Rock ‘n’ Roll Vocalist, Educator, Pioneer.
When it comes to living a rock and roll dream, few have stories as rich and varied as Machan Taylor. From sharing the stage with Pink Floyd, Pat Benatar, and Foreigner, to shaping the next generation at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute, Machan’s life is a masterclass in versatility, resilience, and reinvention.
In this exclusive Metal Mayhem ROC conversation, we dive deep into her life—from touring the world with legends to shaping students in a post-pandemic world.
🎓 The Accidental Educator: Machan’s Unexpected Path to Academia
After years on the road with rock royalty, Machan’s career took an unexpected turn. Post-tour with Sting in 2000, she decided it was time for a change.
“I never planned to teach. But after that tour, I knew I needed something different. I went back to school, got my bachelor’s and master’s from NYU, and now I’ve been teaching at the Clive Davis Institute for over 10 years.”
Now, she empowers young artists with tools for survival in the music business—songwriting, production, branding, and more.
🎤 Behind the Scenes of a Power Ballad: Leading Foreigner’s On-Tour Choir
In 1985, Foreigner’s mega-hit “I Want to Know What Love Is” needed a gospel choir on tour. But how do you organize a new choir every night in a different city—before the internet?
“They told me, ‘If you can figure this out, you’ve got the job.’ I was in my 20s with no idea how to do it. But I pulled it off.”
Using phonebooks, church directories, and cassette tapes, Machan pulled off nightly miracles. In Madison Square Garden alone, she assembled 200 local singers.
💪 Sisterhood on Stage: Touring with Pat Benatar
Machan’s next chapter led to Pat Benatar’s Seven the Hard Way tour. It was a moment of change for Benatar—new motherhood, label friction, and a shifting image.
“Patty was always so kind. She was a rock goddess, but down-to-earth. Touring with her felt like being part of something meaningful, especially as a young woman in rock.”
🌌 Enter the Dreamscape: Joining Pink Floyd’s Monumental 1987-88 Tour
Imagine getting a call out of the blue: David Gilmour wants to meet you. That’s exactly how Machan joined Pink Floyd’s A Momentary Lapse of Reason Tour.
“I didn’t even audition. He trusted the recommendation. I showed up, we talked, and I got the gig.”
Rehearsals took place in an aircraft hangar in Toronto. The production was massive—lasers, pyro, and yes, the legendary inflatable pig.
“The pig had such huge testicles. People loved it. It was hilarious!”
Machan’s role included performing “Great Gig in the Sky” and contributing rich harmonies from the front of the stage—yes, front.
🎸 The Sting That Lingers: Touring Brand New Day
In 1999, Machan joined Sting on his Brand New Day Tour, featuring the global hit “Desert Rose.”
“Sting’s a rock star through and through. He’s been one since he was 25. It was a short tour for me—just six months—but incredibly impactful. Some of that story is best saved for the book.”
🐷 From Pink Floyd to the Dark Side of the Mule
Years later, Machan joined Gov’t Mule’s Dark Side of the Mule tour—a Floyd tribute blended with jam band improvisation.
“Mule isn’t karaoke. They bring their own flavor. But Warren Haynes? He nails David Gilmour’s parts—vocals and guitar. It was a joy to reinterpret those songs with Sophia Ramos and the band.”
And yes, she was married to Gov’t Mule’s Danny Louis—which made hotel logistics easier on the road.
📺 Soul Train, Jingles & Leonard Cohen: The Session Singer Life
Beyond stadiums, Machan has sung on movie soundtracks like Natural Born Killers, ads for KFC, ShopRite, and even performed on Soul Train with Don Cornelius.
“That’s how I met Danny. He was writing jingles in New York before Mule. Funny how things come full circle.”
📖 Coming Soon: A Memoir of Music, Chaos & Reinvention
Machan is currently finishing her memoir—a deeply personal chronicle of her time in rock, the studio world, and academic life.
“It’s almost done. I have a publisher and I’m excited for what comes next. There’s a lot in there that I haven’t shared yet—until now.”
🔗 Stay Connected with Machan Taylor
For updates on her book release, upcoming performances, and academic ventures, visit:
👉 www.machantaylor.com
👉 Watch the full interview here:
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