Let us introduce you to the band members!
Mad Dog and the Smokin Js
Mad Dog Mike Minnick rounded up the Smokin Js in 2009, creating a 3 piece, hard edge, rockabilly/rock-n-roll act out of Denver, CO.
A mash-up of country, punk and metal defines the group.
Mad Dog and the Smokin Js have taken their act on tours through the US, a 2012 European tour and playing festivals like Sturgis Rally, Hog Rock, and Viva Las Vegas. All the while releasing 4 albums.
The fifth release features an explosive new sound, bringing Mad Dog to the front.
Mad Dogs' accomplished drum skills lend way for his raw vocals and pushes the band to it's limits.
Completing the Smokin Js are:
Spike, bringing his metal and country influences and laying down the law with his heavy guitar.
Charley Fever slaps the low end, with a mix of rockabilly and punk influences.
Discography.
2009 Live at 7683'
2010 Fuel for the Fire
2010 Live
2011 Wired and Tired
Mad Dog!
Drummer, Vocals
Known simply as Mike Minnick from Camarillo, CA, Mad Dog started playing professionally in 1982 with country and western singing sensation, Lance Hawkins and The Tri-County Playboys. Despite spending set breaks outside with a soda, underage Mad Dog was earning $75 - $100 a night.
As he matured as a musician, punk rock would soon grab Mad Dog's imagination.
In 1985, Mad Dog joined Habeas Corpus. It was with this group he experienced for the first time large venue shows, band life touring and finally recording original material.
When asked, “What was the first real concert you attended?” Mad Dog replied, “Me, I guess. I was on stage.”
In 1986 Mad Dog to accepted a tour gig as fill-in drummer for legendary skate punk band, Agression from Oxnard, CA. In the fall of 1987, Agression relocated to Denver, CO. Mad Dog went with them and continued as their drummer for the next 10 years.
It was front man, Agression Mark Hickey who gave Mike Minnick his first moniker, Fluffy Stud Muffin with the Power Beat which stuck to him throughout the rest of the 80s and early 90s.
Fluffy, excuse me, Mad Dog’s career took an unexpected turn after seeing a Reverend Horton Heat show in 1994. He’s quoted as saying, “The mix of country and punk got in my veins, I was hooked!”.
It began with The Throttlemen, then Paul Galaxy and the Galactix for the next 7 years. It was Paul that gave Mike Minnick his lasting moniker, Mad Dog!
The Hillbilly Hellcats grabbed up Mad Dog’s skills in 1996 and he currently performs and tours with them today.
The new millennium has brought Mad Dog into his own as a musician. Leading up a heavy, genre-mashed, 3 piece rockabilly outfit, Mad Dog and the Smokin Js, He has taken over the helm as frontman lead singer and stand-up drummer!
Mad Dog has attracted sponsorships from Bison drums and Fantastic Musical Instruments. He has played 100s of headliner band and has toured the USA extensively in addition to 10 foreign countries.
Spike
Guitar, Vocals
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Charley Fever
Upright Bass, Vocals
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PAH Photography
A special Thanks goes out to Paige for providing these great pictures
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