THE MICK WILSON, HISTORY:
Mick Wilson was born on 30'th November 1962. His Mother agreed to the name Michael, only on the condition that he was never to be called Mick (go figure!), which is something she has never done.
His love for music started when his parents bought him a guitar for Christmas in 1969 and, far from being the 5-minute wonder that was anticipated, it started a life-long passion for pop music that is just as strong today as it was then. In fact Mick still owns his first guitar, which can be seen at the back of the CD booklet on his new album, “So The Story Goes”
Turning to the Bass Guitar (yes, he still has that one too!) and teaming up with his elder brother Dave, they formed a band called Flame that played locally around their home town of Barking in Essex. This eventually led to a meeting with Alan Blakely from The Tremeloes, who was looking for a band to produce. Mick’s first taste of a real studio was at the age of 14 when he recorded the lead vocals to the band’s first single – a cover of Frankie Lyman’s “Teenager In Love”.
For the next few years, the band released more Blakely-produced material, appearing live and on TV shows both in the UK and Europe, culminating in a record deal with EMI (recording the single at the famous Abbey Road Studio 2) and supporting stable-mates, The Rubettes on a European stadium tour in the late 70’s.
Education called and Mick decided to concentrate on schoolwork until he was asked if he wanted to tour Germany playing bass. Leaving 3 A-Levels behind, he celebrated his 18th birthday in Berlin and realised that this is where his heart lay.
The 80’s saw Mick learning his craft and playing in various bands in and around London, but eventually put down the bass and started performing and recording just as a vocalist. Mick’s love of song-writing and producing led to him securing a publishing deal with Jobete Music (the publishing arm of Motown Records) in 1986. The following year on a writing trip to New York, he was approached to sign a deal with Virgin Music in Los Angeles.
Since then, Mick has performed and recorded with artists such as: Lionel Ritchie, Alice Cooper, Kylie Minogue, Alison Moyet, Chris Rea, Donny Osmond, Robin Gibb, Westlife, Cliff Richard, Cher, Lulu and the K.L.F. He is also a regular member of The SAS Band which play all over the world with guest artistes including: Brian May, Roger Taylor, Roger Daltrey, Paul Young, Kiki Dee and Tony Hadley.
He also is the lead vocalist for Three Friends, playing the music of Gentle Giant and featuring two members of the original line-up - Gary Green and Malcolm Mortimore.
Alongside live performances, Mick has had his own recording and production facility for over 20 years, which has been the base for a varied career as a producer and songwriter, as well as composing music for T.V. and live events for companies such as: Sky, BBC, ITV, Marks & Spencer, McDonalds, B.T., Levi’s, Toyota, Mercedes, Ford, Reebok and Mitsubishi.
Since joining Graham Gouldman for an acoustic set in London over 12 years ago, Mick has become a regular in the latest incarnation of 10cc, taking on Lead Vocal duties and playing percussion, guitar and keyboards. Graham and the band have performed extensively in Europe and toured Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the US. Mick and Graham have also performed acoustic sets at numerous charity events including the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Mick continues to be a much in demand session vocalist in and around London, where he is based and most recently featured as one of the guest vocalists on a series of concerts across Spain with a 40 –piece symphony orchestra and rock band, playing the music of Queen.
A brand new project for this year sees Mick joining forces with four world-class musicians who, after years of touring and recording with some of the most iconic bands in the world, bring you a great new show highlighting some of the best British Rock and Pop music of a generation.
The Reflections consist of current and former members of The Moody Blues, The Hollies, 10cc, The Manfreds, Cliff Richard and The War of the Worlds and deliver hit after hit, with some of the greatest songs of these bands and artists.
As a vocalist and percussionist, Mick has performed with artists such as Lionel Ritchie, Kylie Minogue, Gary Barlow, Cher, Ellie Goulding, Paloma Faith, Chris Rea, Smokey Robinson, Jessie J, Robin Gibb, Lulu and the K.L.F.
Earlier this year, Mick was honoured to be a part of the band for Jeff Lynne's ELO concert in London's Hyde Park.
He is also a regular member of The SAS Band, which play all over the world, with guest performers such as Brian May, Roger Daltrey, Roger Taylor, Kiki Dee and Tony Hadley.
Mick has his own recording and production facility, from where he has produced and composed music for various TV and live events for companies such as Sky, BBC, ITV, McDonalds, BT, X-Factor, Levi’s, Toyota, Mercedes and Ford, most recently providing the music for this year's Volvo Ocean Race.
His debut solo album, "So The Story Goes" was co-produced and co-written with Graham Gouldman and he is currently in the studio working on his second, to be released early next year.
Mick continues to be much in-demand as a session vocalist in and around London and can be heard on various TV and film productions, including the recent "Cilla" mini - series and "Sunshine On Leith" motion picture.
We are absolutely delighted he is singing and playing with us in Legend of a Band – a Tribute to The Moody Blues.
Mick played with Children in Need Rocks 2013, when Jeff Lynne's ELO played among other artists.
Mike Stevens
Milton McDonald
Donavan Hepburn
Bernie Smith
Marcus Byrne
Matt Round - bass
Mick Wilson
Mel Lewis - backing vocals
Sharleen Linton
Lincoln Jean-Marie
Chereene Allen
Mick played with Jeff Lynne's ELO at the Live in Hyde Park 14 sep. 2014.
Jeff Lynne
Richard Tandy
Lee Pomeroy
Donavan Hepburn
Mick Wilson
Chereene Allen
Danny Marsden
Milton McDonald
Mike Stevens
Bernie Smith
Marcus Byrne
Iain Hornal
Melanie Lewis-McDonald
The BBC Concert Orchestra