Thinking Plague's Mike Johnson Interview

[100423]

Mike does an interview with New Music Box:

http://www.newmusicbox.org/articles/...inking-plague/

[calyx]

Great read ! Thanks ! Learned a bunch of stuff I didn't know.

[MJ-Plagued]

Great read ! Thanks ! Learned a bunch of stuff I didn't know.

Well, Aymeric, you could have done an interview with me! Seriously, I'm glad you found it informative (hopefully you also *watched* the video segments!). mj

[rcarlberg]

Well, Aymeric, you could have done an interview with me!

You're not Canterbury enough

[calyx]

You're not Canterbury enough

Not so un-Canterbury (or is it me who actually doesn't listen to ONLY Canterbury stuff ?!?) that I didn't interview Mike, in person or via e-mail, quite a few times in the last 20 years or so !

What I like about reading multiple interviews is that you end up getting more of a three-dimensional view of what is being discussed. For instance I've read or heard Mike telling the story of early and mid-period Thinking Plague, but each time with details that make it clearer how things actually unfolded. Like the transition from the early 90s to late 90s line-up. I also liked reading about the really early days, the cover bands etc. - though I'd like even more details on exactly what songs those bands covered (and that includes even the current Beatles cover band, haha !)

[MJ-Plagued]

Not so un-Canterbury (or is it me who actually doesn't listen to ONLY Canterbury stuff ?!?) that I didn't interview Mike, in person or via e-mail, quite a few times in the last 20 years or so !

It's true. I was kidding, of course....but it has been a while...

What I like about reading multiple interviews is that you end up getting more of a three-dimensional view of what is being discussed. For instance I've read or heard Mike telling the story of early and mid-period Thinking Plague, but each time with details that make it clearer how things actually unfolded. Like the transition from the early 90s to late 90s line-up. I also liked reading about the really early days, the cover bands etc. - though I'd like even more details on exactly what songs those bands covered (and that includes even the current Beatles cover band, haha !)

Ok, you asked for it! In the 6-night-per-week lounge band, we played everything from Englebert Humperdinck to Beatles, and Linda Rondstadt to Eagles (we had a pudgy woman singer/leader who wore Fredericks of Hollywood jumpsuits and wigs, and chose all the songs...it was horrific...). In about 1979-80 Drake and I were in a guitar-rock cover band, working quite a bit, and playing everything from Buddy Holly to Led Zeppelin, and the Knack to Van Halen (at which I frankly suck - never been a good poseur-shredder). We often played 4 nights a week and actually sort of made a living for about a year. Then Bob got into a local new wave originals band, and we both swore off cover bands forever.... Well, until this Beatles band - you can hear us here: http://rubbersoulsband.com Check out the video 'sampler' on the music page....

[Steve F.]

Well, until this Beatles band - you can hear us here: http://rubbersoulsband.com Check out the video 'sampler' on the music page....

I am impressed. It's a very good Beatles cover band! Good work

One of my old High School pals (and ex Muffin roadie) is also in a Beatles cover band!

[Baribrotzer]

For a rock musician, Beatles music is like Bach or Beethoven for a classical musician or Mingus for a jazz musician - it's old, but music of that quality, creativity, and craftsmanship is always relevant and never becomes truly obsolete.

[MJ-Plagued]

I am impressed. It's a very good Beatles cover band! Good work

One of my old High School pals (and ex Muffin roadie) is also in a Beatles cover band!

Gosh, thanks, Steve. I was trying to come up with some kind of band project that would could actually earn a little money AND that involved music that would be enjoyable and fun for ME. Beatles was about the only thing that met the criteria! And I got lucky and found that lead singer, who is a big Youtube covers "sensation" - Mike Massé.

[calyx]

I agree you sound great. There is incredible detail in the playing that perfectly nails the idiosyncracies in George's lead guitar and Ringo's drumming style in particular. If I'm ever in the Denver area, I'll definitely check you guys out ! ;-)

(The hairstyle is another matter entirely - I'll be less complimentary... That's more "Dark Horse"-era George, Mike !)

[MJ-Plagued]

I agree you sound great. There is incredible detail in the playing that perfectly nails the idiosyncracies in George's lead guitar and Ringo's drumming style in particular. If I'm ever in the Denver area, I'll definitely check you guys out ! ;-)

(The hairstyle is another matter entirely - I'll be less complimentary... That's more "Dark Horse"-era George, Mike !)

Well, we're NOT a Beatles look-alike 'tribute' band. I'm lucky to HAVE HAIR! BTW! We're available for weddings, parties, corporate events, etc. !!!! 8^D