm - 10pm. Call in & request the song!!! Or you can even just email them. Anna Kinkade & Bela McKnight are the hosts!
Loaded up & truckin'...
- 2/19/2007
That's right kids, Saturday night we're east bound & down. Destination... PONTIAC - Exit 197. This is actually the bar's name (not where you get off, unless you're really lucky). It's time to head back to Mr. Horrie's old stomping ground. (Check out the latest commercial MP3 here.) It's been quite a while since the StepDown crew tore it up in Pontiac. We just hope they're ready for us!! Let us know if you're interested in the convoy or even tagging along in the Layne shaggin' waggin. You won't want to miss this show! Guaranteed to be off the hook. We hear that Sean is going to shave his head bald like Britney Spears!!! Ok, probably not, but I'm sure we will get a lot of hits from Google searching for "Britney Spears Bald"!!! Ya gotta love the internet...
Also, before we head to Pontiac, we'll be performing at the Festival of Lights building in East Peoria for the "Annabella's Heart Benefit". There will be lots of great bands & prizes. The benefit starts at Noon & goes until 10pm. StepDown will go on around 3. For more information, please go to http://benefit.arabellasheart.com We hope you can make it!
We're also proud to announce the latest single release entitled "I'm Afraid I'm the Same". We're in the final stages of mixing & hoping to have it done to debut on 105.7 the X's "Local Anesthetic" this Sunday night (8-10pm). Of course it will be downloadable from www.StepDownRocks.com and MySpace.com/stepdownrocks upon completion. There also might be an additional song that we include as a "sample" of our work as a cover band. Any guesses to which song??
Hey, have you guys been listening up to 105.7 the X?? They've been playing a ton of our commercials lately & for that we are forever grateful! If you heard our commercials, drop by our guestbook & let us know what you think! Also, if you're new to the site, don't forget to sign up for our newsletter! We want to see you at our shows!!!
Peeeeoria Heights will rock!
- 02/10/2007
Couple of things here folks... First, we'd like to encourage you to stop by the BullDog in Peoria Heights TONIGHT for a drink or 5. It's a lovely place with splendid people.. and the drinks are CHEAP!! Come see for yourself! We'll be rockin out there from 9pm-1am. We always have a great time there & you should come enjoy the party.
Also, we're in final mix stages of our next original tune. This one is called "Afraid I'm the Same". We've been playing it out for quite a while now. You can look for it on here & and on our MySpace page very soon! We are recording one more tune (cover) to include in our "Press Kit", which may or may not make it's way to the site... We'll leave you to wonder about which song that is. Any guesses??
SOP's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
02/01/2007
That's right kids, we are back at SOP's on Main Friday night! This will be where the party is at! We have always had a good crowd at SOP's. They have hot bartender's, (Not the dudes. Well, they might be hot, but I wouldn't know. Ask Dirk) great drink price's, and they have us! On the flipside, we have some new tunes for you all, sean has a new haircut, and dirk has some new guitars. So, what more could you ask for? Oh ya, 105.7 the X's very own Anna Kinkade will be there to make sure the party is flowing smoothly, and David Lee Roth will be making a special apearance to kick Sean in the nuts!. Hope to see you all there!
Hey, hope everyone has a chance to make it out to Goodfella's in Pekin this Saturday. Dave might be disappointed. It is his favorite band at his favorite bar ya know. As always I'm sure it'll be one helluva time!! Special treat... I hear Sean might be dressed up like a girl..... again. Who knows? I guess you'll have to come see for yourself. Wait a minute... is that really DLR on our commercial??? ... I kinda doubt it... wtf?? Who's idea was that anyway??
Also, thanks to everyone who braved the ice storm last week & made it out to the Captain's Wheel. We had a blast!!
Now... moving onto this weeks shows. StepDown is making their debut at Crusen's on Farmington Rd, Peoria this Friday. Forever we've had people asking us "when ya'll playin at Crusen's"... well, here ya go. We need everyone's support for this show! We need to show Crusen's what they've been missing!! So, call your friends & make sure you get your butt's to Crusen's on Friday. We'll be giving away one of our new shirts to the person that brings the most people! So do it to it people!! 
First of all, check out 
