Mike Martin – Lead Guitar, Backup Vocals
“I played my first gig at 13 and at 15 was playing the local club scene. In 1971, I got my first taste of playing on the road with the Sandusky based band, Telegraph Road. After stints with a few local bands, I went on the road again in 1977 with The Grace Rush Band, playing across Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York before moving on to Texas and Arizona.
In 1979 along with Smitty, Eric, and original members, Steve Butler (lead vocals and guitar), and Jerry Garn (bass and vocals), formed Back On Earth.
Steve and I left the band for a couple of years in the early 80`s, to pursue more playing time. We formed the band, Rumours, then later another called Fretwork. After a short demise of Back On Earth, we started having reunion gigs which led to a reformation of the band.
Album credits include, Chuck Kaber`s “Gray Clouds Rolling”, Jerry Garn`s solo album “When a Bridge Burns” and the Infernofest CD. I`ve also helped Leslie Shira write two songs, that were eventually recorded in Nashville on her “Heaven Only Knows” album.”
“I also enjoy teaching guitar, and it has been a real inspiration to me to have helped guys from Duff, Buzzbucket and others over the last 25 years. Keep Rockin` guys!”
“I`d like to thank Pete Thurman, Eric Barkdull, and Mook Barnard, for my first guitar lessons (about 4 I think), my cousin, Ken Lewis, who got me in my first real band, the guys in Telegraph Road for giving me the opportunity, and helping me get a Marshall amp stack, all the other musicians I`ve played with over the years, all of our fans and friends, my sisters: Nancy and Cindy, for letting me play their records, my wife Pam and our Kids and Grandkids, and most importantly, my parents, Bob and Martha, who put up with us all these years.”
In 1979 along with Smitty, Eric, and original members, Steve Butler (lead vocals and guitar), and Jerry Garn (bass and vocals), formed Back On Earth.
Steve and I left the band for a couple of years in the early 80`s, to pursue more playing time. We formed the band, Rumours, then later another called Fretwork. After a short demise of Back On Earth, we started having reunion gigs which led to a reformation of the band.
Album credits include, Chuck Kaber`s “Gray Clouds Rolling”, Jerry Garn`s solo album “When a Bridge Burns” and the Infernofest CD. I`ve also helped Leslie Shira write two songs, that were eventually recorded in Nashville on her “Heaven Only Knows” album.”
“I also enjoy teaching guitar, and it has been a real inspiration to me to have helped guys from Duff, Buzzbucket and others over the last 25 years. Keep Rockin` guys!”
“I`d like to thank Pete Thurman, Eric Barkdull, and Mook Barnard, for my first guitar lessons (about 4 I think), my cousin, Ken Lewis, who got me in my first real band, the guys in Telegraph Road for giving me the opportunity, and helping me get a Marshall amp stack, all the other musicians I`ve played with over the years, all of our fans and friends, my sisters: Nancy and Cindy, for letting me play their records, my wife Pam and our Kids and Grandkids, and most importantly, my parents, Bob and Martha, who put up with us all these years.”
Mikes’ Gear
“I use mostly Fender Stratocasters and a Telecaster through a variety of Boss pedals, and a wah wah. For amps, I use a Marshall DSL 40, and a Crate V-30 for smaller venues. For bigger shows, I use a Fender Super Reverb and a Fender Bassman head through a 412 Marshall cab.”
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Telegraph Road
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Grace Rush Band
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Rumours
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Fretwork
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