Hotel Saturn

About

Hotel Saturn – A Legacy Reborn Boston’s rich rock history is full of stories, and Shel Pierce has lived through many of them. From the city’s vibrant club scene in the ’80s to the airwaves of Europe in the ’90s, and now back to where it all began, his journey has been nothing short of legendary. Enter Hotel Saturn, the latest chapter in a career spanning decades of songwriting, performance, and deep musical roots. It all started in 1980 when Shel, then a student at Boston University, formed The Runes with Joe Ward, Michael Dean, Elaine Gifford, and Hugh O’Neil. They quickly became a staple in the Boston music scene, sharing stages with iconic local bands like The Atlantics, The Stompers, Future Dads, and even the infamous GG Allin. A breakout moment came in 1981 when The Runes competed in the WBCN Rumble at SPIT, leading to heavy airplay on WBCN—especially their song “Maybe If I Were a Blonde,” championed by legendary DJ Carter Alan. The band’s momentum carried them across New England and into New York, opening for The Jim Carroll Band in 1984 and recording a 45 (“Can’t Be Wrong This Time” b/w “I’ll Run to You”) that became a staple on WFNX. But just as they were on the verge of something bigger, The Runes disbanded in 1985. Not one to let music slip away, Shel kept writing and recording. By 1990, he had teamed up with Hugh O’Neil (then of The Queers) to release a new 45 under the name Saturn, which found unexpected success overseas, especially in France and the UK. But life took a different turn—marriage, family, and a long career as a special education teacher. Still, the music never left him. He performed solo, played in cover bands (Early Iron, Flying Low), and even shared the stage with Jefferson Starship and Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen. After moving to Maine in 2016, Shel continued as a solo artist before returning to Boston in 2019, reconnecting with the scene he once called home. He joined Captain Easychord, contributed to the Asa Brebner Tribute Vol. II CD, and collaborated with Rock Garden Records’ Todd and Lisa Erickson. That connection led to his guitar work on Robin Lane’s single “A Man Like You”, a full-circle moment for a musician inspired by Boston’s rock pioneers. Then, something unexpected happened—what started as a few song embellishments with Rock Garden Studios' Producer, Todd Erickson, turned into a full-blown album project. A rebirth. A new name. A fresh start with familiar faces. Welcome to Hotel Saturn Featuring original Runes members Joe Ward (guitar, vocals) and Michael Dean (bass, vocals), alongside powerhouse drummer Tim Jackson (Robin Lane), Todd Erickson (vocals, bass - Holy Smoke/Shake The Faith), Kris Rodgers (keys- Kurt Baker Band/Dirty Gems), and Linda Viens (vocals - Girl With A Hawk) Hotel Saturn is a band built on history and ready to carve its future. Their debut single, “Just the Way” drops this spring on Rock Garden Records, with a full album set for release in Fall 2025. Live shows are on the horizon, and the energy is electric! Four decades in, Shel Pierce is proving that rock ‘n’ roll isn’t just about youth—it’s about passion, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of sound. The doors to Hotel Saturn are open. Check in and turn it up!