Mike Burkett

Infobox musical artist
Name = Michael Burkett


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Birth_name = Michael John Burkett
Alias = Fat Mike
Born = Birth date and age|1967|1|31|mf=y
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Origin = Newton, Massachusetts, USA
Instrument = Bass Vocals
Voice_type =
Genre = Punk rock Ska punk Skate punk
Occupation =
Years_active = 1983 - present
Label = Epitaph Records Fat Wreck Chords
Associated_acts = NOFX Me First and the Gimme Gimmes False Alarm
URL = [http://www.nofxofficialwebsite.com/ www.nofxofficialwebsite.com]
Current_members =
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Notable_instruments = Danelectro

Mike Burkett, better known as Fat Mike, is the front man and bass player of the American punk rock band NOFX as well as bassist for the all-star cover band Me First and the Gimme Gimmes.

The moniker "Fat Mike" was given to Mike by friends after he returned from college and it was evident that he had gained some "extra pounds". While attending Fairfax High School , Mike began his musical journey, and his first band was called False Alarm. They split up in 1983, and that same year he met Eric Melvin and Erik Sandin to form original line-up of NOFX. Both of them recall Mike as a huge fan of The Misfits.

Mike's play style is very melodic, and sometimes aggressive. His sound has a slight distortion, but very warm and round. His trademark instrument is a Danelectro DC bass.

He lives in San Francisco, California with his wife Erin and their daughter Darla. The couple has been married since 1993.

For many years Mike has been a vegetarian and supporter of the animal rights organization, PETA. Ironically, he once wrote songs that mocked vegetarianism.

Mike is the owner of Fat Wreck Chords, one of the biggest labels for punk rock bands in the United States. He was also the founder of the Rock Against Bush tour. The purpose was to encourage young Americans to vote against George W. Bush.

Discography

:"See NOFX Discography":"See Me First and the Gimme Gimmes Discography"

References

* [http://www.nofx.org NOFX official website]
* [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224455/bio IMDB]

External links

* [http://www.nndb.com/people/222/000098925/ Fat Mike] at the Notable Names Database
* [http://www.yuppiepunk.org/2006/04/qa-fat-mike-of-nofx.html/ Q&A with Fat Mike] about religion, yuppies and Dick Cheney.

www.natemartens.blogspot.com