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Steelheart's Miljenko Matijevic Unleashes Epic 'Without You' Cover After 30-Year Wait

By Jason •
The metal maestro dives deep into nostalgia with a powerful orchestral rendition of the Badfinger classic.

In a stunning turn of events that intertwines the threads of nostalgia and sheer vocal power, STEELHEART frontman Miljenko Matijevic has unleashed his long-awaited cover of Badfinger's 'Without You'. This isn't just any rendition; it's a monumental piece, featuring a 40-piece orchestra that elevates the emotional weight of the song to unprecedented heights. After sitting on this gem since 1996, Matijevic’s timing couldn’t be more perfect as he celebrates three decades of rock dominance.

'Without You' has been a haunting anthem since its original release on Badfinger's 1970 album 'No Dice', but Matijevic's version promises to be the definitive interpretation that fans have long awaited. Known for his powerful hits like 'She's Gone' and 'I'll Never Let You Go (Angel Eyes)', Matijevic has crafted what he describes as the most emotional vocal performance of his career, and it's ready to take the metal world by storm.

This release is part of the 'Steelheart 30' campaign, a celebration of the band's monumental journey since their self-titled debut album dropped on July 10, 1990. That landmark record sold an astonishing 33,000 copies on its first day in Japan and went on to achieve platinum status. The power ballad 'She's Gone' dominated international charts for 17 weeks and has since racked up over 278 million streams on Spotify, with a newly released orchestral video that has fans buzzing.

Matijevic's reimagining of 'Without You' comes at a time when STEELHEART is experiencing a resurgence. The band is not only releasing this poignant track but also celebrating their legacy with re-recordings, remixes, and orchestral sessions, alongside a limited run of 500 signed and numbered vinyl records. Recently, Matijevic collaborated with TESLA's Jeff Keith on a cover of FOGHAT's 'I Just Wanna Make Love To You', adding yet another layer to his impressive catalog.

Born in Zagreb, Croatia, and migrating to the U.S. at the tender age of six, Matijevic has defied the odds and carved out a legendary career in rock. From his tenure with STEELHEART to his role as the singing voice for Mark Wahlberg in 'Rock Star', and even fronting THE DOORS alongside rock legends Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger, his journey is nothing short of extraordinary. After overcoming life-threatening injuries from a 1992 stage accident, he stands as a beacon of resilience in the music scene.

As if that wasn't enough to get the metal community hyped, fans can expect a brand new hard rock project from Matijevic in 2026, teaming up with Niclas Englin of THE HALO EFFECT and ex-IN FLAMES fame. Keep your ears to the ground; this metal titan is just getting started.