Mike was a sweet guy and a good old friend from Seattle. My band played a number of early gigs with AIC; I remember a Halloween show at the 99 club in South King County where they all were in drag. Good times.
While they still practiced at the Music Bank I sat in with Sean K during a jam; total spiritual drum/bass connection. Effortless. I don't see Sean often, but even now, when I do, we both remember that day. At the time, Mike was a bit miffed: "I'm a good bass player, too!" And he was. Better than me in at least one respect: the one time I had a chance to try out for Jerry Cantrell, I blew it. FAIL. Not Mike: he made his way in AIC, and kept things moving in the low end. Made the transition to the big stages, and found a global audience.
When "Dirt" was in production, Evan Sheely spent a lot of time helping him get sounds in the studio. It was a great collaboration, as everyone knows. To this day, though, I still prefer the cassette tape of pre-production mixes. I think they're out there. If you can get a hold of them, do. They're SO dark. Just incredible.
The last time I saw Mike was at Layne's memorial on Bainbridge Island. He looked bad; grey, junkie pallor. But he was sweet, though broken up: "hi Chris!" That's how I'll remember him. Around people who loved him, and drawing on their support.
God bless you, Mike. Say hi to Layne and Demri for me.
Chris Fox
bass, Bitter End, Geoff Tate Band
While they still practiced at the Music Bank I sat in with Sean K during a jam; total spiritual drum/bass connection. Effortless. I don't see Sean often, but even now, when I do, we both remember that day. At the time, Mike was a bit miffed: "I'm a good bass player, too!" And he was. Better than me in at least one respect: the one time I had a chance to try out for Jerry Cantrell, I blew it. FAIL. Not Mike: he made his way in AIC, and kept things moving in the low end. Made the transition to the big stages, and found a global audience.
When "Dirt" was in production, Evan Sheely spent a lot of time helping him get sounds in the studio. It was a great collaboration, as everyone knows. To this day, though, I still prefer the cassette tape of pre-production mixes. I think they're out there. If you can get a hold of them, do. They're SO dark. Just incredible.
The last time I saw Mike was at Layne's memorial on Bainbridge Island. He looked bad; grey, junkie pallor. But he was sweet, though broken up: "hi Chris!" That's how I'll remember him. Around people who loved him, and drawing on their support.
God bless you, Mike. Say hi to Layne and Demri for me.
Chris Fox
bass, Bitter End, Geoff Tate Band
love the album dirt.
