Mike Skinner Of The Goddamn Band And Miracle Of 86 Has Passed Away

September 16th, 2014

Kriston McConnell

It’s a sad day indeed. Kevin Devine has let fans know that one of his close friends and collaborators on The Goddamn Band and Miracle Of 86, Mike Skinner, passed away this past weekend. You can read the heartfelt statement posted by Devine earlier in the day below the break.

Skinner had a huge influence over a number of works he was a part of. He will be missed not only as a talented musician, but as a friend to the other members of the bands he was in. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Broken-hearted, shocked.

Mike Skinner of the Goddamn Band & Miracle of 86 passed away this weekend.

Mike played on, toured on, and/or co-produced “Make The Clocks Move”, “Split The Country, Split The Street”, “Put Your Ghost To Rest” & “Brother’s Blood”, as well as Miracle’s “Every Famous Last Word” & “Last Gasp”. Mike was my friend. He was charismatic, generous, tasteful, singular, brilliant, hilarious; he was a whirlwind, a magnet.

It’s impossible to overstate his contribution to the development of Miracle & KD+GDB, but, in short, he made us better, more interesting. More than almost any other person, he encouraged me to push myself, to be confident, to take my talent seriously, because he did.

Mike was dynamic, complex, and beautiful. My life’s richer & a lot more more colorful for the 12 years I got to have him in it. He loved to play for you guys and took a lot of pride in the records we made & tours we did.
He leaves a wonderful family. Keep them in your thoughts. (I think Emily Driskill took this picture a long time ago, at Stubb’s in Austin.)