Featured artists
(Alphabetical By Band or Artist)
Video Collaborations
(H - N)
Featured artisT
tony Hawk
pro skater
Tony Hawk is admired around the world for his extraordinary career as a professional skateboarder/entrepreneur and his generosity in helping to build skateparks in underprivileged areas.
But who knew he had such an incredible voice!?!? Mikey knew….that’s who! And so did fellow team member Darrin Pfeiffer who previously backed Tony on a Punk Rock Karaoke version of ‘In the City’ by the Jam. In both videos – the one with Mikey and his Uke and the one with PRK – Tony’s vocals are spot on.
His involvement in Mikey’s ‘No Cigar’ video was a joy for everyone involved. This particular track is included on the original Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 video game (2001) and was Tony’s choice for a song he’d like to cover.
With Tony on board, Mikey asked Nikola of Millencolin if he wanted to play bass and share vocals. As the writer of the song, and an avid skater himself, Nikola loved the idea and agreed immediately. The lineup was finalized with Mikey and pro-skater Steve Caballero on guitars, and team member Darrin Pfeiffer on drums.
Michael Crusty and Steve Rizun went all out in making the video look and sound amazing, and webmaster Dean added some extra touches as well, including a very cool skateboard version of the Mikey and his Uke logo.
VIDEO EASTER EGGS
NO CIGAR
With only one exception, every video since the cover of ‘Everything Sux‘ has included a surprise clip at the end, usually some sweet or silly moment pulled from the unedited video submissions. These are in addition to whatever other visual references videographer Michael Crusty decides to insert. For ‘No Cigar’, he outdid himself. His use of video game motifs and fonts even includes final scoreboard numbers with hidden meanings.
Tony’s score of 30887653, for example, is the actual world record for the Play Station version of Pro skater 2.
Nikola’s score of 2222000 represents the date February 2nd, 2000, when Millencolin’s album Pennybridge Pioneers was released, and where the song ‘No Cigar’ first appears.
Cab’s numbers are a playful reference to the adolescent discovery that punching 5318008 into a calculator, and turning it upside down, spells ‘BOOBIES’. Really, Crusty!?!?
Darrin’s score is a reference to the Tommy Tutone song ‘8675309 Jenny Jenny’ from the early 80s, and Mikey’s total score of 11051955 is a nod to his favourite movie, Back to the Future, because the numbers represent the date November 5th, 1955, when Marty McFly first goes back in time.
With its gaming imagery, Bonus points and skating sequences, the ‘No Cigar’ cover is exceptionally fun to watch, as well as being a listening pleasure.
Featured artisT
Mike herrera
Best known as vocalist, bassist and songwriter for MxPx, Mike Herrera is also the frontman for Tumbledown and the bassist for Goldfinger.
It was an honour to have him join the cover of Black Flag’s Rise Above, also featuring Tim McIlrath, Lou Koller and Moby.
This has been one of the most popular collaborations in the series so far, for good reason!
Mike herrera
On stage with
MIkey & DaRRIN
the DOOKIES
One of Mikey’s favourite memories of the 2015 Amnesia Rockfest in Montebello, Quebec, was being joined on stage by Mike Herrera for a performance of MxPx’s Responsibility.
What a special night!
Mike herrera
Let’s Ride
featured artist
dustin kensrue
Dustin Kensrue is lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist for the post-hardcore band Thrice, and a successful solo artist. His music encompasses various forms of alternative and experimental rock, with spiritual folk influences reminiscent of Johnny Cash. He’s been actively involved in faith communities throughout his career, and released a well-received Christian rock album in 2013 (The Water and the Blood) which is lyrically based on scripture and intended to be sung in Church.
It was an honour to have him lend his unique and critically acclaimed voice to a cover of Green Corn by NOFX, along with brothers, David Hidalgo Jr. and Vincent Hidalgo, and Ex-NOFX guitarist Steve Kidwiler.
Dustin kensrue
thrice
Anthology
Vocal coach reactIon
Dustin Kensrue
Thrice
hurricane
Featured artist
Lou koller
SIck of it all
As of this writing, Lou Koller has sung on three of Mikey’s covers. These include Black Flag’s Rise Above, Bad Brains’ Attitude, and most recently, Merchandise by Fugazi.
His band, Sick of It All, has been active in the New York hardcore scene since 1986, and features Lou on vocals, his brother Pete on guitar, Armand Majidi on drums and Craig Setari on bass.
When Punknews.org published a retro review of the band’s 1999 album ‘Call to Arms’, it was noted that “theirs is a catalogue like no other in the hardcore genre. They’ve released more full-lengths than almost any other hardcore band, they’ve maintained a relevance in the genre unlike any other band, and they’ve harnessed consistency like no other band. Sick of It All is probably the single greatest and most prolific band the hardcore genre has ever seen”
You can read the full review at:
https://www.punknews.org/review/16900/sick-of-it-all-call-to-arms-retro-review
Needless to say, it’s been a pleasure having Lou on these covers. His talent, energy and love for the music are evident in every performance!
SiCk of it all
Road less trAvelled
With LOU KOLLER
Lou Koller
Interview with Elliot
‘Little Punk People’
Lou’s reputation as a truly nice guy is confirmed throughout this interview. Elliot’s enthusiasm and preparedness as an interviewer, combined with Lou’s humour, modesty and friendliness, make this a genuinely enjoyable conversation.
featured artist
Roger lima
Brazilian-American musician Roger Lima is best known as vocalist and bass player for the ska punk band ‘Less Than Jake’. He’s also a guitarist, producer, singer/songwriter who runs Moathouse Productions out of his home studio in Gainesville, Florida. There, he mixes, records and produces for bands such as the Dopamines, and occasionally for Less than Jake releases, including See the Light. Aside from his musicianship, Roger is admired for the exceptional energy and charisma he brings to every performance.
As of this writing, Roger has guested on two ‘Mikey and his Uke’ videos, a cover of NOFX’ It’s My Job to Keep Punk Rock Elite and The Offspring’s All I Want. In both, his exuberance and talent are on full display!
Less tHan jake
The science of selling yourself short
Roger Lima
Featured artist
Jim lIndberg
Pennywise
As of this writing, Jim Lindberg has appeared on three ‘Mikey and his Uke’ covers: Bad Religion’s ‘No Control’, ‘I’m So Bored With the USA’ by the Clash and Nirvana’s ‘In Bloom’ which was released on the 30th anniversary of their groundbreaking album, Nevermind.
Jim is best known as lead singer and songwriter for the iconic punk band, Pennywise, but is also a successful author and a devoted family man. His book ‘Punk Rock Dad’ inspired the 2010 documentary ‘The Other F Word’ which includes conversations with a number of well-known Dads from the world of music and sports, including Tony Hawk and Tim McIlrath of Rise Against.
PennywIse
Stand by Me
with
Jim Lindberg
Pennywise
Bro hYmn
If you look very closely, you can spot Mikey and Darrin Pfeiffer onstage for the chorus of this joyful punk rock anthem performed at Montebello Rock Fest in 2017.
HINT: Half way through the video, left stage, wearing a back pack (or, as we say in the North, a pack sack)
Featured aRtist
Dennis Lyxzen
Dennis Lyxzen is best known as the lead vocalist for Refused, a hardcore Swedish punk band that emphasizes strong political and socialist themes in its lyrics and stage performances. He’s an accomplished songwriter, guitarist and record producer (once named the sexiest man in Sweden!) who continues to impress with his youthful energy, musical versatility and passionate social messaging.
Here he joins Lou Koll (Sick of it All), Joe Principe (Rise Against), Stephen Egerton (Descendents/ALL) and Darrin Pfeiffer (ex-Goldfinger) for a M&HU cover of ‘Attitude’ by Bad Brains
refused
New noise
with
Dennis lyxzen
FEATURED ARTIST
J. Mascis
A Rolling Stone List of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of all time ranked J. Mascis of Dinosaur Jr. at #86, ahead of the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon and Bonnie Raitt.
What a pleasure to have him join in on the cover of The Replacements ‘Favourite Thing’, along with Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls and Chad Price of All/Drag the River.
Mikey has always loved the Replacements (and has the tattoos to prove it) so this was a really special one for him.
J. MASCIS
Dinosaur jr.
feel the pain
featured artist
Jason
mccaslin
(cone)
sum 41
In 2001, when Mikey moved to Toronto with the Inner City Surfers, their first big show was at the legendary El Mocambo Club, opening for Sum 41. At the time, Sum 41’s single, Fat Lip, had just started climbing the Billboard charts, and the show was sold out. Needless to say, the Surfers were thrilled to be a part of it.
Two decades later, Sum 41 remains a prominent Canadian band with a worldwide following. To date, they’ve released six studio albums, undertaken a number of lengthy global tours and been recognized with many prestigious awards and nominations.
As of this writing, their Toronto born bass player, Jason Paul "Cone" McCaslin, has made two appearances on Mikey and his Uke, first for a cover of Bad Religion’s ‘No Control’ and then for a cover of ‘I’m So Bored With the U.S.A.’ by The Clash. In both, he’s joined by Jim Lindberg of Pennywise and Darrin Pfeiffer (formerly of Goldfinger).
‘No Control’ was one of the earliest in the series to feature a major Canadian artist, and remains a fan favourite.
sum 41
featuring
Jason mccaslin
(cone)
Featured artiSt
davId mcwane
big D and the kids table
Dave McWane is a talented writer and musician, best known for his work with third wave ska punk band Big D and the Kids Table. The band formed in 1995 in Boston, Massachusetts, and have been actively touring and recording ever since. At one point, Big D was averaging 200 shows per year, playing with bands such as Rancid, Dropkick Murphys and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. They remain fan favourites on the Warped Tour and are much admired for their eclectic and ever-innovative style of ska and reggae.
McWane’s sunny vocals and youthful energy reflect the resilience and positivity that helped him overcome thyroid cancer in 2012. He’s an exceptionally gifted artist and it was an absolute pleasure to have him on the series!
Here’s Dave singing our version of Sublime’ ‘Same In the End’ along with Lawrence Katz of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Andy Platfoot of Buck-o-Nine and Darrin Pfeiffer.
Dave mcWane
Big d aNd the kids tAble
new day
Featured artisT
Eric melvin
nofx
Eric Melvin’s signature dreadlocks and famous ‘Mel Yell’ make him instantly recognizable on stage.
Aside from being a talented guitarist, songwriter and backup vocalist for NOFX, Eric is also a certified life coach. In both roles, he shows a unique ability to connect with people in positive ways. What a perfect fit for the collaborative spirit of ‘Mikey and his Uke’!
Eric’s performance on the cover of Dead Kennedy’s ‘Police Truck’ (along with Danko Jones, Norwood Fisher, Darrin Pfeiffer and Mikey) not only sounds amazing, but also adds a powerful visual element to the song’s message.
Such a pleasure to have him on the series!
NoFx
With Frank Turner, who also guested on Mikey and his Uke (My Name is Jonas).
Love seeing these great artists together!
Featured artist
ChrIs murphy
sloAn
Sloan is a well loved Canadian band, not generally associated with punk, but whose members are all great admirers of hardcore bands such as Bad Religion, Minor Threat, Circle Jerks and Black Flag. In 2013, Sloan released a hardcore cover package exploring that side of their musical interests:
Chris Murphy is the band’s primary bass player and one of its two lead singers. Mikey reached out to him early in the series for a cover of Minor Threat’s Betray, and Chris readily agreed.
After it’s release, Mikey received a message from Ian MacKaye (Minor Threat, Fugazi and Discord Records) saying that he had enjoyed the cover, with special praise for Chris’s vocals. We couldn’t agree more!
Sloan
Featuring
Chris Murphy
THE REST of My Life