A Tribute To The Bangles Bassist Michael Steele

[Endymion7Ra]

I always thought outside of Sussana hoffs. Michael was 2nd in whom attention went to. Due to her strong stage presence and talent. Plus if you take a look here on youtube guys post a great deal about Michael's beauty.

[fotoguy75]

I played bass in a band from '80-86...and LUV the Bangles...and Michael is a great one!!! (love the name!..it's mine...lol)

[wmprokipchak]

oh, and the live version on youtube (see The Bangles - "September Gurls" (Big Star cover) - Pittsburgh 1986) is AT LEAST as good as this if not better=check it out. Sugar-sweet vox & sound ;^)

[wmprokipchak]

she deserves props anyway..but on top of that....this the Bangles cover version of this flawless pop gem is THE only version that to my ears bears comparison to the original.

[morimari3]

I really appreciate and agree with mrtamberineman123. Her low key always attract my attentions.

Her voice is so unique and the Bangles has definitely stolen many girls's hearts still because the lyrics has dreamy girl flavors here and there. Love it! Thanks for reminding me!

[nwlman]

The best thing about the Bangles, wish there was a solo album, Michael sang the best songs on their albums only ever play her tracks This and Glitter Years classic.

[31tiberius]

she has a solo career now,maybe we as the fans will  get a petition together to have her do a reunion concert with The Bangles!

[dahmooren]

Tallent is supposed to be spelled "talent" btw...

[rosamariaforever]

you are wrogn she was my favorite always, when i was a child i really identificated with her

[LtRacjack12]

The very best and most talented of the Bangles. She has so much depth and wonder to her personality. Small wonder she did not stay with the band and has become a recluse from the spot light. Someone who kept her personality, values and dignity intact despite the fame.

[drumsoloterror]

Thanks for the tribute dude,very much deserved. I think the only thing she couldn't play is the drums,everything else she had nailed...guitar,bass,vocals. It was a very sad day when she left the band,but wherever she is and whatever she's up to now,good luck! She is the quietly awesome Bangle.

Dave.

[ShaneSamsa]

@drumsoloterror And those weren't even her only instruments! Among other things she also plays flute and recorder, and I've heard the odd rumour about other things including drumming too. (Nothing official though.)

[sanramir444]

SHE WAS THE MOST COMPLETE MUSICIAN OF ALL THE BAND MEMBER, AND HAVE A GORGEOUS FACE.THIER LOOK ARE VERY PUNK ,A TRUE ROCK STAR.THE EXTREMEDY ATTENCION TO SUSAN WAS THE COURSE OF THE BAND

[anthony111isevilok]

I love Michael Steele too, her big red hair and her mysterious facial expression. Very unique style and nice voice. This song is amazing too, I love singing to it lol, I have one of the greatest hits albums and luckily has this song on it.

[nicofriday]

i love the way she look and look at in 2.27..damn gorgoues

[bauhaus2121]

god i love michael steele man she was always my favorite bangle that is bullshyte that she was the least popular thAT IS SO WRONG I LOVE THE BANGLES BASSSIT MICHAEL STEELE I HAD NO IDEA SUCH A GORGEUS WOMAN WOULD HAVE A MAN'S NAME SO FINE SHE PULLED IT OFF LOVE, WILLIAM "THE JOKER"

[TimRB1979]

awesome tribute! thanks, bud.

[Darren50001]

When did she die?

[TimRB1979]

@Darren50001 she didn't

[Tuie1956]

@Darren50001 ....She did not die........she just decided to leave the Bangles,,,,,just didn't want to be in a band any longer....

[doverantonio]

A beauty and talentet woman!! we miss you Michael, we know who are you..you live into our hearts forever!!

[luv24real]

Very nice slide show to this song, mrtamborineman. Michael's a wonderful musician, singer, and songwriter. I respect that she chose a quieter life, now, and think she has every right to do so.....but I miss her, and think she made a great band even greater.

[ShaneSamsa]

In other news, I finally put Michael's rare spoken word piece El Pollo Loco on here. Well worth checking out.

[evan90277]

@ShaneSamsa Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I've been going loco looking for Loco for years.

[aRedRoseFTW]

She is the prettiest of the Bangles IMO

[joecburke]

MS just kills me. She is photogenic, talented, a real musician, mesmerizing. "December boys got it bad"!

[MaximumPayne12]

I'm so in love with her! Thank you so much for making this video, she was clearly underrated and she is my favorite member in The Bangles. I love her!!! <3

[canaiaded]

O.MG.! I love Micky! Where is she now? I'd like to see her with Susanna, Vicky and Debbi again...

[orangevalesweetpea]

and the one who did not want to be shoved out front. THAT is what we love about you. You are a lovely young lady, and, dammit Micki, we still love and miss you. Even if you made a video speaking-forget about doing music if you have to-to us, just to let us know, "Hey guys, Im alright. I just need to stay away awhile longer. Bear with me." That would be OK..as long as we know you are OK. You are one special lady, and we will always be right here for you. Take care, and be well!

[evan90277]

@orangevalesweetpea Thank you for not being afraid to "gush". You're speaking for many of us who have been swooning over this woman for the past three decades.

[evan90277]

@evan90277 Now the Facebook page had vanished. **Sigh** All boys Jan-Dec. got it bad.

[orangevalesweetpea]

Micki, PLEASE come out of your self imposed exile, and let us who love you at least know you are doing OK. We have loved you, and followed you for all the years you were with the Bangles. You are an incredibly gorgeous woman, with enormous talent, and you have such loyal fans, especially me!!! I shared the 80's with your music, and your silky, deep voice was there when I made many memories that I hold right next to my heart. YOU were the one with the talent, voice, and beauty...................

[daifuling]

It is a shame that Micki does not interact with her fans. We miss her talent and beauty. Still, I understand that everyone has a right to their privacy and I respect that. So, wherever she is, I hope she has a wonderful and peaceful life.

[powergirl901]

In 1986 my friends in Hollywood started calling her Micki Steele, despite her new name. Because there was the beginning of the Runaways collectors forming then...all the gay 15 year old girls and boys were discovering the Runaways for the first time. My buddy Gene helped "liberate" that 5 song Goldstar demo from 1975 with Micki singing lead, and then I circulated it to the radio, KROQ. Rodney played it once before she called him up personally asking never to play it again. Now it's a 1993 LP?

[ShaneSamsa]

@powergirl901 Those Goldstar demos are still unreleased. The earlier 'Born To Be Bad' demos were released in 1993 though, by Kim Fowley, who of course bashes Micki in the liner notes because that's the classy guy he is.

[powergirl901]

@ShaneSamsa Kim bashes everybody. I guess it all really is about him. He releases "Runaways" projects from time to time just to fuck with people the world over. The "New Runaways" he released in 1986 with a line up of people he found randomly including a fat, black chick. His new thing called "blackdoom boom room" or something. It isn't even worth getting the name right, it's that bad. Thanks for the info on Micki's height. She'd be impressive to meet in person.

[powergirl901]

any idea how tall she is? I saw a shot that show her towering on stage. I really don't know.

[mrtamberineman123]

@powergirl901 She is 5ft 8 (1m 73).

[powergirl901]

@mrtamberineman123 Thanks for that. Then she's the second tallest. Debbie is a big girl.

[banglebabe1]

@powergirl901 Actually she's not. Debbi, Vicki and Michael are all pretty average height for ladies. I am 5'4" and like the other Bangles, I tower over Susanna Hoffs. Don't go by outdated 80s bios that they probably only half way filled out themselves. Those heights are not accurate. Susanna Hoffs is 5 foot even at the most. When you have to bend down to whisper in someones ear, then you tower over them. Which is what I had to do.

[banglebabe1]

@banglebabe1 And it's kinda a shame that because Hoffs is so tiny, she makes the others look like amazon women when they're no where near....

[powergirl901]

@banglebabe1 I'm a 5'9" guy and Vicki is close to my height, but Debbi is a long legged thing, and must be taller than 5'9" IMO. I tend to agree on the height measurement for Sue. Never did I see Michael perform or talk to anyone in a club, so I can't really tell. Thanks for your message. You must be a Hollywood scenester. My period of scenesterism was 1988-2006.

[ShaneSamsa]

@banglebabe1 I wouldn't go that far... Yeah, Sue's short, but people I've talked to for the mickisteele site keep pointing out how tall Michael is, which wouldn't make sense if she and Debbi were 'pretty average'. Hell, one story I heard mentioned her being taller than the three guys in one of her pre-Bangles bands (Apaches of Paris), with her being jokingly called the band's 'giant girl'.

[Nangyalai79]

@mrtamberineman123 that's not very tall. I am 1m80 and in my country (the Netherlands) that is just normal.

[Grumburble]

@Nangyalai79 Yes. Its fair to say that Susanna Hoffs is short!

[spurky61]

@mrtamberineman123 would NOT kick outa bed for eating crackers!

[thesyxxpac]

Without a doubt the most talented and most beautiful of the Bangles.

[evergreentunes]

Michael Steele - the fantastic bassplayer - should go to - youtube com/onlinelondon - and listen to the bass on WAKE UP PEOPLE; she would like it!!!

[behappy3373]

Michael Steele have this unique charisma and she is so talented, great singer/song writter, basist and everything else!!!

[ugowar]

Something about those eyes... Michael was beautiful back then. Beautiful on a completely different level than Susanna. Somehow strikes me as the more down-to-earth person, too.

Plus, she can PLAY!

[Seatotem]

Dear Michael, Please come out of retirement. We miss you.

[59TweedVibrolux]

Great Voice & Talent. Unfortunately Drummers and Bassists get the least focus in bands. Where would the Stones be without Charlie , The Who without Keith and John

Zeppelin without Bonzo and JPJ etc etc. A Girl with a Bass = :-)

[pduvall100]

To my favorite Female Band of all time. Michael is stunning!!

What a talent and looks to go with it. AHHH! Bliss.

Michael needs to be in the R&R Hall of Fame.

[eddyjacobsensongs]

Never forget this song; I bought a music cassette with no label, from a second hand shop, some years ago, and this song popped up.....and I had no clue who was singing or name or anything; remember I thought what a light voice that boy had!! - then I remember that the bass playing was so very catchy; that melodious style is my favourite bass playing..

In the aftermath, and thanks to  YouTube, learning about those 4 talented girls, it is a richness to have found them; and I like Mici a lot!

[ScienceProjek]

Isn't this Debbie Peters singing lead???

[ShaneSamsa]

@ScienceProjek No.

[LTF6161]

@ScienceProjek

No. It's Michael.

[ScienceProjek]

@LTF6161 That's what I figured. She should've sang more often.

[StrangeBrewJT]

Overlooked maybe, but I certanily wouldn't say least popular. I would argue that Michael has the most die-hard and loyal following of the four. Over the years, i think her appreciation has increased dramatically. Don't get me wrong, I love Sue, Deb and Vicki, but Micki outclassed them all musically. Her solid popularity is quite an achivement considering she only has eight songs publically released. I'll echo what many have said - I sure wish she would relased a solo album.

[RoadNasty]

Great video - thanks. But how could the most beautiful member of the Bangles (IMO) be the "least popular" ? That doesn't make any sense.

[mrtamberineman123]

@RoadNasty Im just going by what I heard and read, I even sometimes question it but i think at the time most of the focus was on Susan Hoffs.

[RoadNasty]

@mrtamberineman123 Hey Tamberineman - yes, the press did put their focus on Susanna which caused mush angst within the rest of the group.

[The096757]

@RoadNasty

bad songs and focusing on susanna hoffs got them a few hits in 1989 but sunk the band. the music and singing of michelle steele should have been the focus of the band after 1987. she definitely has the most striking looks and sings the best.

love the california surf, pop-love songs like this.

[jerseytarzan2]

@RoadNasty Don't take it so hard. She was the bass player. It's just like it is with Bill Wyman, the least popular Rolling Stone...ooh geeez...I wish I hadn't said that...

[sarcee1960]

You spelled 'talent' incorrectly in several places. Just sayin..

[mrtamberineman123]

@sarcee1960 I know. I know how to spell it its just at times I dont look when I type and I make an error.

[raymond454]

@mrtamberineman123

Maybe you're emphasizing her height along with her abilities.

[AgentF84s]

I dont think she was the last popular member...debbi was

steele got less credit from the fans but more from the critics

in 89's lp "eveything" all the critics said steeles song and vocie was the albums best moments

and i think she is the best writer of songs....she has a deep ..the others was more sexy and cool

[1funkyangel]

does anybody know what Micheal is doing these days,or if she she has a website??

[RustyCat666]

A nice tribute to the lady with the nice voice singing one of my favorite Bangles' songs, a beautiful face with very good instrumental skills. Sorry to hear she was underrated. It's depressing to hear about conflicts in groups, but I guess they're inevitable.

Thanks for posting this one.

[zoldes]

I commend the tribute, however the gem for me is "Following". I commented more there.

[DEXTER941]

Terrible to see a talented person kept down, hope the lady is well, I like her voice, if she has an album I'd check it out. You are appreciated Michael Steele for your talent that helped make the Bangles sucessfull.

[Beats84]

Wonderful Video! I love the Bangles and Michael Steele has always been my favorite member of the band:-)

[kikayei]

I was pissed with The Runaways film because they excluded her name even though she was an original member. It's like she's always getting screwed and I feel that she gave up because of that. I hope that she is well and happy and knows that we miss her. We love you, Susan.

[lebarosky]

Here is the thing: the word is, that on this particular cut, the only member of the band who was allowed to play was Michael, and that is her bass line on this song. We know Link Wray did the guitar solo. Is this rumor true?

[ShaneSamsa]

@lebarosky One thing I do know is that Michael's the only Bangle who plays on every track on Different Light. In addition to her bass she does some of the guitar parts. :)

[mrtamberineman123]

@ShaneSamsa That is very true, Michael did the most work on the Different Light album, and I will tell you what angers me is that Vickie still regards Michael as just a session bassist! and just part of the cycle of bangles bassists. Michael is ten times more tallented as a musician than Vickie.

[Ljerk]

Thx ! Awesome slideshow. She former member The Runaways, early Runaways demos recordings with Micki voices. In other video response i link very good audio quality 5 track demo. Voice of Micki is great in Secrets and You Drive Me Wild songs.

[mdotwilightluver556]

Does anyone know her real name? If you do your a true fan.

[irazenchu]

@mdotwilightluver556 I know her real name, but I don't think it's fair to post it here. In this context, she's Michael Steele, and deserves the luxury of being "herself" in her private life. But it's not too hard to find the answer on the internet.

[mdotwilightluver556]

@irazenchu :) Yeah. I'm her cousin and we call her Susan. I get what your saying. I've never really asked her about anything with the band. My friend just showed me this because she knew we were related. :) Good job on the video btw.

[irazenchu]

@mdotwilightluver556 I commend you for that. Who wants to talk about their job, anyway? :-)

[AgentF84s]

@mdotwilightluver556 why havent you ask her? shes a nice person and very deep

her both parents is dead

[irazenchu]

@mdotwilightluver556 I do, but it wouldn't be fair to post it here. In this context, she's Michael Steele, and deserves the comfort of being "herself" in her private life. But it's easy enough to find the answer on the internet.

[BeccaGSD]

Lovely vid,..but no reason to go gender specific. She is a great Bassist and Musician......female, male, alien or cyborg. She is because she is, not because, or inspite of being female.

The Bangles, Michael especially hated that moniker, " Girl Band,,..Great for Girls, etc"

You did a lovely thing here, I adore it,..and I swear I am NOT giving you shit in anyway.

Michael = Bassist

[stylishblood]

AWESOME!!!!! :D i love the bangles!!! xD *walks like an eygptian* xDDD