The music of Journey spans 6 decades and is revered by generations of Faithful fans. Affinity was born in 2023 at a rehearsal space in East Greenwich, RI. Founding members Steve Rose and Billy Spencer had been plying their trade for the past decade with local legends, The New Nasty. The nucleus of this band led to the common goal of FAITHFULLY reproducing Journey’s music and passion. The band worked with a few different lineups until the chemistry was right. Affinity is now a 5-piece band with Billy Spencer as the Lead Vocalist, Steve Rose on Lead Guitar/vocals, Jon Chakour on Bass Guitar/vocals, Freddy Almeida on Keyboard/piano/vocals, and Tom Sabetta on Drums. Affinity shares the love of Journey’s music and made this dream project come alive!

Billy Spencer is a veteran of the New England/New York music scene starting in the late 1970’s. His love for music came at a very early age. He began playing piano at age 7 and guitar at age 8. Billy began performing in bands professionally at age 14, where singing quickly became his passion.  It wasn’t long before he decided that writing his own music was the creative direction he wanted to pursue. He has been the lead vocalist and front man for various bands over his 45+ year career, including Hostage, Mad Hadder, Messiah, 7th Heaven (EP release 1985), Tora!Tora! (Album release 1988), Mercy Bullets, and the New Nasty. The vocal style, range and passion he brings to Affinity has allowed him to rise to the challenge of recreating the music of Journey.  Billy now makes his home in North Scituate, RI.

Steve Rose is also a seasoned veteran of the New England/New York music scene. Steve made his mark as founding member and guitarist/vocalist with The Ellery Street Band starting in the late 1970’s. Steve energized-playing live shows and making several notable recordings during his time with Ellery Street. He then joined up with other notable and talented musicians to refine his chops in The Boys of Summer. Later, he joined up with NASTY HABITS, who after 20 years regrouped to become the New Nasty. It has always been Steve’s quest to reproduce the passion and fury of Neil Schon in his playing-who happens to be Steve’s favorite guitarist. It is an honor for him to bring this tribute to the stage. Steve now makes his home in East Greenwich, RI.

Jon Chakour is a wily vet of the central Massachusetts and RI rock scene. Jon, following in the footsteps of his older brother Mitch (touring keyboardist/guitarist with Joe Cocker), decided that he wanted to become a musician too. He picked up the bass guitar and singing as a young teenager and never stopped. Jon has been part of the bands Marshall Law, Batting Zero and the New Nasty over his 40-year career. Jon’s love of music gear and electronics have been both a blessing and a burden, as he is often relied on as the “Technical Expert” in the band. Jon is an integral piece to the Affinity project. He resides in Cumberland, RI.

Freddy Almeida is the keyboardist who brings beautiful melodies to Affinity’s sound. Freddy has been a musician for most of his life. He started out playing the organ at the age of 6. Since the 70’s/80’s, Freddy has been seen gracing the stages of New England playing with various bands, including Prowler, and most recently, Street 45-as well as some guest spots with the New Nasty. Freddy was one of the original members of Affinity in the early days of 2023. He left for a few years due to other commitments but came back home in 2025. Freddy is a tireless worker who prides himself on his attention to detail. His work ethic is definitely contagious! Freddy is a resident of Smithfield, RI.

Tom Sabetta has been banging his drums for over 30 years on stage. He began playing drums at the tender age of 7, much to the dismay of his parents. He persisted and allowed his love of drums and music in general to grow and blossom. Tom is the newest member of the Affinity clan, coming on board in 2025. Tom took on a lot of work to get caught up to the rest of the band and came through with flying colors! Tom has been pounding it out with various bands for decades-backstopping many rhythm sections with energy and precision-the same qualities he brings to Affinity. He has been a member of the bands Back 4 More, Eleven Eleven, Code Red and Tom’s Garage, during his 30+ year career. He loves the spotlight and putting on a show for the audience. Tom is currently a resident of Johnston, RI.

DON’T STOP BELIEVING AND RELIVE THE EXCITEMENT OF JOURNEY THROUGH AFFINITY!

Experience the music of JOURNEY at its best…Experience AFFINITY!