British singer and pianist Mike Sanchez is one of the most exciting and charismatic performers in the world of rhythm & blues and rock ‘n’ roll.
His indelible image as a frenetic front man, pumping powerful boogie-woogie from the piano in a soaking suit, has won him fans from all over the world and attracted a following from many famous rock and blues legends who have lined up to work with him.
Mike Sanchez spent four years as a full-time member of Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, fronting the band alongside Georgie Fame, Beverly Skeete, Albert Lee, Andy Fairweather-Low and Eddie Floyd on their annual world tours. The Rhythm Kings released their album “Just for a Thrill” and a fabulous DVD entitled ‘Let The Good Times Roll’, both featuring Mike’s extensive role as a member of the ex-Rolling Stones bassist’s touring band.
In December 2007 Mike was invited to appear as a guest vocalist with Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings at one of the most publicised musical events of the year – the Led Zeppelin reunion at London’s O2 Arena, a tribute to the memory of the late Ahmet Ertegun, founder of Atlantic Records. Mike performed alongside such soul legends as Solomon Burke, Ben E King, Percy Sledge and Sam Moore.
Mike Sanchez was born Jesus Miguel Sanchez in London’s East End to Spanish parents Jesus and Manola on the 17th of February 1964. At the age of eleven, his family moved to Worcestershire in the West Midlands where Mike took up the piano, developing a strong love for 1950s’ American roots music through his high school years. As a teenager he taught himself guitar and formed The Rockets, a rockabilly trio. Shortly after, Mike was introduced to former Chicken Shack, Savoy Brown and Steve Gibbons’ multi-instrumentalist Andy Silvester by Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant, which led to the founding of the Big Town Playboys in 1984, specialising in authentic post-war Rhythm & Blues. Procol Harum pianist Gary Brooker became an early fan and introduced Mike to his friends Eric Clapton and Amen Corner’s Andy Fairweather-Low. The latter signed up as guitarist with the Big Town Playboys for two years in the 1990s. Fleetwood Mac’s Mick Fleetwood is another good friend who regularly involves Mike in his plans wherever possible.
Mike’s main aim has always been to make every live show his best yet as he continuously enjoys growing acclaim and admiration for his electrifying stage performances from new and old fans of all age groups across the world. He is now a family man living with his wife Sarah and their son Louie Ray in the Sierra Gredos near Madrid considering the next significant step in his colourful career.
