Biography & Career
MIKE RIZZI was born holding sticks in upstate NY. It's beyond a passion, it's a way of life, it's in the blood. His influences range from Ringo, John Bonham, Keith Moon Stan Lynch, Max Weinberg, Bun E. Carlos, Buddy Rich and so on...
As of recent, Rizzi is the drummer/backing vocalist for Ed Roland and The Sweet Tea Project. Ed Roland is the singer/songwriter of Collective Soul with Seven #1 singles under his belt) is committed to the project with album(s) and full tour in support of it's debut album Devils N Darlins April 9th. Official website www.thesweetteaproject.com
Rizzi has toured relentlessly and recorded many albums with different artists over the last 25 years. He's had success with a 4 year stint as Nathan Sheppard Band drummer & back ground vocalist, and a career highlight playing with one of his favorite bands, FIVE EIGHT out of Athens GA for 9 years. In 2004 they had the honor to open for REM on their Around the sun world tour. They_м_ve shared the stage with other acts as well including Cheap Trick, The Ramones, Seven Mary Three, Cracker, and the Go Go's to name a few. Between the tours, he wrote and recorded an instrumental album under the name Greedy Robots. In 2007 Rizzi moved out to LA to form Ghost Hounds as drummer/vocals. Sharing the stage with classic musicians, including Slash. Recorded with Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix/Led Zeppelin) and debut album with Nile Rodgers producing and Bob Clearmountain on the boards.
Rizzi toured 2011 and 2012 with Zac Brown_м_s Southern Ground recording artist SONIA LEIGH. Sonia_м_s had two singles off the 1978 December record, My name is Money & _м_BAR_м and were all over country radio. The band toured all across America (and LONDON UK!) opening for the Zac Brown Band, Eric Church, Willie Nelson, Uncle Kracker_м_s My Hometown tour 2012 etc. and also headlined their own shows. Sonia_м_s country rock/southern blues style allowed Rizzi to rock her songs with high energy and conviction.
He also fronts he_м_s own band, The Overblown Bastards, from behind the kit as drummer & lead vocalist. Songwriting, Session work and other live drumming gigs keeps him very busy. He continues to live his philosophy, which is to play with heart, and compliment the song. Much more things planned for 2013 already so keep an eye out!
Check out Rizzi_м_s Reverbnation page for all the info you may need including recordings/videos/pictures/blogs etc_м_