Michael’s music career didn’t begin on the drums, but it was always going to finish there. Instead it was piano accordion that Mike learnt from a young age. And successfully too, placing first in each of his first two years of competition. A short stint in an accordion orchestra followed, as well as playing accordion and bongos for school productions, but other things, notably fishing, diving and cricket, drove his teens and early 20’s. Family influence was strong and as a youngster his parents took him to many concerts at Hamilton’s Founders Theatre, ranging from Winifred Atwell and Richard Clayderman to, and notably, the Shadows. Mike kept a huge interest in music over the following years attending many of the rock concerts we had through the late 70s and 80s. It wasn’t until he hit 40 that he decided enough was enough – his desire to play drums was an overwhelming one!

One piece of advice Mike received early did resonate – get into a band as soon as possible! In fact, to any musician reading this and wanting to play live he’d give you the same advice now. Mike formed his own band, initially finding a great vocalist who was already gigging and on the same page musically. The pair then found a superb bass player and guitarist. Over that time Mike’s band Hooked was a regular part of the workers club/RSA circuit in the Waikato. During those years Mike was a magazine owner/editor with several great musicians in the team. Conferences always turned into a jam late into the night! Other gigs were at fishing clubs and tournaments. A big highlight was playing as a drums/guitar duo aboard the first direct air service from Hamilton to Norfolk Island.

A move to Auckland saw Mike’s time with Hooked come to an end. He auditioned for an existing Auckland band called Mainstreet. The members were all very experienced and highly capable musicians, and everyone gelled into a very competent covers band. The highlight was playing the international conference for the Rodney Wayne hairdressing group. Sadly, and unfortunately that was also the final gig for the band due to unfortunate family issues for one and an injury to another of the members. That was the band that got away …

Mike met Simon when he joined local band Retrogrand. It was a band with a great reputation that had been built over many years. Sadly, just after a fantastic gig where up to nine current or previous members of the group performed together, health and injuries caused the band to go into hibernation. It looks like it will stay that way for the foreseeable future.

Two drummers particularly influence Mike. The first is Liberty DeVito, who was Billy Joel’s drummer through all his golden years. A bucket list tick was getting to meet and talk to Liberty and attend a couple of clinics with him. There is nothing like getting to talk one on one with one of your heroes! (He did that with Sir Ed too but that’s another whole different story …) The other influence is the Shadows drummer Brian Bennett. Having the opportunity to play so many Shadows numbers has long been Mike’s goal so he’s right in his happy place in this band!