Before Mike Met Jon
At the age of 17 in December 1977, Mike got his first guitar for Christmas from his older sister Vicki. It was an electric Gibson SG knock-off made by Lyle. Mike just seemed to instantly get the hang of how to play the darn thing after Vicki showed him his first couple of chords. He learned how to play all his favorite heavy metal bands tunes by ear and instantly started writing his own songs. Within less than six months of playing Mike was in his first band. This original band was started by two brothers a bass player and keyboard player and a very progressive rock drummer. The other players were far more advanced than Mike but they liked his style and felt it fit the original sound they were seeking. Mike took on the stage name Richie Michaels, and became lead guitarist of the late 70’s newest sensation, “Connoisseur.” “Mom, Dad… I’m going to be a rock star!”
Jon got started in his music career a bit earlier, influenced by his musician father who played in various big bands. At the young age of 7 Jon began taking music lessons on saxophone from his dad. He enjoyed the sax and continued his education learning music theory throughout his school years while playing in the orchestra, marching band and the high school jazz band. Jon’s true passion for his music really kicked in when he discovered bass guitar, girls and rock and roll. He was hot on the Hollywood circuit with bass guitar in hand, formed the original Led Zeppelin tribute band with Michael White and played with many other greats such as Randy Piper “W.A.S.P”, Lanny Cordola “House of Lords”, George Lynch “Lynch Mob” and Mark Drubay “Survivor.” “Mom, Dad… I’m going to be a rock star!”
Before Mike Met Jon
At the age of 17 in December 1977, Mike got his first guitar for Christmas from his older sister Vicki. It was an electric Gibson SG knock-off made by Lyle. Mike just seemed to instantly get the hang of how to play the darn thing after Vicki showed him his first couple of chords. He learned how to play all his favorite heavy metal bands tunes by ear and instantly started writing his own songs. Within less than six months of playing Mike was in his first band. This original band was started by two brothers a bass player and keyboard player and a very progressive rock drummer. The other players were far more advanced than Mike but they liked his style and felt it fit the original sound they were seeking. Mike took on the stage name Richie Michaels, and became lead guitarist of the late 70’s newest sensation, “Connoisseur.” “Mom, Dad… I’m going to be a rock star!”
Jon got started in his music career a bit earlier, influenced by his musician father who played in various big bands. At the young age of 7 Jon began taking music lessons on saxophone from his dad. He enjoyed the sax and continued his education learning music theory throughout his school years while playing in the orchestra, marching band and the high school jazz band. Jon’s true passion for his music really kicked in when he discovered bass guitar, girls and rock and roll. He was hot on the Hollywood circuit with bass guitar in hand, formed the original Led Zeppelin tribute band with Michael White and played with many other greats such as Randy Piper “W.A.S.P”, Lanny Cordola “House of Lords”, George Lynch “Lynch Mob” and Mark Drubay “Survivor.” “Mom, Dad… I’m going to be a rock star!”