BEBE BUELL

STARDUST WRAPPED IN SKIN: MY INTERVIEW WITH THE COSMIC BEBE BUELL

By Charis Michelsen

EGW LUXURY MAGAZINE Summer 2025

Bebe Buell is, arguably, one of the most inspiring women in music and fashion. Her indelible mark has moved musicians to pen songs in her honor and legendary film director Cameron Crowe to name and partially base a character after her in his critically acclaimed, award-winning masterpiece, Almost Famous. Recognizing her incredible musical talent and powerful presence, Rick Derringer and Ric Ocasek of The Cars were inspired to orchestrate and produce her debut EP on Rhino Records. Bebe’s passion for music also fueled the creation of additional albums with bands she’s fronted, including The B-Sides, The Gargoyles, Bebe Buell & The Nashville Aces, The Bebe Buell Band, and more recently, singles like "By a Woman." She has also thrilled fans and pop culture enthusiasts alike by sharing her journey in two compelling books: Rebel Heart (2002), a New York Times Best Seller, and the highly anticipated Rebel Soul (2023).

At eighteen, after Bebe’s mother sent photos to the legendary Eileen Ford, Ford promptly signed Bebe to her prestigious modeling agency. This brought Bebe to NYC and, as fate would have it, to her rock 'n' roll soul tribe. She soon connected with other musical titans such as David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Todd Rundgren, Mick Jagger, and her daughter Liv Tyler’s father, Steven Tyler, becoming an integral part of NYC’s vibrant artist and music community. Beyond her musical prowess, Bebe also possesses a keen eye for fashion; her fresh, effortless style continues to inspire and be emulated today.

Having worked with Bebe personally for several years, during which she was my career manager, as well as the manager for her daughter, Liv Tyler, I can attest to her being an incomparable powerhouse of love, protection, and unwavering support. Anyone fortunate enough to be in her orbit would readily confirm this. Yet, she recently faced a time when she needed the very support she so freely gives to others. Learning of her struggle broke my heart. But, of course, Bebe, being Bebe, transformed the experience into an inspiring gift for the world—one that offers a fresh perspective on a vital truth: We are not our physicality or the labels others place upon us. We are an infinitely priceless, sometimes vulnerable soul, profoundly worth cherishing and treating tenderly, especially during difficult times. Bebe’s latest single, "Skin Suit," is more than just an infectious song by a gifted artist; it’s a soul laid bare, delivering a beautiful message born from a painful personal experience that ultimately benefits everyone. I thank Bebe for the honor of allowing me to discuss "Skin Suit" and the journey that inspired this wonderful new song.

The Interview

Charis: Beautiful Bebe, it was so amazing to catch up with you recently on the phone. During our conversation, you shared about your recent personal struggle, which was devastating to learn about. However, I was incredibly inspired by how you channeled it to create such a powerful message through your new single, "Skin Suit." Would you mind sharing what you went through, how you navigated it, and how it inspired "Skin Suit"?

Bebe: In July 2024, I was diagnosed with HER2 Stage One breast cancer in my right breast. I underwent surgery in November 2024 at Vanderbilt in Nashville, TN, where I’ve lived for the last thirteen years. The surgery was a success, and after removing the cancer on my right side, they gave me a glorious reduction, so I match perfectly on both sides. I’m very grateful to my team and for the exceptional care I received.

Charis: From your experience as a survivor, what advice or message would you give to those who are struggling with a health issue?

Bebe: Listen to your body, get annual checkups, and explore alternative and holistic wellness. If you don’t get mammograms, my advice is to at least do thermography to get a picture of your body’s patterns. I was getting mammograms every two years, and that’s why I caught this early. I’m pleased to announce that post-surgery, seven months afterward, my mammogram came back all clear. I will have to get checked every six months from now on, but my goal is to keep it from ever returning. A vegetarian diet, no sugar or gluten, lots of fresh green juices and veggies…it truly becomes a lifestyle!

Charis: You shared with me the glowing feedback you received from a very talented and celebrated fellow musician after he heard your song, "Skin Suit." Could you share some of his feedback?

Bebe: It’s always a thrill when other musicians you respect and admire tell you how much they like your work. But when it’s your baby daddy, it becomes even more elating! Yes, Steven [Tyler] gave me a rave review and a heartfelt text expressing his opinions, and of course, it made my day!

Charis: Your husband, Jim Wallerstein, also known as Jimmy Walls, who’s a vocalist and guitarist for the alternative rock band Das Damen, played a role in supporting the writing of "Skin Suit." Can you share how he contributed and what it was like working together professionally? Also, the song was produced by Gregory Lattimer, who has been hailed as a “genius.” Please also share your experience working with him.

Bebe: I’ve been working with my husband Jim for years now. He’s my musical director and has been part of my albums Sugar, Hard Love, Baring It All: Greetings From Nashbury Park, various singles, and now "Skin Suit." I generally give him my lyrics and ideas, and he comes up with the music and direction, and we start there. You have to remember that Jim and I have been together for twenty-five years, so we have chemistry in both music and life. Working with Greg Lattimer is pure gold! Yes, he’s a bona fide genius, and when he puts his touch on a song, it truly comes to life! I have three more songs I want to do with him and then release an EP. He also produced a track I did for an upcoming tribute album for Jesse Malin. Please Google him and tap into what he is representing and going through. I feel Greg is a musical soulmate, and he can read my guts…my soul.

Charis: "Skin Suit" mentions master tailor and fashion designer Manuel Cuevas (aka Manual), known as the “Rhinestone Rembrandt,” who has created iconic looks for the music world’s top brass, such as Johnny Cash, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, and Dolly Parton, among others. Please share how you met Manuel, about the suit he generously presented you with, and your inspiration to include Manuel in "Skin Suit."

Bebe: I met Manuel when I first came to Nashville at one of his birthday bashes, and we’ve been friends ever since. It’s a bit of a rite of passage to one day get a Manuel suit, but it’s costly, so it took me until my seventieth birthday to get the dream! My husband and dear friend Leith Merrow put their heads together and pulled it off…I treasure the magnificence of the suit—it’s a true piece of art! It’s the perfect star of my upcoming video…it has all my favorite things: blue roses, aliens, spaceships, stars, galaxies, and planets!

Charis: On our call, I was so excited to learn that Rolling Stone would be debuting the video for "Skin Suit." Can you tell me about your experience working with Rolling Stone and how you feel about such a great publication launching your single?

Bebe: Rolling Stone has been a part of my life since the seventies…It’s the Vogue of the music press. It’s always an honor to be featured on their digital format and to reach so many people. It launches on my birthday, July fourteenth.

Charis: What’s your ultimate hope for "Skin Suit," and where would you like to see this next exciting chapter lead for you?

Bebe: I’m hoping that "Skin Suit" will give people the courage to grow older gracefully, take care of their bodies, and protect their eternal souls. It’s a song about the “more” there is to our lives. The before, during, and after our time in our current bodies. And that there is more. It’s also about our connections to various people on our journey, our angels, and spirit guides.

Charis: Is there anything else you would like to share?

Bebe: My music is available on all streaming services, and if you follow me on Instagram, my preferred social media site for connecting with others, there are links to where to buy my latest book, Rebel Soul, and hear my music.

Charis: Thank you so much, Bebe, for taking the time and having the courage to share about your journey with EGW. I wish you every one of your heart’s desires with "Skin Suit" and everything else in your life! You deserve all things wonderful, my friend!

Bebe: It was wonderful to reconnect with you, Charis. I'm very happy for your thriving success and thank you for giving my song a way to be heard.

View Bebe Buell’s video for "Skin Suit" here:

Follow Bebe Buell at: @realbebebuell

Follow Das Damen at: @dasdamennyc Follow Manuel at: @manuelcouture Follow Rolling Stone at: @rollingstone Follow Steven Tyler at: @iamstevent Follow Liv Tyler at: @misslivalittle Follow EGW at: @egwluxurymagazine Follow Charis Michelsen at: @charismichelsen_official