About Me
Welcome Rock guitar lovers everywhere! I am Martin Mickels! Currently playing guitar in too many bands! But I love them all so I just can't say no when new projects come up. First is Statetrooper, a heavy rock band from the 80s featuring ex-MSG frontman Gary Barden. I joined about 4 years ago, filling the place of Brian Robertson (Thin Lizzy). Our current album "The Calling" is available in the shops or online so check it out. A "Statetrooper Live at Sweden Rock festival" album is soon to be released and we will be in the studio recording a new album this year. I've just joined a new band called Violent Storm. The Brainchild of bass guitar virtuoso Mick Cervino (Blackmores night, Yngwie Malmsteens Rising Force). They have just released an album featuring Yngwie Malmsteen and KK Downing (Jadas Priest) on guitar, and I've been asked to join for the tour - kinda big shoes to fill! But hey, I'm really looking forward to it - tours start in Scandinavia in June.Thirdly Blacksnake! Guess what kind of music?! This is an 80s big hair rock tribute band that is all about the show. We get dressed up in 80s Joviesque clothes, play a lot of Van Halen, G n R, Europe etc and leap around like...well like they did in the 80s! Loads of solos, guitar duels etc. Got some great musicians in the band. Matt and Mick Hayes (Raider) on sreaming rock vocals and bass guitar, Luke Keest (Esoterica) on drums, and my old guitar sparring partner Bari Parrott (Esoterica). There will be a line up change soon tho because Esoterica are off to the States to become rich and famous, keep your eye out for them, theyre a brilliant band. So any guitar players or drummers who think they're up fo the job, let me know!Then there's Randy and the Rockets. This is a rock n roll covers band, also with Matt and Mick Hayes. Gigs vary from beautiful theatres to dodgey social clubs - most bizarre, but great fun. We do party booking so let me know if you want to book us and I'll put you in touch with da management.I also dep for a band called Never the Bride, featuring Nikki Lambourn who has one of the best voices you will ever hear - and don't just take my word for it, Roger Daltry said she's got the best voice since Janis Joplin! Anyways, Nikki and fellow singer and Keyboard player Been have loads of albums out, write for Dame Shirley Bassey, and play all over the place, so look out for them!I also own and run two Guitar/music shops in the South East, both called Uptempo. Check out www.uptempo.co.uk for details. I will do you the best deal I can on anything guitar related. We teach over 300 students a week in the shop, mostly guitar, but also bass, piano and sax. I've been teaching for about 12 years, and still do some now, so if you want lessons, I may be able to squeeze you in.
