Michael Des Barres. Known for his captivating stories and charismatic stage presence, Des Barres is sure to bring a unique blend of rock ‘n’ roll history and personal anecdotes to the event. Fans will have the rare opportunity to interact with him and gain insights into his life and career, including his journey through music, acting, and his advocacy for sobriety.
From a Marquis attending an English boarding school to a rock star, an actor, a DJ, and an anti-drug activist, Michael Des Barres has led a life that can easily be described as a rollercoaster ride. With a career spanning six decades, Des Barres’ contributions to the entertainment industry are as diverse as they are significant.
Des Barres began his acting career at the tender age of eight, featuring in commercials and school plays. His time at Corona Theatre School in West London opened the doors for him to be part of the 1967 classic film “To Sir With Love,” where he starred alongside Sidney Poitier.
At the age of nineteen, Des Barres played the androgynous rock star Rose in the nude musical “The Dirtiest Show In Town,” which was produced by Robert Stigwood, known for Jesus Christ Superstar. Andrew Lloyd Webber was among the audience who saw Des Barres’ performance and suggested that he should form a real rock band. This led to the formation of Silverhead, his first band, which quickly signed with Purple Records in 1972.
The years that followed saw Des Barres marry his long-time girlfriend Wendy Hamilton, only to later fall in love with Pamela Miller, famously known as “Miss Pamela” of the GTO’s, and move to Los Angeles. After divorcing Hamilton, he married Pamela Des Barres, author of “I’m With The Band,” in 1977.
While in Los Angeles, Des Barres formed the band Detective, which was signed by Jimmy Page to Swan Song Records. During this time, he also appeared on the sitcom WKRP In Cincinnati as the punk rock group Scum of the Earth’s character, Dog.
However, the glamour of the entertainment world couldn’t shield Des Barres from the destructive effects of drugs and alcohol. Fortunately, he recognized the destructive path he was on and got sober in 1981. As a result of his sobriety, he co-founded R.A.D, Rock Against Drugs, a highly successful public service announcement that contributed to MTV’s anti-drug culture.
Des Barres continued to contribute to the music industry by forming the band Chequered Past in 1982 and later replacing Robert Palmer as the lead singer of The Power Station. His song “Obsession,” co-written with Holly Knight, was a number one hit in twenty-seven countries.
Simultaneously, Des Barres rekindled his love for acting and was cast in the role of Murdoc in the ABC hit series MacGyver. He also appeared in popular shows like Melrose Place, Seinfeld, Miami Vice, and films such as Ghoulies, Nightflyers, Pink Cadillac, and more.
Today, Des Barres brings his extensive knowledge of rock and soul music to Little Steven’s Underground Garage, SiriusXM Channel 21, as a DJ. He has also released several singles under Steven Van Zandt’s label, Wicked Cool Records, including a cover of The Sex Pistols “Anarchy In The UK,” produced and arranged by Van Zandt himself.
His highly acclaimed documentary “Who Do You Want Me To Be?”, filmed in 2012, began streaming on July 10th, 2020, on Amazon Prime and various other platforms.
Whether you’re a fan of his rock ‘n’ roll days with Silverhead, Detective, Chequered Past, and The Power Station, or you know him best as Murdoc from MacGyver or from his appearances in numerous other television shows and films, Des Barres’ presence at the Collectibles Extravaganza & MusicCon is sure to create a buzz. This event promises to be an unforgettable experience, marking yet another exciting chapter in the extraordinary career and life of Michael Des Barres.
Des Barres’ fascinating journey through life and the entertainment industry continues. On June 30-July 2, 2023, fans can look forward to seeing him at the Collectibles Extravaganza & MusicCon. This exciting event includes celebrity guests, live entertainment, collectible exhibitors, and a showcase of iconic vehicles from television and film.
With show hours from Friday evening through Sunday, the Collectibles Extravaganza & MusicCon is set to be a thrilling event. The exhibition starts on Friday, June 30, with exhibitors displaying their collections from 4:00 pm till 8:00 pm, followed by an AfterParty that lasts till 11:00 pm.
The excitement continues on Saturday, July 1st, as the doors open at 10:00 am, with exhibitions running till 6:00 pm. But the day doesn’t end there – another AfterParty, starting from 8:00 pm and lasting till 11:00 pm, guarantees more fun and entertainment.
The final day of the event, Sunday, July 2nd, keeps the momentum going with exhibitors showcasing their collections from 10:00 am till 5:00 pm. Throughout the three-day extravaganza, attendees will have the chance to meet celebrity guests, enjoy live performances, and appreciate the showcase of favorite vehicles from television and film.
Tickets for the Collectibles Extravaganza & MusicCon are on sale now, providing an unmissable opportunity for fans of Des Barres and enthusiasts of music, film, and television memorabilia alike. With a rich history like Des Barres’, the event promises to be a celebration of music, film, and pop culture.
Michael Des Barres: The Marquis of Rock ‘n’ Roll