By: Jay Minkin
Date: 12/08/2009

For those transplants to Northeast Ohio after the mid-80s, Michael Stanley was the hottest local rocker during the classic rock era, when FM radio was king. Now you can relive those thrilling days when Stanley and his current band, The Resonators, play two very special shows at the House of Blues on Friday, December 18, and Saturday, December 26.

Hailing from Rocky River, Michael Stanley started out as a solo artist in 1973. With help from such heavy hitters as producer Bill Szymczyk and “session players” Joe Walsh and Todd Rundgren he recorded his first two records. Stanley’s first album included the hit single “Rosewood Bitters.” The fave “Let’s Get The Show On The Road” was on the second.  

In 1974, Stanley formed the Michael Stanley Band and recorded the classic Ladies Choice, which included the singles “One Good Reason,” “Calcutta Auction,” and “Strike Up The Band,” along with the title track. In 1977, the band released a live double LP titled Stagepass and the Michael Stanley phenomenon skyrocketed. 

Just about every kid on the block owned a copy and WMMS had songs like “Midwest Midnight” and “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Mind” in heavy rotation. 

Nicknamed MSB by its fans, the band set a total attendance record of 74,404 during a four-night stand at Blossom Music Center in August of 1982.

Stanley’s first show, on December 18, will be dedicated to the 30th anniversary of MSB’s Heartland album, which will be played in its entirety. Heartland contains two of the band’s big radio hits, “Lover” and “He Can’t Love You,” which made the Top 40 (#33 Billboard, #27 Cash Box). Stanley also promises to play some other hits, along with a few hidden gems. 

The second show, on December 26, is going to be an Internet request night. Send your requests to msbb@aol.com to help Michael compile the show’s set list. General admission tickets for each show are $30. There also are limited reserved seats and VIP packages available at www.houseofblues.com/cleveland.
Hopefully, “Tonight’s the Night” Stanley will take no prisoners.

Reach Jay at blues4bird@aol.com.