MARK MCGEE
Mark McGee is a musician driven purely by artistic choices and not trends. He's earned much respect in the music world as a guitar virtuoso, singer, songwriter and producer. His unique, intense, in-your-face guitar style is heartfelt and melodic and he is revered and influential to players across the globe!
Mark's luv of music started around age 7. Growing up on AM radio hits, church hymns and TV variety shows such as American Bandstand, Soul Train, Hee Haw, The Partridge Family and Lawrence Welk filled Mark's head with a diverse mix of sounds.
Around age 9 Mark was exposed to an earful of serious Rock'n'Roll albums and inspiration blossomed as he began fiercely practicing the guitar. One defining day, he saw the cover of Kiss's 1975 album, 'Alive', an image that changed his life. From that instant, Mark knew he had to start a band and play live!
Through the years his musical path has taken him on quite the road trip with the most poignant part of his legacy continuing on with Luvplanet!
From 1995 - 2004 and 2007 Mark recorded and toured internationally with Southern Rock Icon ‘Gregg Allman'.
As the longest running guitarist in Greggs solo career, they captivated audiences. performing shows with acts such as Jeff Beck, REO Speedwagon, Bad Company, Ted Nugent, The Spinners, Wilson Pickett, David Crosby, Joan Jett and Cyndi Lauper to name a few.
As a session musician his discography includes Disney film soundtracks, albums from bassist Stu Hamm, vocalist Mickey Thomas, Night Ranger's Brad Gillis or the acclaimed instrumental album 'Guitar Farm’ including players such as Steve Morse, Pat Thrall and Dave Menikett!
From 1986-1995, Mark recorded and toured the world as lead guitarist/songwriter/co-producer for heavy metal's Vicious Rumors enjoying video rotation on MTV's Headbanger's Ball (USA & Europe), and a nomination for 'Outstanding Metal Album' at 1992's Bay Area Music Awards for the Atlantic Records release 'Welcome to the Ball'. His contributions were pivotal in creating the classic VR sound. Performing shows around the world to crowds as big as 40,000 people, the band shared the bill with Paul Stanley (Kiss), Blue Oyster Cult, Paul Dianno (Iron Maiden), Megadeth, Danzig, Zakk Wylde, Badlands, Winger, Megadeth and many others! Highlights include performing at 'Hammersmith Odeon', the 'Marquee Club' in London and a sold out tour of Japan!
In 1985-1986 Mark was invited by Bassist 'Gary Strater' a founding member of 70’s Prog Rockers ‘Starcastle’ to come join a new version of the band. Starcastle's music was intense and experimental allowing Mark to expand and tap into a deeper place with his music.
And from 1985-1989 Mark studied with legendary voice teacher Judy Davis (Streisand, John Waite, Steve Perry).
Early years:
At age 15 Mark began performing live in the San Francisco Bay Area club scene as lead singer/guitarist for first band 'Overdrive' (1980-1983). Sharing the bill with acts such as Blue Oyster Cult, Metallica, Ratt, Y&T, Randy Hansen, Loudness and Quiet Riot, Overdrive was a powerful start for Mark’s dreams and goals!
Mark and Overdrive appear in the 2 part music documentary ‘Bay Area Godfathers’ now available on most streaming services.
In 1984-1985, Mark formed the group 'Now'. Delving into a more progressive rock style, Now provided a natural progression from the straight up hard rock sounds of Overdrive! Although short-lived, the band performed constantly in the top venues throughout the S.F. Bay Area supporting national acts
Contact Mark for Sessions, Lessons, Production or Tours!