Supergroups: Pass The Mike

by Eric Hancsak
May 1, 2007

I love Supergroups. The concept of creating a new band out of members from other successful bands makes me giggle with joy.

It's not a new idea however. Supergroups have been around since commercial music was invented. It could be said that many of the early jazz bands were supergroups. Think of Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie on the same stage at the same time. I'd say that qualifies as a supergroup.

As a child of rock music, however, my mind drifts more toward that genre. I think of bands like The Traveling Wilbury's, Cream, The Yardbirds, Asia, Blind Faith, Derek & The Dominos, This Mortal Coil, Oysterhead, Golden Smog and Audioslave - all bands made up of great musicians from other successful and highly popular bands.

Most recently it was announced a new supergroup has been formed by Mike Doughty of Soul Coughing. Called "Pass The Mike," this band features musicians, and a producer, all named, uhmm, Mike. The line-up includes:

Mike Doughty - Soul Coughing (vocals)
Mike Campbell - Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers (guitar)
Mike Mills - REM (bass, guitar, keys)
Mike Portnoy - Dream Theater (drums)
Mike Watt - Minutemen (bass, vocals)

Guest Appearances:
Mike Patton - Faith No More, Mr. Bungle
Mike D - Beatie Boys

In sharing this sweet news with my friend, and fellow HalfSquare contributor John Mizer, he said, "Holy Schnikeys! You realized that you just started a new game!?" So here, for your amusement and education, are the results of our game. John and I have concocted a list of other famous "Mike's" in rock music.

In no particular order accept that which they came out of our brain's:

Mike McCready - Pearl Jam
George Michael (Yes, that counts. John said so.)
Mike Nesmith - The Monkees
Michael McDonald
Michael Bolton
Michael Sembello - wrote/performed "Maniac" from "Flashdance"
Michael Jackson
Michael Anthony - Van Halen
Michael Hutchence - INXS
Brett Michaels - Poison
Michael Stanley
Mike Dirnt - Greenday
Michael Buble
Mike Rutherford - Genesis
Mike Bruce - Alice Cooper
Mike Lenz - Ohio-based guitarist
Mike Love - Beach Boys
Fat Mike Burkett - NOFX
Mike Inez - Alice In Chains
Mike Einziger - Incubus
Mike Muir - Suicidal Tendencies
Mike Gordon - Phish
Michael Stipe - REM
Mike Dillon - Les Claypool, Garage A Trois

Certainly we're missing some. So if you think of one, drop us a note. Or, start your own game. Maybe "Pass The Dave?"