Still Rocking at 66!
Thanks for your time Scott. So tell us in what part of the First Coast do you reside now and how long have you lived there?
I live in Jacksonville and was born and raised here. A true native!
When did you know you had an interest in music?
I was probably around 7 or 8 years old when I took an interest in the piano. We always had one in the house, and my grandmother played it when she came to visit, especially at Christmas time.
Did you start with any specific instrument and migrate to other instruments?
My interest was originally in the drums, in fact, my mother procured a set from a friend of hers that she took dance class with. I didn’t realize the significance at the time, but they were previously owned by Gene Krupa. Due to very apparent reasons, mainly my stubbornness in wanting to get right to playing Innadaddadavida instead of practicing paradiddles and technique, the drum portion of my musical path didn’t last long! Piano was next, then guitar.
Are you currently in a band (or bands)?
Yes. I front a vintage rock power trio named 933 – after my parent’s address in the ’80s and ’90s.
They had a huge pool that was the center of quite a few after-hours parties, so it was always referenced as “933” lol.
Who is your favorite musician or what musician influenced you the most?
Jimi Hendrix – hands down. Period.
Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?
Probably the highlight of my musical career, as it were, was my band, The Philters, opening for The Rossington-Collins Band at The Jacksonville Coliseum in 1982.
It was a huge event to raise money for the Cheryl Neilson Foundation, and we were the only opening act. Epic night. Sidney Drashin treated us to a limo and the full “star” treatment!
What area bands or musicians are at the top of your list to go out to hear?
As for national acts, I JUST saw The Stones (for the fifth time) down in Orlando for the Hackney Diamonds tour. They were GREAT. They have been so much better the last two times I saw them, than those shows from the mid-’70s and early ’80’s..even the ’90’s….just my opinion. Other than them, I recently saw .38 Special in a smaller venue and they were excellent. I’m not much of a concertgoer these days. I’d love to see a big Sabbath show again, but sadly I’m afraid that Ozzy isn’t going to be able to tour again. McCartney would be a great bucket list show, but I’m not going to re-fi my house to get to see him lol.
There are definitely some local bands I want to see that I have not…I have FaceBook friends that play in them, just need to carve out some time.
Do you have a favorite venue that you enjoy playing locally?
We like 9 Ball Heaven. They have about the best stage in town, although we do have to bring our own P.A. and lights there. Other venues with supplied sound and some lighting are good to play, but they have yet to determine what kind of clubs they are. Rock? Dance? Latin? Who knows. There are some venues we are trying to crack right now.
Do you have any gigs coming up to tell our readers about?
We will be at 9 Ball Heaven on Saturday, July 13th, 8-11 pm and again on August 17th. We also will be at Cheers Park Ave. on Friday, September 20th 9p-1 am.
What is the best way for musicians to network?
There are a couple of very good sites on FaceBook that cater to local bands. Jacksonville Local Musicians and Bands, Jacksonville Local Live Music, First Coast Bands, Jacksonville’s Music Scene, Jacksonville Bands with Benefits, What’s Shakin’ Jax and Stage 904 are some that come to mind. Of course, your own FaceBook page is a MUST.
Are there any local venue owners/managers that you would like to rave about?
There seems to be a rash of “double-bookings” going around right now, so if I may, I’d like to reserve that for another time! LOL!
If you had a question you would like to ask another musician what would it be?
What criteria do you use to determine which cover songs your band will play?
Personal hobbies or interests? Family?
I buy and collect guitars, gold and silver bullion/coins, I like to cruise, and travel and I especially like to shoot craps and gamble at my favorite casinos around the country. I occasionally fish and hit the gun range as well. I LOVE my two older Jaguar automobiles too.
I have my father (who is 91 this year), a wonderful stepmother (mine passed in 2004), a brother and my son, all here in Jacksonville. I have several cousins in Gainesville, FL and in Auburn, AL
What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast?
I think it is the wide variety of ‘things to do”. From the beach life, seasonal football games (both here and in nearby cities), boating, fishing, golf, sightseeing, and up-and-coming nightlife. Jacksonville is also located near St. Augustine to the south and Fernandina Beach /Amelia Island to the north, all of which offer great sightseeing, local events (seafood festivals, etc), restaurants, fishing options, and a variety of nightlife options.
Where and how can folks learn more about you and/or your band? Links to your website?
Although a fledgling site, here is our Facebook page
933 Band on Facebook
Is there anything else that you want to tell everyone reading this?
Please support local bands and musicians, and if you like “vintage” rock music such as Jimi Hendrix, Tom Petty, ZZ Top, Spirit, Montrose, Alice Cooper, Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Grand Funk, etc. …COME ON OUT AND CATCH ONE OF OUR SHOWS!
Who are the other two musicians in your band?
Bob Nicklin on bass and vocals, and Scott King on drums, percussion and vocals.
Do you play with any other bands at this time, or do you plan to?
Yes. My old band from the ’80’s and ’90’s, The Philters. We get together every so often and jam and work on new material.
We held a reunion show of all original music back in 2020, and are planning another show soon…even with some new Philters originals! The Philters have had a few incarnations over the years…currently, any shows or new music releases would include Phil Helow, Michael Hogan, Dorman Pantfoder and myself.
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Mike has lived on the First Coast his entire life and was a leading figure in surfing and skateboarding for most of his life. After promoting music for many years on the local music scene, Mike now brings a unique perspective to FirstCoast.Life as a contributing writer.
2 Responses
I have been watching Scott play for years. He is and was me and my late husband’s best friends. My husband Scott and I went to see the Stones together the last time they played here. It was my husband’s first time seeing them .It was a great time. Scott is so talented and great at his craft. He always put on a great show. I look forward to seeing him again soon.
Scott ALWAYS has been a rocker through and through.