Guitarists can shred. Vocalists can wail. But ask any player worth their salt, and they’ll tell you the key to the engine for any great band is the rhythm section. In setting up the players for Monsters of Rock PDX, we hear ya, and we’re bringing it strong.
For drummers, one guy that’s going to make the evening slam is Mike Collins.
MOR PDX IS COMING TO DANTE'S JAN 28. SEE HERE FOR DETAILS
Collins is that rare breed of guy that can blend in the pocket, while bringing the chops. How’d he hone them? Experience and some killer education.
Collins is a graduate of the Musicians Institute of Technology and has studied independently with legendary drummers Michael Shrieve (Santana, George Harrison), Zoro (Lenny Kravitz, Sean Lennon), Graham Lear (Santana, REO Speedwagon) and world renowned instructor Chuck Silverman.
He's played Coffee Houses and Stadiums throughout North America sharing the bill with artists such as Little Richard, Pat Benatar, Sheryl Crow, Cheap Trick, Joan Jett, Elliot Smith, Gin Blossoms, Veruca Salt, Sara Mclachlan, Cake, The 88, Rooney, Jason Falkner and many others.
His drumming and songwriting has been featured on local, national and international television and radio. Mike was also the featured drummer on Portland’s American Idol knock-off "Gimme the Mic" in 2007 and 2008.
And, all that background has made Collins one popular cat to work with. He’s worked with artists such as guitarist Earl Slick (David Bowie, John Lennon), multi instrumentalist Lisa Germano (John Mellencamp, Bob Dylan, David Bowie), guitarist Eddie Martinez (Robert Palmer, Rod Stewart, RUN DMC), Dan Reed (Dan Reed Network), bassist Jeff Leonard (Diana Ross, Tom Grant) bassist James Guffee (The Tories) Ike Willis (Frank Zappa) and members of Portland alumni bands such as Quarterflash, Nu Shooz, Black n Blue, Pink Martini and The Dan Reed Network. Over the years Collins has played for or filled in for local artists such as Red Sector, Stephanie Schneiderman, Geoff Byrd, Bec Hollcraft, Thrillbilly, Skinhorse, The Superficials, The Boys Next Door and others.
Collins has also worked with acclaimed producers Jack Douglas (Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, John Lennon), Mark Plati (The Cure, David Bowie, Prince), Rick Parashar (Pearl Jam, Nickelback), Marc Desisto (U2, Pink Floyd), Jeff Saltzman (Death Cab for Cutie, The Shins) Chris Manning (Jellyfish, Santana), Kelly Gray (Candlebox, Queensryche) and Rob Daiker (Katy Perry, Dan Reed) to name a few.
What’s Mike working on currently? Catch his drumming and song writing for the well known Portland band Throwback Suburbia.
Monsters of Rock PDX is highlighting some of the players set to play over the course of the events. Check back often for other bios.
What is Monsters of Rock PDX all about? See here for details
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