MARK MCGEE

Mark McGee is an artist 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 revered and influential to players across the globe!
Mark's luv of music started around age 7. His parents were spinning Sinatra, Dean Martin, movie soundtracks and show tunes from Hollywood's golden era as well as AM radio hits. Shows like American Bandstand, Hee Haw with Roy Clark, Soul Train and weekly church hymns ensured Mark's head was filled with an interesting mix of sounds.
Around age 11 Mark was exposed to an earful of serious Rock'n'Roll albums from the seventies and his inspiration blossomed as he began fiercely practicing the guitar, honing his skills. Then one defining day he saw an image that changed his life, the cover of Kiss's 1975 album, 'Alive'. From that instant, Mark knew he had to form a band, get on a stage and Rock an audience!
From 1995 - 2004 and 2007 Mark toured the US, Canada, Europe & Japan as slide/lead guitarist for Southern Blues legend ‘Gregg Allman'. He remains the longest running guitarist in Greggs iconic solo career! Together they captivated audiences and Mark's fiery style and wicked slide playing added an exciting edge to the band's classic sound. Also with GA&F, Mark worked recorded alongside legendary producer Tom Dowd (Clapton, Aretha Franklin) for songs on Gregg's 1997 'Searching for Simplicity' as well as appearing on Gregg's 2001 'No Stranger To The Dark/The Best of' cd. They performed shows with or shared the stage with acts such as Jeff Beck, REO Speedwagon, Bad Company, Ted Nugent, The Spinners, Wilson Pickett, David Crosby, Joan Jett, Kansas, Derek Trucks, Govt. Mule and Cyndi Lauper to name a few.
Mark's appeared on the Disney film soundtrack 'Sky High’, Bass legend Stu Hamm's 'Outbound' and 'Just Outside of Normal’ CD's, vocalist Mickey Thomas’ ‘Marauder’, Brad Gillis ‘Alligator’ and the acclaimed instrumental album 'Guitar Farm’ including a star studded cast of players such as Steve Morse, Pat Thrall and Dave Menikett!
From 1986-1995, Mark was busy recording and touring the world as lead guitarist/songwriter/co-producer for heavy metal's ‘Vicious Rumors'. Touring in over 20 countries they enjoyed video rotation on MTV's Headbanger's Ball (USA & Europe), and were nominated for 'Outstanding Metal Album' at 1992's Bay Area Music Awards for their Atlantic Records release, 'Welcome to the Ball'. His contributions to VR have made his era with the band THE defining period and to this day is held in high regard in the metal community. Performing shows around the world to crowds as big as 40,000 people, the band shared the stage or 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 & Tours!