Michael Steele (musician)
Encyclopedia
Michael Steele is an American bassist
, guitarist
, songwriter
, and singer. She performed with The Bangles
and numerous other bands.
, among the first all-female rock groups.
Steele's stay in the Runaways was brief, leaving the band in late 1975, months before the recording of their first self-titled album. The main recording of this early period is an August 1975 demo session, bootlegged and later released as the 1993 album Born To Be Bad, with Steele playing bass and singing lead vocals on most songs. Additionally, this release also has her first songwriting credit with 'Born To Be Bad', cowritten with Joan Jett
and Kim Fowley
. Steele's departure from the group has been given several interpretations—her own account being that she was fired by svengali-like manager Kim Fowley
for refusing his sexual propositions and calling the band's debut single "Cherry Bomb" stupid. Fowley would further denigrate her for blowing a chance at fame and not possessing sufficient 'magic' or 'megalo' to make it in the music industry.
Although most accounts of her career define the eight years between Steele's time in the Runaways and the Bangles as effectively a long blank, this period was musically rich although obscure. Steele refined her musicianship and played in many Los Angeles bands between 1976 and 1983, including the power-pop outfit Elton Duck (1979–80), an early version of Slow Children
(1979), the improvisational band Nadia Kapiche (1981) and a brief period as bass player in avant-garde rock outfit Snakefinger
. Focusing on her musical technique and frequently playing live, in this period Steele became a highly regarded bassist noted for her melodic style and rich tone, influenced by bassists such as Paul McCartney
, John Entwistle
, Colin Moulding
and Carol Kaye
.
In mid-1983 she replaced Annette Zilinskas
in The Bangles, a then little-known group. At this point Steele was solely the band's bassist, with no released compositions: her only live lead vocal at this time was on the band's cover of the Yardbirds' version of "I'm Not Talkin'" by Mose Allison
. Accordingly, the band's 1984 debut LP All Over The Place is the only Bangles album with no Steele-written songs; her biggest showcase on the album is the bass solo on "Tell Me". In addition to All Over The Place, in 1984 Steele also wrote and recorded the political spoken word piece "El Pollo Loco" for the double LP compilation Neighborhood Rhythms.
" (#2) and "Walk Like An Egyptian
" (#1). In addition to playing melodic and often intricate basslines, Steele sings lead on two songs: a cover of Big Star's "September Gurls", later credited for belatedly bringing songwriter Alex Chilton
a large income from royalties, and the self-penned Following, a stark and introspective ballad far from the glossy sound and more standard lyrical themes of Different Light's other tracks. Rolling Stone magazine praised "Following" upon the album's release as its standout song, a dark composition that pointed the band in new jazz and folk directions, only some of which would be explored. Steele also sings lead on the second verse of "Walk Like An Egyptian
."
As often discussed in later interviews, Different Light was also the product of significant contention and tension between the band and producer David Kahne
—much of this contention surrounding the use of musicians outside the band on some songs. Despite lingering controversy surrounding the precise extent to which session musicians were employed on the album, Steele is the only band member confirmed to have not been overdubbed, an achievement she later joked was only because Kahne 'ran out of money'.
Despite critical praise and popularity however, this period was far from a happy one. In later interviews, Steele recalled the late 1980s as marked by tension and depression, in part a product of the compromises of fame and of increasing conflicts surrounding the promotion of Susanna Hoffs
as the band's unofficial "leader". These problems were further compounded by the intervention of executives from Steiffel-Phillips, who in their desire to 'free' Hoffs and promote her as a marketable solo act promised Steele a solo contract following the eventual dissolution of the Bangles. This promise helped motivate her decision to support ending the band in September 1989. This promise would not be fulfilled.
By the late 1990s, the Bangles agreed to reunite, with Steele being the last holdout, only joining the reunion with the expectation that they would focus on releasing new material and not become a 'Dick Clark oldies band'. The band soon recorded a 15-track album that would eventually be released in 2003 as Doll Revolution. Like Everything, the album had three Steele songs; "Nickel Romeo", "Between The Two" and the previously unheard "Song For A Good Son". Positive and negative reviews alike again noted these songs for their strikingly different sound and mood to the rest of the album. Despite initial brief tours in 2003, various family commitments for her bandmates meant that the band could not tour and support the album following its American release as much as Steele wished, a problem later noted by Susanna Hoffs as contributing to Steele's leaving the band in the middle of a tour. Although her final concert was in early 2004, her departure was not officially acknowledged until May 2005.
Bassist
A bass player, or bassist is a musician who plays a bass instrument such as a double bass, bass guitar, keyboard bass or a low brass instrument such as a tuba or sousaphone. Different musical genres tend to be associated with one or more of these instruments...
, guitarist
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
, songwriter
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
, and singer. She performed with The Bangles
The Bangles
The Bangles are an American all-female band that originated in the early 1980s, scoring several hit singles during the decade.-Formation and early years :...
and numerous other bands.
Career
Steele began her professional career as Micki Steele in the teen-girl band The RunawaysThe Runaways
The Runaways were an American all-girl rock band that recorded and performed in the second half of the 1970s. The band released four studio albums and one live set during its run. Among its best known songs: "Cherry Bomb", "Queens of Noise", "Neon Angels On the Road to Ruin", "California Paradise"...
, among the first all-female rock groups.
Steele's stay in the Runaways was brief, leaving the band in late 1975, months before the recording of their first self-titled album. The main recording of this early period is an August 1975 demo session, bootlegged and later released as the 1993 album Born To Be Bad, with Steele playing bass and singing lead vocals on most songs. Additionally, this release also has her first songwriting credit with 'Born To Be Bad', cowritten with Joan Jett
Joan Jett
Joan Jett is an American rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer and actress.She is best known for her work with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts including their hit cover "I Love Rock 'n' Roll", which was #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 from March 20 to May 1, 1982, as well as for their other popular...
and Kim Fowley
Kim Fowley
Kim Vincent Fowley is an American record producer, impresario, songwriter, musician, film maker, and radio actor. He is best known for his role behind a string of novelty and cult rock pop singles in the 1960s, and for managing The Runaways in the 1970s...
. Steele's departure from the group has been given several interpretations—her own account being that she was fired by svengali-like manager Kim Fowley
Kim Fowley
Kim Vincent Fowley is an American record producer, impresario, songwriter, musician, film maker, and radio actor. He is best known for his role behind a string of novelty and cult rock pop singles in the 1960s, and for managing The Runaways in the 1970s...
for refusing his sexual propositions and calling the band's debut single "Cherry Bomb" stupid. Fowley would further denigrate her for blowing a chance at fame and not possessing sufficient 'magic' or 'megalo' to make it in the music industry.
Although most accounts of her career define the eight years between Steele's time in the Runaways and the Bangles as effectively a long blank, this period was musically rich although obscure. Steele refined her musicianship and played in many Los Angeles bands between 1976 and 1983, including the power-pop outfit Elton Duck (1979–80), an early version of Slow Children
Slow Children
Slow Children was a New Wave pop group from the early 1980s. Their three most popular songs were "President Am I", "Spring in Fialta" and "Vanessa Vacillating". The two primary performers were Pal Shazar and Andrew Chinich.-Audio sample:-External links:*...
(1979), the improvisational band Nadia Kapiche (1981) and a brief period as bass player in avant-garde rock outfit Snakefinger
Snakefinger
Philip Charles Lithman , who performed under the stage name Snakefinger, was an English musician, singer and songwriter. A multi-instrumentalist, he was best known for his guitar and violin work and his collaborations with The Residents.-History:Lithman was born in Tooting, South London, and came...
. Focusing on her musical technique and frequently playing live, in this period Steele became a highly regarded bassist noted for her melodic style and rich tone, influenced by bassists such as Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney
Sir James Paul McCartney, MBE, Hon RAM, FRCM is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. Formerly of The Beatles and Wings , McCartney is listed in Guinness World Records as the "most successful musician and composer in popular music history", with 60 gold discs and sales of 100...
, John Entwistle
John Entwistle
John Alec Entwistle was an English bass guitarist, songwriter, singer, horn player, and film and record producer who was best known as the bass player for the rock band The Who. His aggressive lead sound influenced many rock bass players...
, Colin Moulding
Colin Moulding
Colin Ivor Moulding is a bassist, songwriter and vocalist. He is a founding member of the band XTC. Though less prolific than bandmate Andy Partridge, Moulding wrote many of the group's most popular songs, including their first three UK hit singles: "Life Begins At The Hop", "Making Plans For...
and Carol Kaye
Carol Kaye
Carol Kaye is an American musician, best known as one of the most prolific and widely heard bass guitarists in history, playing on an estimated 10,000 recording sessions in a 55 year career....
.
In mid-1983 she replaced Annette Zilinskas
Annette Zilinskas
Annette Zilinskas is an American musician and singer of Lithuanian ancestry who was the original bass guitarist for The Bangles then later lead vocalist with Blood on the Saddle. She was also a member of L.A...
in The Bangles, a then little-known group. At this point Steele was solely the band's bassist, with no released compositions: her only live lead vocal at this time was on the band's cover of the Yardbirds' version of "I'm Not Talkin'" by Mose Allison
Mose Allison
Mose John Allison, Jr. is an American jazz blues pianist and singer.-Biography:...
. Accordingly, the band's 1984 debut LP All Over The Place is the only Bangles album with no Steele-written songs; her biggest showcase on the album is the bass solo on "Tell Me". In addition to All Over The Place, in 1984 Steele also wrote and recorded the political spoken word piece "El Pollo Loco" for the double LP compilation Neighborhood Rhythms.
Different Light
Although All Over the Place was well regarded by critics, it was not a chart success. Like her bandmates, Steele only achieved popular success and fame with the 1986 release of Different Light and its hit singles "Manic MondayManic Monday
"Manic Monday" is a song by the American pop rock band The Bangles, and the first single released from their second studio album Different Light . It was written by Prince, using the pseudonym "Christopher". Originally intended for the group Apollonia 6 in 1984, he offered the song to The Bangles...
" (#2) and "Walk Like An Egyptian
Walk Like an Egyptian
"Walk Like an Egyptian" is a number-one hit from the album Different Light by The Bangles in 1986.-Origin:Liam Sternberg wrote the song after seeing people on a ferry walking awkwardly to keep their balance, which reminded him of figures in Ancient Egyptian reliefs. The opening lyrics state, "All...
" (#1). In addition to playing melodic and often intricate basslines, Steele sings lead on two songs: a cover of Big Star's "September Gurls", later credited for belatedly bringing songwriter Alex Chilton
Alex Chilton
William Alexander "Alex" Chilton was an American songwriter, guitarist, singer and producer, best known as the lead singer of the Box Tops and Big Star...
a large income from royalties, and the self-penned Following, a stark and introspective ballad far from the glossy sound and more standard lyrical themes of Different Light's other tracks. Rolling Stone magazine praised "Following" upon the album's release as its standout song, a dark composition that pointed the band in new jazz and folk directions, only some of which would be explored. Steele also sings lead on the second verse of "Walk Like An Egyptian
Walk Like an Egyptian
"Walk Like an Egyptian" is a number-one hit from the album Different Light by The Bangles in 1986.-Origin:Liam Sternberg wrote the song after seeing people on a ferry walking awkwardly to keep their balance, which reminded him of figures in Ancient Egyptian reliefs. The opening lyrics state, "All...
."
As often discussed in later interviews, Different Light was also the product of significant contention and tension between the band and producer David Kahne
David Kahne
David Kahne is an American record producer. Kahne started his musical career as a working musician and then became notable for his role as in-house producer and engineer at 415 Records, the first American new wave music label, and for his subsequent roles as Vice President of A&R at Columbia...
—much of this contention surrounding the use of musicians outside the band on some songs. Despite lingering controversy surrounding the precise extent to which session musicians were employed on the album, Steele is the only band member confirmed to have not been overdubbed, an achievement she later joked was only because Kahne 'ran out of money'.
Everything
A commercial success on its 1988 release, Everything would also be the Bangles' final album before their 1989 breakup. In terms of Steele's career, Everything also reflects her development as a songwriter, with her three songs, "Complicated Girl", "Something To Believe In" and "Glitter Years" being the most she had written on an album to this point. Two further songs written for the Everything sessions did not appear on the album, with "Between The Two" eventually appearing on 2003's Doll Revolution and "Happy Man Today", played live on the band's summer 1987 tour, remaining unreleased. In addition to her usual bass credits, Steele is also credited with several guitar parts, euphemistcally referred to in the album liner notes as "occasional guitar". Although none of Steele's songs were released as singles, they were seen by several critics upon Everything's release as among the album's best tracks. A particularly emphatic example is that of the Chicago Sun-Times, stating that her songs provide "most of the album's highlights", combining sophistication and accessibility.Despite critical praise and popularity however, this period was far from a happy one. In later interviews, Steele recalled the late 1980s as marked by tension and depression, in part a product of the compromises of fame and of increasing conflicts surrounding the promotion of Susanna Hoffs
Susanna Hoffs
Susanna Lee Hoffs is an American vocalist, guitarist and actress. She is best known as a member of the all-female pop band The Bangles.-Early life:...
as the band's unofficial "leader". These problems were further compounded by the intervention of executives from Steiffel-Phillips, who in their desire to 'free' Hoffs and promote her as a marketable solo act promised Steele a solo contract following the eventual dissolution of the Bangles. This promise helped motivate her decision to support ending the band in September 1989. This promise would not be fulfilled.
1990s to present
After the demise of the Bangles, Steele initially sought to write and record material for a solo release. How far she got in doing so is not known as her promised record contract was cancelled. Despite this setback, Steele remained musically active throughout much of the decade. Besides recording songs for an unreleased solo album, she played in several bands in this time, most notably as rhythm guitarist and singer in her short-lived band Crash Wisdom (producing several more unreleased songs) and as bassist in Michelle Muldrow's San Francisco based group Eyesore.By the late 1990s, the Bangles agreed to reunite, with Steele being the last holdout, only joining the reunion with the expectation that they would focus on releasing new material and not become a 'Dick Clark oldies band'. The band soon recorded a 15-track album that would eventually be released in 2003 as Doll Revolution. Like Everything, the album had three Steele songs; "Nickel Romeo", "Between The Two" and the previously unheard "Song For A Good Son". Positive and negative reviews alike again noted these songs for their strikingly different sound and mood to the rest of the album. Despite initial brief tours in 2003, various family commitments for her bandmates meant that the band could not tour and support the album following its American release as much as Steele wished, a problem later noted by Susanna Hoffs as contributing to Steele's leaving the band in the middle of a tour. Although her final concert was in early 2004, her departure was not officially acknowledged until May 2005.
Albums
| Release | Group | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 | The Runaways The Runaways The Runaways were an American all-girl rock band that recorded and performed in the second half of the 1970s. The band released four studio albums and one live set during its run. Among its best known songs: "Cherry Bomb", "Queens of Noise", "Neon Angels On the Road to Ruin", "California Paradise"... |
Born To Be Bad |
| 1984 | The Bangles The Bangles The Bangles are an American all-female band that originated in the early 1980s, scoring several hit singles during the decade.-Formation and early years :... |
All Over the Place All Over the Place For other meanings of the phrase, see All Over the Place All Over the Place was The Bangles' first full length album for Columbia Records. Released in 1984, the sound is lively and shows more Bangles collaboration and less keyboard overdubs that were used later on their more commercially successful... |
| 1986 | Different Light Different Light Different Light is an album by The Bangles released in January 1986. It is their best known album, with a Top 5 hit single and a No. 1 hit. The album's Top 40 sound was a departure from their earlier 60s-style sound... |
|
| 1988 | Everything | |
| 1990 | Greatest Hits | |
| 2003 | Doll Revolution Doll Revolution Doll Revolution is the first album of original material by The Bangles since 1988's Everything. It was released in 2003 on Koch Records.... |