The Michael Stanley Band? Uh…
Does anyone remember this guy? I've been in radio and I barely do!
If you do, read on...
Seventies Rocker Michael Stanley Releases New CD 'Shadowland'
1/17/2011 – Philadelphia, PA - From the mid '70s to the mid '80s, the Michael Stanley Band enjoyed a strong and fiercely loyal following, touring with some of the superstar bands of that period including Bruce Springsteen, The Eagles, Foreigner and The Doobie Brothers. The latest CD from Michael Stanley SHADOWLAND, his 22nd album, released on ItsAboutMusic.com, features thirteen new Stanley originals as he continues a musical journey that spans over forty years and just keeps getting better!
Discovered by New York record producer, Bill Szymczyk, in 1973 Michael Stanley released his debut album 'Michael Stanley' (Tumbleweed Records), and second LP, 'Friends & Legends' (MCA) to critical acclaim. Both albums featured guest appearances by Todd Rundgren, Joe Walsh and David Sanborn. During this time he formed a trio with two area musicians, Daniel Pecchio and Jonah Koslen, who played Stanley's solo songs as well as new material live. In 1974, out of work, Michael's close friend, Joe Walsh (another Cleveland area musician) suggested he pursue music full time. It was a turning point for Stanley, who along with Pecchio and Koslen brought in drummer Tommy Dobeck and the The Michael Stanley Band was born!
There were several Top-20 and Top-30 hits in the early '80s, among them "He Can't Love You" (1980) and "My Town" (1983), but it seemed the 'one great hit' never came. In late 1982, MSB released what would be their final album for EMI: 'You Can't Fight Fashion'. The single, "My Town", had made it to 29 on Billboard Magazine's charts and sales were good. While the band was on tour, EMI offered them an 'extension', rather than a contract renewal with a long-term financial commitment. When Michael declined the deal, the label quickly pulled the plug, halting promotion and tour-backing.
Although it was a financial blow to the band, they bravely continued performing at venues in the Northern Ohio and mid-west circuit. The band released two independent albums, 1983's 'Inside Moves', and 'Fourth And Ten' in 1984 (recorded live at Blossom Music Center), before formally disbanding in late 1986, shortly after performing nine 'farewell' concerts at Cleveland's Front Row.
"...We broke up not because we didn't like each other, but because we couldn't survive. It was the hardest thing I've ever done. It was like a group divorce," Michael Stanley recalled to Cleveland Magazine in July, 1994.
There were several Top-20 and Top-30 hits in the early '80s, among them "He Can't Love You" (1980) and "My Town" (1983), but it seemed the 'one great hit' never came. In late 1982, MSB released what would be their final album for EMI: 'You Can't Fight Fashion'. The single, "My Town", had made it to 29 on Billboard Magazine's charts and sales were good. While the band was on tour, EMI offered them an 'extension', rather than a contract renewal with a long-term financial commitment. When Michael declined the deal, the label quickly pulled the plug, halting promotion and tour-backing.
Although it was a financial blow to the band, they bravely continued performing at venues in the Northern Ohio and mid-west circuit. The band released two independent albums, 1983's 'Inside Moves', and 'Fourth And Ten' in 1984 (recorded live at Blossom Music Center), before formally disbanding in late 1986, shortly after performing nine 'farewell' concerts at Cleveland's Front Row.
"...We broke up not because we didn't like each other, but because we couldn't survive. It was the hardest thing I've ever done. It was like a group divorce," Michael Stanley recalled to Cleveland Magazine in July, 1994.
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