Submitted by Name: Buddy McMillan From: Los Angeles, CA E-mail: Contact
Comments: I just found out today of Mike's passing. Mike was the greatest songwriter that I ever came across. I worked with Mark Miller at Progressive Music and was a local musician. I knew Mike,Kenny and Mike Berrett from the Ice House days when they were in Thunderbuck Ram (one of the greatest bands I ever hear). Mike was a great musician and really raised the bar extremely high for songwriting. I'm sad at the news. My sympathies to the family. Buddy
Submitted by Name: Melissa Douglas From: Orem, UT E-mail: Contact
Comments: Like Jeff said, it's been a year already... it feels both like it was only a month ago that it happened and an eternity. One thing I can say is that I still think about him, every single day. I still sometimes hope that it's him calling on the phone. He still comes up first in my mind when I need to ask someone for help, and when I have questions or want to celebrate successes.
I've had many people tell me that I am who I am, in large part, because of the role he played in my life... and I think that's very true. He always taught us kids to work hard, to look for solutions and to strive for harmony. It's been tough to keep working so hard on the things that I love over the year because of all of the pain... but I'm still trying, and I won't give up. Dad never did. Not even at the end.
Submitted by Name: Jeff Spencer From: Seattle, WA E-mail: Contact
Comments: Today marks the 1st anniversary of the passing of my father. I'm proud to be his son and to have known him. His kind heart and demeanor taught me how good a person can be, and my appreciation of music, of language, of art, and of bad puns all come from my Dad. I'm glad to have had such a stellar example in my life and miss him dearly.
Submitted by Name: Colin Ramsbottom From: England E-mail: Contact
Comments: Mike was my wonderful missionary companion in Le Mans, France during a very cold winter in 1977. He loved the Lord and was a great example of what a servant of the Lord should be. He was more than that, he was a great friend. I am conforted that he had a wonderful family and a good life since I saw him last. Mike will always have a special place in my heart - he was, as he like to be called, a "great bloke" - He loved tacking the mick (appropriate) at my Britishness! A great singer, a great missionary, a great friend. God bless Mike.
Submitted by Name: Robert Muir From: Tucson, Arizona E-mail: Contact
Comments: From the days of Soul Kitchen to Casey Jones and later, if Mike was playing, I was going to find a way to go see him. I finally got to record Mike with Casey Jones in Sam Foster's studio as an engineer (Mike was the producer and really made the engineering decisions) in 1976. I also recorded them from my mobile van that same summer during a parking lot dance at Riviera apartments.
Mike was in many ways my hero and I truly looked up to him. I haven't seen him since the 80's, but I have lots of TR, Casey Jones, and Captain Flash music on my iPod.
I'm listening to one of my favorite songs of his - Can't Die Young. It's tragic that he died far too young. Nevertheless, Mike's life was a life well lived.
Submitted by Name: Scott Spencer From: Utah E-mail: Contact
Comments: I wish that I had listened to these albums earlier. I especially enjoy the ones with early 90's synth instruments. I'm sure you'd get a kick out of that.
Thank you for wanting so sincerely for our happiness. I knew without a doubt that you loved me and that I could trust you always. I'll honor your memory for the rest of my days.
Submitted by Name: Alan Wilson From: Phoenix AZ E-mail: Contact
Comments: Susan, We lost touch with you guys 25 years ago! But, I never lost my love for Michael and you. I count Michael as one of the greatest men that have ever influenced my life. I met Michael in Mark Miller's basement when TBR auditioned for the K-96 Rock War in 1982. I knew at the first rif that this band would not only perform but, would win the contest. I became great friends with the Michael and the guys as well as all of your families and this next few years were some of the greatest times and memories of my life! Recording and travelling with the band, calling myself their manager and doing everything that I could for a kid that was 20-22 years old to make something happen for them. Too many memories! Michael was at our wedding right next to me in the Temple. I will never forget it. This was my fondest memory! I just learned yesterday of his passing. I am deeply devastated by this news and have shed many tears as I do now as I write this. I am mad at myself for not trying harder to reach out, even though I have found from time to time, internet articles etc... I love this man. I know that the first thing Michael did upon entering his rest was to find out where to plug in his amp! I have much music and a few pics from that time, which I have kept in good condition because I still play TBR regularly! I want to share these with all who remember the great man that Michael is! I have missed you guys for a long time and I hope that this message reaches you! For all that read this, Michael Spencer will be remembered as not just one of the greatest song writers of his time but, a truly magnificent individual's who has ever walked this earth. To you Susan, your kids, Michael Barrett, Kenny Seastrand and Mark Miller! I love you all!!!! Michael.... "You done Bust em Down!!!! Alan Wilson.... Long live TBR!!!
Submitted by Name: Anita Allman From: Utah County E-mail: Contact
Comments: Dear Susan, I recently learned of Michael's death and was saddened and also regretful that Scott and I could not tell him the things he so deserved to hear. He was a most kind and talented man. In all the years and all the gigs in which I was present NEVER did I witness him act inappropriately or unprofessional. What a loss for you and your children as well as so many other lives your husband touched. Scott has many great memories of sharing the music scene with him and Kenny and Mont in NEW SPAIN.The years slip by so fast and its such a shame we don't keep in touch with friends. My thoughts are with you, Very Sincerely, Anita Allman
Submitted by Name: Col. (Ret.) Craig V. Morgan From: South Jordan, Utah E-mail: Contact
Comments: C'mon. Somebody please tell me it's not true.
Spencer was my music hero and friend. He taught me how to be a musician; I taught him ways to get into trouble. In 9th grade I wanted to put a rock band together. When I heard him play a riff from a "Monkees" song (Hey, don't laugh. I told you it was 9th grade) I knew he was the best guitar player around. With him as lead guitar and vocals, Jim Olsen on bass, Drew Gardner rhythm guitar, Brent Voorhees playing organ and me on drums we were "Soul Kitchen." To this day I have no idea what that name means. I'm sure we sucked but we played a lot of church dances. We got $50 per dance to split between us. After a year or so the band was down to just three of us, Mike, Greg Shreeve and me. We were getting good enough that girls started following us around. The girls all wanted Spencer - it used to tick me off. By the time we graduated in '71, Mike was REALLY good. I enlisted in the Army to avoid the draft and he formed "Thunderbuck Ram." I have no idea what that name means either but it sounds better than Soul Kitchen. I didn't get a chance to hear Thunderbuck until I got back from my mission. I swear, Spencer looked and played better than any pro guitarist except for maybe Clapton or Jimmy Page. I met my wife, Tammy Hatch, at one of Thunderbuck's gigs. When discussions about Mike came up, I used to boast that I once was in a band with him. At class reunions the first people I wanted to see were Mike and Greg. To me...Mike was a music God. I can't accept that he's gone. Gods can't die.
Somebody please tell me it's not true.
I know everyone says this, but if you need anything, even if it's only to shut up the neighbor's dog while you're trying to sleep, please call me. Seriously. My cell number is 801-541-8221.
My fondest regards to you and to anyone who misses Mike,
Colonel (Ret.) Craig V. Morgan 4191 Lake Bridge Drive South Jordan, Utah 84095
Posted by: Craig Morgan - South Jordan, UT - Mike's 1st rock band in 9th grade
Submitted by Name: Mary Esplin Atkinson From: Provo, Utah E-mail: Contact
Comments: I lived in the same ward (Edgement 5th ward) with Mike from Junior High til we both moved away from the ward...that for me was 1975. Mike was a fun neighbor and friend. We had a lot of good times in Sunday School classes, riding the bus and going to school together. He and I were in orchestra together in junior high school. He lived half of a block away and was my age. These were good years growing up in Indian Hills in the 60's. I have lost contact with Mike since that time but I have very fond memories of growing up along side with him. I send my sympathy and love to his family members that i knew and did not know. How hard to have him leave you all so early in life. I lost my own parents when I was 30 and they were 58 and 60 years old so I know you all still have lots of years without him. He was a great friend to have known. Mary Atkinson
Name: Buddy McMillan
From: Los Angeles, CA
E-mail: Contact
I just found out today of Mike's passing. Mike was the greatest songwriter that I ever came across. I worked with Mark Miller at Progressive Music and was a local musician. I knew Mike,Kenny and Mike Berrett from the Ice House days when they were in Thunderbuck Ram (one of the greatest bands I ever hear). Mike was a great musician and really raised the bar extremely high for songwriting. I'm sad at the news. My sympathies to the family.
Buddy