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Steelheart started off as a usual rock band, called Red Alert. Members included James Ward (bass), Chris Risola (guitars), Jack Wilkenson (drums) and after auditioning, Croatian born Michael Matijevic on vocals. Frank DiCostanzo joined as a second guitarist and John Fowler replaced Jack Wilkenson on drums, both after leaving the band Rage of Angels. Recording a four-track demo tape, Matijevic managed to meet artist manager Stan Poses. However, Poses wasn't interested. Despite this Matijevic persevered and eventually was given a scribbled address. The next day, Stan Poses had the demo tape, within an hour of hearing it, Matijevic received a phone call confirming that Red Alert had just been given a contract with MCA records. Realizing that the Red Alert name was already taken, the band settled on Steelheart, allegedly because of their attitude after trying to get a record deal for so long. Steelheart released their self-titled debut album in 1990. It sold 33,000 albums on its first day in Japan alone, and quickly hit platinum status.
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Line-up: Mike Matijevic - Lead Vocals, Piano Chris Risola - Lead Guitar Frank DiCostanzo - Rhythm Guitar and Talk Box John Fowler - Drums And Percussion James Ward - Bass Additinal musicians: C.J. Vanston - Keyboards Brad Buxer - Keyboards Jeff Scott Soto - Additional background vocals |
Glam metal was never my preferred style. But there are exceptions, and Steelheart is one of them. 'Tangled In Reins' was the bands second album, and a darn fine pop metal album it is! Lead on by Mike Matijevic's powerhouse vocals, their music is easily reminiscent of other glam metal acts, such as Kingdom Come, Firehouse, Cinderella and Great White. They definitely have that Led Zeppelin clone tag hanging over them, again mostly due to Mike's soaring vocals. But I don't let stuff like that bother me, especially when the songs are as good as on 'Tangled In Reins'. From the full on rocker, "Steelheart", via the the sleazy glam numbers, such as "Sticky Side Up", "Late For The Party" and "Love 'em And I'm Gone", to the power-ballads, "All Your Love" and "Mama Don't You Cry", this is a prime example of how music in this genre should be delivered. 'Tangled In Reins' wasn't as successful for the band as their debut had been. Perhaps it was the grunge monster that once again reared it's ugly head. But it still hit #144 on the Billboard charts.
During a show on Halloween night in Denver Colorado, opening for Slaughter, Mike Matijevic decided to climb a lighting truss, which turned out to be improperly secured. Matijevic tried to dodge the massive rig, but without success. The 1000 pound truss hit Matijevic on the back of the head, face first into the stage breaking his nose, cheekbone, jaw and twisting his spine. Matijevic managed to walk off the stage, but he was immediately taken to a hospital. The initial version of Steelheart ended that night.
Killer tracks: Late For The Party, All Your Love, Love 'em And I'm Gone, Take Me Back Home, Mama Don't You Cry
Related artists:
TANGLED IN REINS (1992) MCA