MARK MCGEE
Mark McGee is a musician driven purely by the art and not by trends. He's earned much respect in the music world as a guitar virtuoso, singer, songwriter and producer. His intense, in-your-face guitar style is heartfelt and melodic and he is revered and influential to players across the globe!
Mark's luv of music started around age 7. Growing up on AM radio hits, church hymns and TV variety shows such as American Bandstand, Soul Train, Hee Haw and The Partridge Family. Around age 9 Mark was exposed to serious Rock'n'Roll albums and inspiration blossomed as he fiercely practiced the guitar. One day he saw the cover of Kiss's 1975 album, 'Alive', and that image changed his life and he knew he had to start a band and play live!
From 1995 - 2004 and 2007 Mark recorded and toured internationally with Southern Blues Icon and Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame's ‘Gregg Allman'. As the longest running guitarist in Greggs solo career, they performed shows with Jeff Beck, REO Speedwagon, Bad Company, Ted Nugent, The Spinners, Wilson Pickett, David Crosby, Joan Jett and Cyndi Lauper to name a few.
As a session musician his discography includes Disney film soundtracks, albums from bassist Stu Hamm, vocalist Mickey Thomas, Night Ranger's Brad Gillis or the acclaimed instrumental album 'Guitar Farm’ including players such as Steve Morse, Pat Thrall and Dave Menikett!
From 1986-1995, Mark recorded and toured the world as lead guitarist/songwriter/co-producer for Power Metal's Vicious Rumors and enjoying video rotation on MTV's Headbanger's Ball (USA & Europe) as well as being nomination for 'Outstanding Metal Album' at 1992's Bay Area Music Awards for their Atlantic Records release 'Welcome to the Ball'. His contributions were pivotal in creating the classic VR sound. Performing shows around the world to crowds as big as 40,000 people, the band shared the bill with Paul Stanley (Kiss), Blue Oyster Cult, Paul Dianno (Iron Maiden), Megadeth, Danzig, Zakk Wylde, Badlands, Winger, Megadeth and many others! Highlights include performing at 'Hammersmith Odeon', the 'Marquee Club' in London and a sold out tour of Japan!
In 1985-1986 Mark was invited by Bassist 'Gary Strater' a founding member of 70’s Prog Rockers ‘Starcastle’ to come join a new version of the band. Starcastle's music was intense and experimental allowing Mark to expand and tap into a deeper place with his music.
From 1985-1989 Mark studied with legendary voice teacher Judy Davis (Streisand, John Waite, Steve Perry).
At age 15 Mark began performing live in the San Francisco Bay Area club scene as lead singer/guitarist for first band 'Overdrive' (1980-1983). Sharing the bill with acts such as Blue Oyster Cult, Metallica, Ratt, Y&T, Randy Hansen, Loudness and Quiet Riot, Overdrive was a powerful start for Mark’s dreams and goals!
Mark and Overdrive appear in the 2 part music documentary ‘Bay Area Godfathers’ now available on most streaming services.
In 1984-1985, Mark formed the group 'Now'. Delving into a more progressive rock style, Now provided a natural progression from the straight up hard rock sounds of Overdrive! Although short-lived, the band performed constantly in the top venues throughout the S.F. Bay Area supporting national acts
Contact Mark for Sessions, Lessons, Production or Tours!