The second single 'I'll Never Let You Go (Angel Eyes)' reached No. 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.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. Frank DiCostanzo joined as a second guitarist and John Fowler replaced Jack Wilkenson on drums, after leaving the band Rage of Angels.Recording a four-track demo tape, Matijevic met artist manager Stan Poses. In 2010, Michael did a tour with Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger of rock band The Doors, singing the parts of the late Jim Morrison.Steelheart is a rock band based in Norwalk, Connecticut, formed in 1990.Steelheart started off as a rock band called Red Alert whose members included James Ward (bass), Chris Risola (guitars), Jack Wilkenson (drums) and after auditioning, Miljenko Matijevic on vocals. The band released the album Good 2B Alive in 2008. Steelheart reformed with a new lineup and released the album, Wait, in 1996. The incident marked the end of the original lineup of Steelheart. Matijevic found the strength to walk off the stage and was immediately taken to the hospital. The outcome of the accident was a broken nose, cheekbone, jaw, twisted spine, and severe memory loss.

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. Matijevic decided to climb a lighting truss which was for some reason improperly secured. 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. tour in 1992 opening for Great White, Steelheart was invited to open an additional show for the band Slaughter. The follow-up, Tangled in Reins, released in 1992, was supported by a tour in Europe and Asia.Īt the end of their U.S. Their first album, Steelheart, released in 1990, sold over a million copies and was supported by a world tour. However, within a month, the band had a record deal. He, John and James left for Los Angeles in the hope of getting a record deal, despite having no contacts. Michael soon devoted all attention to the band, and not his college work. Jack Wilkinson was eventually replaced by John Fowler on drums and Frank DiConstanzo (formerly of Rage of Angels) was added as a rhythm guitarist. This is where Matijevic first met Chris Risola and James Ward, along with Jack Wilkinson, and Red Alert was formed. Career Īfter 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. However, the biggest change was when Michael was 11 and discovered Led Zeppelin. When Michael was 9 he joined the local church choir. 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 Matijevic was 7, the family moved to Greenwich, Connecticut. He lived there with his brother and grandparents until 1970 when his parents collected him from Croatia and moved with him and his brother to Scarsdale, New York.

Steelheart rock band