Here's a little of what I know about Mike. No one knows much about Mike because he hasn't been a Doll as long as Johnny and Robby has and he doesn't talk or get interviewed as much. But I know all us true Goo fans would love to know more about him. But I only know a little so here's what I know. Enjoy!
Mike's childhood---he was born on October 10, 1967 in Washington D.C. His first band was in junior high and was called the Mixed Desmids...he, of course, played the drums. The Malinin family moved to Miami, Flordia, in 1970 and I think they still live there, but I'm not sure. He lived with both his parents and his brother, Alex, and sister, Ellen. Mike went to Ransom Everglades High School and he graduated in 1985 (the year I was born!). He enrolled in North Texas State University in Denton, Texas.
Jobs before he became a rockstar---all I know is that Mike has played the drums since he was a kid and he's completed quite a few running marathons.
Beginnings of a rockstar---Mike has played the drums in many bands...but was never really known. Now he's always been a fan of the Goo Goo Dolls...since their first album and he knew how to play pretty much every one of their songs on the drums. When the Goo Goo Dolls fired long-time drummer, George Tutuska, they placed an add in a newspaper for a new drummer. Mike obviously found out about it and went to try out on February 4, 1995 at the Dragonfly in L.A. Johnny and Robby didn't hesitate to accept Mike into the band, they claim that he fits in very well and Johnny has said that Mike has a photographic memory for drums. The first song they played when Mike auditioned was Fallin' Down. They played 20 songs in one day and went through all the records. People say that the first recorded Goo song that Mike did with them was Lazy Eye. But if you notice, inside the A Boy Named Goo booklet in the "thank you's," they thank Mike Malinin. I'm thinking he recorded Disconnected and Slave Girl with them, but I'm not sure. Mike is now great friends with Robby and Johnny no doubt.
What I think of Mike---Mike is a very sweet and nice person. I hear he's great to talk to and I hope that I am able to do that one day. He kicks ass at the drums and I think he's so cool. He's always so into the drums when he's playing. He just sits there and bangs away. I don't think he's "just a drummer," I think he's an extraordinary person with a great personality. I also think he's very smart and talented. And if you noticed, the band didn't get famous until a little while after Mike joined the band! (That's a joke!...pretty lame, I know.) I'd love to have the pleasure of meeting him someday!
More Mike---Mike likes to run, ski, cycle, and play golf, among many other sports. His favorite color is blue. He's the youngest (he's 35) but the tallest member of the band by far. He's 6'-2" Wow! He has a couple of piercings in his ears and he has two pet white, red-eyed rats named Jennifer and Amy. Strange!
Mike's full name---Mike Gene Malinin
Note; If you notice any false information, please email me at the address above. And please tell me more about Mike, I'm really curious. I will not put any personal information about the Goos up here because their personal lives are no one else's business but their's and their family and friends. Thank you!
March 9, 2003
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