C.C. DeVille: Poison's Guitar God & Rock Legend - Uncovered!

03 May, 2025

Can a single guitar riff define an era? For many, the name C.C. DeVille, and the sounds he wrung from his instrument, are inextricably linked to the glam metal explosion of the late 1980s and early 1990s, a period of excess, flamboyant style, and unforgettable music.

From the gritty streets of Brooklyn, New York, where Bruce Anthony Johannesson, later known as C.C. DeVille, first drew breath on May 14, 1962, to the sold-out arenas where he would later electrify audiences, the journey of this American guitarist and actor is a compelling story of talent, tribulation, and ultimate redemption. His story, like the era he helped define, is a rollercoaster, filled with soaring highs and crashing lows, a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Bruce Anthony Johannesson
Stage Name	C.C. DeVille
Born	May 14, 1962
Birthplace	Brooklyn, New York, USA
Nationality	American
Occupation	Guitarist, Actor, Composer
Known For	Lead Guitarist of Poison, Solo work, Actor
Bands/Groups	Poison, Samantha 7
Notable Works (Film/TV)	Mr. Smith (2005), Friday Night Lights (2004), Rock of Ages (2012)
Musical Style	Glam Metal, Hard Rock
Record Sales (with Poison)	Over 45 million worldwide, 15 million in the US
Personal Life	Recovered from substance abuse, Rejoined Poison after leaving the band
Associated Acts	Bret Michaels, Bobby Dall, Rikki Rockett
Website (Reference)	IMDb

C.C. DeVille's story isn't just one of musical achievement; it's a narrative etched with the high-octane energy of the Sunset Strip, the pitfalls of fame, and the struggles of personal demons. Before the MTV-fueled frenzy that propelled Poison to superstardom, DeVille was a musician honing his craft, absorbing the influences that would shape his signature style. He began studying music theory at New York University, though he didn't finish his studies. The seeds of his future were sown in the vibrant tapestry of the city, a crucible where musical dreams were forged.

The late 80s witnessed a seismic shift in the music landscape, and DeVille was at the epicenter of the storm. Poison, formed in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1983, became a phenomenon, a band that perfectly captured the era's spirit of excess and entertainment. With DeVille's flamboyant guitar work, Bret Michaels' charismatic vocals, Bobby Dall's solid bass lines, and Rikki Rockett's driving drumbeats, Poison crafted a sound that resonated with millions. Their music, a potent blend of hard rock and pop sensibilities, became the soundtrack for a generation. Poison dominated the music scene in the 1980s and 1990s. The bands most successful lineup, including Michaels, Dall, Rockett, and DeVille, etched its name into the annals of rock history.

The band's success, however, came with a price. The pressures of fame, the constant touring, and the temptations that surrounded them took their toll. One of the most troubling stories to stem from the era of metal glam rock of the late '80s is that of C.C. DeVille, guitarist of the notorious hair band Poison. The 1991 MTV Video Music Awards show in Los Angeles, as the bands career imploded, served as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that can accompany such heights. The incident, a disastrous performance, underscored the challenges faced by the band. As his friend said, "Is obnoxious, so he'd be a great" .

The infamous 1991 MTV Video Music Awards performance is a watershed moment in the Poison saga. As one might remember, C.C. DeVille started the wrong song (Talk Dirty to Me), and the rest of the band went along. It was a chaotic display, a raw reflection of the internal tensions that were brewing within the band. This disastrous performance led to guitarist C.C. DeVille. The performance brought into sharp focus the personal struggles that were beginning to consume the band. The bands internal conflicts were becoming apparent, leading to the departure of DeVille. The band's performance that day was less than stellar, but fans still loved the iconic band. This event would mark a low point, but it wouldn't be the end of DeVille's story.

His journey was not without its missteps. His "insane live solo!" became legendary, a testament to his electrifying stage presence and remarkable guitar skills. As DeVille himself would later reveal, the years following the height of Poison's fame were marked by struggles with substance abuse. It was a dark period, one that threatened to derail his career and his life. He was battling personal demons that were taking a toll on him, just as the band was falling apart. The rock and roll lifestyle that was once so appealing had transformed into a cycle of destruction.

But the story of C.C. DeVille is ultimately a story of redemption. He made a conscious decision to clean up and focus on the things that truly mattered. He reconnected with his fianc\u00e9e, and he began the long and arduous process of putting his life back together. Its a journey that demonstrates his resilience and the power of overcoming adversity.

One of the most anticipated rock shows of the summer of '99 was the poison reunion tour, which brought back together singer bret michaels, bassist bobby dall, drummer rikki rockett, and guitarist c.c.. The reunion was a testament to the enduring power of their music and the fans' unwavering loyalty. He rejoined the band, this time armed with a renewed sense of purpose, a desire to make amends, and a commitment to his sobriety. The reunion tour brought back together singer bret michaels, bassist bobby dall, drummer rikki rockett, and guitarist c.c.

The "Poison" reunion tour was a huge success, proving that the band's music still held a powerful sway over audiences. The tour marked a significant moment of renewal. It was a chance for DeVille to reconnect with his bandmates, to embrace the music that had defined his career. The return of the band was a monumental occasion for fans. The tour offered an opportunity to celebrate the music that had once brought so much joy and excitement to millions. In the world of music, the name C.C. DeVille will always come to mind when thinking of iconic guitarists.

Classic rock revisited founder Jeb Wright conducted an interview with poisons C.C. DeVille to discuss the guitarists journey to becoming clean and sober. The interview provided a poignant look at his personal journey. He has a cocky attitude and is a control freak. He is working with his inner demons and is ready to play again! The developmental trajectory of C.C. DeVilles playing style is a compelling narrative, with layers of complexity that offer rich insights into the artists personal world. This reflected his growth as an artist and as a person.

Beyond Poison, DeVille has explored various creative avenues. He formed the band Samantha 7, showcasing his versatility. His acting career expanded with appearances in films and television shows, including "Mr. Smith," "Friday Night Lights," and "Rock of Ages." The musical "Rock of Ages," which debuted on Broadway in 2009, further highlighted his influence, with two Poison songs featured in the production. The 2009 Tony Awards opened with Poison performing "Nothin' But a Good Time" alongside "Rock of Ages" cast members, another symbol of his ongoing success.

The lasting impact of C.C. DeVille extends beyond the music. He continues to inspire guitarists, demonstrating the technical skills, and the creative expression that can be achieved with a six-string instrument. As DeVille himself stated, his life is a testament to the idea that even the most turbulent journeys can lead to hope, renewal, and continued creativity. His enduring story ensures that the name C.C. DeVille will continue to be synonymous with electrifying rock music.

POISON BAND Bret Michaels CC DeVille Rikki Rockett Bobby Dall 8x10

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