Miljenko Matijevic facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Miljenko Matijevic
Matijevic performing with Steelheart in 2017
Background information
Also known as	Michael, Mike, Mili
Born	(1964-11-30) November 30, 1964 (age 60) Zagreb, SR Croatia, Yugoslavia
Genres	Heavy metal hard rock glam metal Pop rock New wave soft rock Classic rock
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter
Years active	1989–present
Labels	MCA, MCM/Steelheart, Bad Boss Company

Miljenko Matijevic (born November 30, 1964) is a Croatian-American singer. He is best known as the lead singer and songwriter for the hard rock band Steelheart. He is very popular in South Korea and has worked on many South Korean TV shows. He has also released several songs for these TV shows. In 2010, he toured with Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger from the band the Doors. He sang the parts of their late singer, Jim Morrison.

Early Life and Music

Matijevic was born in Zagreb on November 30, 1964. He lived there with his brother and grandparents until 1970. Then, his parents moved him and his brother to Scarsdale, New York. When Matijevic was seven, his family moved to Greenwich, Connecticut.

His brother, John, learned to play the guitar. Michael would often sing along, especially to country music, which their father liked. When Michael was nine, he joined the local church choir. A big change happened when Michael was 11. He discovered the famous rock band Led Zeppelin, which inspired him greatly.

Music Career

Matijevic was playing in a band called The Mission at a local club. Don Stroh, who owned Showcase Studios, saw him. He called Matijevic and asked him to practice with a band at his studio. This is where Matijevic met Chris Risola and James Ward. They formed a band called Red Alert.

Later, John Fowler joined as the drummer, and Frank DiConstanzo became the rhythm guitarist. Michael soon focused all his energy on the band. He, John, and James moved to Los Angeles hoping to get a record deal. They had no contacts, but within a month, they got a deal!

Their first album, Steelheart, came out in 1990. It sold over a million copies! The band went on a world tour to support it. Their next album, Tangled in Reins, was released in 1992. They toured Europe and Asia for this album.

Concert Accident

In 1992, Steelheart was opening for the band Great White on their U.S. tour. They were asked to play one more show for the band Slaughter. This happened on Halloween night at the McNichols Arena in Denver, Colorado.

During their song "Dancing in the Fire," Matijevic had a serious accident. He tried to climb a lighting structure that was not properly secured. A very heavy piece of equipment fell and hit him. He was badly hurt, breaking his nose, cheekbone, and jaw. He also had a twisted spine and lost some memory. Even with these injuries, Matijevic found the strength to walk off the stage. He was taken to the hospital right away. This accident caused the original Steelheart band to stop playing together.

New Beginnings

Steelheart later reformed with new band members. They released the album Wait in 1996. The band released another album, Good 2B Alive, in 2008. In 2010, Michael went on tour with Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger from the band The Doors. He sang the songs that the late Jim Morrison used to sing.

Matijevic with The Doors at the Bospop festival in the Netherlands, 2010

Steelheart released the album Through Worlds of Stardust in 2017. They also released a live album called Rock'n Milan in 2018.

Music Releases

Steelheart Albums

South Korean Songs

Miljenko Matijevic has released several songs in South Korea:

TV and Film Appearances

Television Series

Miljenko Matijevic has appeared on these TV shows:

Film Appearance

He also lent his voice to a movie:

See also

In Spanish: Michael Matijevic para niños