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The "OFFICIAL MICHAEL BRUCE WEBSITE"

ARCHIVES:

1999
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1999 started out with a bang as MB and Jeff headed into Manhatten for MB's interview segment of  the VH1 production of "Behind the Music: Alice Cooper".  Meeting up with Neal Smith and Dennis Dunaway at "The Limelight" (as well as Dee Snider from Twisted Sister), an old church since turn concert hall, each of the boys were interviewed over the course of the day and so in addition to the interviews, our heroes were able to spend some "quality time" together for the first time in awhile, catching up, and talking about the future.  That's them there with Andy Shearer, the producer of the VH1 special.  Thanks Andy, for bein' so cool!  For more pics of the boys in NYC, click on  backstage at "Behind The Music". 

See the big smile on Richie Scarlet's face?   After the interviews, MB headed up to Connecticut to visit Richie.  The pic in the center below was taken when Richie answered the door.  For more pics of MB's visit to Richie's Batcave, click here.

Michael, Dennis, Andy, and Neal backstage at "The Limelight" "My favorite rock star visits me yet again!" Michael taking in the fresh air at Dennis and Cindy's shop
After leaving Richie's place, MB and Jeff stopped in to see Dennis and Cindy Dunaway in their natural habitat.  That's MB and DD outside the Dunaway shop.   Cindy was inside, and was as pretty as a picture behind the counter dealing with customers.  The day was beautiful, crisp and slightly snowing, perfect for a March visit to New England.  From their visit, it was obvious that Dennis and Cindy have indeed found their "little bit of paradise".   Congratulations to a couple of wonderful people who have consistantly turned dreams into reality, saving the best for last.
In April, it was back up to New Jersey for Richie Ranno's Kiss Expo, along with Neal, Richie, and Dee Snider.  Later, Michael rocked the house down, and set the KISS crowd on fire

Doesn't it look strange to see MB is front of that logo?
Neal, Richie, Dee and Michael at the KISS Expo Richie also took the stage for a couple of his favorite Cooper classics.  Did you know he saw the original ACG at least 15 times including their debut of the Killer tour at the Academy of Music?  Well, now you do!!!!

By the way, from the response that the KISS crowd gave our Coopers, it is obvious that they hold much respect for our hero's, the original shock rockers.  Of course, Richie Scarlet is the jam at shows like this.  There he is with Michael Ford, Jeff and Joann his wife at his booth at the Expo.  It was a great time for everyone.

 Michael Ford from Axis Records, with Jeff, Richie, and Joann
Next, it was onto another TTP sponsored tour through the Northeast, including some fantastic gigs in PA and OH complements of Paul Unger of Noisy Fans Of America, and ending at CBGB's in Manhatten. There, Michael was supported by the Richie Scarlet Band.  From the pic below, it's obvious that security was tight for the small, but very crowded NYC venue.   Richie smoked on lead guitar that night, playing cuts from his new CD, "Out of My Past" (available from Torn Ticket's PRODUCTS section), collection of '60's covers including tunes by Yardbirds, Animals, and The Who.  A few minutes (and drinks) later,
Michael Bruce at CBGB's You gotta watch yourself in the Big Apple!      2.jpg (17930 bytes) The Emperor of Rock!
it was Michael's turn to rock the house down, which he did in front of a number of special guests who came a long way, including Neal Smith (who himself took to the stage for the School's Out finale), Neal's better half Rose, Dennis, and Richie, radio people, and even some A&R record company people (yes!, yes!).  In addition, it seemed like old home week as friends, supporters, fans, and volunteers traveled from areas near and far to get to the gig that night, including great fans like George Orlay, Noisy Fans of America chief Paul Unger, Mitch "Mr. Griswold" Barns, richiescarlet.com webmaster Robbie Thompson, our agent Marie Olsen, businessman Mike Tilmant, and MB musicians Tommy Seesselburg, Art Quinn, and Vince Fabiano. Even Barb Hayes was there doing her best to help Michael with security, limo's, and more.   Jeff Jatras and Tom Turner drove up from Houston to New York almost non stop in order to get there with about 1/2 hour to spare.  Jeff arranged for a video of the show with soundboard audio.  Click here to see if it's available yet.  Without supporters like these pushing MB to bigger and better heights, he'd still be looking for the vote in Houston. 
Willie Mosley from "Vintage Guitar Magazine" This gentleman in the hat is Willie Mosley.  Willie is a writer for "Vintage Guitar" magazine, and he interviewed Michael in June for their September issue.   While there, MB finally found the perfect guitar for his acoustic version of "End of the Line", a black Washburn 12 & 6 string acoustic/electric double-neck.  Here's some more great Jeff Jatras photos.

It took MB about 30 seconds to decide to slap down my cash for this baby, and here is the first ever glimpse of it.  You will be seeing a lot more of this piece as MB plays that song and other Cooper classics on it at his shows.

 Michael and his new Washburn
In July, MB and company moved in on Atlanta and the Dragon Con.   John, John, and Paul came down from Philly and met up with MB, Jeff, Miss Kim, and Tom Turner to turn the place upside down.  Pictures below are from that show. 
Michael and John at Dragon Con Michael Bruce at Dragon Con Michael Bruce kicks out the jams at Dragon Con
Next it was on to Cape Fear, and MB's recording for Bruce Cameron's new album, available next month, and including along with MB legends Jack Bruce, Mitch Mitchell, and Buddy Miles.  In case you don't know it, Cape Fear near Wilminton, NC, is an excellent vacation spot, not overrun, and very relaxed.  If you ever get a chance, go there!  Pic of Cape Fear here.

Next was the Nashville trip to record background vocals for Sebastian Bach's album on Atlantic.  Richie Scarlet, and Larry "The Indian" Fisher were also there at Michael Wagener's studio ("Constrictor", "Raise Your Fist And Yell", Janet Jackson, Anthrax, Ozzy, etc).  We got there just in time to see Richie play some incredible harmonica and some absofuckinlutely great guitar licks.  This album smokes, and you should be able to purchase it soon from Baz' website, hyperlinked above.   All in all, what started
Wolf, Sebastian, Michael, Richie and Jeff

As a quick trip to Atlanta and back turned into an extended road trip and more fun and anyone could have anticipated.  Sebastian was a wonderful host, making MB feel like family.  And from watching Baz and Richie in the studio, the kismet between them was obvious.  Can you spell "Ozzy and Randy Rhoads"-style chemistry?

Jeff, "The Indian", and MIchael laying down background vocals for Seb's new album
In September, Michael joined Alice onstage for an encore at Trump Marina in Atlantic City!!!!

In October, Michael, Neal, Alice and Dennis all met and played for the first time at the 2nd Annual Glen Buxton Memorial Weekend held in Phoenix, Arizona.  In addition to local fans and friends from the old days of the Spiders, Nazz, and Alice Cooper Group, out of towners like Mick Mashbir, and guys from everywhere from Iceland and the UK to Canada showed up.  Click here for more pics of this historic reunion.

 

Good work, boys.

 

 

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