Cowboy Mach Bell – Joe Perry Project 1982-84 – Analysis of all songs from “Once a Rocker, Always a Rocker.” video feature.

By Thomas S. Orwat, Jr.

Cowboy Mach Bell – Joe Perry Project 1982-84 – “Glam Metal Interview Series” – Episode #16 – February 9, 2021. Track by Track analysis of every song from the 1983 Joe Perry Project release “Once a Rocker, Always a Rocker.”

Rock Music icon Joe Perry, guitarist for the multi-platinum, arena headlining band Aerosmith, abruptly left Aerosmith in late 1979, during the recording sessions for the band’s “Night in The Ruts” record. Shortly afterwards, Joe Perry started his own band called the Joe Perry Project.

The Joe Perry Project released it’s debut record “Let The Music Do The Talking” in 1980, featuring Ralph Morman (formerly of Savoy Brown) on vocals. Morman was then replaced by Charlie Farren for the 2nd Joe Perry Project release, “I’ve Got the Rock and Rolls Again,” released in 1981.

“Once a Rocker, Always a Rocker” was the third record from the Joe Perry Project. It was originally titled as “Round 3” but was changed to “Once a Rocker, Always a Rocker.” It was released in September of 1983 on MCA records and featured a new band backing Perry, consisting of Cowboy Mach Bell – vocals, Danny Hargrove – bass, and Joe Pet – drums.

This record consisted of 10 hard rocking songs, with some of the best guitar work that Perry had ever recorded. Vocalist Cowboy Mach Bell was a dynamic singer/front man with a penchant for writing very catchy lyrics. This version of the Joe Perry Project was an exciting, focused and energetic live band. However, “Once A Rocker, Always A Rocker” turned out to be the last record for the Joe Perry Project. Perry reunited with Aerosmith in April 1984 and shortly after, Aerosmith was on trek to once again become one of the most dominate forces in rock music.

“Once A Rock, Always A Rocker” Track Listing:

“Once a Rocker, Always a Rocker” – 2:58
“Black Velvet Pants” – 3:20 (Perry)
“Women in Chains” – 4:05 (Ronnie Brooks, Harold Tipton, Tom DeLuca)
“Four Guns West” – 4:28
“Crossfire” – 5:43
“Adrianna” – 3:20
“King of the Kings” – 4:02
“Bang a Gong” – 3:55 (Bolan) – T. Rex cover
“Walk with Me Sally” – 3:14
“Never Wanna Stop” – 4:27

What follows is another exclusive video interview with Cowbell Mach Bell, in which we discuss every track from the 1983 Joe Perry Project release “Once a Rocker, Always a Rocker.”

For more on the 1982 -84 Joe Perry Project, you can also purchase Cowboy Mach Bell’s incredible book, “Once a Rocker, Always a Rocker”: A Diary. at www.oncearocker.com