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.
Cowboy currently fronts the rock quintet MBE (Mach Bell Experience).
Mach is now starring 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" BOSTON ROCK-DOC, COMING SOON:
Mach Bell and Thundertrain rule the RAT in the mid 70's
Mach Bell and Thundertrain rule the RAT in the mid 70's
Mach Bell and Thundertrain rule the RAT in the mid 70's
Emmy® Award winning Filmmaker, Vincent Straggas presents his latest Feature Length Documentary, Life On The Other Planet.
Destination: KENMORE SQUARE
Mach Bell and Thundertrain rule the RAT in the mid 70's
Mach Bell and Thundertrain rule the RAT in the mid 70's
The definitive history, of the greatest era in Boston Rock n Roll. Music from some of the scene's greatest talent: Thundertrain, Willie Loco Alexander and the Boom Boom Band, Jon Butcher, DMZ, the Atlantics, Robin Lane, Stompers, the Bristols, Luna, Jonathan Richman and the Nervous Eaters.
Rocking Beneath BOSTON
Mach Bell and Thundertrain rule the RAT in the mid 70's
Rocking Beneath BOSTON
Theater listings & updates coming soon.
AUTOGRAPHED TO YOU BY MACH BELL!
Joe Perry needed a new lead singer. My telephone rang and the adventure began...
Autographed copies of Mach's Blockbuster Debut Book.
A random excerpt from Once Rocker Always a Rocker: A Diary:
" Thursday March 25, 1982
Did I mention that Joe is looking better?
Not a lot better but a definite improvement from when we first met almost a month ago. His color has improved from green to vampire and he’s not shaking visibly anymore. I rarely see his eyes, they’re always covered by those thick bangs but when I do, they still look vacant. His speech is hard for me to understand but I’ve only heard Joe speak a few sentences since I’ve joined the club. It’s usually just Let the Music do the Talking on this lot.
At 3 p.m. Doc dumps us out of the brown van at Blue Jay and we get right to work. We start cutting the beds for four songs today. The drums, bass and both Brad and Joe on the rhythm and accent guitar backing tracks. We record Going Down (a cover song), First One’s For Free and Black Velvet Pants”
Once a Rocker is " 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.
Bell's Amazing Chronicle of his Rock Years 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. Thundertrain shares common ground with the visiting group. Stage clothes, image, attitude & showmanship. Ripping guitar solos punctuated by crashing drum breaks, teen anthems and lots of hair. The Runaways main influences include Jeff Beck, Gene Simmons and David Bowie. They’re as hard-rock as we are…
…but like Thundertrain, the media lumps them into the punk-rock category. We’re still trying to define what that term even means. For the past few years the editors at Creem Magazine have been awarding their Punk of the Year award to Steven Tyler. Does that qualify Aerosmith as punk-rock?
Growing up in the 60’s, I thought singers Reg Presley (The Troggs), Sean Bonniwell (Music Machine) and Sky Saxon (The Seeds) were punks.
At this moment, The Ramones probably fit the profile best. Four long-haired stoners sporting identical uniforms. Marlon Brando-style motorcycle jackets worn over ripped-at-the-knee blue jeans. Joey Ramone sings about sniffing glue and bopping people over the head - but Johnny Ramone’s chord structures sound more like surf music or Shangri-La girl pop.
Sharing the compact Rat dressing room, squished between the quintet of L.A. music-biz starlets. That’s the tantalizing vision that’s kept me at attention for 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.”
This is one of the many nights when the Rat’s official capacity is simply a recommendation. Every inch of the club is packed, I’d estimate 350 easy. Mike lets the Duck Sisters perch on the back bar for a better look. Elaine, Barb, Jonathan, Mary, Kathye, Eric, AnneMarie, Ray, Annie Rock’n’Roll, Trixie, Oedipus, Bill Tupper, Miss Lyn, Bob Colby, Eddie Kent… ”
Excerpt From
I Gotta Rock
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 Aerosmith’s business “runs the front of house sound, just like he did in Project days. Of course the man in charge of Aerosmith’s business is 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
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 journal now in paperback.
Readers who prefer to start the story from the very beginning choose "I Gotta Rock" as their first "Mach book" and save "Once a Rocker" for later.
Readers who prefer to start the story from the very beginning choose "I Gotta Rock" as their first "Mach book" and save "Once a Rocker" for later.
Rock’n’Roll’s Most Freewheeling - but Ultimately Doomed Band. Outrageous, Uproarious and 100% Genuine.
True Tales from the Trenches of American Hard Rock.
“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
Readers who prefer to start the story from the very beginning choose "I Gotta Rock" as their first "Mach book" and save "Once a Rocker" for later.
Readers who prefer to start the story from the very beginning choose "I Gotta Rock" as their first "Mach book" and save "Once a Rocker" for later.
Readers who prefer to start the story from the very beginning choose "I Gotta Rock" as their first "Mach book" and save "Once a Rocker" for later.
Book Two of Mach’s Memoir Trilogy
I Gotta Rock is a Prequel, a Sequel and a Return to the gritty scene
of “Once a Rocker” and Beyond!
"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 Mach’s Memoir Trilogy. Scores are settled. Death is defied as Bell's ongoing quest for ROCK SURVIVAL continues.
Readers who prefer to start the story from the very beginning choose "I Gotta Rock" as their first "Mach book" and save "Once a Rocker" for later.
DON'T FORGET THE AUDIOBOOK! "Better than reading! It's a rare thing for an audiobook to be better than reading the actual book but this one is!"
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 AUDIOBOOK! "Better than reading! It's a rare thing for an audiobook to be better than reading the actual book but this one is!"
Readers who prefer to start the story from the very beginning choose "I Gotta Rock" as their first "Mach book" and save "Once a Rocker" for later.
DON'T FORGET THE 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 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. JPP tour manager SKILLET was there! Guitar tech ED McGEE USMC answered the call! 2025 New England Music Hall of Fame inductees: JOE PET, CHARLIE FARREN, MACH BELL (2023 inductee) Rock Reporter Detroit Debbie & DAVID HULL
IT's SOMETHIN' ELSE! The "Once a Rocker" AUDIOBOOK
“It's a fantastic, story with plenty of characters and plot twists…
A road diary narrated by singer Mach Bell with guest appearances by legends of the Boston rock scene.
“Loved this audiobook."
“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
…a compelling listen right up until the end.”
…a compelling listen right up until the end.”
Give yourself a super gift this year!
Just use THIS easy link to order your ONCE A ROCKER audiobook today!
Once a Rocker Always a Rocker
Mach's Mission
At Once a Rocker Always a Rocker, we are committed to providing unique social media content to our followers. We believe that our Tik Tok channel has the power to inspire and uplift people, and we aim to make it easily accessible to everyone.
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
MBE (Mach Bell Experience)
MACH BELL EXPERIENCE (MBE) - Founded in Summer 2022 by lead vocalist Cowboy Mach "Once a Rocker Always a Rocker" Bell and lead guitarist JOHNNY PRESS. Performing searing versions of all-new MBE jams, including latest chart-topper "Can't We All Be Bad" and the infectious “Power Fever.” Mach's famed showstoppers include "Walk With Me Sally," "Black Velvet Pants" and "I Gotta Rock"- songs he originally recorded with international touring act JOE PERRY PROJECT and Boston 70's sensation, THUNDERTRAIN.
Flash guitarist JOHNNY PRESS leads the NEMA-nominated MBE band; guitarist/singer Jeff Tremblay, bassist Jim Becker and singing drummer Al D'Allessandro.
MACH "Always a Rocker" BELL
Tom Despres, BOSTON GROUPIE NEWS 9/26/22:
"That set the tenor for what was undeniably the highlight of Hallapalooza: the debut performance of Mach’s new band the Mach Bell Experience! The Cowboy kicked off his set with Chuck Berry’s “Round and Round” and swaggered through selections from his Thundertrain and Joe Perry Project days, along with cool covers of T. Rex’s “Bang a Gong (Get it On)” and Yardbirds “I’m Not Talking.”
Hard to believe Mach hasn’t played live with a rock band in a decade, but he’s certainly been making the rounds lately with his newfound success as an author for his two memoirs of his prime rocking days, and he finished his set with what he described as a song, an album, a book and his raison d’ etre:
Once a Rocker, Always a Rocker!
“Way to go, Cowboy!"
JOHNNY PRESS
Meet Johnny Press, the virtuoso lead guitarist who propels the Mach Bell Experience to new musical heights. A seasoned rock maestro and Mach's enduring companion in the world of music, Press now takes the helm as the fearless leader of the MBE band. With a rich history of steering numerous rock groups, including Gross National Productions, Velocity, Big Guns, Smokin' Joe, and Burning Sky, Press brings a wealth of experience to the forefront.
His latest musical endeavor is a solo masterpiece titled "Johnny Press Nuclear Gypsy," a testament to his unrivaled talent and creative prowess. The just-released record showcases Press's dynamic musicality and innovation, solidifying his status as a guitar virtuoso.
Renowned record producer Tom Werman attests to Press's extraordinary skill, stating, "If I could play guitar like anyone, it would be Johnny Press." Join the musical journey led by the incomparable Johnny Press as he continues to shape the sound and soul of the Mach Bell Experience.
MACH BELL inducted to the NEW ENGLAND MUSIC HALL OF FAME
Mach Bell has achieved Hall of Fame status! Gratitude to the New England Music Hall of Fame for this honor. The Mach Bell Experience graced the Regent Theater stage during the Mach Bell induction ceremony on 09/30/23.
MBE rolls on with bassist, JIM BECKER !
MBE is currently rocking theaters, festivals and concert clubs including Gateway Arts Center Holyoke, Music Cons '23, Hallapalooza '22, Geno's Rock Club Portland, and the Regent Theater Arlington.
AL D’ALLESSANDRO -Drums / Voc
"CAN'T WE ALL BE BAD" - MBE summer '24 release already gaining ground at WARA-AM, WMFO-FM, Deezer, Original Music Showcase, Mark Skin Radio, Pandora, Bandcamp, Spotify, Youtube, Rock and Roll Love Letters with Sal Baglio, Wave Radio Boston, What's Happening/ NorthofBostonRadio & more added daily.
JEFF TREMBLAY-Guitar / Voc
MBE NOW PLAYING
Summer '24: MBE digital-single CAN'T WE ALL BE BAD has been added at over 100 rock stations worldwide.