Virginia native Norman Voss is best known as the bassist for The Bret Michaels Band and as vocalist and frontman for Stormin’ Norman Band. 

For those who might not be familiar with you and your work, what would you like them to know about yourself? 

 I love to use music to connect to people and to connect people together. Especially people in need, such as those living in senior homes and those living in the woods. I love to sing in senior homes doing Sinatra, Dean Martin and Elvis and playing for the homeless. I now do that also on the road, as almost every BMB show has a section with disabled fans. It allows me to make them feel special, even if just for a couple of minutes.

Do you remember when you first discovered your love of music? What was that like? Do you happen to remember what your first favorite song was?

I have several distinct memories of discovering music. One is when my brother bought the Kiss “Alive II” album. First I just looked at the pictures and then I played it and pretended to then be in the band. I was about 12. Later I also became obsessed with Devo and the Vapors.  “Turning Japanese” was probably my favorite song.  Oh, the 80’s!  By the way, I did start playing “Talk Dirty to Me” by Poison when I was 20 years old with my cover band. 

When did you first know you wanted to be a musician? 

Ever since I got my first guitar at 14 or 15 years old (around 1981) I wanted to play music. Ever since then I think I’ve always had a band, or played in a band, in some kind of way. Or at least played music in some kind of way (I’ve sang the crooners like Sinatra at over 500 weddings too).

Why do you think music holds such an appeal to the masses?

I believe music is God’s gift to man to bring us together. When you’re at a concert seeing a band that everyone there loves it is like you are there with your family, or your tribe. It can heal the soul and heal a nation. There is nothing else like it. 

What is it like to get to now get to perform with fellow musicians that you have worked with for so long prior while providing the music for Bret Michaels?

 I’ve known most members of BMB for about 20 years.  So when I learned I was playing with Bret with only 3 days notice I wasn’t nervous at all, since it was with my friends.  Bret was the only one in the band that I didn’t know. (laughs)  We all have a BLAST together and get along great (hence knowing each other for so long), so it makes playing with Bret that much better.  

What have you learned most from your time there so far? 

I think what I’ve learned the most is to enjoy the amazing moments, which happens alot!  From playing on an aircraft carrier, to also playing in front of 40,000 people at various festivals. Also though I’ve learned to treat everyone with respect. From the guy who opens the door for you at the arena to every crew member and opening band. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, everyone deserves respect.  Especially the fans!

Do you ever miss your time at Stormin Norman while out on the road as a bassist? 

Of course I miss not playing with my band, we always have tons of fun. But everyone’s cool with the situation and once BMB touring dies down I’m sure we’ll then sneak a few shows in of our own. 

What is the most challenging issue you face while touring? 

The most challenging issue while touring is dealing with the schedule. For example, we will play some amazing show and after the show we meet and hang out with everyone who came to the show. Then we finally get to our hotel room around midnight, to then have to be in the lobby of the hotel at 3:30am to then drive to the next airport, to fly to the next town, to then drive to the next venue. I shouldn’t complain, as at least the band gets a break before sound check, while the crew will go straight to the venue to set up the stage. Those guys are warriors!

What advice would you offer the musicians of tomorrow? 

To have fun with music. If you treat it like a job it can then get you down. Don’t let this thing that is supposed to bring joy and make you happy bring you down. Or it isn’t worth doing. Play music to connect with people and to spread joy.

What would you say is the best advice anyone ever gave you? 

I remember recently we were just about to go onstage and Bret is in the corner warming up. The band is talking about other bands we were with that night. We mentioned other guitarists who were awesome and drummers who were amazing and he just piped in “you know the only band I care about, this band right here.” It threw me for a second but I realized what he meant. What’s most important is right in front of our noses so just concentrate on that, not all the other things going on around you. 

Is there anything you’d like to say in closing? 

Since I joined BMB we had the privilege to be the backing band for Lou Gramm of Foreigner, Dee Snider of Twisted Sister, Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray, Rome of Sublime w/Rome, and Steve Augeri, formerly of Journey. We’ve also had countless other artists join us on stage. What an amazing gift to be able to play with the music legends and the artists I idolized as a kid.  I don’t take it for granted and I’ll always appreciate all of the amazing opportunities that I have through music. Be it on stage with legit rockstars to playing to a 107 year old lady or a guy who lives in the woods.  Each moment in music is amazing.