Michael started playing bass at age 15 at the time of the Punk explosion.
Michael played with a regular line up of school friends in a band that frequently changed it’s name, at various times they were known as The Hurt / The Ancient Greeks / Downtown and played infrequently around the few bars that allowed punk bands to play gigs. Success never materialised though an appearance in an early copy of ‘viz’ magazine and a single that made the ‘john peel’ show playlist were the highlights.
Michael switched to rhythm guitar and continued to write and record his own material for a number of years though as a hobby rather than for anything serious.
Getting together with Jamie ‘Baldy Holly��� Bell to play a couple of charity gigs (vocals and two acoustic guitars) was the humble beginnings of the ‘Baldy Holly Band’ As the line up of the band evolved, and Mala Watson(lead) and Aaron Overton(Drums)joined, the need for a Bass player arose and harking back to his musical roots Michael once more took up the baton, switching from acoustic rhythm guitar back to Bass.
In 2008 Michael acquired his first ever Double Bass and soon introduced this into the band helping to forge the unique sound that is ‘The Baldy Holly Band’.
Quote:
“As a kid growing up in Benwell, Rock ‘n’ Roll music was the order of the day in our house. I never lost touch with my early musical roots, and it was great when me and Baldy got together, to play those early gigs. These days the music we create is nothing short of sublime! One thing is for certain-with Baldy at the helm- Rock n Roll is here to stay!”
Equipment:
Fender Jazz Electric Bass
Marshall MB4210 Bass Combo Amp
Stentor ¾ Double Bass – Shadow pick up
Peavey 1200 x 12 channel PA system