Mike Hughes - Bass, bass pedals, 12 string acoustic and electric guitars, vocals

At an early age, Mike was encouraged to take piano lessons, but quickly rebelled against his mother's wishes. "I hated playing at recitals. I would become very nervous and eventually quit the lessons. Of course I regret it now, just don't tell my mother."

His next musical experiences came from his older brother. "I remember the sounds of Led Zeppelin's "In Through The Out Door" blasting from his bedroom. I was a quick convert and was soon rocking to Zeppelin, Sabbath, Priest, AC/DC and all the other 70's bands." He also discovered a trio from Canada called Rush, which would become a turning point in his life.

Mike continued his musical career in the early 80's. "I was inspired by Geddy Lee of Rush. I remember when "Exit...Stage Left" came out and I thought it would be great to play bass, keyboards, and sing. I asked my father for a guitar one Christmas. I quickly realized I couldn't sing and I didn't know the difference between a bass and a guitar." After a year of lessons and a couple more years of the "self-taught" method he started playing in bands, one of which included future Waiting Room members Rich and Mario.

The Rush influence also led Mike into the progressive side of rock music, bands like Pink Floyd, ELP, Yes, and Genesis. "Out of all the prog bands I was listening to at the time, Genesis interested me the most. Being a guitar player, I was always drawn to Steve Hackett's playing. I thought that his style was different from most of the guitar players I was listening to. He wasn't always out front, which appealed to me because I am a more reserved player. Hackett also didn't always just play conventional solos and fills, he made strange noises with the guitar that always caught my ear. I also liked the way that the members of Genesis seemed to compliment each others playing. They seemed to be more about the song than just who could play the best solo."

Joining The Waiting Room in 2002, Mike started out as lead guitarist playing the Steve Hackett role. In 2008, The Waiting Room parted ways with their former bass player. When the search for his replacement became challenging, Mike decided to take on the Mike Rutherford role.

Mike's musical influences currently include Steve Hackett, Bill Frisell, The Sundays, Hooverphonic, King Crimson, Sarah McLachlan, Wes Montgomery, and Allan Holdsworth.

Instruments:

• Rickenbacker bass guitar
• Rickenbacker custom built bass/12 string double neck guitar
• Rickenbacker 12 string electric guitar
• Takamine 12 string acoustic guitars
• Moog Taurus pedals

Amps and Effects:

• Acoustic bass amplifiers and cabinets
• Roland JC120 guitar amplifier
• Colorsound Supa Tonebender fuzz
• MXR phaser
• Fulltone tube tape echo
• t.c. electronic overdrive