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Marc Ferrari
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Key Information
Marc Schumann Ferrari[1] (born January 27, 1962), known professionally as Marc Ferrari, is an American guitarist. He is best known for his work as a guitar player in the 1980s and 1990s rock bands Keel, Cold Sweat, and Medicine Wheel.
Keel was known for its power rock anthem "The Right to Rock" from the album of the same name produced by Gene Simmons of Kiss.[2] The band toured extensively with the likes of Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe, Dio, Queensrÿche and others before disbanding in 1989. Ferrari then formed the band Cold Sweat, which released its only major label offering "Break Out" in 1990.[3]
In the 1992 feature film Wayne's World, Ferrari appeared as the guitarist of Crucial Taunt, reprising his role in Wayne's World 2 (1993). He followed these films with various TV appearances including "Murder, She Wrote" and "Step by Step". He also performed as a guest on Pantera's 1988 album, Power Metal, appearing on the track "Proud to Be Loud", which he wrote, and "We'll Meet Again".[4] An in-demand writer, he co-authored the track "5 Card Stud" with original Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley's on Frehley's solo release "Trouble Walkin'".
As a film/TV composer and producer, Ferrari was honored by the Academy of Arts and Sciences for his contributions to the 1995-1996 Emmy-Award-winning show "Guiding Light", and is a two-time recipient of ASCAP's "Special Writer Award". He is credited in over 125 film and television soundtracks.[5]
In the 1990s Ferrari wrote the column "Power Sources" for Metal Edge Magazine.
In 2002, Ferrari authored the book, Rock Star 101: A Rock Star's Guide to Survival and Success in the Music Business,[6] considered to be one of the most authoritative books on the subject, offering a unique perspective of the Music Business from the viewpoint of a working musician.
In the early 1990s, Ferrari founded MasterSource, a company that produced and licensed original music for television and film soundtracks and other media. Under his leadership, MasterSource became a prominent supplier of pre-cleared songs, source music and production music. The company was acquired by Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) in 2007.[7] Ferrari then worked as a senior executive at UMPG, serving as a division President from 2007 until 2012. Since 2012, Ferrari has continued to produce content for various UMPG production music libraries.[8]
In 2017, Ferrari became a published author for the second time with the release of a children's book called "Don't Dilly Dally, Silly Sally" (Belle Isle Books / ISBN 978-1939930811).[9][10] The Portsmouth Review praised the book as a "charming tale [that] easily captures the attention of children."[11]
Ferrari currently resides in Los Angeles, where he advises and invests in media and technology startups. He is an active member of the Tech Coast Angels network.[citation needed]
Discography
[edit]With Keel
[edit]- Lay Down the Law (1984)
- The Right to Rock (1985)
- The Final Frontier (1986)
- Keel (1987)
- Keel VI: Back in Action (1998)
- Streets of Rock & Roll (2010)
With Cold Sweat
[edit]- Break Out (1990)
- Unburied Alive (2024)
With Medicine Wheel
[edit]- First Things First (1994)
- Immoral Fabric (1996)
- Small Talk (1999)
Solo
[edit]- Guest List (1995)
- Lights, Camera Action! (2003)
As a guest musician & writer
[edit]- Black n Blue - Nasty Nasty (1986) guitar on "Best In The West"
- Pantera - Power Metal (1988) writer & producer on "Proud To Be Loud"
- Ace Frehley - Trouble Walkin' (1989) co-writer on "5 Card Stud"
References
[edit]- ^ Ognibene, Steve (March 18, 2023). "Musicians Of Note". The Batavian. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
- ^ "Keel biography". MTV. Archived from the original on February 14, 2016.
- ^ "Cold Sweat featured in Planet Radio Article". Planet Radio 1051. August 3, 2019.
- ^ "Marc Ferrari Full In Bloom Music Interview with Pantera Credits". Full In Bloom Music. Archived from the original on February 15, 2018. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
- ^ "Marc Ferrari credits on IMDb". IMDb.
- ^ ""Rock Star 101" book on Allworth Press Website". Allworth Press.
- ^ ""Universal Announces the Acquisition of MasterSource Music Catalog" article in UMPG Magazine" (PDF). Universal Music Publishing Group.
- ^ "Marc Ferrari - Latest works available on Universal Publishing Production Music Global Website". Universal Publishing Production Music.
- ^ "Ex-Rocker Living in Agoura Writes Children's Book". Ventura County Star.
- ^ "Rocker Enters the World of Kids' Literature". The Acorn.
- ^ ""Don't Dilly Dally, Silly Sally" by Marc Ferrari Book Review". Portsmouth Review. February 2017.
External links
[edit]Marc Ferrari
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Childhood and education
Marc Schumann (born January 27, 1962), later known professionally as Marc Ferrari, was born in Batavia, New York.[1] Ferrari was born and raised in Batavia, a small town in Western New York.[2] Ferrari's family background played a key role in sparking his interest in music; his mother frequently listened to records during her pregnancy, exposing him to sounds that later influenced his passion for the guitar, which began at age eight and became a lifelong obsession.[6] The local rock scene in Western New York provided additional environmental stimuli, immersing him in the regional music culture from a young age.[6] Ferrari attended high school in Batavia, New York, where he excelled academically and graduated as class salutatorian.[6] Following graduation, he moved to Boston before pursuing further opportunities elsewhere.[6] During his teenage years in Western New York, he began transitioning to performing music underage in local bars, marking the start of his engagement with live music scenes.[2]Early musical career beginnings
Marc Ferrari's early musical career took root in Western New York, where his upbringing in Western New York provided a foundation for his developing interest in rock music.[2] At the age of 13, he formed his first band, Whiplash, with members who were five to six years older, performing at backyard parties and campgrounds for small fees of around $5 per gig.[6] During his high school years, Ferrari played in the band Southbound, undertaking weekend performances in local bars and outdoor concerts, covering classic rock and Southern rock tunes, and building a dedicated following among high school peers.[6] These underage appearances on the Western New York bar circuit allowed him to hone his skills as a guitarist and performer despite his youth.[2] Following his graduation as class salutatorian, Ferrari relocated to Boston at age 19 in late 1980, drawn by the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene exemplified by bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest.[6] There, he joined the band Steel Assassin, recording demos and playing a handful of local gigs before the group disbanded.[6] He subsequently performed in an Aerosmith cover band called Last Child starting in 1982 and participated in studio recording sessions with renowned producer Jimmy Miller, formerly of the Rolling Stones.[7][2] In January 1984, Ferrari moved to Los Angeles to pursue greater opportunities in the hard rock scene, selling his unused return portion of a round-trip airline ticket to commit fully to the relocation.[6] Upon arrival, he engaged in early networking within the vibrant Sunset Strip community, including chance encounters at local spots like Melrose clothing stores, and secured small gigs, such as his first performance in the city in April 1984.[8] These initial experiences and connections paved the way for subsequent band auditions in the competitive Los Angeles music environment.[8]Music career
Time with Keel
Marc Ferrari joined Keel in early 1984 after relocating to Los Angeles from Boston, where he had been performing with an Aerosmith tribute band; this move directly facilitated his integration into the group's lineup as lead guitarist alongside Bryan Jay. The band, formed by vocalist Ron Keel in March 1984, quickly gained traction in the vibrant Los Angeles hard rock underground, with Ferrari's audition securing his role in shaping their aggressive, riff-driven sound.[7][9] By August 1984, Keel had signed with Gold Mountain Records, an A&M subsidiary, marking their entry into the major-label arena and aligning them with the exploding 1980s LA glam metal scene, where bands like Mötley Crüe and Ratt dominated the Sunset Strip circuit. Ferrari's contributions extended beyond guitar work; he co-wrote key tracks across albums such as The Right to Rock (1985) and the self-titled Keel (1987), often collaborating with Ron Keel to infuse the material with melodic solos and anthemic hooks that defined their hard rock edge. His style emphasized precise, high-energy leads that complemented the band's theatrical yet gritty aesthetic, helping establish Keel as a staple in the era's hair metal movement.[10][11][12] Between 1985 and 1987, Keel undertook extensive touring that amplified their visibility, opening for Dio on the European leg of the Sacred Heart tour in 1986, supporting Aerosmith during select U.S. stadium dates that summer, and serving as openers for Bon Jovi on the final stretch of the *Slippery When Wet* tour in 1987. These high-profile gigs, including sold-out club headline runs across the U.S. and Europe, showcased Ferrari's stage prowess and propelled Keel's rise amid the LA scene's peak, where their anthems resonated with fans drawn to the genre's rebellious energy.[10][13][14] Ferrari left Keel in early 1988 following the Keel album tour, primarily due to creative differences with Ron Keel over incorporating keyboards into the band's sound—a move Ferrari opposed as it deviated from their core hard rock foundation. This departure coincided with broader industry shifts, as the late-1980s glam metal wave began waning under the rising influence of grunge and alternative rock, prompting many LA acts to adapt or dissolve.[15][16]Cold Sweat
Following his departure from Keel, Marc Ferrari formed the band Cold Sweat in 1988 as a vehicle for his songwriting and guitar work, initially under the name Ferrari before adopting the current moniker inspired by Thin Lizzy's track.[17][18] The group signed with MCA Records and developed a harder-edged hard rock sound characterized by aggressive riffs and dual-guitar interplay, with Ferrari on lead guitar alongside Erik Gamans (ex-Waysted) on rhythm guitar, Rory Cathey on vocals, Chris McLernon on bass, and Anthony White on drums.[19][20] Cold Sweat released their debut album Break Out in 1990, but the band disbanded in 1991 amid diminishing label support from MCA and the broader industry shift toward grunge, which curtailed opportunities for glam-influenced hard rock acts.[17][16] In 2024, Ferrari revived Cold Sweat through a partnership with RFK Media, leading to the release of Unburied Alive, a compilation featuring four previously unreleased studio tracks from the early 1990s alongside vintage live recordings.[21] The reunion lineup retained core members including Cathey, Gamans, and McLernon, and the band performed their first shows in over three decades, highlighted by a set at the M3 Rock Festival on May 5, 2024, where they debuted material from the new release. The band also performed on the 2025 Monsters of Rock Cruise.[22][21] As of 2025, Cold Sweat remains active under RFK Media, with the vinyl edition of Unburied Alive, released on May 23, 2025, featuring an exclusive new bonus track, "Loud And Forever!", recorded specifically for the format to extend the band's high-energy hard rock legacy.[21]Medicine Wheel
Following the disbandment of Cold Sweat in 1991, Marc Ferrari formed Medicine Wheel in 1992 as a stylistic evolution toward a more introspective alternative rock sound, emphasizing deeper songwriting amid the rising grunge era.[2][8] The band was assembled by Ferrari with a core lineup including himself on lead guitar and vocals, alongside second guitarist Danny Gill, bassist Robbie Harrington, and drummer Ray Luzier; vocal duties varied across albums, with Michael Mulholland handling lead vocals on the debut and Keith St. John contributing on the second release.[23][24] Ferrari's dual roles as primary songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist allowed him to infuse the project with personal introspection, drawing on alternative influences to explore themes of emotional vulnerability and self-reflection during a period of his own professional transition into music production.[1][8] Recording sessions for Medicine Wheel's albums were conducted as a part-time endeavor between 1994 and 1998, often at Ferrari's budding production facilities, prioritizing polished arrangements and commercial viability over extensive touring; this process reflected his personal growth, as the music served as an outlet for mature lyrical content amid his shift from full-time band performance to entrepreneurial pursuits in licensing.[4][8] The thematic elements centered on relational dynamics and inner turmoil, with Ferrari's contributions emphasizing nuanced guitar work and vocal harmonies to convey a sense of evolving maturity in the face of 1990s rock's changing landscape.[25][8] Medicine Wheel released three albums—First Things First in 1994, Immoral Fabric in 1996, and Small Talk in 1998—before disbanding around 1998, as shifting industry priorities toward grunge and alternative acts diminished support for their hard rock-infused style, prompting members to pursue individual paths.[4][24][8]Solo work and collaborations
Following the dissolution of Medicine Wheel, Marc Ferrari embarked on his solo career, drawing from the hard rock foundations of his earlier band experiences to explore more collaborative and versatile songwriting. His debut solo album, Guest List, released in 1995 under the moniker Marc Ferrari & Friends, showcased a collection of rock tracks featuring guest appearances from prominent musicians in the Los Angeles scene, including Tommy Thayer.[26][27] This project highlighted Ferrari's ability to blend guitar-driven riffs with ensemble performances, marking his transition to independent artistry. In 2003, Ferrari released his second solo album, Lights, Camera, Action!, produced as a showcase of original rock material tailored for potential film and television use, featuring vocalists such as Bob Reynolds and Keith St. John.[2][28] During the late 1990s, Ferrari expanded into media compositions, writing theme songs "Capture the Dream" and "Chance of a Lifetime" for video productions tied to the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics, along with nine additional tracks from his catalog for athlete profiles.[2] He also contributed music to the Emmy Award-winning soap opera Guiding Light in 1995–1996, earning recognition from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for his thematic work that enhanced the show's dramatic segments.[29] Ferrari's guest appearances further diversified his output, including lead guitar duties on the track "Walk This Way" for the 1998 tribute album Welcome to the Aerosmithsonian: A Tribute to Aerosmith, alongside Ron Keel and Steve Fister.[30] His early soundtrack contributions extended to film and television, such as providing original music for the 2001 cult film Donnie Darko, where his compositions supported key atmospheric scenes.[5] These endeavors from 1995 to 2003 underscored Ferrari's growing role as a multifaceted contributor beyond traditional band settings.Later professional activities
Music publishing and production
Following the decline of his band Cold Sweat in 1991, Marc Ferrari leveraged his industry connections from his performing career to establish MasterSource in 1992 as an innovative production music library.[2] The company specialized in creating and licensing original, song-based tracks that mimicked the style of popular artists, providing affordable, high-quality options for television, film, and advertising without the high costs of celebrity licensing.[31] By the mid-2000s, MasterSource had grown into one of the leading independent music publishing entities, amassing over 3,000 compositions and master recordings that secured placements in thousands of TV shows, films, commercials, video games, promos, and trailers.[31] In January 2007, Universal Music Publishing Group acquired MasterSource, integrating it into its broader production music portfolio alongside libraries such as Killer Tracks and FirstCom Music.[2] Ferrari continued to lead the division as president, overseeing operations and sync licensing activities from Universal's Los Angeles headquarters until January 2012.[32] During this period, he managed the catalog's expansion and synchronization efforts, ensuring continued placements in visual media while maintaining MasterSource's focus on North American markets as a semi-autonomous entity within Universal.[33] Under Ferrari's management post-acquisition, MasterSource contributed to Universal's sync licensing pipeline by facilitating the use of its tracks in numerous television and film projects, building on the library's established reputation for versatile, production-ready music.[31] This era marked a transition for Ferrari from performer to executive, emphasizing strategic business growth in the competitive production music sector until he stepped down to pursue new ventures in music production and investment.[2] As of 2025, Ferrari continues to advise and invest in media and technology startups as a member of Tech Coast Angels.Writing, endorsements, and media contributions
In 2002, Ferrari published Rock Star 101: A Rock Star's Guide to Survival and Success in the Music Business through Allworth Press, drawing on his decades of experience to provide practical advice for aspiring musicians on navigating the industry, including contract negotiations, touring logistics, and personal survival strategies.[34] The book features firsthand anecdotes from his time on the road and in studios, emphasizing resilience and business acumen over mere artistic talent. In 2016, he authored the children's book Don't Dilly Dally, Silly Sally, illustrated in playful rhyme to celebrate uniqueness and determination.[35] Ferrari collaborated with Peavey Corporation to design and manufacture his signature guitar model, incorporating custom modifications such as unique body contours and hardware specifications tailored to his playing style.[2] Peavey acquired rights to several of these design elements, leading to limited production runs that highlighted Ferrari's influence in guitar innovation during the 1980s and 1990s.[36] Beyond his band work, Ferrari has contributed original compositions to film soundtracks, including the track "Money Hungry" co-written with Robin McAuley for Cruel Intentions (1999), and additional music for The Happening (2008) directed by M. Night Shyamalan.[5] These contributions underscore his versatility in scoring for cinematic projects, blending rock elements with narrative tension.[37] As of 2025, Ferrari remains active in media, participating in interviews that reflect on his career's evolution from 1980s glam metal to contemporary production and publishing.Discography
With Keel
Marc Ferrari served as lead guitarist for the heavy metal band Keel on their first four studio albums, contributing dual guitar parts alongside Bryan Jay and performing on all tracks. His playing featured prominent riffs and solos characteristic of the glam metal era, often co-arranged with bandleader Ron Keel.[9] Lay Down the Law (1984, Shrapnel Records) marked Keel's debut full-length release, recorded in June 1984 at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California. Ferrari is credited with lead and rhythm guitar on all tracks, emphasizing high-energy hard rock with influences from NWOBHM. The album was originally issued on vinyl and cassette formats.[38][9] Track listing:- "Thunder and Lightning" (Ron Keel) – 3:32
- "Lay Down the Law" (R. Keel) – 3:46
- "Speed Demon" (R. Keel) – 3:37
- "Princess of Illusion" (R. Keel) – 3:43
- "Born Ready" (R. Keel) – 2:59
- "Metal Generation" (R. Keel) – 3:08
- "Till Hell Freezes Over" (R. Keel) – 4:25
- "Tonight You're Mine" (R. Keel) – 3:00
- "Let's Spend the Night Together" (Mick Jagger, Keith Richards) – 3:45[38][39]
- "The Right to Rock" (R. Keel) – 3:35
- "Back to the City" (R. Keel) – 3:47
- "Let's Spend the Night Together" (Jagger, Richards) – 3:41
- "Easier Said Than Done" (R. Keel, Marc Ferrari, Bryan Jay) – 3:25
- "So Many Girls, So Little Time" (R. Keel, Ferrari, Jay) – 3:13
- "Electric Love" (R. Keel, Greg Chaisson) – 4:05
- "Speed Demon" (R. Keel) – 3:39
- "Get Down" (Simmons, Bryan Adams) – 5:02
- "You're the Victim (I'm the Crime)" (R. Keel) – 3:43
- "Night on the Town" (R. Keel, Ferrari, Jay) – 4:12[40]
- "The Final Frontier" (R. Keel, Chaisson) – 3:20
- "Rock and Roll Animal" (Ferrari) – 4:47
- "Because the Night" (Patti Smith, Bruce Springsteen) – 3:47
- "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow" (R. Keel) – 4:06
- "Arm and a Leg" (R. Keel, Ferrari, Jay) – 3:08
- "Raised on Rock" (R. Keel) – 3:10
- "Just Another Girl" (R. Keel) – 3:16
- "Tears of Fire" (R. Keel, Chaisson) – 4:22 (rhythm guitar guest: Mitch Perry)
- "Nightfall" (instrumental) – 1:52
- "No Pain No Gain" (R. Keel) – 3:46
- "United Nations" (R. Keel) – 4:05
- "Somebody's Waiting" (Jack Ponti, Russ Arcara) – 3:09
- "Cherry Lane" (R. Keel, Chaisson, Miller) – 3:57
- "Calm Before the Storm" (R. Keel, Ferrari, Jay) – 3:32
- "King of the Rock" (R. Keel) – 4:10
- "It's a Jungle Out There" (R. Keel) – 3:49
- "I Said the Wrong Thing to the Right Girl" (R. Keel) – 3:24
- "Mirrors" (R. Keel, Ferrari) – 3:19
- "So Many Years" (R. Keel) – 3:11
- "4th of July" (R. Keel, Ferrari, Jay, Chaisson, Miller) – 4:47
With Cold Sweat
Cold Sweat's debut album, Break Out, was released in June 1990 by MCA Records, marking Marc Ferrari's first project as the band's founder and lead guitarist following his departure from Keel.[42] The album features a hard rock sound with contributions from vocalist Rory Cathey, guitarist Erik Gamans, bassist Chris McLernon, and drummer Anthony White, and it includes singles such as "Big Mac."[43] The track listing is as follows:- "Four on the Floor" (4:11)
- "Cryin' Shame" (4:39)
- "Lovestruck" (3:06)
- "Waiting in Vain" (4:17)
- "Take This Heart of Mine" (3:54)
- "Killing Floor" (4:00)
- "Riviera/Long Way Down" (5:42)
- "Let's Make Love Tonight" (4:21)
- "Jump the Gun" (3:34)
- "Big Mac" (3:48)
- "Rock the House" (3:53)
With Medicine Wheel
Marc Ferrari served as guitarist and co-writer for Medicine Wheel's debut album First Things First, released in 1994 by the Japanese label Dream Circle Records. The album, co-produced by Ferrari and vocalist Michael Mulholland and recorded at Fortress Recorders in Hollywood, California, featured 11 tracks blending hard rock elements with melodic hooks. Ferrari co-wrote the material alongside guitarist Tommy Thayer, and he composed the instrumental "Classical Peace." The track listing is as follows:- "Hit and Run" (4:39)
- "Don't Promise Me the Moon" (5:18)
- "My Own Little World" (6:06)
- "Pain" (5:03)
- "Stay" (3:37)
- "Classical Peace / Flying Blind" (6:46)
- "Long on Love" (4:49)
- "Runaway Train" (4:36)
- "Walking into Walls" (4:10)
- "Blue Over You" (4:28)
- "Money to Burn" (5:09)
- "Love Generation" (3:19)
- "Autumn" (3:39)
- "Cellophane" (3:25)
- "The Sun Is in You" (4:14)
- "Colors" (2:36)
- "Beautified" (4:13)
- "Tin Man" (3:30)
- "Velvet Symphonies" (4:39)
- "Not Gonna Wait" (3:18)
- "Summer Daze" (4:30)
- "You'll Never Know" (3:57)
- "Small Talk" (4:00)
- "Fly" (4:18)
- "Come Around" (5:11)
- "Mountain" (4:16)
- "Already Gone" (4:38)
- "Vicious Cycle" (4:31)
- "High Wire" (3:17)
- "Cold Hard Light of Day" (3:44)
- "Touch and Go" (3:44)
- "Strange Pain" (4:08)
Solo albums
Marc Ferrari released his debut solo album, Guest List, in 1995 as an independent production under the moniker Marc Ferrari & Friends, showcasing his songwriting and guitar work alongside a roster of prominent rock musicians from his professional network.[26] The album features ten tracks blending hard rock and glam influences, with Ferrari handling lead guitar throughout and contributing bass on several songs. Featured guests include various vocalists and musicians. Ferrari produced the album, which was recorded to highlight collaborative energy drawn from his band experiences.[47]| Track | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cardshark | 4:13 |
| 2 | Long Gone | 3:50 |
| 3 | Cold Hands Warm Heart | 3:08 |
| 4 | The Night Is Young | 3:46 |
| 5 | Money Hungry | 4:12 |
| 6 | All Hell's Broke Loose | 4:06 |
| 7 | Run For The Border | 5:14 |
| 8 | She Don't Wanna See Me | 4:02 |
| 9 | Blind Faith | 4:57 |
| 10 | Rolling Thunder | 4:36 |
| Track | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Run The Road | 3:27 |
| 2 | Caution To The Wind | 4:14 |
| 3 | Wheelin' And Dealin' | 3:46 |
| 4 | Off The Deep End | 2:44 |
| 5 | Chance Of A Lifetime | 3:52 |
| 6 | Right On The Money | 4:11 |
| 7 | The Beat Of My Heart | 4:15 |
| 8 | Bad Mofo | 3:36 |
| 9 | To Hot To Sleep | 2:53 |
| 10 | Capture The Dream | 4:04 |
| 11 | Depths Of My Soul | 5:10 |
| 12 | The Story Of My Life | 3:02 |
