mikemcminn

Mike started out playing guitar when he was seven years old with his first foray into live music as lead guitarist in the British glam rock band Poze. After several years of eighties excess his musical direction changed with him joining the indie band Magic House. Magic House was managed by Stanley Green management the same company who managed Sting, Elton John and Status Quo at the time. After many years playing the UK circuit and even gaining critical acclaim in Melody Maker he then took a break from the limelight for a few years.

His return was via a local UK rock covers band called the Dark Horses. However, both New Zealand and the blues beckoned him. Leaving the local covers band allowed Mike to focus his efforts more on his blues playing while planning his move to NZ. Upon arriving at our shores Mike was looking for the vehicle to allow him evolve his own blues style while achieving the desire to play live again. The timing of Annee2CU finding Mike was perfect with him seeking a stable band to continue his journey into blues. Mike played with Annee2CU for a year or so this is where he met Nick Dooner for the first time who was on rhythm guitar duties.

During 2014 Retrogrand’s existing lead guitarist had to leave the band. After six months of auditions Retrogrand was struggling to find a replacement lead guitarist of the calibre required to be able to play their material with the feel needed. Following a chance phone call from Nick Mike joined Retrogrand in June 2014. Retrogrand at the time was the perfect platform to see Mike's lead playing continue to grow and at its best demonstrate a culmination of years of experience in many lead guitar styles across the blues, classic rock and indie.