PORT ST. LUCIE PEOPLE
The ROCK STAR
An interview with Michael “Spaz” McGoorty is an
exercise in patience as well as humor. “I’m the best
multitasker you’ll ever see,” he says while texting
and answering a phone call. Well known throughout
the Treasure Coast and beyond for his singing, acting and
comedy, McGoorty — like many residents — was not always
a Floridian.
Born in Chicago, McGoorty grew up in Detroit, joining the
U.S. Navy in 1974. “I was Popeye. Literally. A boatswain’s
mate.” That wasn’t his intention, however. “I was lied to by a
recruiter,” he says with a laugh. “He told me I’d be singing in
a rock and roll band for the Navy. How could you say ‘No’ to
that?”
When McGoorty boarded his ship, however, he was
handed a mop, not a mic. “Boatswain’s mates take care of the
ship, painting, other maintenance duties. Eventually I ran the
ship’s radio and TV station, but that wasn’t my job title either.
I was supposed to be a journalist!” They messed his orders
up so badly, he says, “that I made some noise about it and
they let me out.”
Making noise has been a significant part of McGoorty’s life.
For 40 years, he has sung lead with the Detroit-based band,
Cadillac Kidz. “Years back, there’d been some dissension
in the band, and my job moved to Florida in 1986. I wasn’t
happy about it, but I’m still in the band. I go back and forth
now for concerts.”
In Florida, McGoorty is affiliated with Cadillac Bratz and
simply The Spaz Band, playing for private functions and at local
bars and restaurants. Cadillac Bratz was a fixture on Florida’s
concert scene at one time, whether opening for bands
or headlining. They played frequently at Disney’s Pleasure
Island and were featured on “Club Jam,” a television show.
Their 1991 hit “Fasten Your Seatbelts” was popular enough to
get airplay on every major radio station in the state.
42 Port St. Lucie Magazine
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BY ELLEN GILLETTE
THOMAS WINTER
Michael “Spaz” McGoorty belts out a song as lead singer for the Pure Zeppelin Experience, a touring cover band associated with Artists for Multiple Sclerosis.
At 63, McGoorty still has a heart — and the voice — for rock and roll.