Miljenko Matijevic facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Miljenko Matijevic
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Matijevic performing with Steelheart in 2017
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| Background information | |
| Also known as | Michael, Mike, Mili |
| Born | November 30, 1964 Zagreb, SR Croatia, Yugoslavia |
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| Years active | 1989–present |
| Labels | MCA, MCM/Steelheart, Bad Boss Company |
Miljenko Matijevic (born November 30, 1964) is a singer from Croatia and America. He is best known as the lead singer and songwriter for the hard rock band Steelheart. He has many fans in South Korea and has worked on several South Korean TV shows. He has also released music for these TV shows. In 2010, he toured with Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger from the rock band The Doors. He sang the parts of the late Jim Morrison.
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Early Life and Music
Miljenko Matijevic was born on November 30, 1964, in Zagreb, which was then part of Yugoslavia. He lived there with his brother and grandparents until 1970. At that time, his parents brought him and his brother to live in Scarsdale, New York.
Moving to Connecticut
When Matijevic was seven years old, his family moved again to Greenwich, Connecticut. His brother, John, learned to play the guitar. Michael would often sing along, especially to country music, which their father enjoyed.
Discovering Rock Music
When Michael was nine, he joined the local church choir. However, a big change happened when he was 11. He discovered the famous rock band Led Zeppelin. This music greatly influenced his future career.
Music Career Beginnings
After playing in a local band called The Mission, Miljenko Matijevic was noticed by Don Stroh. Stroh owned Showcase Studios and invited Matijevic to rehearse with a band there. This is where Matijevic met Chris Risola and James Ward, along with Jack Wilkinson. Together, they formed a band called Red Alert.
Forming Steelheart
Later, Jack Wilkinson left the band. Two former members of the band Rage of Angels joined them: John Fowler (who played drums) and Frank DiConstanzo (who played rhythm guitar). Michael soon focused all his energy on the band, even leaving his college studies. He, John, and James moved to Los Angeles hoping to get a record deal. Even without any contacts, they signed a record deal within a month.
First Albums and Tours
Their first album, named Steelheart, was released in 1990. It sold over a million copies around the world. The band then went on a world tour to support the album. Their next album, Tangled in Reins, came out in 1992. They toured in Europe and Asia to promote this album.
Stage Accident in 1992
At the end of their U.S. tour in 1992, Steelheart was opening for the band Great White. They were invited to play an extra show for the band Slaughter. On Halloween night, at the McNichols Arena in Denver, Colorado, Steelheart was performing a song called "Dancing in the Fire." During the song, Matijevic tried to climb a lighting structure that was not properly secured. He was hit by a heavy piece of equipment, which caused him to fall face-first onto the stage.
The accident resulted in a broken nose, cheekbone, jaw, a twisted spine, and a lot of memory loss. Matijevic managed to walk off the stage and was taken to the hospital right away. This serious incident led to the end of the original Steelheart band lineup.
Steelheart's Return
Steelheart later reformed with new band members. They released the album Wait in 1996. The band then released another album called Good 2B Alive in 2008.
Touring with The Doors
In 2010, Michael Matijevic went on tour with Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger from the famous rock band The Doors. He sang the songs that the band's original singer, Jim Morrison, used to perform.
Recent Albums
Steelheart released the album Through Worlds of Stardust in 2017. In 2018, they released a live album called Rock'n Milan.
Music Releases
Steelheart Albums
South Korean Songs
| Year | Title | Album |
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| 2015 | "Stay" | My Beautiful Bride OST – Part.2 |
| 2016 | "My Love Is Gone" | Glamorous Temptation OST – Part.9 |
| "The Story of the Rain and You" | King of Mask Singer Episode 48 | |
| "Confession" | ||
| "I Miss You to Death" | non-album single |
TV and Film Appearances
Television Series
| Year | Title | Role | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | King of Mask Singer | Himself (A Quiet Sort Of Lightning Man) Episode 47 - 48 | MBC |
| Flaming Youth | himself | SBS | |
| The God of Music | himself | Mnet | |
| My Neighbor, Charles | himself | KBS1 |
Film Role
| Year | Title | Role | Released by |
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| 2001 | Rock Star | singing voice of Mark Wahlberg's character Chris (Izzy) Cole | Warner Bros. |
See also
In Spanish: Michael Matijevic para niños
