Sheila

Zoo Freaks, the Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious "Sheila" by Steelheart from their self-titled debut album, and this track is a total vibe! This song, with its catchy riffs and party-ready lyrics, is a standout from the 1990 album, capturing the essence of late '80s glam metal with a fun, tequila-fueled narrative. One juicy piece of trivia comes from fan discussions on Steelheart Fans Facebook Group, where longtime listeners claim "Sheila" was inspired by a real-life party girl Miljenko Matijevic met during the band's early days in Los Angeles, though the band has never officially confirmed this. The song's lyrics, like "Sheila likes tequila, ol' Margarita is her friend," paint a vivid picture of a wild night out, and its upbeat energy made it a live show staple during Steelheart’s early tours. In a 2017 interview on YouTube, Matijevic shared that the band wrote "Sheila" in a single night, fueled by a bottle of tequila and a desire to create something lighthearted amidst their heavier power ballads.

Another cool tidbit about "Sheila" comes from its recording process. According to a post on Steelheart’s X account in 2020, the band recorded the track in a marathon session with legendary producer Mark Opitz, who pushed Matijevic to deliver his vocals with raw, unfiltered energy. The result was a song that perfectly blends hard rock swagger with a playful edge, making it a favorite among Zoo Freaks who love to crank it up. Fans on the Metal Archives fan site often cite "Sheila" as an underrated gem compared to Steelheart’s bigger hits like "I’ll Never Let You Go." The song’s music video, though less iconic than others from the era, featured the band rocking out in a neon-lit bar, a nod to the song’s party vibe, as mentioned in a throwback post on Steelheart’s Instagram.

Let’s dive into how Steelheart got their start. Fronted by the powerhouse vocalist Miljenko "Mili" Matijevic, born in Zagreb, Croatia on November 30, 1964, the band formed in Norwalk, Connecticut in 1989. Matijevic moved to the U.S. at age six, eventually settling in Greenwich, Connecticut, where he grew up singing along to country music with his brother John, who played guitar. As a teenager, Matijevic knew he wanted to be a rock star, and by the early '80s, he joined a local band called Red Alert, which included bassist James Ward, guitarist Chris Risola, and drummer Jack Wilkenson. After honing their sound in the tri-state area, the band relocated to Los Angeles, added rhythm guitarist Frank DiCostanzo and drummer John Fowler, and changed their name to Steelheart, a nod to their bold, heartfelt sound. Their big break came when they signed with MCA Records, leading to the release of their debut album in 1990, which went gold thanks to the hit "I’ll Never Let You Go."

Steelheart’s journey wasn’t without challenges. A tragic accident in 1992, when Matijevic was struck by a falling lighting truss during a Denver show, left him with severe injuries and temporarily halted the band’s momentum. Yet, Matijevic’s resilience shone through, and he reformed Steelheart in 1996 with a new lineup, continuing to record and tour. His multi-octave voice, often compared to Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant, remains the band’s cornerstone, as noted in a bio on Steelheart’s Facebook. Today, Steelheart continues to rock with Matijevic, guitarist Joe Pessia, drummer Mike Humbert, and bassist James Ward, releasing albums like Through Worlds of Stardust in 2017.

For more Steelheart goodness, check out their official website for tour dates and merch. Stay connected with the band on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates. Zoo Freaks can also join the Steelheart Fans Facebook Group to swap stories and connect with other diehards. For deep dives into their discography, the Metal Archives fan site is a treasure trove of info. Keep rocking, Zoo Crew!