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Steelheart

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Not to be confused with the fantasy book Steelheart.
Steelheart
Background information
Also known asRed Alert
OriginNorwalk, Connecticut, United States
Years active1990–1992, 1996, 2006–present
LabelsMCA, MCM/Steelheart
MembersMiljenko Matijevic
Uros Raskovski
Rev Jones
Mike Humbert
Past membersChris Risola
Frank DiConstanzo
James Ward
John Fowler (deceased)
Kenny Kanowski
Vincent Mele
Alex Makarovich
Sigve Sjursen
Bill Lonero
Jack Wilkenson
Websitewww.steelheartstore.com

Steelheart is a rock band based in Norwalk, Connecticut, formed in 1990.

History

Steelheart started off as a rock band called Red Alert[1] whose members included James Ward (bass), Chris Risola (guitars), Jack Wilkenson (drums) and after auditioning, Miljenko Matijevic on vocals. Frank DiCostanzo joined as a second guitarist and John Fowler replaced Jack Wilkenson on drums, after leaving the band Rage of Angels.[citation needed] Recording a four-track demo tape, Matijevic met artist manager Stan Poses. Poses was not interested but the next day, after hearing the demo tape, called confirming that "Red Alert" had just been given a contract with MCA records[citation needed]. 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.[citation needed]

Steelheart released their self-titled debut album in 1990. The second single "I'll Never Let You Go (Angel Eyes)" reached No. 14 on the Billboard charts, and was MTV's 2nd most requested video.[citation needed] The album reached No. 40 on the Billboard charts. "Everybody Loves Eileen" and its accompanying video were also successful.[citation needed] The song "Can't Stop Me Lovin' You" showcased Matijevic's vocal range, but this time, lead guitarist Risola's guitar skills were also noticed[original research?]. A video accompanied it. In the song "Love Ain't Easy", Matijevic hits his highest note of all three albums.

Steelheart's second album, "Tangled In Reins", was released on July 10, 1992. Since the grunge invasion was taking force, the album only reached No. 144 on the Billboard charts. However the ballad "Mama Don't You Cry" charted No. 1 in many East Asian Countries,[citation needed] including Hong Kong, prompting their Asian tour in September, 1992. The MTV unplugged version in Hong Kong was a success, attracting an audience of over 10,000.[citation needed] After weeks of touring in Asia, Steelheart was later asked by the heavy metal band, Slaughter, to go on tour with them.[citation needed] Nearing the end of the tour, Slaughter asked Steelheart to perform one last show which would occur in Denver, Colorado. The show took place on Halloween night. While performing "Dancing in the Fire", a hit from the "Tangled in Reins" album, Matijevic decided to climb a lighting truss, which was improperly secured.[citation needed] Matijevic tried to dodge the rig, but without success. The 1000 pound truss hit Matijevic on the back of the head and he fell face first onto the stage, breaking his nose, cheekbone, and jaw, and twisting his spine. Matijevic managed to walk off the stage and he was immediately taken to a hospital.[citation needed]

Four years later, Matijevic formed a new version of Steelheart with Kenny Kanowski (guitars), Vincent Mele (bass) and Alex Makarovich (drums) to record and release the album "Wait". The single "Wait" went No. 1 in some Asian countries[citation needed], however that was the main area of the album's success[original research?], the grunge invasion causing the American European markets to be nearly closed to straight-ahead hard rock. Original member James Ward joined Steelheart on the tour supporting the album. Also on the "Wait" album, "We All Die Young", the first track, was in the motion picture, Rock Star, starring Mark Wahlberg. Matijevic stated that "Wait" was the choice of the title because it took a long time to gain freedom from the record company and his manager, who was taking more than what was his[citation needed].

Rockingham 2016

In 2016 it was disclosed that Steelheart would appear at the three-day Rockingham 2016 melodic/hard rock festival, held in Nottingham, United Kingdom. Steelheart appeared on Saturday 22 October, headlining the day's seven-act programme.[2]

Band members

Current members

  • Miljenko Matijevic - lead vocals, rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar, piano (1990–1992, 1996, 2006–present)
  • Uros Raskovski - lead guitar (2006–2008, 2009–2010, 2014–present)
  • Rev Jones - bass (2007–present)
  • Mike Humbert - drums, percussion (2006–present)

Past members

  • Chris Risola - lead guitar (1990–1992, 2006–2014)
  • Frank DiCostanzo - rhythm guitar, bass (1990–1992)
  • James "Jimmy" Ward - bass, piano (1990–1992, 1996)
  • John Fowler - drums (1990–1992; died 2008)
  • Kenny Kanowski - lead guitar (1996)
  • Vincent Mele - bass (1996)
  • Alex Makarovich - drums (1996)
  • Bill Lonero - lead guitar (2008)
  • Jack Wilkenson - drums (1990)
  • John Moss - lead guitar (1991)

Discography

Albums

Singles

Year Single Chart positions
US Hot 100 US Main Rock
1991 "She's Gone" 59 -
"I'll Never Let You Go" 23 24
"Everybody Loves Eileen" - 34
1996 "Wait" - -
2008 "Good 2B Alive" - -
2011 "Black Dog" (Led Zeppelin cover) - -

Video Albums

Year Title Certifications
2006 Steelheart - Still Hard —

References

  1. ^ Prato, Greg. "About Steelheart".
  2. ^ "rockinghamlive.com/#lineup". rockinghamlive.com. Retrieved 2016-08-09.
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