1980s Pittsburgh rockers Haywire plan full-band reunion shows in New Kensington, Warrendale

Sep. 10—When three members of the 1980s Pittsburgh rock group Haywire reunited in 2021 for a couple of intimate acoustic shows, they had a great time, but something was missing.

Two things, actually: bassist Pete LaCava and drummer Steve Juffe were both in the throes of cancer treatment.

Lead singer Arte Tedesco could relate. He had his own battle with cancer two decades ago and made a full recovery. With his bandmates both now in remission, a fully loaded Haywire is getting back together for Sept. 29 and Oct. 1 shows in New Kensington

and Warrendale.

"Rob Kellar of the Shiners is joining the band for a set of covers tunes that our fans told us they wanted to hear — Charlie Daniels, Marshall Tucker, Glenn Frey, Merle Haggard to name a few," said fiddler Hutch Hockenberger. "The second set will consist of all Haywire original tunes, performed by all five of the original members."

The Friday, Sept. 29 show will be at the New Kensington Quality Inn, with the Sunday, Oct. 1 show at Jergel's Rhythm Grille in Warrendale. Both shows will be at 7:30 p.m. and will include sales of Haywire "Change for Cancer" T-shirts, with 100% of sales donated to the nonprofit Change for Cancer.

LaCava was a direct beneficiary of the charity, which provides support and aid for local families battling cancer. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2021, having left Haywire and playing with other regional bands like Jack of Diamonds and the Shiners.

"No one expects things like a cancer diagnosis when they go to the doctor, but the folks at Hillman Cancer Center did a great job at treating me and getting me through this," LaCava said. "I can't thank all the folks that reached out and helped me through my recovery."

Throughout the 1980s, Haywire opened for national touring acts like Kenny Loggins, Hank Williams Jr., the Charlie Daniels Band and others. They performed at venues throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio.

Juffe last played with the band at a 1994 reunion show. He's excited to join them back onstage.

"During my cancer treatments, there were some moments that make you wonder how long I'll be around, and if I'll even be able to play drums again," Juffe said. "My recovery motivated me to get my chops up and play with my old bandmates. I'm looking forward to playing and seeing everyone."

Patrick Varine is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Patrick by email at pvarine@triblive.com or via Twitter .