CC Deville - The Story Of A Rock Guitarist

For anyone who followed the loud, bright music scene of the late 1980s, the name CC Deville certainly rings a bell. He was, you see, the guitar player for a very well-known group called Poison. It is, perhaps, a rather interesting tale that comes from that time, especially when you think about the journey of this particular musician.

His story, in some respects, touches on the ups and downs that many artists faced during that period. From the wild stages of glam rock to more personal moments, his path shows a lot of different experiences. You might be wondering, for example, what exactly makes his guitar playing so distinctive, or what he has been up to when not making music.

This piece will take a closer look at the life and work of this iconic figure. We will explore his beginnings, his unique way of playing the guitar, and even some of the more private challenges he has faced. It is, more or less, a way to appreciate the lasting impact he has had on music, and how his personal journey has unfolded.

The Early Days of cc deville
Who is cc deville, really?
What Makes cc deville's Playing Style So Special?
The Sound of cc deville
Life Beyond the Stage - What Else Has cc deville Done?
How Did cc deville Face His Personal Battles?
The Band and The Big Numbers for cc deville
What About The Poison Reunion With cc deville?
Personal Glimpses of cc deville
A Final Look at cc deville

The Early Days of cc deville

The story of CC Deville, the guitar player for the well-known group Poison, is one that comes from a rather interesting time in music, especially the loud and bright kind of rock that was popular in the late 1980s. He joined this group back in 1985, which was after he tried out for them, even trying out alongside another well-known guitar player, Slash. His joining the band really helped them become very successful in terms of selling records and getting known by lots of people.

Before he was a big name in music, CC Deville was born Bruce Anthony Johannesson. He came into the world on May 14, 1962, in a part of Brooklyn, New York City, called Bay Ridge. So, you know, he started out in a pretty busy place. His path into the music world began in the late 1980s, and he has been a part of that scene ever since. It's almost as if he was meant to be on stage with a guitar in his hands, making a lot of noise and getting people excited.

His work with the group Poison has, in fact, sold a truly impressive amount of records all over the world, adding up to more than 45 million copies. And, just in the United States, about 15 million of those records found their way into people's homes. This really shows just how much people connected with the music he helped create. He is, to be honest, a rather significant figure in that whole glam metal style of music, known for his lively way of performing and his exciting guitar playing.

Who is cc deville, really?

People often wonder about the person behind the guitar. CC Deville, whose birth name is Bruce Anthony Johannesson, is known for being the main guitar player and sometimes a singer for the band Poison. He is, apparently, also a person of Christian faith, which is something that might not be widely known to everyone who enjoys his music. It gives a little more depth to his public persona, you might say.

When it comes to his personal details, there are a few things that help paint a clearer picture of the man. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, which is a place that has given us many talented people. His birthday, May 14, 1962, means he has seen quite a bit of life and changes in the music world. He is, actually, considered one of the most popular and financially successful guitar players who was born in that particular state. Here are some of those personal details:

Detail	Information
Real Name	Bruce Anthony Johannesson
Birth Date	May 14, 1962
Birth Place	Brooklyn, New York, USA
Known For	Lead Guitarist and Vocalist of Poison
Other Work	Actor, Composer
Faith	Christian

He is, also, quite famous for his very energetic way of being on stage and his truly remarkable talent with the guitar. When you think of guitar players who really stand out, his name comes up pretty quickly. He is, in a way, a performer who knows how to get a crowd going and keep them interested from the first note to the last. This has, you know, been a big part of his appeal for a long time.

What Makes cc deville's Playing Style So Special?

When you listen to CC Deville play the guitar, there is a distinct sound that really makes his style stand out. He has a way of putting together sounds that is very much his own, whether he is playing a slower, more emotional song or a fast, energetic rock anthem. His playing is, you see, a kind of tribute to his own way of doing things and the methods he uses to create music. It is, perhaps, what makes so many people recognize his guitar work right away.

He takes ideas and sounds from a few very famous guitar players and mixes them into his own playing. For example, you can hear bits of Van Halen, who was known for his quick and flashy guitar work. There are also hints of Page, from a very well-known British rock group, and Gilmour, another guitar player known for his thoughtful and expressive solos. CC Deville, more or less, takes these different sounds and makes them his own when he plays his solos and the main guitar parts of songs. It is a unique blend, to be honest.

One of the ways he really showed his skill was by creating the main guitar part for the song "Talk Dirty to Me." He showed this particular guitar part to the band, and it became a very big hit for them. This shows, in a way, his ability to come up with memorable sounds that really stick with people. It is, quite simply, a classic example of his creative input and how it shaped the group's sound.

The Sound of cc deville

The sound of CC Deville's guitar playing is something that really defines the music of Poison. It is, quite simply, a big part of why their songs are so recognizable. He has a particular touch, a way of bending notes and making them sing, that is very much his own. This distinct sound is, you know, present in everything from the slower, more heartfelt songs to the very fast and loud rock songs that made the band famous. It is a sound that, in some respects, helped define an entire era of music.

His approach to playing is often described as energetic and full of life, which matches his stage presence very well. He is, after all, known for being a true "firestarter" on stage, someone who really gets things going. This energy comes through in his guitar playing, too, making it exciting and often quite surprising. You never quite know what he will do next, which is part of the fun of listening to him play. He really does, you see, bring a lot of zest to his instrument.

He is, perhaps, also known for a particular live guitar solo that many people have watched over and over again. It is, apparently, so impressive that some people felt they had to see it many times just to take it all in. This kind of performance really highlights his talent and his ability to capture an audience with his playing. It shows, to be honest, that he is a master of his craft, able to create truly memorable moments with his guitar.

Life Beyond the Stage - What Else Has cc deville Done?

Beyond his well-known work as a guitar player, CC Deville has also spent time doing other things. He is, for example, an actor and a composer, which means he has worked on music for other projects besides his band. This shows, you know, that his talents go beyond just playing the guitar for a rock group. He has, in a way, explored different creative avenues, which is pretty interesting for a rock star.

He has appeared in a few movies and television programs. For instance, he was in a movie called "Mr. Smith" which came out in 2005. He also had a part in the television show "Friday Night Lights," which started in 2004. And, he was in the movie "Rock of Ages," which came out in 2012. These roles show that he is, in some respects, comfortable in front of a camera, not just on a concert stage. It is, quite simply, another side to his creative work.

There was, for example, a time when another musician, Michael Sweet, who is known from the band Stryper, asked CC Deville to join his group. However, CC Deville decided not to take him up on that offer. This little bit of information shows that he has, you see, had other opportunities in the music world, but he has chosen his own path. It is, perhaps, a testament to his dedication to Poison, or simply his desire to follow his own creative instincts.

How Did cc deville Face His Personal Battles?

One of the more difficult parts of his story, which comes from the time of that loud and bright rock music of the late 1980s, involves his personal struggles. CC Deville, the guitar player for the very well-known group Poison, has openly talked about his fight with alcohol and drugs. This is, you know, a very personal and challenging thing for anyone to go through, especially when you are in the public eye. It shows a different side to the rock and roll lifestyle, one that is not always so glamorous.

He made a very important choice to get clean and sober, which is a big step for anyone dealing with such difficulties. He has, apparently, talked about how grateful he is to still have his band, Poison, even after twenty years of being together. This shows, in a way, the strength of his personal resolve and his deep appreciation for the music and the people he works with. It is, quite simply, a powerful part of his story, showing how he overcame significant personal hurdles.

There was, for instance, an interview with Jeb Wright, who started Classic Rock Revisited, where CC Deville talked about these struggles in full. This kind of open conversation is, to be honest, very brave and can help other people who might be facing similar problems. It gives a more complete picture of the person, showing that even those who seem to have it all can face very real and difficult challenges. His journey to sobriety is, you see, a significant part of his life's story.

The Band and The Big Numbers for cc deville

The group Poison, with CC Deville as a key member, really made a big splash in the music world in 1986. Their first record, called "Look What the Cat Dragged In," was a huge success right away. Many people, at first, were not quite sure what to make of them, but they certainly got everyone's attention. This album was, you know, a very important moment for the band, setting them on a path to widespread fame.

As mentioned earlier, his work with the band has led to truly impressive sales figures. They have sold more than 45 million records all over the world, with 15 million of those sales happening in the United States alone. These numbers really show the wide reach and popularity of the music that CC Deville helped create with Poison. It is, perhaps, a testament to how much their songs connected with a lot of people during that time and even now. These are, basically, very big numbers for any music group.

The core members of Poison, who have been together for many of their big moments, include singer Bret Michaels, bass player Bobby Dall, drum player Rikki Rockett, and, of course, CC Deville on guitar. This group of four has, in a way, been the driving force behind the band's success for a long time. Their combined talents and personalities have, you see, created a distinct sound and a very memorable stage presence that fans really enjoy.

What About The Poison Reunion With cc deville?

One of the most talked-about rock shows of the summer of 1999 was the Poison reunion tour. This tour brought back together the main members of the band: Bret Michaels, Bobby Dall, Rikki Rockett, and CC Deville. It was, you know, a big deal for fans who had been waiting to see the group play together again. These kinds of reunions are, in some respects, very special moments for people who have followed a band for a long time.

There have been, apparently, some stories about disagreements between CC Deville and Bret Michaels over the years. Bret Michaels, for instance, talked about a couple of times when he had arguments with CC Deville during an appearance on the Steve Gorman Sports Show. These kinds of things can happen in any group of people who work closely together for a long time. It shows, to be honest, that even successful bands have their ups and downs, just like anyone else.

Despite any past differences, the fact that the band members came back together for a tour speaks volumes about their connection to the music and their fans. It is, perhaps, a way of showing that the music and the shared experience are more important than any small disagreements. The reunion tour was, you see, a chance for fans to relive some of their favorite musical moments and see these iconic performers on stage once more.

Personal Glimpses of cc deville

Beyond the bright lights and loud music, there are a few more personal things about CC Deville that people might find interesting. He has, for example, an official social media page where fans can connect and see what he is up to. This page, which has a good number of people following it, is a place where he shares updates and interacts with those who appreciate his work. It is, you know, a way for him to stay in touch with his audience directly.

There was, also, a story about a very difficult performance that happened about thirty years ago, which apparently led to some big problems for the band's guitar player, CC Deville. While the details are not fully given, it hints at some of the challenges and difficult moments that can happen in a musician's career. It shows, in a way, that not every moment on stage is perfect, and sometimes things can go wrong, which is pretty normal for live shows.

People who follow him often look for details about his birthday, what he did before he became famous, and even things about his family life. They also enjoy finding out little fun facts and seeing where he ranks in terms of popularity among other musicians. These bits of information give a more complete picture of the person, allowing fans to feel a little closer to the artist they admire. It is, quite simply, a way to learn more about the man behind the music.

A Final Look at cc deville

This article has explored the life and career of CC Deville, the well-known guitar player for the band Poison. We began by looking at his early days, his birth in Brooklyn, and how he joined Poison in 1985, contributing to their massive success with over 45 million records sold. We then examined his distinct guitar style, noting his ability to blend influences from other famous players and create memorable guitar parts like the one for "Talk Dirty to Me." The piece also touched on his work outside of music, including his acting roles in movies and TV shows, and his decision not to join another band when asked.

A significant part of his story involves his personal struggles with alcohol and drugs, and his journey to sobriety, expressing gratitude for his band's continued existence after many years. We also looked at the band's impact, from their debut album in 1986 to the successful 1999 reunion tour with Bret Michaels, Bobby Dall, and Rikki Rockett. Finally, we touched on personal glimpses, including his social media presence, past performance challenges, and the general interest fans have in his background and personal life. His journey shows a blend of musical talent, personal resilience, and a lasting impact on the rock music scene.