Hailing from Norwalk, CT,
Steelheart was one of the very last hair metal bands to score a hit with a
power ballad reaching platinum status world wide just before the music
scene shifted to the grunge era. Originally called Red Alert, the band
was singer Michael Matijevic, guitarist Chris Risola, bassist James Ward,
and drummer John Fowler and rhythm guitarist Frank Dicostanzo. After
years of hard work, the band finally secured a record deal with MCA, and
changed their name to Steelheart. 1991 saw the release of their
self-titled debut, which spawned the hit power ballad, "I’ll Never Let You
Go," which reached #14 on the Billboard singles chart and #40 in the
billboard top 100. The band toured the world extensively with adding hits
to their repertoire such as “She’s Gone”, “Can’t Stop Me Loving You” and
“Everybody Loves Eileen”. After their world tour the band quickly began
to work on their sophomore effort, “Tangled in Reins”, which was released
in 1992. But tragedy was lurking just around the corner. On Halloween
night opening for Slaughter at McNichols Arena in Denver, CO, Matijevic
was struck in the head by a lighting truss, knocking him to the ground
face first, sustaining serious head injuries and ending the chapter of the
old SteelHeart. Since the accident, Matijevic spent years rebuilding
SteelHeart to where it is today; a new beginning with a clear vision.
SteelHeart is Alive.
STEELHEART DOCUMENTARY (2009)
“North
Sea Films” & director Dana Altman have finalized agreements to produce
“GOOD 2B ALIVE”; a biographical documentary film on the life & music of
Miljenko Matijevic “SteelHeart”.
Dana Altman of North Sea
Films has announced a green light on production of “GOOD 2B ALIVE”, a
documentary film about singer and composer, Miljenko Matijevic AKA “SteelHeart”.
The film will be a detailed look into the extraordinary life of Miljenko
and his music; an incredible journey back to the stage after the
devastating accident in Denver Colorado during his performance at the
“McNichols Arena. In 1992 on Halloween night SteelHeart had already a
platinum selling album
under their belt and their second album on its way to gold, when it all
came to a screeching halt. A lighting truss collapsed and crushed him to
the stage, removing him from the music
scene and his life’s passion. In a sequence of, what can go
wrong, did go wrong is the thread to this incredible true story of human
perseverance, the
resurrection of a Rock Star. An inspiring journey of the human
spirit; how one man keeps the faith regardless of the odds. The producers
are planning the final shoot to take place at a free festival called “GOOD
2B ALIVE”, in Zagreb Croatia, Miljenko’s birthplace. This festival is
anticipated to be the first of many around the world.
Good 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 by Matijevic’s label SteelHeart
Records.
Miljenko Matijevic has taken rock music to
a whole new level. Fusing the past, present and the future together,
he has created an undeniable piece of art “A modern day led Zeppelin”
(Mitch Lafon BW&BK), which he calls “21st Century Rock”.
Matijevic’s vocals are better than ever, every song takes you on a
journey; a journey that paints a portrait of his life and in doing so
enables the listener to feel the song as if it were his own. A voice full
of passion, power and depth, this is one album that seriously rocks. The
album consists of everything from raw heavy guitars to a full orchestra
which was recorded at Sky Walker Sound. Written, produced, designed and
conceived by himself, he truly has embarked on a new beginning.
Joining him on this journey is
original guitarist Chris Risola for the
live appearances as well as Uros Raskovski who performed all the guitar
solos and additional guitar work. In the rhythm department Rev Jones
also performs with the band live and has contributed on tracks “Good 2B
Alive” and “You Showed Me How 2 Love”. Sigve Sjursen performed all
the other bass tracks on the album. Mike Humbert, a world
class drummer, performed all the drum tracks on the album as well as
joining the gang live on stage.
A video was shot for the hit
single
“LOL” directed by Dana Altman
featuring Mili in a fighter jet with all time Top Gun Pilot “Capt Dale
Snodgrass” also featuring the bands live performances.
Rock Star (2001)
In 2001, Matijevic provided the voice for Mark Wahlberg's character in the
movie, Rock Star, a story about a music fan who gets to become the singer
for his favorite band. The band itself “Steel Dragon” was made up of Zakk Wylde,(Ozzy Osbourne's Guitarist and Front man of Black Label
Society); Jeff Pilson (Dokken) and Jason Bonham (Son of Led Zeppelin
drummer John Bonham).
Matijevic sang eight
songs for the movie, one of which was the theme song
"We All Die Young", which he wrote and recorded
for his previous album "Wait". (See the video at right)
Wait (1996)
After the accident
and a long recovery period Matijevic decided it was time to move on. He
assembled a new band and recorded the album "Wait". The album was produced
by Matijevic and Kit Woolven for MCA Universal; which was later bought
back by Matijevic’s label SteelHeart Records. The album was only released
in the Asian territory due to legalities. It was well received and the
song
“WAIT” became a #1 hit single in many of the
Asian countries. (See the video at right) Also included was the song
“We
All Die Young", which was in the motion picture, "Rock Star," starring
Mark Wahlberg. Also featured in this album was the song
“Electric Chair”
TANGLED IN
REINS (1992)
Steelheart's sophomore album, "Tangled In Reins"
sounded more like Guns N' Roses than its debut.
The song "Steelheart" featured Matijevic hitting his highest note of all
the three albums.
"Mama Don't You Cry"
charted #1 in many East Asian Countries, including Hong Kong,
which lead to be one of the first MTV Unplugged performances.
(See video at right)
After weeks of touring in Asia and United states, Steelheart was asked by
the heavy metal band, Slaughter, to perform one last show with them in
Denver Colorado “McNichols Arena” before the band went on break. 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. Matijevic tried to evade
the massive rig, but without success. The 1000 pound truss hit Matijevic
on the back of the head crushing him face first into the stage breaking
his nose, cheekbone, jaw and twisting his spine. Matijevic managed to walk
off the stage and he was immediately taken to a hospital, which to lead to
the end of that chapter of SteelHeart. You can read more about this at
Miljenko Matijevic/SteelHeart Bio
STEELHEART self titled debut album: (1990)
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. The ballad
"She's Gone"
which showcased Matijevic's wide vocal range hit #1 on the International
Charts, staying there for 17 weeks. The second single
"I'll Never Let You Go (Angel Eyes)"
reached #14 on the billboard charts, and was MTV's 2nd most requested
video. The album reached #40 on the billboard charts.
"Everybody Loves Eileen"
and its accompanying video also garnered much success. Four videos were
made for this album which were all included in the
“Live SteelHeart Still Hard DVD”
Hailing from Norwalk, CT,
Steelheart was one of the very last hair metal bands to score a hit with a
power ballad reaching platinum status world wide just before the music
scene shifted to the grunge era. Originally called Red Alert, the band
was singer Michael Matijevic, guitarist Chris Risola, bassist James Ward,
and drummer John Fowler and rhythm guitarist Frank Dicostanzo. After
years of hard work, the band finally secured a record deal with MCA, and
changed their name to Steelheart. 1991 saw the release of their
self-titled debut, which spawned the hit power ballad, "I’ll Never Let You
Go," which reached #14 on the Billboard singles chart and #40 in the
billboard top 100. The band toured the world extensively with adding hits
to their repertoire such as “She’s Gone”, “Can’t Stop Me Loving You” and
“Everybody Loves Eileen”. After their world tour the band quickly began
to work on their sophomore effort, “Tangled in Reins”, which was released
in 1992. But tragedy was lurking just around the corner. On Halloween
night opening for Slaughter at McNichols Arena in Denver, CO, Matijevic
was struck in the head by a lighting truss, knocking him to the ground
face first, sustaining serious head injuries and ending the chapter of the
old SteelHeart. Since the accident, Matijevic spent years rebuilding
SteelHeart to where it is today; a new beginning with a clear vision.
SteelHeart is Alive.
“North
Sea Films” & director Dana Altman have finalized agreements to produce
“GOOD 2B ALIVE”; a biographical documentary film on the life & music of
Miljenko Matijevic “SteelHeart”.
