Michael was born in San Francisco, CA and began playing around with drum sticks in the 2nd grade. By 5th grade he would acquire his first real drum kit, a red sparkle 4 piece Pearl kit. Wasting no time he assembled his first band for a performance at Glorietta Elementary School in Orinda, CA.

 

While Michael did not come from a musical family, his parents were very supportive of his interest in music and would let many of his early bands rehearse in their garage.

 

As a drummer and lead singer, Michael’s early performances would begin to shape his drum and vocal style. Covering songs such as the Monkee’s version of ’Stepping Stone’ and Deep Purple’s ‘Smoke On The Water’ his diverse musical taste was already apparent.

 

Michael’s earliest influences were some of the greats from England such as Ringo Starr, Keith Moon, Charlie Watts, Nigel Olsen, John Bonham, Ian Paice. And then players like Tommy Aldridge, Simon Phillips, Neil Peart, Ainsley Dunbar and Stewart Copeland.

 

Soon Michael teamed up with guitarist Erik Torjisen (Starship) to form ‘Last Alliance’. Working in the recording studio and performing shows, they stayed active in the SF Bay Area music scene opening for some of the hottest acts.

 

Next up was the 'Mud Dogs'. While short lived, they served as a catalyst for Michael’s next endeavor with guitarist Mark Holzinge who invited him to join him and his band ‘The Sighs’. Their future was promising and many opportunities came and the band found itself performing showcases at the China Club in NYC as well as for several major labels.

 

During this time, while performing one night in Alameda, CA. with vocalist extrordinaire Jacque Davidson and bass hotshot Laurie Miller, guitar legend Mark McGee was invited up to play. Together the four of them blew up the room and proceeded to do many casual gigs together. Michael and Mark were unaware that night that the seeds were being planted for a fruitful future in music together!

 

Michael continued to explore his musical aspirations working with the Al Smith Group, Rich Bandoni, Jack Eskridge and Keyboardist Phil Bennett (Starship) to name a few!

 

And then in 2013 Michael would ace an audition with melodic Rock’n’Rollers LUVPLANET featuring Singer Songwriters Nicole Sutton and ex-Gregg Allman and Vicious Rumors guitarist Mark McGee. Since then Michael with Luvplanet have been on a mission releasing 7th full length albums with an eight on the way in 2026. The story continues with amazing music yet to come!