Michael Matijevic
Encyclopedia
Miljenko Matijevic, also known as Michael Matijevic (born Miljenko Matijević (mǐʎɛnkɔ matǐːjɛʋitɕ), 29 November 1964, Zagreb
, Croatia
) is a rock
vocalist best known as the lead singer of the American
band Steelheart
. He has cited Robert Plant
of Led Zeppelin
and David Coverdale
of Whitesnake
as his strongest influences. He became world renowned for his vocal range in the 1990s and is often cited as a strong influence of many singers.
and moved with him and his brother to Scarsdale, New York
. When Matijevic was 7, the family moved to Greenwich, Connecticut
. Michael's brother, John, learned to play the guitar and Michael would often sing along, particularly country music
, as that is what their father enjoyed.
When Michael was 9 he joined the local church choir. However, the biggest change was when Michael was 11 and discovered Led Zeppelin
. Although Michael and John both loved this sort of music, their father disapproved, despite this they formed a band called "Teazer", which played Zeppelin
, Sabbath
and original songs. After a producer, Morgan Walker, discovered them and took them to New York City
, the band started to fall apart.
After being seen playing at a local club in the band "The Mission", Don Stroh, owner of Showcase Studios, called Matijevic saying he should come in and rehearse with a band in his studio, this is where Matijevic first met Chris Risola
and James Ward, along with Jack Wilkinson, Red Alert was formed.
Jack Wilkinson was eventually replaced by John Fowler and Frank DiConstanzo (formerly of Rage of Angels) were added as a drummer and rhythm
guitarist, respectively. Michael soon devoted all attention to the band, and not his college work. He, John and James left to Los Angeles
in the hope of getting a record deal, despite having no contacts. However, within a month, the band had a record deal.
The first album Steelheart
sold over a million copies with a successful world tour, the follow-up, Tangled in Reins
had a successful European and Asia tour.
. On Halloween night, at the McNichols Arena in Denver, Colorado
, Steelheart was performing "Dancing in the Fire" from the "Tangled in Reins" album when Matijevic was involved in a serious accident. Matijevic decided to climb a lighting truss which was for some reason improperly secured. He failed to climb the rig and also failed to dodge the 1000 pound piece of equipment, which hit him in the back of the head, driving him face first into the stage. The outcome of the accident was a broken nose, cheekbone, jaw, twisted spine, and severe memory loss. Matijevic found the strength to walk off the stage and was immediately taken to the hospital. The incident marked the end of Steelheart.
, an album very different from Steelheart's first two. Its name comes from the long time Matijevic spent gaining freedom from the record company and manager whom he felt were taking more than what belonged to them. The band went on tour in Asian countries, where the album gained its most success. The title track, "Wait" reached #1 in many Asian countries, and the 28 shows were a big success. The album itself never reached popularity in America or Europe.
; she was 56 years old. A year later, Frankie, a very close friend, also died from leukemia
. This is when he reverted to his original name of Miljenko Matijevic.
When Matijevic entered the American music market, it was deemed better that he use an Anglicized version of his given name, hence the stage name Michael. However after the death of his mother, Matijevic decided to use his original name, Miljenko. It is hardly American and perhaps more difficult to pronounce, so fans often refer to him as Mili instead to get around this.
, starring Mark Wahlberg
, directed by Stephen Herek
. Matijevic (as well as Jeff Scott Soto
) got the job recording vocals for the movie. The Rock Star soundtrack also contained an alternative version of We All Die Young
, originally from the Wait album. Matijevic recorded 8 songs for the film, 3 appeared on the sound track.
. Other auditionees included Sebastian Bach
. Matijevic also released a single under the name Mikey Steel, a name he also briefly acted under.
He was, after the departure of Brett Scallions
, not officially announced as the new vocalist for the Manzarek Krieger band, Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger of the Doors or Manzarek-Krieger
, but he did tour with them in Europe and in the US in May - July 2010.
Zagreb
Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Croatia. It is in the northwest of the country, along the Sava river, at the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountain. Zagreb lies at an elevation of approximately above sea level. According to the last official census, Zagreb's city...
, Croatia
Croatia
Croatia , officially the Republic of Croatia , is a unitary democratic parliamentary republic in Europe at the crossroads of the Mitteleuropa, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean. Its capital and largest city is Zagreb. The country is divided into 20 counties and the city of Zagreb. Croatia covers ...
) is a rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
vocalist best known as the lead singer of the American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
band Steelheart
Steelheart
Steelheart is a glam metal band based in Norwalk, Connecticut. Formed in 1990, the band is fronted by vocalist Miljenko Matijevic.- Formation :...
. He has cited Robert Plant
Robert Plant
Robert Anthony Plant, CBE is an English singer and songwriter best known as the vocalist and lyricist of the iconic rock band Led Zeppelin. He has also had a successful solo career...
of Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin were an English rock band, active in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. Formed in 1968, they consisted of guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham...
and David Coverdale
David Coverdale
David 'Jack' Coverdale is an English rock singer, most famous for his work with the his own hard rock band Whitesnake which achieved massive commercial success.-Early life:...
of Whitesnake
Whitesnake
Whitesnake are an English rock band, founded in 1978 by David Coverdale after his departure from his previous band, Deep Purple. The band's early material has been compared by critics to Deep Purple, but by the mid 1980s they had moved to a more commercial hard rock style...
as his strongest influences. He became world renowned for his vocal range in the 1990s and is often cited as a strong influence of many singers.
Biography & Career
Born in Zagreb, Croatia in 1964, Matijevic lived with his brother and grandparents until 1970 when his parents collected him from CroatiaCroatia
Croatia , officially the Republic of Croatia , is a unitary democratic parliamentary republic in Europe at the crossroads of the Mitteleuropa, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean. Its capital and largest city is Zagreb. The country is divided into 20 counties and the city of Zagreb. Croatia covers ...
and moved with him and his brother to Scarsdale, New York
Scarsdale, New York
Scarsdale is a coterminous town and village in Westchester County, New York, United States, in the northern suburbs of New York City. The Town of Scarsdale is coextensive with the Village of Scarsdale, but the community has opted to operate solely with a village government, one of several villages...
. When Matijevic was 7, the family moved to Greenwich, Connecticut
Greenwich, Connecticut
Greenwich is a town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. As of the 2010 census, the town had a total population of 61,171. It is home to many hedge funds and other financial service companies. Greenwich is the southernmost and westernmost municipality in Connecticut and is 38+ minutes ...
. Michael's brother, John, learned to play the guitar and Michael would often sing along, particularly country music
Country music
Country music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
, as that is what their father enjoyed.
When Michael was 9 he joined the local church choir. However, the biggest change was when Michael was 11 and discovered Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin were an English rock band, active in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. Formed in 1968, they consisted of guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham...
. Although Michael and John both loved this sort of music, their father disapproved, despite this they formed a band called "Teazer", which played Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin were an English rock band, active in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. Formed in 1968, they consisted of guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham...
, Sabbath
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath are an English heavy metal band, formed in Aston, Birmingham in 1969 by Ozzy Osbourne , Tony Iommi , Geezer Butler , and Bill Ward . The band has since experienced multiple line-up changes, with Tony Iommi the only constant presence in the band through the years. A total of 22...
and original songs. After a producer, Morgan Walker, discovered them and took them to New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, the band started to fall apart.
After being seen playing at a local club in the band "The Mission", Don Stroh, owner of Showcase Studios, called Matijevic saying he should come in and rehearse with a band in his studio, this is where Matijevic first met Chris Risola
Chris Risola
Chris Risola is the lead guitarist for the rock band Steelheart, sometimes mis-credited as Chris Rizola....
and James Ward, along with Jack Wilkinson, Red Alert was formed.
Jack Wilkinson was eventually replaced by John Fowler and Frank DiConstanzo (formerly of Rage of Angels) were added as a drummer and rhythm
Rhythm guitar
Rhythm guitar is a technique and rôle that performs a combination of two functions: to provide all or part of the rhythmic pulse in conjunction with singers or other instruments; and to provide all or part of the harmony, ie. the chords, where a chord is a group of notes played together...
guitarist, respectively. Michael soon devoted all attention to the band, and not his college work. He, John and James left to Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
in the hope of getting a record deal, despite having no contacts. However, within a month, the band had a record deal.
The first album Steelheart
Steelheart (album)
Steelheart was the first full-length album by Steelheart. It was released on May 10, 1990 and later re-released with a new cover in 1991. It reached #40 on the Billboard 200.-Track listing:# "Love Ain't Easy" – 3:41...
sold over a million copies with a successful world tour, the follow-up, Tangled in Reins
Tangled in Reins
Tangled in Reins is the second album by hard rock band Steelheart, recorded and produced in Los Angeles. It only reached #144 on the Billboard 200. However, the ballad "Mama Don't You Cry" reached #1 in Hong Kong, and Japan, prompting an MTV unplugged show in Hong Kong. The album itself only sold...
had a successful European and Asia tour.
Stage accident and dissolution of Steelheart
At the end of U.S. tour in support of Great White, Steelheart was invited to open an additional show for the band SlaughterSlaughter (band)
Slaughter is an American heavy metal band formed in Las Vegas, Nevada by lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist Mark Slaughter and bassist Dana Strum. The band reached stardom in 1990 with their first album, Stick It to Ya which spawned several hit singles including "Up All Night", "Spend My Life", "Mad...
. On Halloween night, at the McNichols Arena in Denver, Colorado
Colorado
Colorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
, Steelheart was performing "Dancing in the Fire" from the "Tangled in Reins" album when Matijevic was involved in a serious accident. Matijevic decided to climb a lighting truss which was for some reason improperly secured. He failed to climb the rig and also failed to dodge the 1000 pound piece of equipment, which hit him in the back of the head, driving him face first into the stage. The outcome of the accident was a broken nose, cheekbone, jaw, twisted spine, and severe memory loss. Matijevic found the strength to walk off the stage and was immediately taken to the hospital. The incident marked the end of Steelheart.
Wait Period
Years after the accident in Denver, Steelheart was reformed with none of the original members except for Matijevic. Kenny Andrews, Alex Makarovichon, and Vincent Mele Jr. joined Matijevic to record WaitWait (album)
Wait is an album by Steelheart released October 25, 1996.Because of both the lack of any original members contributions besides Michael Matijevic and the departure from Steelheart's classic sound, some people see this is more of a solo effort for Matijevic, rather than a new Steelheart album...
, an album very different from Steelheart's first two. Its name comes from the long time Matijevic spent gaining freedom from the record company and manager whom he felt were taking more than what belonged to them. The band went on tour in Asian countries, where the album gained its most success. The title track, "Wait" reached #1 in many Asian countries, and the 28 shows were a big success. The album itself never reached popularity in America or Europe.
Returning Home & Name Change
Matijevic returned home from the Asian tour to see his mother pass away after a long struggle with leukemiaLeukemia
Leukemia or leukaemia is a type of cancer of the blood or bone marrow characterized by an abnormal increase of immature white blood cells called "blasts". Leukemia is a broad term covering a spectrum of diseases...
; she was 56 years old. A year later, Frankie, a very close friend, also died from leukemia
Leukemia
Leukemia or leukaemia is a type of cancer of the blood or bone marrow characterized by an abnormal increase of immature white blood cells called "blasts". Leukemia is a broad term covering a spectrum of diseases...
. This is when he reverted to his original name of Miljenko Matijevic.
When Matijevic entered the American music market, it was deemed better that he use an Anglicized version of his given name, hence the stage name Michael. However after the death of his mother, Matijevic decided to use his original name, Miljenko. It is hardly American and perhaps more difficult to pronounce, so fans often refer to him as Mili instead to get around this.
The Rock Star Project
After Frankie's death, Matijevic received a phone call from his friend and Tangled in Reins producer, Tom Werman. Werman asked Matijevic if he'd be interested in doing the vocals of the motion picture, Rock StarRock Star (2001 film)
Rock Star is a 2001 American comedy-drama film directed by Stephen Herek and starring Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston. It tells the story of Chris "Izzy" Cole, a tribute band singer whose ascendance to the position of lead vocalist of his favorite band was inspired by the real-life story of Tim...
, starring Mark Wahlberg
Mark Wahlberg
Mark Robert Michael Wahlberg is an American actor, film and television producer, and former rapper. He was known as Marky Mark in his earlier years, and became famous for his 1991 debut as a musician with the band Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. He was named No. 1 on VH1's 40 Hottest Hotties of...
, directed by Stephen Herek
Stephen Herek
Stephen Robert Herek is an American film director.Herek was born in San Antonio, Texas. He attended the University of Texas at Austin. His career as film director took off in 1986 with Critters followed by Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure where he worked with Keanu Reeves in 1989...
. Matijevic (as well as Jeff Scott Soto
Jeff Scott Soto
Jeff Scott Soto is an American rock singer of Puerto Rican descent. He is best known for being the lead singer for the group Talisman from 1990 till the end of Talisman in 2007, the vocalist on Yngwie Malmsteen's first two albums, and for stepping up to the job of lead vocalist for Journey on...
) got the job recording vocals for the movie. The Rock Star soundtrack also contained an alternative version of We All Die Young
We All Die Young
"We All Die Young" is a song by Michael Matijevic of Steelheart. It is the first song from the 1996 album Wait. The song was covered by the fictional band Steel Dragon in the 2001 film Rock Star, with Miljenko Matijevic on vocals, Zakk Wylde on guitar, Jeff Pilson on bass and Jason Bonham on...
, originally from the Wait album. Matijevic recorded 8 songs for the film, 3 appeared on the sound track.
Other
Matijevic auditioned for the lead singing slot for Velvet RevolverVelvet Revolver
Velvet Revolver is an American hard rock supergroup consisting of former Guns N' Roses members Slash, Duff McKagan, and Matt Sorum, alongside Dave Kushner formerly of punk band Wasted Youth. Stone Temple Pilots vocalist Scott Weiland was Velvet Revolver's lead singer from their formation until...
. Other auditionees included Sebastian Bach
Sebastian Bach
Sebastian Bach is a Canadian heavy metal singer who achieved mainstream success as frontman of Skid Row from 1987 to 1996. Since his departure from Skid Row, he has had many television roles, acted within Broadway plays, and leads a successful solo career.-Early life:Bach was born Sebastian...
. Matijevic also released a single under the name Mikey Steel, a name he also briefly acted under.
He was, after the departure of Brett Scallions
Brett Scallions
Brett Allen Scallions is an American musician. He is currently the lead vocalist for current lineup of Fuel after being the vocalist for the original incarnation of the band from 1993 to 2006. During that time, the band released multiple albums including the double platinum Something Like Human...
, not officially announced as the new vocalist for the Manzarek Krieger band, Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger of the Doors or Manzarek-Krieger
Manzarek-Krieger
Manzarek–Krieger is an American rock band formed by Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger of The Doors in 2002. They have also been known as The Doors of the 21st Century, D21C, and Riders on the Storm, but have recently been using the moniker Manzarek–Krieger or Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger of The...
, but he did tour with them in Europe and in the US in May - July 2010.
Documentary
A documentary chronicling the life of Miljenko Matijevic entitled "Good 2B Alive" is currently in the works.Discography
- SteelheartSteelheart (album)Steelheart was the first full-length album by Steelheart. It was released on May 10, 1990 and later re-released with a new cover in 1991. It reached #40 on the Billboard 200.-Track listing:# "Love Ain't Easy" – 3:41...
(1990) - Tangled in ReinsTangled in ReinsTangled in Reins is the second album by hard rock band Steelheart, recorded and produced in Los Angeles. It only reached #144 on the Billboard 200. However, the ballad "Mama Don't You Cry" reached #1 in Hong Kong, and Japan, prompting an MTV unplugged show in Hong Kong. The album itself only sold...
(1992) - WaitWait (album)Wait is an album by Steelheart released October 25, 1996.Because of both the lack of any original members contributions besides Michael Matijevic and the departure from Steelheart's classic sound, some people see this is more of a solo effort for Matijevic, rather than a new Steelheart album...
(1996) - Rock Star (soundtrack)Rock Star (2001 film)Rock Star is a 2001 American comedy-drama film directed by Stephen Herek and starring Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston. It tells the story of Chris "Izzy" Cole, a tribute band singer whose ascendance to the position of lead vocalist of his favorite band was inspired by the real-life story of Tim...
(2001) - Just a Taste (EP)Just a TasteJust a Taste is a four track EP from rock band Steelheart. Released in late 2006, it's literally a taste of music to be heard from the following album Good 2b Alive released on September 15, 2008, although the EP had its own supporting tour....
(2006) - Good 2B AliveGood 2b AliveGood 2B Alive is the fourth studio album by hard rock band Steelheart, released on October 24, 2008 in Europe, and November 11, 2008 in the US...
(2008)