Brighton to host former mob boss Michael Franzese

Michael Franzese, once captain of the infamous Colombo crime family, lived a life unimaginable to most, after defrauding the United States government of $35 million with a gasoline bootlegging scheme.

He was listed in Forbes magazine as number 18 of the 50 wealthiest and most powerful mafia bosses, and was even played by Joseph Bono in the Martin Scorsese classic, Goodfellas.

But in 1995, after a stint in prison, the mobster walked away from the life he knew, and broke the sacred oath of silence – leaving the mobs he once called family, trying to kill him.

Now, after becoming a motivational speaker who helps youths away from a life of crime, he is telling his story in-person, and will visit the Hilton Brighton Metropole hotel on July 15, to do just that.

The former mob boss is coming to Brighton

“There are not many people who can say they’ve sat on both sides of the divide between the Mafia and the law and lived to tell the tale,” said Michael.

“It was like a rite of passage for me to become part of the criminal underworld, or as we called it, ‘the family business’. The truth is, I was good at it, but I’ve seen the destruction caused by ‘the life’. The pain, suffering, loss it leaves in its wake. I’ve seen families devastated, and wars on the streets. I’ve been marched into a room, expecting never to walk back out.

“But now, I’m ready to share my story with people and give an insight into what that life really means – and why I simply had to get out.”

The evening will begin with a “VIP soiree and reception”, followed by a three-course dinner, as well as the chance to meet Michael in-person, or event sit at his table.

Michael will tell his story, and the night will round off with an after-show party.

Tickets for An Evening with Michael Franzese – The Real Goodfella, are now available.