Hello friends out there in 311 nation. Happy 4th of July 2022! We have a special treat for you this week, as we get to learn the story of Passafire’s own Mike DeGuzman!
Mike’s brother was really into agressive in-line skating and they used to watch Hoax 2 Anarchy Across America repeatedly on VHS. “It introduced me to bands like Sublime, Pennywise, Rancid, and 311. “Feels So Good” was the featured song when they were skating in Chicago. This is also where I heard “All Mixed Up,” before it ever became a radio hit. At this point, I hadn’t heard any band like 311… I was hooked.”
For show count, Mike says he really doesn’t know the number. He saw them a few of times before he joined Passafire and then he was fortunate to open for 311 on the 2012 and 2019 cruises. His first time seeing them was at Summerfest in Milwaukee in 2003, with G. Love & Special Sauce.
As for favorite show, he said when he went to the first 311 Day in Las Vegas it was memorable because it was his birthday. However his favorite moment of any show he went to was the beach show in Harvest Caye on the 2012 cruise.
One song that always stands out to Mike is “Do You Right” because it was the first song that he covered in the first band he ever joined when he was in high school. As for favorite lyrics, he loves, “Fuck the bullshit, it’s time to throw down.” ” No deep meaning or reason, it’s just hype as fuck. :)”
Born in Chicago, Mike was raised just outside of the city in the suburbs. He has four older brothers and two loving parents that have always supported everything he does. While his teenage years had him focused on sports, by the time college rolled around he had lost interest and started focusing more on playing music. “Throughout the years of playing in high school / college bands, I’ve covered 311, Sublime, Slightly Stoopid, Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc. As a fan of this scene, I hadn’t noticed that many piano players were covering their songs. So I went ahead and posted a bunch of reggae/rock piano covers on YouTube (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL98028998619BA837).”
Eventually The Expendables came across his cover of “Down Down Down” and invited him to come play with them at their House of Blues Chicago show in January 2010. “Passafire was one of the opening bands on this tour. They remembered me sitting in on keys and eventually asked me to play keyboards for them full-time. The rest is history. I’ve been living & breathing the reggae/rock scene for 11.5 years now & am forever grateful for all the opportunities that have come along the way.”
Fun fact about Mike is that he has a degree in Information Systems from Northern Illinois University and he worked in email marketing before quitting to join Passafire. He’s also a former Illinois state champion wrestler! “I hold the all-time wins & pins varsity record at Hinsdale South High School.” As for guilty pleasure, Mike loves playing Disc Golf! “Peep my hashtag on Instagram #MikeDiscGuzman.”
Being a musician, there are many bands and artists that peak Mike’s interest. He grew up listening to jam bands like Phish, String Cheese Incident, Widespread Panic, and Umphrey’s McGee. “Nowadays, my playlist is all over the place… Khruangbin, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Tycho, Odesza, The Midnight, Ahmad Jamal, Gene Harris, Animals As Leaders, Post Malone, & so on.”
To 311, Mike would like to say these words: “Please bring Passafire back on the Cruise… it’s on my birthday next year! 😀 “
Now here are his words to all the other 311 (and Passafire) fans out there:
“Playing on the 2012 311 Cruise was arguably the best thing to ever happen for Passafire. Our fan group (Passafire Army https://www.facebook.com/groups/PassafireArmy/) was formed from 311 fans shortly after this cruise… shout out Joe Kirk! We’ve not only gained a ton of fans from this community, but have also become life long friends with many of you along the way. On behalf of the band, I just want to say thank you for all of your support! We would be nothing without y’all. ❤️”
Thanks Mike for sharing your 311 story! Heads up everyone, Passafire is going on tour this summer with Iration, Atmosphere, and The Grouch/DJ Fresh. Be sure to check them out on the Sunshine & Summer Nights Tour if you can! You won’t be dissapointed. Now go have an amazing week my friends. Stay positive & love your life!
Much Love – The Runt
