Mike Thorne SAGA, SPOCK'S BEARD
Starting at age six, he grew up on a diet of Rush, Yes, Van Halen, Queen, Jeff Beck, Saga, The Police, John McLaughlin, Max Webster, Genesis and Emerson Lake & Palmer. Mike has played with Long John Baldry, Rita Chiarelli, The Dayjob Orchestra, The Drifters, Spock's Beard, and SAGA among many other artists of various styles & disciplines. Growing up, Mike excelled in symphonic bands, percussion ensembles, camps, workshops, recording courses, and played in many local bands. He immersed himself in all things “drums.” After high school, Mike started playing with several bands, gathering valuable experience that would make him a very sought-after drummer, noted for his chops, his feel, his reliability, as well as the vast library of songs he could play. Mike’s versatility allows him to adapt to any musical climate. Playing with a band, any band, he knows how to hold the unit together. He is easy-going, accommodating, and his humour is infectious, both on & off the stage! Mike is a World-class player. In 2003 he broke his left wrist. Instead of taking time off, Michael honoured every one of his gigs by performing one-handed for the next 10 shows. There is a video of Mike which went viral on YouTube called "Broken Wrist Drum Solo." Mike lives in Munich, Germany where he (when he's not on tour) teaches and records music, is an audio/video editor, photographer and voice-over artist. Creativity and passion fuel his days, and with sticks in hand, it’s perfect harmony.
Mike's current set-up
CUBE-PD Vintage Beech Series
22"x16" BD
8"x7" TT
10"x7" TT
12"x8 TT
16"x16" FT in finish "Bloodred Burst" semigloss
14"x6,5" 8-ply 8mm maple snaredrum 14"x6,5" in "Glossy Black" oil finish with Black Onyx wrap inlay, diecast hoops, 25mm single tubelugs.
Octoban set high in transparent acrylic