Michael D Neathery

About Michael D. Neathery:
Michael has been involved in the music industry for over 23 years starting in the late 80's performing in cover groups along the East coast in nightclubs, cruise ships, hotels and casinos.
Born in Henderson, NC, Michael grew up in a very loving, musical and most importantly, SUPPORTIVE family. His parents, Doug and Donna, fed and nutured his musical appetite by exposing him to any and all types of music around the household. He became enamored by the Beatles and the Beach Boys pop sounds as well as how the groups on the Motown label made him "feel".
In the1970's through his own curiosity, he "discovered" music by Elton John, America, Supertramp and the catalyst for his desire to become a musician, KISS. Their music and image turned his young mind inside out and set his imagination on fire...so we can blame them for the individual we know today!
Although he was self-taught on guitar and bass, the only way to get a musical education was through Band in elementary school. His first attempt was in the 7th grade on trumpet, however having braces on his teeth proved to be a stumbling block for his development, so he switched over to drums in the 8th grade which was the first important milestone in his education. He recieved the 1st chair position in the Red Band (Blue was the top, Red was 2nd and Green was 3rd) in the All-State Band Competition the following year, a pretty impressive achievement for someone that had only been playing for a year! He continued his percussion studies throughout high school and a semester at Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC. In 1986, a bout with mononucleosis (the "kissing disease"!) ended his college career and after his recovery joined his first real touring group from Albany, NY. That band and many other variety and cover bands helped him to continue developing his bass chops and earn a decent living.
In the fall of 1990 he decided to give original music a chance by joining an Orlando, Fla. group called Disturbance. Soon after the band moved to Memphis, TN. to begin recording their major label debut for Zoo Entertainment (RCA/BMG) and Polygram Publishing. "We Come Out At Night" was released in 1993 with the first single and video, "Resolution" appearing on MTV's "Headbangers Ball" recieving accolades from critics and fans alike. The band also made monthly appearances in publications like "Metal Edge", "RIP", "Guitar For The Practicing Musician", as well as Japan's "Burrn" magazine. They performed or toured with artists like Alice In Chains, Firehouse, Trixter and Dangerous Toys. Since the group's breakup in 1993, Michael has done a little touring as well as writing, recording, and performing in the Raleigh/Durham area of NC and is currently bassist, vocalist and programmer for area variety band HUMANS BEING.