Hey hey excitable peeps! It’s about time for the next edition of the 311 fan spotlight. Remember meeting Alison Winzenread last week? Well this week we learn all about her love, Mike Winzenread!
Growing up, Mike listened to a lot of punk rock, ska, and rap. Then one day, listening to the radio, he heard the sounds of 311 and was immediately hooked. “They had this sound that was completely different than all the standard alternative rock that was getting all the radio time.”
Show count for Mike is sitting at 46. First show for him was July 1, 2000, at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheater, where Incubus opened for 311. While Mike picked the cruise as his number one, won’t forget ever experience, he does have another show he holds high up in the ranks of favorites. “There was one show on March 18, 2017, House of Blues Anaheim. They jammed so hard everyone in the crowd was going nuts. I guarantee anyone who was at that show would definitely say the same thing.”
Song that Mike says means the most to him is “Tranquility.” One of his favorite lyrics is “From chaos comes clarity.”
La Habra, California, is where Mike grew up. He loved playing sports and was lucky enough to be able to play all the way through college. His parents were teachers, which gave him the opportunity to travel during the summers. “They took me all over the world. I feel like that is something that has stuck with me. I love getting away places with my wife and kids. That’s another reason I love this band so much. They give me and my wife the perfect excuse to travel together and hang out with great people.”
Mike says he has no musical skills, so he thinks that’s why he is so blown away by live music. When not listening to 311 he can be found listening to musicians such as Slightly Stoopid, Rebelution, Iration, Tribal Seeds, Fortunate Youth, Passafire, Stick Figure, and The Movement.
Something Mike says he’s pretty famous for are his chocolate chip cookies and homemade chicken pot pie. He’s been told he’s a great cook! He’s also a certified scuba diver. Something Mike is really excited and proud of is that he’s a brand new grandpa to a precious grandson! (Congrats to Mike & Alison!)
Guilty pleasure for Mike? “I have to admit. I like watching MTV’s The Challenge and of course some Jersey Shore.”
Mike would like to say to 311: “Thanks for creating this great familia that I have so many great memories with.”
These are Mike’s words to all his fellow fans:
“In the words of Nick Hexum, stay positive and love your life.”
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Awesome story Mike Winzenread! Thanks for sharing, and again congrats to you and Alison on your precious new grandson! Much thanks as always to the readers. Have an amazing week!
Much Love – The Runt