User:Michael Smitham

Born Michael John Smitham 29/07/1951 in George Elliot Hospital in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England. Family moved back to his Father's home town of Whitehaven when he was 4 years old. Education was gained at Monkwray Junior School and Kells Secondary Modern in Whitehaven. Always interested in music as older brothers Alan, Albert, Ronald and Barry all musical. Left school at 16 and went straight into a gas fitters apprenticeship with The Gas Board. Finished three years and then decided to return to The Midlands where his parents had decided to retire a year before, and follow his dream of being a full time musician. First band was 'Stonefox' with Derek 'Dek' McConkey, (bass) James Pryal (drums) Phil Street (vocals)