Appeared on the original "WKRP in Cincinnati" (1978) as "Sir Charles 'Dog' Weatherbee," member of the fictional British hard-rock band "Scum of the Earth." Fourteen years later, he became a regular cast member of "The New WKRP in Cincinnati" (1991) as disc jockey Jack Allen.
As a member of Power Station, Michael Des Barres co-wrote and co-performed "We Fight For Love", the end-title-song for Commando (1985). He did not, however, appear in the movie.
Des Barres formed his first band Silverhead in England in 1972. They recorded two albums and toured the U.S., Europe and Japan, before disbanding in 1974.
Has a son, Nick Des Barres (born September 30, 1978), with ex-wife Pamela Des Barres.
He appeared on "MacGyver" (1985) as "Murdoc", an insane and ruthless villain who always seems to come back from the dead. His was originally slated to be a one-time appearance. Yet because he did such a good job, producers Henry Winkler and John Rich gave Michael Des Barres a recurring role.
He wrote the lyrics to the song "Cleo Rocks" for "MacGyver" (1985), episode #4.9 of the same name.
His last name is pronounced "Deb-Barr".
Replaced Robert Palmer as lead singer of Power Station when Robert Palmer was unable to tour with the group in 1985.
Was invited by Brian May, John Deacon and Roger Taylor to succeed Freddie Mercury as the lead singer of Queen. Des Barres turned them down because he wasn't sure he'd be right for the task.