The music world is mourning the loss of Mike Gibbons, a talented guitarist who played with the British metal band Thunderstick and the American crossover thrash band Leeway. Gibbons passed away unexpectedly on July 24, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of music and friendship.
Who was Mike Gibbons?
Mike Gibbons was born in Truro, Cornwall, and started playing the guitar at a young age. He studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and became a session musician and songwriter for TV, writing songs for brands like Primark, Flora, Touchnote, Pampers, Wealth Dragons, Horrid Henry, and the BBC.
He also collaborated with many artists, such as Maram Hassler, Barbara Zanetti, T’Pau, Liv Austen, Petrina Johnson, Richard O’Brien, Dave Berry, CJ Janson, Mike Pender, Simon Densley, Thunderstick, Leo Kelly-Gee, Dave Dee, Jamie Johnson, Leanne Mitchell (2012 The Voice winner), Brian Pool, Mike D’Abo, The Supremes, Freak Power, Rachel Cardy, and many more.
He was known for his versatility, creativity, and professionalism as a guitarist, songwriter, and musical director. He could play various genres, from rock to pop to jazz to metal. He also wrote songs and composed music for video games, such as Paradigm Shift, and labels, such as Armada.
He was passionate about teaching guitar and music theory, both privately and online. He enjoyed working with anyone creative and willing to learn.
How did Mike Gibbons die?
The cause of Mike Gibbons’ death has not been revealed yet, but it is known that he passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on July 24, 2023. His former bandmates, friends, and fans were shocked and saddened by the news.
Thunderstick, the band that he played with from 2018 to 2020, announced his death on Facebook, saying:
It is with a heavy heart that we announce that former Thunderstick guitarist Mike passed away yesterday. We knew him as ‘Captain Jack’, he had a cavalier attitude to life, never taking anything too seriously. He was a talented guitarist. RIP ‘Captain Jack’… Taken far too soon …Raven, Rex, B.
Thunderstick is a British metal band formed by drummer Barry Graham Purkis, also known as Thunderstick, who was previously a member of Iron Maiden and Samson. The band is known for its theatrical and horror-themed performances, influenced by Alice Cooper and Kiss.
Gibbons joined Thunderstick in 2018, replacing Martin Shellard, who had left the band due to health issues. Gibbons played on the band’s 2019 album, Something Wicked This Way Comes, and on their 2020 EP, Something Dark This Way Comes.
He left the band in 2020, citing personal reasons, and was replaced by Dave Kandy. He remained on good terms with his former bandmates and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play with them.
How did Leeway band members mourn?
Leeway, the band that Gibbons joined in 2021, also paid tribute to him on social media, saying:
We are devastated to hear that our brother Mike Gibbons has passed away. He was an amazing guitarist, a great friend, and a wonderful person. He brought so much joy and energy to our music and our lives. We will miss him terribly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Mike. You will always be in our hearts. Leeway.
Leeway is an American crossover thrash band formed in Astoria, New York, in 1984 by guitarist A.J. Novello and vocalist Eddie Sutton under the name The Unruled. The band is known for its fusion of hardcore punk, thrash metal, and funk, as well as its socially conscious and personal lyrics.
The band has released four studio albums — Born to Expire (1989), Desperate Measures (1991), Adult Crash (1994), and Open Mouth Kiss (1995) — and broken up and reformed several times. The band’s current lineup consists of Sutton, Novello, Gibbons, bassist Mike DeLorenzo, and drummer Pokey Mo.
Gibbons joined Leeway in 2021, replacing Jimmy Xanthos, who had left the band in 2020. Gibbons was excited to be part of the band, saying:
I’m honored to be playing with Leeway, one of my favorite bands ever. I grew up listening to their albums and they influenced me a lot as a guitarist. I can’t wait to hit the road with them and rock the stage.
Gibbons played with Leeway on their 2021 tour, which was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was also working on new material with the band, which was expected to be released in 2024.
R.I.P. Mike Gibbons (Leeway) He is known for his lead guitar work on on the seminal and iconic Leeway crossover albums “Born To Expire” and “Desperate Measures.” This one stings, he will be surely missed. Your music will live forever. pic.twitter.com/cuUDsw2nNQ
— Michael Beer (@Mittendrin67) December 28, 2023
Mike Gibbons’ Death and Obituary
Mike Gibbons’ death has left a void in the music scene, especially in the metal and crossover thrash genres. He was admired and respected by his peers, fans, and critics for his skills, style, and personality.
He was also loved and cherished by his family, friends, and students, who remember him as a kind, generous, and fun-loving person. He had a positive outlook on life and a passion for music that inspired many.
He will be remembered for his contributions to the bands that he played with, as well as his solo projects and collaborations. He will also be remembered for his songs and compositions, which will live on in the hearts and ears of his listeners. He was a guitarist, a songwriter, a musical director, a teacher, a friend, and a brother. He was Mike Gibbons, and he will be missed.
