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Band Member Profiles
Mike Sturgis -
Drums
1995-98
Wisconsin born musician Mike Sturgis has performed and recorded with some of the music world's most respected names. Mike began drumming at the age of ten and between 1982-86 attended the University of Miami, where he received a degree in music performance.
Initially inspired by the rock music of the early seventies, Mike later turned to jazz for inspiration and cites the late great Buddy Rich as having a impact on his playing. Among the diverse range of rock, pop and jazz artists to have benefited from Mike's talents are Asia, Scott Gorham, Nina Hagen, A-Ha, Phil Manzanera, Bob James, Psycho Motel and the Phenomena project. In 1997, Mike drummed on the all star "Perfect Day" charity single, which made no.1 on the UK chart.
It was while working on the "Phenomena 3" album that Mike met one time Wishbone Ash bassist Mervyn Spence. It was Spence who recommended Mike to Andy Powell, who in 1995 was searching for a drummer to complete his new Wishbone Ash line-up. Mike' s talents were originally enlisted on a one-off basis for Wishbone's Spring 1995 tour. However, the experience was a positive one for all involved, leading to Mike being involved on subsequent tours and also the 1996 album "Illuminations".
Mike quit touring in 1998 to take up a position as a drum tutor in Guildford and spend more time with his young family. Mike, however, continues to perform sessions and, aside from his work in the rock/pop field, is an active figure on the UK's Christian music scene.
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