The sounds of the holiday season inspired Livonia native Arlen Viecelli to return to his musical roots after a 25-year hiatus.

Throughout the 1970s and 80s, Viecelli was best known as the lead singer and lead guitar player for Salem Witchcraft. During his time with the band, he wrote and recorded more than 200 songs. Salem Witchcraft opened for a host of nationally-known talent, including bands like Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, Ted Nugent and Aerosmith.

"My dream was to be a real rock 'n' roll professional," said Viecelli, who now lives in South Lyon.

Despite years of touring, performing and recording, Viecelli gave up those musical dreams for a while, to pursue a more stable career and start a family. He owns Livonia-based USA Floor Coverings Inc., and is married to Kathy Viecelli. They have one daughter, named Megz.

One of eight children himself, Viecelli was inspired to pursue music at the age of 9. He recalls being at a friend's house watching Love Me Tender. That's when he first noticed the impact of Elvis Presley, and where he first picked up a guitar.

"I thought, I could do that," he said.

Though Viecelli mentioned to his mother that he'd like to learn to play guitar, he was told he'd have to try the accordion first. He did, and managed to play it like no one else.

Viecelli got his first guitar at age 15. Not long after, he began playing school dances across Livonia -- his first gigs prior to his days in Salem Witchcraft.

"That's the band everyone remembers," said longtime friend John Marino.

POTENTIAL, THEN AND NOW

Viecelli had a chance to travel the world with Salem Witchcraft. The band recorded five albums and made two videos. By the mid-80s, he said, "I had burned out."

Marino said he believes it just wasn't Viecelli's time. "The band had potential," he recalled.

And that potential hasn't faded, according to Marino. In May 2004, Viecelli began working with his former keyboard player Kurt Schreitmueller in his Northville studio. He was working on a few holiday songs, and decided to record them.

"I was blessed with a voice," Viecelli said. "I took it for granted."

His recent work culminated in his first-ever Christmas CD, Holy Knight. It is available for sale now, and all proceeds are donated to local charities -- including Toys for Tots, Livonia Goodfellows, The Salvation Army and the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.

Earlier this month Viecelli was featured on the Jim Harper and the Magic Morning radio program. After a brief spot, he sold 100 copies of Holy Knight and was asked to return later that week. Another 100 copies later, Viecelli matched the amount of money his music brought in and donated a total of $2,000 to the station-sponsored Toys for Tots drive.

It's been a year since the holiday record was finished, but Viecelli said with Christmas just weeks away, it's the perfect time to try to raise money for the charities he believes in and supports.

'THIS IS FOR CHARITY'

Viecelli said when he was a child, his own family might not have had a Christmas without organizations like The Salvation Army and Goodfellows. And now he has an opportunity to give back.

"I think we've got lightning in a bottle," he said. Viecelli compares the experience to that of an artist capturing a beautiful painting. He's happy with the finished product, and has been receiving plenty of positive feedback about it.

Marino said he too has been receiving calls from former Salem Witchcraft fans wanting to know more about the Christmas CD. He said people are "so excited he's doing something (musically) again."

"That voice right there is unique," Marino said of his friend.

Viecelli may have gotten back into the music business, but he's not interested in touring like he used to do. "That was for himself," said Marino. "This is for charity."

And Viecelli is already working on a new record of original and cover material, as well as another holiday-themed record. If his friend Marino gets his way, Viecelli will someday sing the National Anthem at Ford Field.

For now though, he's focused solely on Holy Knight. The CD includes renditions of What Child Is This? Little Drummer Boy, Oh Holy Night, Mary Did You Know, Silent Night and Jingle Bell Rock.

"A lot of kids are going to have a good Christmas because of him," said Marino.

Purchase Holy Knight online by visiting www.arlenrocks.com or by sending a check for $7 to Arlen Rocks, 11805 Mayfield, Livonia, MI 48150.