Mike TV

Mike TV are a UK pop-punk group. The band operates from the United Kingdom and is active from 2008 to the present. Their sound is described as pop punk and punk, with a UK punk-pop identity.

Formation and earlier history

The group forms in 1999 under the name Pickled Dick, with Domb Harper, Jhon Cosgrove and Lars Jackson as the original members. The band undergoes a number of line-up changes over the years. Marky joins on drums in 2004 and is later replaced by Nick Reynolds in 2006.

The band later re-emerges as Mike TV in 2008 after several years performing as Pickled Dick. Under that earlier name, they record a fourteen-track debut album, Panda-moanium, in 2005 and a six-track EP, Exercise Your Demons, in 2006. Both releases come out independently through their own label, Don't Rush Me Records.

Style and members

Mike TV are known for melodic, Green Day-influenced instrumentals and catchy choruses with four-part harmonies from the band members. The current line-up consists of Domb Harper on bass and lead vocals, Jhon Cosgrove on guitar, Richie Cooper on guitar and Glynn Mellor on drums.

Other members and contributors mentioned across the band's history include Rich Bushby, who joins as lead guitarist in 2008 after playing in Blame It On Edd and Mr. Kamikaze; Ben Hayes of The Remnants, who later joins on lead guitar; and Riff Reynolds, who leaves to join All Or Nothing and is replaced by Glyn Mellor, formerly of Blast Stereos Loud.

Recordings and releases

As Mike TV, the band releases a self-titled 13-track CD in 2008 and records it with Peter Miles, who is also credited with production and recording. The album is released in the UK through Banquet Records and Hotpot Music in China, with a Japanese release planned through Thistime Records. Their 2009 single LIE LOW, LILO comes out through Banquet Records as a download and limited CD, alongside a music video.

Later releases include the free online Stopgap EP in December 2009, a split 7-inch with Corrigan in 2010, and the free online single Pepe's Dead in early 2011. In 2013, the band issues the charity single Kelsey as a tribute to Steven Kelsey, a friend of Domb and Jhon who dies from a brain tumour.

Live work and touring

The band plays more than 600 shows in the UK and mainland Europe during its Pickled Dick years. It appears at Guilfest, Wasted/Rebellion Festival in Blackpool Winter Gardens, and Amsterdam's Melkweg. It also tours with Sonic Boom Six, Howards Alias, Jesse James, Adequate Seven and The Fight, and supports Me First and the Gimme Gimmes on a UK tour in 2007.

After becoming Mike TV, the group tours with Zolof The Rock & Roll Destroyer, Army Of Freshmen, Useless ID, The Dickies, Random Hand and Guttermouth, and also performs with The King Blues and Sonic Boom Six. It headlines the final show at London Astoria 2, bills the Camden Underworld, and later undertakes a 20-date tour of China, including MIDI Festival. It also supports CJ Ramone and The Flatliners.

Awards and recognition

The band wins the Jagermeister National Songwriting Competition in 2007. Its track is used in a Jagermeister advertising campaign.