Rock And Roll War Stories

The FINAL episode of Rock And Roll War Stories is upon us! And what a wonderful trip it has been!   Michael tells the story of being mistaken for Chris Daughtry over and again to eventually sharing a hot tub and a stage with him years later. He talks about playing TD Garden in Boston with Jameson Rodgers as direct support to Old Dominion and details all the events leading up to being part of Jameson’s band in the first place. 

The second to last episode of Rock And Roll War Stories! Michael recounts driving two hours to Daytona Beach, FL from Gainesville for a gig and forgetting his guitar, how a poorly considered one night stand lost him a brand new pair of Doc Martens, the time he drove Chuck Wicks’ brand new Ford F-Series pickup through the night after a show listening to club music, dealing with a torrential downpour while blinding drunk in Indiana, an Air B&B with no heat in Chicago in February with Freddy Jones Band, and the time Jimmy the bassist for Jameson Rodgers nearly passed out and went deaf at a gig opening for Dierks Bentley in Nashville. And that’s only part ONE! 

Michael recounts the time he helped country star Chuck Wicks move a dead stuffed 15-foot alligator. He also talks about Exploding Boy’s exploits touring in the late 1990’s performing in Key West and Panama City Beach, FL. 

Michael talks about the internal strife that occurred within Exploding Boy 3.0, and the early days of becoming a full-time national touring act. 

Michael tells the story of his adoption and subsequent reunion with his birth parents and how being adopted made him an artist. 

Michael recounts the tales of his celebrity run ins over the years and talks about the time comedian Kevin Nealon came to one of his shows and hung out all night. He also tells the story of the time that Exploding Boy almost got to open for Prince at The Palace Of Versailles in France. 

Michael tells the story about the time Exploding Boy was called in at the last minute in 1996 to open a show for The Goo Goo Dolls at Alfred State College in Upstate New York. 

Michael tells the story of the time he got to be a “celebrity” judge for an event at The University Of Florida called “The Mr. UF Competition” along with late WWF Wrestling Star, Macho Man Randy Savage. He also recounts playing a surreal and outlandish client appreciation party for a company called KPMG at a place called Gotham Hall in NYC.  

Michael talks about being sober for nearly 8 years and tells the stories behind what made him stop drinking. 

Michael tells the story of his first Nashville touring gig ever. Traveling on a tour bus for the first time, and the aftermath of drinking almost an entire bottle of Jack Daniels. He talks about playing shows in St Croix and going on a bioluminescent bay kayaking excursion. He also recounts the story of a festival gig in Panama City, FL with some “technical difficulties”. 

Michael talks about his experiences performing at The Grand Ole Opry and “Opry At The Ryman” at Ryman Auditorium with Chuck Wicks. He also recounts the infamous “Chicken Wings” incident at a gig during his time living in Gainesville, FL, and tells the story about a time that he nearly called in the Marines to handle a heckler at a gig in Jacksonville, FL. 

Michael tells the story of the final days of Exploding Boy. He recounts his first days in Gainesville, FL in the early 2000’s and his friendship with a man named Wilbur Woo. He also tells the story of writing a song with Stan Lynch of Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers. 

Michael tells the story of Exploding Boy’s first appearance on National Television on a syndicated battle of the bands show called, Yamaha’s Soundcheck and recounts the time they auditioned for the program Star Search in the early 1990’s. 

Michael talks about his brotherly relationship with Jason, the drummer for Exploding Boy, and recounts several humorous and heartwarming stories from their adventures together on and off the road over the years. 

Michael recounts the time he and his former band Exploding Boy met up with Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul of Pantera at a gig in Newport News, VA. 

Michael tells his backstory and recounts several harrowing experiences that occurred in the state of Mississippi over the years.