The "DIARY" is now an AUDIOBOOK at AUDIBLE!
“One of the Top 2 audiobooks I have ever heard!” - Michael Butler, The Rock and Roll Geek Show
A road diary narrated by singer Mach Bell with guest appearances by legends of the Boston rock scene.
“Loved this audiobook." INCLUDES BONUS CONTENT - Exclusive Interviews - New Final Chapter!
“A great rock n roll story! You don't have to be an Aerosmith or even a Joe Perry fan to enjoy Cowboy Mach Bell's diary of his time in "The Project". It's a fantastic, story with plenty of characters and plot twists… Even if you have already read the book this audiobook takes you even further into the world of the Joe Perry Project with interviews from former members, and a new epilogue all not found in the 1st edition book.”
Audible review
4.9 AUDIBLE. "Brilliant."
4.9 AUDIBLE. "Brilliant."
Give yourself a super gift this year!
Please use THIS easy link to order your ONCE A ROCKER audiobook right now, Today!
Cowboy Mach Bell
Best known as the lead singer and frontman of bands including The Joe Perry Project, Wild Bunch, Mach Bell Experience (MBE), Mach 5, and the notorious Thundertrain, Mach was recently cast in the Sci Fi Rock Opera "beasties." Bell is also the author of "Rock Survival," “Once a Rocker Always a Rocker: A Diary” and “I Gotta Rock,” which are filled with his on-the-road experiences as a member of various bands.
In the vibrant and ever-evolving world of rock music, there are a few names that have left an indelible mark on the genre. One such name is Mach Bell, a man whose passion for music and unique talent has seen him rise to the top of the rock scene. Known for his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence, Bell has become a beloved figure in the world of rock and roll.
Born on January 23, 1953, in Yellow Springs, Ohio, Bell’s journey into the world of music began at a young age. He was classically trained on the cello as a child, a testament to his innate musical talent. However, the allure of the electric guitar during the Swinging 60’s proved too strong to resist, and he made the switch. As the 70’s dawned, Mach made another switch, this time to lead singer, a role that would catapult him to stardom.
His singing career took off, leading to gigs that included five years touring and recording with Natick MA’s Thundertrain. This was followed by a stint on the West Coast working and performing with Circus Vargas. However, the highlight of his career came when he joined forces with America’s quintessential rock star, Joe Perry of Aerosmith. This collaboration resulted in the Joe Perry Project and the album “Once a Rocker Always a Rocker,” on MCA Universal in 1983. It was during this time that Joe Perry officially gave Mach his nickname “Cowboy,” a moniker that has stuck with him to
this day. Besides fronting the rock quintet MBE (Mach Bell Experience).
Mach recently starred in his first theatrical role in the stage version of the all new Sci-Fi Rock Opera “beasties."
Bell’s career is not just limited to music. Mach is also an educator and an author. A lifelong diarist, he has compiled journals of his rock’n’roll exploits. His debut book, “Once a Rocker Always a Rocker: A Diary,” was released in 2019 to a positive and warm reception. The audiobook edition of Cowboy's DIary hit the market a year later. More recently, his 20-year (1965-85) prequel memoir “I Gotta Rock” was published in late 2021 followed by his latest tell all, "Rock Survival."
In recognition of his contributions to the music industry, Mach Bell was inducted into the New England Music Hall of Fame in 2023. He is also Staff Emeritus of the Macomber Center in Framingham, MA, further showcasing his diverse talents and interests.
Cowboy Mach Bell bio courtesy of MUSICCONS.
Photo by Stevo Rood
Mach Bell Discography:
1975 THUNDERTRAIN - I'm So Excited/Cindy Is a Sleeper - United National Records
1976 THUNDERTRAIN - Hot For Teacher/Love the Way - Jelly Records
1977 THUNDERTRAIN - Teenage Suicide LP - Jelly Records
1977 THUNDERTRAIN - Live at the Rat (compilation LP) - Rat Records
1979 THUNDERTRAIN - Best of the Boston Beat (WCOZ comp) - Infinity Records
1981 MAG 4 - Mag 4 Go Monte Carlo/Man With No Name - Pure & Easy Records
1983 JOE PERRY PROJECT - Once a Rocker Always a Rocker LP - MCA Universal Records
1999 JOE PERRY PROJECT - The Best of the Joe Perry Project CD - Raven Records
2001 JOE PERRY PROJECT - Once a Rocker Always a Rocker CD - MCA/Geffen
2001 LAST MAN STANDING - Last Man Standing CD - LMS Records
2002 THUNDERTRAIN - Teenage Suicide - original 9 tracks & 6 bonus tracks. CD - Gulcher Records
2004 THUNDERTRAIN -Hell Tonite! Recorded Live in 1979 CD - Gulcher Records
2005 MACH 5 - Meet Mach 5 - Lawless Records
2023 MACH BELL EXPERIENCE - Power Fever - United National Records
2024 MACH BELL EXPERIENCE - Can't We All Be Bad
UNR Digital Single
Cowboy Mach Bell Books:
2019 ONCE A ROCKER ALWAYS A ROCKER: A DIARY Panther Rock Books
2020 AUDIOBOOK ONCE A ROCKER: A DIARY w/ NEW FINAL CHAPTER Audible
2021 I GOTTA ROCK Panther Rock Books
2023 ROCK SURVIVAL Panther Rock Books
"LIFE ON THE OTHER PLANET" FILM PREMIERE OCT 24
KENMORE SQUARE 1976
Mach Bell tells the world I Gotta Rock!
Thundertrain rule the RAT
Emmy® Award winning Filmmaker, Vincent Straggas presents his latest Feature Length Documentary, Life On The Other Planet.
Thundertrain rule the RAT
Mach Bell tells the world I Gotta Rock!
Thundertrain rule the RAT
The definitive history, of the greatest era in Boston Rock n Roll. Music from some of the scene's greatest talent: Nervous Eaters, Willie Loco Alexander and the Boom Boom Band, Jon Butcher, DMZ, the Atlantics, Robin Lane, Stompers, the Bristols, Luna, Modern Lovers and Thundertrain.
Mach Bell tells the world I Gotta Rock!
Mach Bell tells the world I Gotta Rock!
Mach Bell tells the world I Gotta Rock!
"LIFE ON THE OTHER PLANET" Movie Premiere is slated for Fri Oct 24 at the REGENT THEATER Arlington MA. Watch here for ticket links & more.
AUTOGRAPHED BOOKS still Available!
Joe Perry needed a new lead singer. My telephone rang and the adventure began...
Autographed copies of Mach Bell's Blockbuster Debut Book.
Once Rocker Always a Rocker: A Diary:
" A lively accounting of the 1982-1984 mad dash performances around the country of the Joe Perry Project and its madcap frenzy to bring its brilliance to every gig every night.
One price includes EVERYTHING: The Diary, free shipping and even an official BookMach to help save your place.
Order using PAYPAL LINKS below. Be SURE to INCLUDE your MAILING ADDRESS and the name you want the author to personalize the book to. Fast, free Shipping!
Send $24.98 per book
Sorry, we can ship to USA only.
"I Gotta Rock" is Bell's Amazing Chronicle of 1965-85
Mach's second book AUTOGRAPHED TO YOU!
“Tonight the Rat plays host to Cherie Currie, Lita Ford, Sandy West, Jackie Fox and Joan Jett. Five teenagers straight off Hollywood’s Sunset Strip. The Runaways.
My band Thundertrain gets the plum assignment, opening for the Queens of Noise, which is the title of their second album, released two months ago on Mercury.
Sharing the compact Rat dressing room, squished between the quintet of L.A. music-biz starlets. That’s the tantalizing vision that’s keep me at attention the days leading up to this big night. I sure hope Bobby doesn’t bum out the visiting covergirls, greeting them with his log hanging out.
My fantasy is harpooned the minute we arrive at the Rat.
“Dressing room is all yours tonight guys.” beams back-door Mark.
“Huh? What about the Runaways?”
Mark laughs, “Their road manager won’t allow the girls anywhere near you pervs. They’re upstairs, getting dressed by themselves, in the Rat Records office.”
-Excerpt from "I Gotta Rock" by Cowboy Mach Bell
“Reading this book is like going in a time machine, it takes you THERE!”
Mach will autograph his second, hefty, photo-packed book "I GOTTA ROCK" to you & send it out in the morning mail! $27.99 includes EVERYTHING: the book, shipping and a kustom BookMach too!
Be SURE to include your mailing address. USA shipping only.
"The LATEST is HIS GREATEST!"
“I show up at Long Beach at around 6pm and pick up my ticket with an attached All Access pass. This is the fourth or fifth time I’ve seen Joe play live since he quit our band three years (and a couple months) ago. It’s still extremely difficult for me to be around him in workplace surroundings like this. Back here in the dressing room,
I watch Joe prepare to do battle out on that blazingly lit-up rock stage. The expectant, revved-up crowd is howling and stomping their feet.It’s a larger crowd than I’m used to playing but in a lot of other ways it’s a lot like our old Joe Perry Project days. Here comes my friend, and fellow JPP veteran, Elwood Francis. He’s still Joe’s guitar tech and I watch as he adds another instrument to Admiral Perry’s Aerosmith guitar pile. An arsenal that still includes several nicely-battered Joe Perry Project regulars: 10-string Rich Bich, Dan Armstrong clear body and the good ol’ TeleRat. Elwood’s brother Toby still runs the front of house sound, just like he did in Project days.
Of course the man in charge of everything is Aerosmith's manager, my former JPP manager, Tim Collins. Nodding along pre-show as Joe and the crew run through the familiar warm-up routines and rituals, I can’t control the fire I feel building in my own gut. I hunger for what always comes next, and the magic we’re about to unleash…only to crash headlong into reality… Joe is suddenly yanked away by security people and hustled out to the wings. Entering, bathed in colored spotlights the Admiral moves center stage, to face my singing replacement. Steven Tyler."
-Excerpt From "Rock Survival" by Cowboy Mach Bell
Personalized by rock singer & author Cowboy Mach Bell
“Mach has the knack of keeping us glued to the pages. Our reads have all turned into binge reads.” - BOSTON GROUPIE NEWS
Personally autographed copies of Mach's emotional and revealing new memoir, Rock Survival, signed to you. Or for anyone else you pick!
ROCK SURVIVAL makes a distinctive addition to any library. The author signs your copy & dispatches it promptly with the morning mail.
Send $23.99, and get a first edition "Rock Suvival" filled with captivating photos! Price includes shipping, handling and a kustom BookMach.
IMPORTANT: When ordering please provide your mailing address! and the desired name for the personalized autograph.
Send $23.99 to Paypal by simply clicking the nearby "Mach's PayPal" button. Or use www.venmo.com/u/MachBell Please Note: We can ship to USA only.
Cowboy Mach Bell BOOKS
On the road with the JOE PERRY PROJECT in the Big 80's ! Lead singer MACH BELL's personal road diary now in paperback. "ONCE A ROCKER ALWAYS A ROCKER"
The Climatic Third Act of Bell’s Memoir Trilogy. Scores are settled, death is defied and the brown van rolls on. Mach continues his quest for "ROCK SURVIVAL"
On the road with the JOE PERRY PROJECT in the Big 80's ! Lead singer MACH BELL's personal road diary now in paperback. "ONCE A ROCKER ALWAYS A ROCKER"
The Untold Story, Unveiled for the first time in Amazing Detail.
“It’s a FUN read and it’s a page turner!”
MICHAEL BUTLER The Rock and Roll Geek Show
"Mach really did a great job on this. Recommended big time!"
CARTER ALAN
Boston rock frontman Mach Bell takes you along on his rock'n'roll journey - from the very beginning - in his sensational second book "I GOTTA ROCK"
The Climatic Third Act of Bell’s Memoir Trilogy. Scores are settled, death is defied and the brown van rolls on. Mach continues his quest for "ROCK SURVIVAL"
On the road with the JOE PERRY PROJECT in the Big 80's ! Lead singer MACH BELL's personal road diary now in paperback. "ONCE A ROCKER ALWAYS A ROCKER"
The history of Boston Rock through the eyes of frontman Mach Bell." I Gotta Rock" takes the reader inside & out of Cowboy Mach's rock'n'roll world.
"its the From Here to Eternity of rock memoirs"
WILLIE LOCO ALEXANDER
"Mach’s story is one that resonates.” - BOSTON GROUPIE NEWS
The Climatic Third Act of Bell’s Memoir Trilogy. Scores are settled, death is defied and the brown van rolls on. Mach continues his quest for "ROCK SURVIVAL"
The Climatic Third Act of Bell’s Memoir Trilogy. Scores are settled, death is defied and the brown van rolls on. Mach continues his quest for "ROCK SURVIVAL"
The Climatic Third Act of Bell’s Memoir Trilogy. Scores are settled, death is defied and the brown van rolls on. Mach continues his quest for "ROCK SURVIVAL"
BOSTON GROUPIE NEWS says “Mach Bell has his third memoir, Rock Survival out. It’s eminently readable and engaging, just like his other books. Mach has the knack of keeping us glued to the pages. Our reads have all turned into binge reads."
DON'T FORGET THE "Once A Rocker" AUDIOBOOK! "Better than reading! It's a rare thing for an audiobook to be better than reading the actual book but this one is!"
The Climatic Third Act of Bell’s Memoir Trilogy. Scores are settled, death is defied and the brown van rolls on. Mach continues his quest for "ROCK SURVIVAL"
The Climatic Third Act of Bell’s Memoir Trilogy. Scores are settled, death is defied and the brown van rolls on. Mach continues his quest for "ROCK SURVIVAL"
“The book is GREAT…the Audiobook is FANTASTIC!”
DAVID SLUSHER - Evil Genius Chronicles
AUDIBLE LISTENER REVIEW: "The audio book is great! My first time doing one, kept me occupied on a solo road trip for over 8 hours. Love the bonus stories, extra chapter and the parts where Daniel Hargrove & Charlie Farren pop in for a chat. Mach is a great reader, so it's not boring or sleep inducing. Greg Morton and his great voice is invaluable to this audio book."
NEW ENGLAND HONORS MUSIC STARS
02/15/2025 - JOE PERRY PROJECT alumni gather for ceremonies at The Vault, New Bedford MA. 2025 New England Music Hall of Fame inductees l.to r. : JOE PET, CHARLIE FARREN, MACH BELL (2023 inductee) Rock Reporter Detroit Debbie & DAVID HULL
REVIEWS ARE IN - "beasties" OPENING NIGHT 10/10/2024
"Thursday night served as the dawning of the Age of the Beasties, as “Beasties: A Sci-Fi Rock Opera”
"Thursday night served as the dawning of the Age of the Beasties, as “Beasties: A Sci-Fi Rock Opera”
"Thursday night served as the dawning of the Age of the Beasties, as “Beasties: A Sci-Fi Rock Opera”
MACH BELL as Grā/Impulse
"...the audience are introduced to Bell and Whitfield in “Good Old Friends.” While it’s not much of a stretch for Bell and Whitfield to play longtime compadres, they have perfect chemistry onstage whether they are trading well-wishes or trading off stellar vocals."
"Liz Proteau is the production’s breakout star."
"Thursday night served as the dawning of the Age of the Beasties, as “Beasties: A Sci-Fi Rock Opera”
"Thursday night served as the dawning of the Age of the Beasties, as “Beasties: A Sci-Fi Rock Opera”
LIZ PROTEAU as Terra
"In a refreshing star turn, Proteau is absolutely enchanting playing the “Forever Girl,” celebrated in the song of the same name."
Onstage, she radiated with sheer talent and star power. As the object of affection in the center of a potential love triangle, Proteau stars as “Terra,” who has an uncomfortable past with “Voice” and an uncomfortable present with “Grā.” By show’s end, it’s easy to see why these two men fell in love with her."
"Whitfield and Bell have never sounded better and that’s saying a lot."
"Thursday night served as the dawning of the Age of the Beasties, as “Beasties: A Sci-Fi Rock Opera”
"Cliff Goodwin looks like he was having a blast unleashing his inner-Keith Richards, Pete Townshend
BARRENCE WHITFIELD as Voice
"The musical numbers are exceptional and, sometimes, surprising how good they are. There are easily six or eight songs here that are strong enough to stand on their own and the rest are rock solid. In fact, there isn’t a clunker in the bunch.
And the vocal and musical performances are to die for."
"Cliff Goodwin looks like he was having a blast unleashing his inner-Keith Richards, Pete Townshend
"Cliff Goodwin looks like he was having a blast unleashing his inner-Keith Richards, Pete Townshend
"Cliff Goodwin looks like he was having a blast unleashing his inner-Keith Richards, Pete Townshend
CLIFF GOODWIN
The "beasties" band is led by Cliff Goodwin (guitar) with Dan Drohan (drums) and Robb Simring (bass).
"...arguably Sohmers’ best decision in the production was trusting the master axe-man’s instincts and, reportedly, telling this Joe Cocker Band alumni to do whatever the hell he wants, which Goodwin gloriously does."
"Nadia Gemma is another major young talent...she knocks it out of virtual Central Park."
"Cliff Goodwin looks like he was having a blast unleashing his inner-Keith Richards, Pete Townshend
"Jerry Bisantz... singlehandedly hijacks the show as the villainous blowhard Dick T. Raitor"
NADIA GEMMA as Rasta Mom
"She plays “RastaMom,” who is the human embodiment of Mother Nature and/or Mother Earth. Certainly going to bigger and better things as soon as the curtain on “Beasties” drops, Gemma has one killer number, the reggae-infused rocker “Knock It All Down,”
"Jerry Bisantz... singlehandedly hijacks the show as the villainous blowhard Dick T. Raitor"
"Cliff Goodwin looks like he was having a blast unleashing his inner-Keith Richards, Pete Townshend
"Jerry Bisantz... singlehandedly hijacks the show as the villainous blowhard Dick T. Raitor"
JERRY BISANTZ
as the corrupt politician, Dick T. Raitor who conspires to take over Voice's concert.
"As musical theater goes, “Beasties: A Sci-Fi Rock Opera” shows its strong kinship to Vietnam War era stage hits “Hair,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,”’ “Godspell,” in addition to Pink Floyd’s “The Wall.”
WORLD PREMIERE PHOTOS BY MICHELLE MCCOOL HEATLEY
Review quotes courtesy of
Craig S. Semon and the
Worcester Telegram & Gazette