Mike Shields
Author Interview - Mike Shields
Author of Life of a Lounge Lizard: From the Golden Age of Cover Bands to the Senior Center Circuit
Life of a Lounge Lizard is based on my musical and personal journey through life. The book begins on my twelfth birthday when the Beatles first performed on the Ed Sullivan Show. It details my time playing in cover bands in the 70s and 80s, and up through the present performing for seniors. Life on the road forty years ago for a working musician could be quite the adventure, from celebrity sightings to staying in run-down hotel rooms. It was a golden time to be in a band, with every bar, hotel and restaurant providing live music five and six nights a week. My story continues through personal tragedy and reinventing my music career as a teacher and performer.
Author Interview - Mike Shields
Author I draw inspiration from: Dr. Seuss....so many teaching moments, and they all rhyme!
Author Interview - Mike Shields
Favorite place to read a book: My sofa
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: Since I am a biography lover... Beethoven, any one of the Beatles, Abraham Lincoln, Cochise...they're all characters:)
Author Interview - Mike Shields
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: I always wanted to be a songwriter, and have been for nearly sixty years. Until Life of a Lounge Lizard, I had no aspirations to write a book. But I've really enjoyed the experience.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: Hardback or paperback. ebooks on my phone, no thank you!
The last book I read: The Ghosts of a Whiter Shade of Pale- Procol Harum by Henry Scott-Irvine
Author Interview - Mike Shields
Pen & paper or computer: Computer with pen and paper notes
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: Paul McCartney- any one of his many biographies
Author Interview - Mike Shields
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a: What I am: a musician, songwriter, music teacher, and performer
Favorite decade in fashion history: 1960s, hands down. The music, the colors, the outfits, the art, ....no other decade comes close!
Place I’d most like to travel: Liverpool, to see the homes of my mentors
My signature drink: Cold water
Favorite artist: Richard Avedon
Number one on my bucket list: My Health. It is the most important thing for a person to stay healthy and not kick the 'bucket' too soon:)
Anything else you'd like to add: I am so appreciative of Ashley giving me this opportunity to reach out to her audience.
Find more from the author:
My music is on all the major music outlets, including Spotify, Amazon, youtube, itunes, etc.
(ASIN numbers as found on Amazon):
Mike Shields- B07MHZJQW4
Shadows of Blue- B07MWH8G1S
Island- B07N58RL1G
Sad Clown- B07MZGB3YK
Muzak....From the Past- B07R53F834
Little Memories of You- B089FTHTWQ
In Loving Memory- B08WZJ87FJ
Finisher- B08W2LLRHS
Author Bio: My name is Mike Shields and I’m the author of the book, Life of a Lounge Lizard. I’ve been a musician and songwriter for over fifty years and a music teacher since 2001. From performing in clubs to teaching music to Kindergartners, it’s been a fun ride.
I was born in Seattle, Washington and spent most of my childhood between Seattle and Spokane, Washington. I’ve lived in California since 1974 and consider the state my home. I live with my partner, Leslie, and between us we have eight adult children and four grandchildren.
