“There’s never been a Plan B. There was never a Plan B for the band. There’s never been a Plan B for our business so, it was like, it’s sink or swim you know… if you want it, go earn it, go get it. I still live by that today. I’m just as passionate today with my businesses, with music, with everything as I was when I started and that’s what’s important right, if you have that internal fire.”
— Michael Lean / Tuff
MS NEWS / May 11th 2026 — In the latest Monday morning episode of The Hair Metal Guru the guest is Michael Lean of the band Tuff.
Lean talks with The Guru in his first interview in more than 30 years after taking a hiatus from his drum throne in Tuff to founding the Old New York Deli & Bakery Co. chain of delis in California
Lean takes listeners way back and shares his story which started with him playing drums at age 12.
The Buffalo born Italian boy grew up in Phoenix after his family relocated to the warmer climate and he soon found himself gravitating towards anything sports related and music, all before becoming a teenager.
One of Lean‘s earliest bands Armed & Dangerous were opening up for metal bands like Flotsam and Jetsam helping forge a friendship with Jason Newsted which continued after the bassist found himself in Metallica a few short years later.
Lean then got the call to join Tuff as their new drummer at 17, dropped out of High School with only a few weeks left to move to California with the band in 1986.
He also started the Metal Power business with Jim Gillette and even became a Father all by the tender age of 18.
“All gas, no brake… and never taking no for an answer” says Lean about the early era of Tuff and how he’s always lived and worked.
Lean also shares with The Guru how he never officially quit or got fired from Tuff, but rather, there was a slow separation between the members as years went along.
By late 1993 his focus was less on the band, drumming or touring… and more on being an available Father and starting his business venture with the first coffee and bagel shop opening the following year in Camarillo.
Lean also became the Mayor of Mammoth Lakes California and during his tenure was involved in oversight of the town’s budget, planning, and community development issues during his time on the council.
Now in 2026, Lean comes full circle more than 3 decades later, finds himself back in the band, on tour and enjoying the Monsters of Rock Cruise.
Watch the full 98 minute interview with Michael Lean of Tuff on The Hair Metal Guru below.
Ready, Set, Guru!
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