Mike Howard (Skitzofrenik)

 

Here's an interview with Mike Howard, bass player from the band Skitzofrenik, they were active between 1979 and 1983, and recorded the single U.S.A in 1981. Apart this single, two more tracks made it to the compilation “Roxcalibur” (LP, Guardian Records N’ Tapes, 1982): ‘Exodus’ and ‘Keep Right On’.

Q. - Hello Mike, tell us a bit about the origins of Skitzofrenik, how and when did it all start? Who were the first members of the band?

Mike - Brian Wikson Rhythm Guitar (Skippy). Chris Branley Bass (Snuff). Mike Muskett (Muski). Lead Guit, and Ian Fleetham (Feef) Drums.

Q. - Who would you cite as your major influences at that time?

Mike - Collectively at that time It was Deep Purple/ Black Sabbath/ Rainbow/ Judas Priest etc.

Q. - Where did you record the 81 single "USA"? Was it a self-produced or did you work with a professional producer? Were these songs recorded in order to record an LP?

Mike - Single recorded at Guardian Studios Durham and was on their label only 500 were pressed Produced by the band engineered by Terry Gavaghan. It was a one-off project at that time.

Q. - How was the single "USA" received by the fans? Did it have airplay on radio stations? Did Skitzofrenik got support in the media from the legendary BBC Dj Tommy Vance?

Mike - The single was received well enough to almost sell out It got local airplay- This was before Tommy Vance's rock show- It did go to several record companies who were interested in our demos that we had previously sent out.

Q. - How about shows? Did you play regularly in the UK back then? Did you share stage with other well-known bands?

Mike - We only played in the north of England We did share a stage with AXIS one time, whose lead guitarist Mick Tucker went on to Join TANK.

Q. - In 1982 comes the compilation "Roxcalibur", with the songs "Exodus" and "Keep Right On", how did that happen?

Mike - We recorded the Roxcalibur stuff in late '81 as we were regulars at Guardian then, along with the other bands I presume.

Q. - Was there any promotional tour after the release of this compilation? Are there any other Skitzofrenik recordings besides the Roxcalibur and the 81 Single ones?

Mike - We were asked on to the local radio stations rock show 'Street Level' Hosted by Roger Lewis along with most of the other bands as a 'Roxcalibur special'... we also promoted a launch gig for us and Black Rose at Middlesbrough Town Hall... There are many SKITZOFRENIK demos all featuring in the new album...

https://www.sonicagerecords.com/_shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=71235

Q. - When did "Skitzofrenik" split up? What happened that lead to the split?

Mike - The band split up for the want of a good singer. Charlie Gannon left the band in '81 to be replaced with Billy Westmoreland who sang on the single and Roxcalibur sessions, the band sacked him but kept on writing a whole albums worth of new material (with a view to record an album) with replacement singer Steve Ayre but after a while it wasn't working.

Q. - What do you think that lacked to "Skitzofrenik" to have a successful career?

Mike - We should have sought some sort of management, but thought we could do it ourselves.

Q. - Did you stay in touch with the other former members after the break?

Mike - I stay in touch with Ian who I see regularly, but since the album project this last year, 6 of the 9 surviving members are all now in touch including our 2 roadies Alex and Geordie so that’s been great after all this time.

Q. - What other bands did you play after "Skitzofrenik"? Tell us a bit about it please.

Mike - Myself (Bass) and Ian have worked together on and off since the break-up of the band doing different styles of music, some original music and covers. We are currently in the rock covers band ToldYaOnce.  https://www.facebook.com/ToldYaOnce5

Q. - Have you ever thought about doing a compilation on cd with all the songs recorded by "Skitzofrenik"?

Mike - See link to the anthology album.      

https://www.sonicagerecords.com/_shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=71235

Q. - In the late 70s did you feel that the NWOBHM was reaching to a higher point, in the whole UK?

Mike - Yes, we did.... we were at the later stage moving towards Prog a bit.

Q. - Do you keep an eye to hard rock and heavy metal music nowadays?

Mike - Not so much, there’s not enough original stuff around that I like just have way too many tastes but Rocks number one!!

Q. - How do you want to end up this interview? Anything more you want to say?

Mike - We are all very proud of the Anthology album and it’s getting some great reviews!! I’d like to thank you for your Interest.

Thank you for your time, and wish you all the best for the future!