Michael Ray (guitarist)

Michael Rea (born April 4, 1960) better known by his stage name Michael Ray or M. Ray, is an American guitarist, songwriter and record producer, not to be confused with Michael Roach Ray the country singer. Michael Ray was the lead guitarist for the punk rock band Plasmatics and for Wendy O. Williams solo projects.[1][2][3] He also worked with hard rock band Kiss and toured with the English rock band Motörhead.[4][5]

Michael Ray
Background information
Birth nameMichael Rea
Born(1960-04-04)April 4, 1960
Woodhaven, Queens, New York, United States
GenresAlternative rock, hard rock, punk rock
Occupation(s)Guitarist, musician, songwriter, producer
Instrument(s)Guitar
Years active1980-present

Early life

Ray was born in Queens, NY in 1960. He grew up in Woodhaven, New York and attended Beach Channel High School. He was discovered by Gene Simmons at My Father's Place, a club on Long Island in 1982 at the age of 22.[6]

Career

In the year 1982, Michael Ray auditioned for the band Kiss as the replacement of Ace Frehley. He recorded guitar solos for the album Creatures of the Night at Record Plant Studios, New York. Michael recorded as lead guitarist for the songs Keep me comin, Creatures of the Night , I Still Love You, and War Machine.[7][8]

In 1983 after the departure of Vinnie Vincent, Michael played live with Kiss at Rocket Rehearsal Studios, New York for the Live Lick it up audition. He performed the songs Fits like a Glove, Gimme More, Exciter and Hells Breakin Loose.

In 1984, Michael recorded as lead guitarist for the Wendy O. Williams first solo album WOW, produced by Gene Simmons.[8] He signed the management contract and the record was released on Passport Records. He also wrote songs for Wendy O. Williams second solo album Kommander of Kaos.[9]

He appeared on The Joan Rivers Show in 1986 in Studio City, Los Angeles and performed two songs. In 1987, he collaborated music for the New World Pictures release of Reform School Girls.[10]

Ray also wrote songs on the Plasmatics 9th Anniversary album, Maggots: The Record that was released on Profile Records in 1987. It was considered to be the biggest selling Plasmatics album to date.[11][12]

Discography

Vocals
  • Wendy O. Williams / Plasmatics - Maggots: The Record (1987)
  • Wendy O. Williams - Kommander Of Kaos (2000)

Instruments & Performance
  • Wendy O. Williams - WOW (1984)
  • Wendy O. Williams - It's My Life (1984)
  • Wendy O. Williams - Live (1985)
  • Wendy O. Williams - Fuck N' Roll (1985)
  • It's My Life - Reform School Girl (1986)
  • Wendy O. Williams / Plasmatics - Maggots: The Record (1987)
  • Wendy O. Williams - Kommander Of Kaos (2000)
  • Wendy O. Williams - Bump 'N' Grind (2000)
  • Sara Johnston - Trespassing (2011)
  • Kiss - Gene Simmons Vault Disc One Track 6 solo on Legends Never Die (1982)

Writing & Arrangement
  • Goin Wild Various - Reform School Girls (1986)
  • Wendy O. Williams / Plasmatics - Maggots: The Record (1987)

References
  1. Plasmatics biography at MTV.com
  2. About Michael Ray's association with Plasmatics
  3. Michael Ray working on Wendy's solo projects
  4. SPIN, Michael Ray with Motorhead. SPIN Media LLC, July 1986, p. 32.
  5. Working with Kiss
  6. Michael Ray's biography at artistdirect.com
  7. Replacing Ace Frehley as lead guitarist
  8. Lead guitarist for WOW
  9. Michael ray at discogs.com
  10. Reform School Girls at AFI Catalog of Feature Films
  11. Details of Maggot:The record
  12. Plasmatics/Wendy O. WIlliams Maggot:The Record
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