FROM MICHAEL BRUZA~
It was a time when guys had longer hair than girls, you could afford to buy a drink because it was quarter beer night and all the rock bands were writing simple, catchy songs about having fun.
Razzem came onto the Detroit rock-n-roll scene at the height of a period that is now known as “Glam Metal”, or “Hair Metal” (1983-1992). It was a dominant genre in popular rock music that ruled the radio. The four members of Razzem, Michael Bruza, Doug Fecteau, Eddie Golatka and Byrn were all high school friends. We met in school and played in an earlier version of Razzem for our high school “Battle of the Bands”. From the beginning we never set out to change the music world, that was an undertaking for amazing bands like U2. Instead, we were following in the footsteps of bands like Van Halen, Bon Jovi and Ratt. We created our own sound that was reminiscent of the rock we heard on the radio and the driving sound that was popular in the Detroit bar scene. We loved writing and playing music together, regardless of where it would take us. We spent more hours with each other than most married couples spend. We shared laughter, anger, love and sorrow. Bands like us shared a bond that couldn't be duplicated again for the rest of our lives. We loved to entertain, to be the first ones at each show and the last to leave. We were always overwhelmed and grateful to see the amount of people that would come out to see us, sing along to our songs and become new friends. We were proud to be a part of the Detroit rock scene, that never really got its chance to make a mark in the history of Glam Metal.
Today, most of the members of Razzem are still in contact with each other, sharing more laughs and memories. I, (Michael) am married, living in Los Angeles. Doug , Eddie and Byrn are also married, living in Michigan...................................
FROM EDDIE GOLATKA~
And to think.. 16 years later the music that celebrated that era is still as fresh as it was in 1991. I have fond memories from that period, and satisfied of the memory our friends and fans still have. Starting in high school as 'Back Track', then building stronger through the years having many lineup changes, writing dozens of songs, then taking over the Detroit scene as RAZZEM opening for great national acts like 'Tyketto' and 'Kingofthehill', and playing for thousands of people throughout Michigan as a premier headliner.
We persued our dreams of writing great music, playing live, recording a concert video, having over-the-top stage shows...and just making people smile!
We were a band, a band of brothers... 4 best friends. I will never forget Doug, Mike, and Byrn, and hope the memory of Razzem's character and music, and our friendship, continue to keep us together.
...and I hope that all our friends and fans reconnect with all us in the same matter..............
RAZZEM AS BACK TRACK FROM-1986! "PARTY PLACE" LIVE 9/26/91
If I ever had a reason to say OMG!!! This is IT! HolyCrap! I dont think any of us ever saw that video... I was mezmerized... just froze and watched as goose bumps went down my spine!!! The crowd was so awesome! So supportive, I couldnt believe it!!! Wow one of the highlights of my life! Thanks Brian for providing such a treasured memeory!!!
Love the new video! It's a glimpse of what we'll see on the 17th! Those young bands are nothing compared to you guys, you'll still be able to rock out like you did "back in the day"!!
Wow! Now that was some hair!!! What awesome pics, Eddie! Thanks for sharing them.
I do remember Razzem, but mostly the feeling that comes up is jealousy because I was too young to get into the bar to see them. Back Track was the sh*t. I can recall St. Edmunds in 85...with Downey in those shiny pants and Muccino with the crazy hair. I was young, drunk, and screaming my head off for my first love who was rockin' out on the drums. ~HOTCAKES & SYRUP 4-EVER!!!!
Checking out YourSpace here; makes me very dissapointed I never knew you in this incarnation, only as BackTraxx. Then again, I may have seen you - those years aren't exactly clear, if you know what I mean. But it looks like it was a riot and I say, "long live WWT musicians!" Eddie, thanks for coming out to see us and Bruza, I'll see you in less than two weeks!
I remember listening to you play your drums in your basement when you were trying out out for Back Track,this was about the time they were considering the name change to Razzem,I still remember Mike showing me his preliminary artwork We praticed in a storage unit in the middle of winter I was in between bands and not sure what direction to go,my band was called Y.B.SHY
whats up th-? We had a blast too! It was great to see you!! By the way..., it looks like you could use some more pics!! Me and Karen have some choice photos! How can I get them to you?
I only knew you guys as Back Track! I used to wear Doug's Gold BT necklace =)I have lots of good memories of beer tents and some wild parties. Glad to see you are all well =0) Nicely done myspace page....listening to the tracks brought back lots of memories...Thanks! Linda
WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GOOD TO SEE THIS HAPPENING !!!!!!! I played keys for a short time with you guys,Wish you would add the songs "she's got a gun" and "boogie with me" ( I think that was the name ? ) Hope to see you playing out again!!! Good Luck, Ron J.
If you know Deanna Ford you know me! We were always together. I remember you....not as clearly as I may like to. That part of my life is a little hazy if you know what I mean.
