Michael Des Barres is a multi-talented artist, known not only for his charismatic acting performances but also for his dynamic career in rock music. His ability to seamlessly transition between the worlds of music, television, and film has made him a beloved figure in both industries. With a career spanning more than five decades, Des Barres is best known for his role as the suave villain Murdoc on the iconic TV series MacGyver, as well as for his time as the lead singer of the British rock band Detective and for fronting the legendary rock group The Power Station.
Born on January 24, 1948, in London, England, Michael Philip Des Barres was raised in an aristocratic family, giving him a unique start in life. Despite his upper-class background, Des Barres was drawn to the edgier world of rock music and acting, where he would eventually make his mark.
Early Life and Introduction to the Arts
Michael Des Barres grew up in a privileged household, but his upbringing was far from conventional. Raised by his grandmother and attending the prestigious Harrow School in London, Des Barres was surrounded by tradition and wealth. However, the world of the British elite never quite fit his rebellious spirit. As a teenager, he discovered his passion for acting and rock ‘n’ roll music, two paths that would come to define his career.
Des Barres’ love for music began in the 1960s, during the British Invasion, a time when rock bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones were taking the world by storm. Influenced by the counterculture movement, Des Barres started playing music and developing his own style, which blended rock with glam and punk influences. Simultaneously, he pursued acting, enrolling at the Corona Academy, a performing arts school in London. This combination of music and acting set the stage for his future success.
Acting Career: From Stage to Screen
Michael Des Barres’ acting career began in the late 1960s when he appeared in several British films and television series. His first notable role came in 1967 when he played an aspiring rock star in the British film To Sir, With Love, alongside Sidney Poitier. The film was a commercial success and helped Des Barres gain recognition as a rising actor.
In the 1970s, Des Barres continued to work steadily in both film and television, making guest appearances on popular shows like The Rockford Files, Police Story, and WKRP in Cincinnati. However, it was his role as Murdoc, the recurring villain on MacGyver, that truly cemented his status as a memorable television actor. Murdoc was a master of disguise and an expert assassin, constantly plotting against the show’s titular character, played by Richard Dean Anderson. Des Barres’ portrayal of the character was both menacing and charismatic, and Murdoc quickly became one of the most beloved villains in television history.
His work on MacGyver showcased Des Barres’ talent for blending humor with villainy, and his performance earned him a dedicated fan base. Over the course of the show’s run, Des Barres appeared in several episodes, each time bringing a new layer to his character’s ever-evolving schemes.
Beyond MacGyver, Des Barres has appeared in numerous other television series and films throughout his career, including Roseanne, Melrose Place, JAG, and Seinfeld. His versatility as an actor has allowed him to take on a wide range of roles, from dramatic characters to comedic parts, further solidifying his place in Hollywood.
Rock Star Life: Detective and The Power Station
While Michael Des Barres’ acting career flourished, his passion for music never waned. In the 1970s, he became the frontman for the glam rock band Silverhead, which quickly gained a cult following. Known for their high-energy performances and Des Barres’ flamboyant stage presence, Silverhead was part of the emerging glam rock scene that also included bands like T. Rex and David Bowie. Though the band achieved moderate success, they disbanded after releasing two albums: Silverhead (1972) and 16 and Savaged (1973).
Following the breakup of Silverhead, Des Barres formed the band Detective in 1975. Signed to Led Zeppelin’s record label, Swan Song Records, Detective was a hard rock band with a bluesy, gritty sound. They released two albums, Detective (1977) and It Takes One to Know One (1977), which were well-received by critics and rock enthusiasts. Detective’s association with Led Zeppelin added to their credibility, and they became known for their intense live performances. However, like many bands of the era, internal conflicts led to the group’s dissolution after only a few years.
Des Barres’ most significant moment in rock history came in 1985 when he was asked to replace Robert Palmer as the lead singer of The Power Station, a supergroup that included members of Duran Duran and former Chic drummer Tony Thompson. Des Barres fronted the band during their performance at the historic Live Aid concert in 1985, playing to millions of viewers around the world. The Power Station was a unique fusion of rock and funk, and their performance at Live Aid is remembered as one of the highlights of the event. Des Barres’ time with the band was brief but significant, as it solidified his place in the rock pantheon.
Solo Music Career and Other Ventures
In addition to his work with bands, Michael Des Barres has also pursued a solo music career. He released his first solo album, I’m Only Human, in 1980, which showcased his soulful voice and introspective songwriting. Over the years, he has continued to release solo albums, including Carnaby Street (2012) and The Key to the Universe (2015), both of which were praised for their blend of rock, soul, and blues influences.
Beyond music and acting, Des Barres has made his mark as a radio host and author. He has hosted several radio shows, including a daily show on Sirius XM’s Little Steven’s Underground Garage, where he shares his extensive knowledge of rock music with listeners. His engaging personality and deep appreciation for the history of rock have made him a popular voice on the airwaves.
Des Barres has also ventured into writing, penning articles for publications such as The Huffington Post, where he shares his reflections on life, music, and the entertainment industry. His writing, like his music and acting, is characterized by a raw honesty and a passion for storytelling.
Personal Life and Legacy
Michael Des Barres’ personal life has been as colorful as his career. He was married to actress Wendy Hamilton in the 1970s, and later to Pamela Des Barres, a former groupie and author of the best-selling memoir I’m With the Band. The two were part of the rock ‘n’ roll elite, often socializing with the biggest names in music and Hollywood. Though their marriage ended in divorce, they remained friends and share a son, Nicholas Des Barres.
Throughout his career, Michael Des Barres has remained a true rock ‘n’ roll icon, constantly evolving while staying true to his roots. Whether on stage, screen, or radio, his charismatic presence and undeniable talent have made him a beloved figure in the entertainment world.