mikeellis's profile

Mike began playing drums after seeing Cozy Powell on TV, a few years later he was playing in semi pro covers and originals bands in his native Manchester. Before leaving school he was recording with Arthur Kadmon from Ludus and he joined NWOBHM band Aragorn in 1980. Aragorn toured the UK including supports of Iron Maiden, Angelwitch, Saxon and others.

As well as extensive session work in Manchester, including The Distractions, George Clinton, Simply Red and many others, he toured Europe, completed sessions in Frankfurt in 1984/5, returned to the UK in 1987 where he sessioned and produced in Manchester and London and in 1988 endured a short stint with PJ Proby. Since then he has gigged regularly with many bands, pop, rock, big band, and free form jazz including supports of Wilko Johnson, Jah Wobble, Charles Hayward, Pete Doherty, Eddie and the Hot Rods, Lauren Harris, Sex Gang Children and many others.

His recent recording and production credits include various CDs with On The Run, No Leader, The Fat Boy 5, The Coming, Linchpin, Meggido, Snake Eyes, Avoidance of Doubt and he completed the Aragorn Anthology for Sanctuary Records in 2003. His live CV includes dates with On The Run, The Rascals, Glorious, Bridgefield, No Leader, The Coming, Sean Webster, Meggido, In Shadow, Planet of Women, Alike Cooper, Avoidance of Doubt and Binge Drinking.

Mike has also acted as drum tech for the UK's "Young Drummer of the Year Show" in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, Drummer Live, Rhythm Course, Club Antichrist and Dark Elf Event Services; for internationally acclaimed drummer/producer/composer and winner of Rhythm magazine's "Best Drummer 2007 Award"; Thomas Lang, drumming legends Mitch Mitchell, Jojo Mayer and Billy Cobham as well as Craig Blundell, Benny Greb, Jerry Brown, Geoff Dugmore, Tim Brown, Chuck Sabo, Damon Wilson, James Hester, Chris Bell and Rob Stroud. Mike has also performed at drum clinics alongside Billy Cobham, Craig Blundell, Adrian Erlandsson, James Birt, Robin Guy and Dan Foord.

Playing for 30+ years in all modern/popular styles, adaptable, very fast learner, click friendly, reliable, professional, pro gear, transport and own teeth. Looking for recording/touring paid work, any style, covers, original, no dreamers or bands that are a black hole. MP3s in most styles and biog available on request.

After our regular drummer suddenly quit, Mike stepped in with two days notice and nailed a near two hour set! The guy is the epitome of professional. Mike continued to rock every subsequent gig. A bass player's dream, Mike was so easy to lock in with it was untrue. Solid timekeeping, great feel and communication...just great.

Having had 20 years of flaky musicians to deal with it was great to find such a dependable, organised and likeable chap to work with. Plus he knows all the right pop culture/comedy references! Can't recommend him highly enough - John B - Alike Cooper

I have worked with Mike on numerous occasions and Mike is my Drum Tech of choice. When performing at a Drum Festival or Clinic, I have enough on my mind regarding my set up, Mike takes care of that for me and goes that extra mile to make sure the event goes off without a hitch. He's a real pro, a real hard worker and really gets the job done, and boy can he play a bit too!! - Craig Blundell

Having worked with Mike for a number of gigs many of his qualities have become abundantly apparent. We were all staggered by the speed with which he got inside the band's material; songs that he had had no previous experience of. It was obvious that he had spent time before our first rehearsal mapping each of the songs, and his assimilation into the band mix was instant. Technically, beat is constant, and his fills are refreshingly original, without over-busying the song. Whilst being a superb drummer, he is a team member, not a prima donna. Perhaps the most important thing for me is that he is enthusiastic, humorous and very easy to work with. My one regret is that we cannot persuade him to give up his session work and to join Bridgefield permanently - Martin Kent Bridgefield

I've known Mike for approx. 6 months now. The band I am in was experiencing problems with our drummer committing, so I asked around and was recommended Mike. I phoned him, and we chatted, he's a lovely guy, really easy to talk to, we arranged for him to come and meet us and see what we are all about. Mike lives over an hour away from where we are based, but that didn't worry him.

We play a lot of original music, so we were a bit apprehensive about training someone new, but Mike knew instantly exactly what rhythm fitted and has done us proud every time we have been fortunate enough to play together. He is very disciplined, creative and he makes it look like a walk in the park, I can truly say I believe Mike to be of the highest standard drummer that I have ever seen.

I wish Mike every success in the future and highly recommend him to anyone who wants to add a spark to their music. - Louise Chapman - Bridgefield

Mike is one of the best drummers I have come across which is saying something because I have met so many! He has helped us out on many occasions in the past and continues to do so... which is nice. He really knows his stuff when it comes to drums AND production. You wouldn't think a drummer would be capable of spelling production let alone having a talent for it! Anyway enough of drummer bashing (what would I know, I'm just a banjo player anyway!), basically drum-wise if you want something done, get a drummer. If you want something done right, get Mike! - Alan Fullarton - Galvanic

There are not many men I would pay for the privilege of their time and talents, but Mike Ellis was worth every penny !!! A musical gigolo in the true sense of the word. A delicate touch when needed, an amazing sense of rhythm, and when things hot up, boy can this boy pump !!! OOH MIKE BABY YOU ROCK, YES, YES, YES, YES, YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! - Kayl Black - In Shadow

Mike has played drums for Avoidance of Doubt for over a year now and is the backbone to our complex stage sound. He's one of the few drummers I've come across who is exceptionally tight to a click and maintains a serious groove. Mike is a seasoned drummer and is very experienced, very reliable, very professional and an all round great guy. He's an asset to AOD - d.Void - Avoidance of Doubt

Tags:   drummer  london  hertfordshire  pop  covers  classic  rock  blues  metal  industrial  click  friendly 

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