Miko

Marshall

(Bass Guitarist/Backing Vocals)

Miko first took up playing bass in 1985, shortly after being made redundant. He'd spent about 6 months learning to play when one night he was talking to a couple of guys in a pub in Saltburn who were looking for a bassist. 

At the time of this chance meeting Miko was bashing his way on drums for a bunch of wanna be musicians (if that's what you'd want to call them, they were a joke). The guitarist of Miko's new band, Gary Pucik said "I hope you play bass better than you play drums!" Miko Did!

The band eventually became Double Zero and played all over Teesside, built up a good following and eventually entered that Battle of the Band competition at Leo's in Redcar where they made it to the final only to find themselves without a vocalist and drummer! 

They had 2 weeks to find replacements, which is no time at all, when Miko realised that vocalist John Kinson had just left top North East rock band Northwinds. At the same time guitarist Gary was in contact with top local drummer Paul Tilley and hey presto, Double Zero were back in business. They only had time for a couple of rehearsals before the final where they were up against ex Whitespirt vocalist Bruce Ruffs new band, Mint Condition. Against all the odds Double Zero won the competition.

The band changed their name to Kashmir but unfortunately only lasted for about 6 months before calling it a day.

Out of the blue Miko and Gary were contacted by ex Northwinds members Phil Jones and Martin 'Jock' Mackay and asked if he fancied teaming up to form a Free/Bad Company tribute called Tons of Sobs.

The band played successfully all over England but Miko had to leave the band for financial reasons and Gary chose to stick with Miko to eventually form Renegades with Simon Pitt on vocals and Baz Youll on Drums.

The band were very good with big harmony vocal parts and work soon started to flood in when Simon dropped the bomb shell that he was retiring form the music business. This eventually lead to Miko taking a break to spend more time with his family.

Returning to the music scene Miko did a stint as lead vocalist in rock band Bad Reputation before doing the inevitable and entered the club scene in bands such as Bad Habit, Chasing Shadows and Airplay. 

Miko then got the chance to dep for Chris Allen in Lieutenant Pigeon for a month while Chris took a holiday. Miko ended up playing with them for 9 months before management and legal issues lead him to leave and go back to the club circuit with China Grove, with whom hw played for 4 years until he was approached by Jump The Gun vocalist Tony Thurlow. 

It was whilst in Jump The Gun that Miko first met Paul and was asked if he was interested in forming a Paul Rodgers tribute.

Miko was far to busy at the time with Jump The Gun and The Smokie Experience and reluctantly passed on the offer.

Things eventually started to go wrong with Jump The Gun and Miko moved on to join Spitting Bullets but has never really enjoyed the musical direction the band was going in.

Miko was pleased to get a 'phone call from Kenny asking if he was interested in auditioning for PRS as Ken knew Miko had never forgiven himself for turning down the gig in the first place!!

Miko's Fave Bands

Bad Company, Deep Purple, Whitesnake, Molly Hatchet, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blackfoot.

Fave Drinks

Black Sheep Bitter from Masham

Bitter Wruff from the Watermill Brewing Co. in the Lake District as it's so smooth and creamy!

Fave holiday location is the Lake District. Bowness has got everything you need. Pubs, restaurants, shops and peace and quiet!

Miko's Gear

Early '80s Jay Dee Mark King Supernatural. Very rare one of only 3 made. Miko's had loads of offers but it's not for sale!

Late '70s Overwater Explorer. Also very rare. Again loads of offers and he might even sell it if the price is right!

Bass Collection 4001. Not bad but jack socket is shit! Must get it fixed some time.

Freshman acoustic bass. Very nice guitar that was swapped for a Takamine. Miko definitely got the better half of that deal!

Marshall DBS7200 amp. All the power that you need

1975 Marshall Superbass JMP100 Model 1992. Very rare and in perfect condition. Not gigged since 1999

Line 6 Bass Pod XTPro rack mounted processor

Warwick 4 x 10 Pro speaker cab

Custom made 1 x 15 bass bin

Miko tries to use Elixir strings as they feel great, have great tone and last for months but he can't always find them.