The Swarm

February 29, 2008

M.I.A. singer Mike Conley R.I.P.

TDS Editors

UPDATE: Mike Conley Family Memorial Fund website is now up.

UPDATE: Memorial on Sunday, March 9:

The location of a beach memorial service for Michael Conley, a Costa Mesa bar owner and frontman for the 1980s punk band MIA who died last week, has been changed from Newport Beach to Huntington Beach.

A memorial service for family and friends of Conley will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday on the beach at Huntington State Beach at Brookhurst Street and Pacific Coast Highway. Parking costs $10. A public gathering that will include music and an open microphone for people who want to share their memories will follow the beach service about 6 p.m. at the Detroit Bar, 843 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa.

M.I.A. Official Band Page:

UPDATE: On February 28, 2008, former M.I.A. singer Mike Conley died in Chicago. Police have ruled out murder as the cause of his death, stating he had injuries consistent with a fall. There is speculation that he slipped on ice. Mike had many, many friends and will be sorely missed.

On Febrauary 28, 2008, former M.I.A. singer Mike Conley was found murdered in Chicago. Mike had many, many friends and will be sorely missed.

UPDATE:

We know now that Mike was not murdered, but died as a result of a tragic and freak accident. This is the official word given to the immediate family by the authorities. It doesn’t change anything, but we are all somewhat heartened to know that the early rumors, which led us all to imagine the worst, were not accurate and that hopefully he did not suffer.

It has been a crazy last two days and we have been doing so much. The memorial fund has been set up for Mike’s daughters and we are getting the link set up for PayPal so people can donate that way if they wish. For the moment, if you want to help, here is the info:

Mike Conley Family Memorial Fund,
c/o Orange County Teachers Federal Credit Union
P.O. Box 11547, Santa Ana, CA 92711

UPDATE: Daily Pilot: 1959 – 2008: Mike Mastered O.C. Punk

UPDATE: Associated Press:

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s office says it must complete toxicology studies before it can make a final ruling on the death of a former California punk rock musician found dead in a suburban Chicago hotel parking lot.

The Los Angeles Times reports that 48-eight-year-old Michael Conley of Costa Mesa was the former singer of M.I.A., a popular and influential 1980s Orange County-based punk rock band.

Investigators said Friday they believe Conley suffered head injuries when he fell in the parking lot. They also said a person who had been staying at the hotel was charged Friday with felony theft and other charges for stealing Conley’s cell phone and two of his credit cards and using one of them at a local store.

UPDATE: District Weekly:

Police have arrested a suspect in the robbery of Avalon Bar owner Michael Conley but believe his death early yesterday morning was not murder and instead resulted from a fall, according to Cook County Sheriff’s Dept. press secretary Penny Mateck.

Several friends of Mike’s have written to say that an education fund is being established for his three children, and to please check back for more information.

Alternative Tentacles band bio

Chicago Tribune:

Cook County sheriff’s police launched a death investigation after a California man was found dead in a hotel parking lot in unincorporated Leyden Township early Thursday.

Michael Conley, of Costa Mesa, Calif., was found unresponsive at 5:40 a.m. by a person staying in the hotel in the 2300 block of North Mannheim Road, sheriff’s police spokeswoman Penny Mateck said. He appeared to have suffered head injuries.

Conley was taken to Gottlieb Memorial Hospital in Melrose Park, where he was pronounced dead at 6:25 a.m., according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office. Conley was staying in the hotel while working on a construction project, Mateck said.

UPDATE: Daily Pilot:

Law enforcement authorities in suburban Chicago are investigating the death of a Costa Mesa Bar owner and singer for the punk band M.I.A. who was found with head wounds outside of a hotel near O’Hare Airport Thursday morning.

A woman found Michael Conley, owner of the Avalon Bar in Costa Mesa, lying in the parking lot of a hotel in Leyden Township near Melrose Park about 5:40 p.m. Thursday. Conley, who was unresponsive, was near the curb and appeared to have a head wound, said Penny Mateck, a spokeswoman for the Cook County Sheriff. The woman tried to revive him with CPR and later called 911. Conley was taken to Gottlieb Memorial Hospital in Melrose Park, and was pronounced dead about 6:25 a.m. The death is under investigation, pending autopsy results from the Cook County medical examiner’s office, Mateck said.

Conley had been in staying in Chicago for about 10 days to work on a building renovation project, Mateck said, and authorities are unsure why he was found at the hotel with no car, Mateck said.

More details will be added as they become available.

Nostalgia on Wheels has some thoughts and photos:

Mike Conley, wheelie king, frontman for the punk band MIA, owner of the popular Avalon Bar in Costa Mesa, father of three, and genuine nice guy died this morning.

OC Weekly 9/20/2007: Mike Conley’s 7 Favorite Things about living in Orange County


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122 Comments

#1 Monte Malone says:

RIP Michael Conley!!! :(
I started my entire Music career back when I was 15 (1989) because of you and your band Naked Soul, Costa Mesa, CA!
We toured together, rehersals, recording studios, your first big record on the radio, meeting your parents in Las Vegas, we laughed, you taught me what it was to be punk rock... I will never forget you, your music or the respect you gave me! Words do not describe what you mean to me and I wished I could have said good bye! Love, Monte Malone

#2 Hudley Flipside says:

Cocktail.... I remember he followed me around saying, "how would you like a cocktail?"

I love this punk guy!

#3 mike d says:

there has been an arrest in chicago

#4 Bonedog says:

RIP Mike, I remember seeing MIA play at the Mabuhay Gardens in S.F. way back in the early 80's. You will be missed but your music will live on. I think I'll put "Murder in a Foreign Place" on my turntable and I send my condolences to your family.

#5 Brownbag says:

They just arrested some puto trying to use his ATM card at Taco Bell.

#6 chris moon says:

my long time bro! started mia with him, moved to cal. with him, lived with him. the man was very talented, good at everything he did. i am so glad they caught the guy who did this. i have been on the phone talking with many of his old friends and we are all saddened and shocked about the whole thing. i had some of the best times of my life wih him. touring the country,playing music together, he will be missed more than words can say. to scotty rew and deli, thanks for all your doing to help his family get through this hard, hard time. i will be looking forward to seeing all you guys and all the old friends we had. it just sucks it is going to be for this reason! i too am going to be putting on some of the music we made together and remembering all the good times we shared. may god hold you in his arms! i love you, moon

#7 Kabibie PxCxTx says:

Rest In Peace Bro...

#8 jon shines says:

Truly a great friend and accomplice on many adventures.
From my family to yours, you will live on in our memories.

#9 1503Manny says:

Great Guy and will be missed....

Peace Love
Manny

#10 Dickvegas says:

Horrible shocking news.
Many memories.
My condolences to friends and family.
Richard

#11 Newman says:

Thanks for the inspiration and the memories, they can never take those away from us. I'll be listening to some MIA vinyl tonight and I'll cherish every note. RIP.

#12 Lance Romance says:

Ill never forget meeting Mike for the first time in LA, we played at Juvie and he was right up front pogo'ing like a mad man..we got to hang after and I felt like I was 15 again meeting a hero, we all loved MIA when we were kids...we got to be friends and he booked us at the Avalon every time we came to Costa Mesa, again right up front...he always went out of his way to make sure we were taken care of, thats how he lived his live, never selfish, had a heart of gold...The Briefs and the Seattle contingent send our love to his family and friends..he will truly be missed by all he touched..

#13 gashx says:

what a shame, awful :(

#14 Riot Nrrrd™ says:

This is really sad. I first met M.I.A.'s guitarist Nick Adams and drummer Chris Moon back in 1980 or 1981, when Nick worked at Pier Records down by 18th St. Pier in Newport and we became good friends.

While I didn't know Mike too well, I really liked M.I.A. and have good memories of seeing them. Pop/Hardcore at its finest. The H.B./Surf Punk scene threw up some great bands back in the day - M.I.A., The Adolescents, The Crowd, Agent Orange and so on.

I remember one time in particular when they played a house party in someone's house down on Newport Peninsula and the cops came with a helicopter. Good times :)

R.I.P. Mike :(

#15 A friend of a freind says:

I met Mike 18 Years ago. Playing pool at some local coffee shop. Mellow nice guy. My sister and I went over to his house one nite after being hyped up on energy drinks. We found ourselves just checking out all his old collectibles. He just told one story after another about each item we asked about. Cool guy. I will miss him. I live about 2 blocks from Avalon and will also miss seeing his truck parked out front.

#16 Smacky "Williein" McCracky says:

Keep the music going upstairs bud! We will see you later.

Smacky

#17 chris moon says:

well i am hearing new news about what happened to conz. a lond time friend of the family has been in contact with the police. they now are saying that he slipped on ice and hit his head on the curb. there was someone caught with his atm card using it. if this is true, then that person went through mike's wallet and took his card AND DID NOT HELP HIM! i guess we will find out more soon. moon

#18 david aguilar says:

i worked as a door guy at mike's bar avalon for about a year and a half. he was a seriously fun guy, this is freaking insane. i don't know if it makes it better or worse that they're now saying he possibly slipped and fell on the ice etc. either way we'll miss him. i feel bad for his girlfriend and daughters. wishing good things for them and many dark and unplesant things to the jackass who ganked his atm card. see you around mike, we'll all be there soon enough.

#19 Matt Dudenake says:

What a shock. My condolences go out to his family and loved ones. I knew Mike since I was 12 years old. He was always the coolest guy in the neighborhood. He was the first guy i knew who got a spikey haircut and dyed blonde stripes in it, back in '79.
He played bass in my band,Self Abuse, and we co-wrote "Boredom Is The Reason".Everyone in the band really looked up to him. I always thought of him as being like Sting in Quadrophenia.lol. He was just this really charismatic guy that always had a knack for great,poppy musical ideas,all the way through the Swell,T.M.O.A.,M.IA. and Naked Soul.
What I'll always remember about Conz was his great laugh,and that the dude succeeded at whatever he put his mind to,whether it was skateboarding,motocross,or music. He was one truly unselfish and was of those guys that you loved hanging out with.
A true Punk Rock legend. Rest in peace,Mike. Matt

#20 Designated Dale says:

What a damn shame...

California Dreamin' just won't be the same without ya, Conley.

Keep an eye on the rest of Costa Mesa from up there & say hey to Ken for me.

#21 A.J. Nesselrod says:

I am heartsick for Sid and the children, Mike's Family and all Mike's friends. It is hard to accept, and doesn't seem real... I truly admire Mike and his life. He surrounded himself with the things he loved: good music (we had a mutual love for The Briefs), friends and family. What I remember most about Mike was his sincerity, and humbleness. He was one of the kindest persons I've ever met, and I know a lot of people love him. Costa Mesa is a better place because of the love he left behind...

#22 Kevin Seconds says:

Just absolutely heart-breaking. I was unbelievably shocked to have heard the horrible news yesterday. Mike and the seriously under-appreciated M.I.A. helped my band (7Seconds) establish Nevada as a punk rock state to be reckoned with 'back in the day" and played many a gig together. We all became buddies back in the 80's and Mike and Nick always took care of us whenever we were in OC.

Mike and I haven't been in touch in years but I will always love and appreciate him for his heart and commitment to this little punk rock world of ours.

Much love from Kev, Steve, Troy and Bobby from 7Seconds (Skeeno/Sacramento)

#23 Marky from subterfuge says:

mate, i can't believe this. i spoke to todd yesterday and he was deverstated, truly confused as to why this would happen. i'll always remember you two tearing around vegas up to no good and having a ball. you were always so kind to all of us in subterfuge, gave us our first tour, hooked us up with great shows in SF and LA and always tried to mentor us. we would never have half the memories we have, if not for you and the boys in MIA. I remember one night in costa mesa talking about mike leighs "naked" and how ironic it was we were both reading the same book at the same time.we'd talk for hours about "machine gun etiquette" and how important a record it was. i'll always have the memory of you guys blazing thru "second time around" one night. i had the biggest grin on my face. you always let us stay whenever we played in OC and never got upset however crazy we got!my sincest condolences to sid and the kids, i'll never forget you michael. all our love marky and gigli.

#24 Stephen Egerton says:

Mike and MIA toured with my band in 1987. He was an excellent guy, and really fun to be around. I'm really sad this happened. I didn't get to know him for long, but enjoyed the time we had very much. Condolences to his family.

#25 steve w. says:

my first punk rock hero. i met mike 23 years ago when i was 16. i was a close friend during the naked soul years. i'm heartsick.he was a big brother to me. it was so good to see him so happy in recent years.mike, you're a part of who i am. love steve (alex, your dad is so proud of you)

#26 Stencel says:

Mike, you were a beloved friend and we will all be reunited with you soon enough. Watch over us and give us guidance as you've always have. Peace be with you.

#27 Bones says:

I was shocked to hear this. I met Mike and the rest of the band in 1985, They were in Connecticut playing at the Anthrax. I always offered touring bands a place to stay. I remember riding in the van with them and getting off at my exit and then looking back and realized they had a trailer in tow. The highway we took is not for trucks or trailers. We made it with out the cops seeing us...They stayed at my place and I had a great conversation with Mike. Great guy. My condolences to Mikes family and friends..

#28 Tim Valencia says:

From the old London Exchange crew, Mike was a great friend, I haven't talk to him in a few years but knew him well in the mid 80's. looked up to him and the whole band. MIA used to practice (Chris, Mike, Mark, Frank) in back of the old store,(London Exchange) and I would be the only one to watch as they practiced, what fond memories. How lucky I was to be friends of one of my favorite punk rock bands. I am now married and a father of 3 children and have a suburban home in Mission Viejo, and could not image how devistated the Conley family must be, to lose the Father of 3 beautiful girls and a beautiful wife. The Valencia Familia will keep you and your familia in our prayers.
God bless you.You will be missed.
I am now listening to one my favorite songs New Left
RIP Mike
Tim

#29 Brian Tong says:

Deepest sympathies to the Conley Family. I only know Mike as a Dad. I had the pleasure of coaching soccer with Alex in her early years and Mike was always there cheering her on with a kind heart. In this day and age when many parents just let their kids go wherever, he would never let Alex spend the night at our house without talking to me first, forever vigilant to make sure all was cool and best of all making sure that as her temporary guardian, I was being held accountable for her safety. Man, do I wish more Dad's cared 1/2 as much. We will miss you, Mike. Our heart goes out to Alex and the family. You are all in our prayers..

#30 David Beek says:

All I can say is we lost a truly good, descent friend and human being. When a tragedy like this happens the flood gates of memories break wide open. Ski trips, Mexico trips, Vegas trips and lots and lots of laughs with with one of the coolest guys I ever knew. This should inspire everyone to pick up the phone and call your old buddies. Tell them you miss them. Get together and and reunite lost friendships. Every day you do not is a lost day until it is too late. You will be truly missed Mike Conely by everyone that knew you. Until we meet again.

#31 Scotty Rew says:

Just reading this and seeing all the old friends and names from way back. I of course am devastated as we all are. I go back almost 30 years with Mike, lived with him for over 10 years and talked to him still all the time, the last time just hours before he died. This is just incredible..... I have been with the family virtually around the clock since getting the news, have spoken to many of you already and trying my best to get in touch with the rest of you. We have the memorial fund set up for the kids, go to my MySpace page or miaband.com and link to my blog where you can get the latest until we get the websites synced (probably later today) - I have to take a break and take care of my own family but thank you all for all the love and support - we will all miss our brother dearly.

Scotty Rew (951) 897-5160

#32 Bev Walker/eVocal says:

Mike, we will do all we can to keep your dreams for Costa Mesa alive. It is hard to believe that we will not see your smiling face come through our doors again. We are so grateful for tour encouragement and support and will never forget all you did for us.RIP my friend!

#33 Rob Ruckus says:

Absolutely devastated.
This is such a terrible loss.
Mike was always a sweetheart to me as a lil' Punk kid in Vegas.
In 24 years of playing music, opening for MIA is still at the top of the list.

Great to see all the old friends found a place to get together.
Mike we're all gonna sorely miss you.
-Rob Ruckus

#34 craig b says:

i miss you already,the last 15 years were great...your girls are like my own and i'll look after them..you were a great partner for the day in the dirt and pretty fast for late 40's.
thanks for the triumph and all the great memories..too many to list..good talking

love you like a brother..!

#35 Anthony Hudak says:

Miss you mike. I send My deepest sympathy To his family and friends
Regretfully,
ANTHONY HUDAK

#36 Sheila Paige says:

My prayers go out to his family and children. This is so sad especially since Michael is my first cousin and we did not even know each other. My mom and his dad are siblings.
My brother died a few years ago, so I'm sure they are somewhere having a good time! Your cousin Sheila

#37 Andy Z. says:

I just found out today, from Gigli, of Mike's passing. I can't say enough about Mike. He was a genuinely nice, caring fellow who would give you the shirt off his back. Mike was so talented at everything he pursued: surfing, skating, music, and undoubtedly, fatherhood, husbandry, family, and friendships. Mike, I know that we hadn't been in touch for a good number of years, but I know that you thought of me every now and then, as I did of you. Your spirit will live on. Let's dedicate the Dirk Vermin book "Bordome Was the Reason" release party in the name of Mike Conley.

Love, Andy Z.

#38 .shylow.pryor. says:

Mike left a legacy that touched and inspired so many people. He will always be remembered. R.I.P. // L.V.H.C.
Last I talked to Mike was when I had seen listed MIA as one of the bands playing Cochella. I was so excited that i emailed him and asked if i could be a stage hand or something. He emailed me back and said, it's not M.I.A. the punk band.. (but someone else using that name). I was so pissed.
He appreciated something enough to tell you, that gave me a great respect for him. www.stardoom.com

#39 Sean Henschel says:

Mike was one of coolest and good souled people I've ever met. I always enjoyed hanging out with him and cannot recall any time be had a problem. I enjoyed both his music and him as a person. He was always a solid bro and friend that helped me in my own times of confusion and hurt..I will miss him and it appears many others will too.

#40 Brew says:

Well I'm relieved to know it wasn't murder, but this is still just horrible news. I never knew Mike on a personal level. I met him once after a MIA show in Texas about '85, but his lyrics and music have been a very important part of my life for about the last 25 or so years. The world has been robbed of a true talent and from what I've read and heard... a genuinely great human being. Rest in peace.

#41 Gayle Mercy - MOX-NIX says:

Oh Mike- lol- We had some good times together partying back in the day and you will always be a part of my soul and memories that make me still smile to this day. Rest Easy my friend and know that your children will be taken care of and also know that you were loved and will not be forgotten.

#42 Bad Otis Link says:

To all of Mikes friends, our friends and family, so sorry for this pain, what a disaster this is. Where ever he is now, you know he's runnin the joint and he'll have it tamed before we get there. Mikes life was an amazing never ending adventure, he has left me with nothing but great memories, tons of them including many of you here. Looking back is like watching a really cool movie, the ending is the only part that sucks. I am so sad but when I think about him I cant help but to feel good and start laughing. Thanks Mike for all of the great years of friendship, damn, over 25 of em. I will miss visiting Mike at the bar, it became a tradition when fellow old schoolers came to visit to spend a night with Mike at the Avalon. I personally feel honored to have been a friend of Mikes. Again, so sorry to all.
Otis

#43 chris moon says:

well i am up at 4:30 am can't sleep. you know all the shock of this whole thing and talking to all the frinds(old school)and trying to finaly get the story. i haven't had the time in my mind to relive alot of the times we had together. i believe his family is trying to put things together for next sunday so everybody can travel and be there for his final goodbye. now in this early morningthe memories are flowing into my head. like the time are van broke down while on tour in 87. mike spent about 8 hours under the van trying to fix the dang thing. the rest of us played catch, threw rocks, had fun and he just worked. shit he was the only one who could fix it anyway,i think
he only had like two tools but he fixed it. i always get a laugh when i think of the time(same tour)dayton ohio, he and our best mike murry were at this college bar. well about a hour later they come running back to where we were staying and he was looking messed up and missing the sleeve on his leather jacket.(a sight i will never forget)were like what happened. he and mike got into this big fight with the whole bar (preppy) for being a punk rocker. he was so bummed about his jacket, they still had his sleeve! funny shit! well i could go on but i am going to save it for tonight. a bunch of us are going to meet at the avalon around 5:30 pm (sunday) i am driving up from vegas. if anybody wants to show up and tell stories and celebrate his life with us cool! i think some of my old mates from
shattered faith and all the early time folks are going to be there. would love to meet some ofhis friends that i don't know and here some stories. this is not his final goodbuy just a gettogether. see you all there, love moon

#44 kopper says:

I'd like to offer my condolences as well. I remember seeing the band play with the Descendents in St. Louis back in 1987 and M.I.A. was one of my favorite '80s hardcore bands. Please post the PayPal info for the Memorial Fund soon. RIP, Mike.

kopper
GaragePunk.com

#45 John Kastner says:

Nice to see all these people saying such nice stuff about Mike.
He was the real deal. and one of the most solid guys that i ever meet.We had been in contact the last few weeks and always had a great time when we were together.
I am heart broken by the whole thing, but feel lucky to have so much great music to listen to and remember my old pal.
you will be missed Conley
John K

#46 Scotty Rew says:

Just FYI there will be a small gathering tonight (Sunday March 2nd) at Mike's bar Avalon starting around 5:30 PM. This is not the "official" benefit or memorial, but a place for Mike's friends to get together, have a cold one and reminisce about Mike and see old friends, share memories, etc and also we will be collecting donations for the memorial fund. So like Delacruz says don't be crying about Mike into your drink you (hopefully) paid for and not reaching into your wallet and helping out.
Also there will be a memorial service next Sunday at the beach around 4:00 and when that is over I'm told the guys from Detroit Bar are going to open their doors to everyone. Details to follow as soon as we finalize them. Hope to see many of you tonight at Avalon and next week at the memorial. Much love, Scotty Rew

#47 Avalon Frequenter says:

Mike had a kind and welcoming smile, I have known him as long as avalon bar was open and his kindness was the reason I would come back, I was looking forward to seeing him when he got back and now with this news, I am reminded how short life is, you will be missed Mike and obviously not forgotten

#48 The Kid says:

Quick with a joke.... Always in style.... When you rolled with mike, you were half way there..... Tons of warm memories, Thanks friend.

#49 Rob Ruckus says:

I had lunch with Paul Schwartz today.
He had to go back to Utah, but I showed him this page and we talked about most of the people who have posted, lots of great Mike stories. Lots of laughs and a bunch of disbelief.
We both wish we could be there with you, but know your all in our thoughts.
Theres alot of guys with painted leather jackets in their closets that need a hug right now.
Wish I could be there next week, but I have to go play "Boredom is the Reason" in New York on Sunday.
Hopefully me and Paul can come play the benefit.
Much Love to Mike's and OUR Family.
- Ruckus and Pablo

#50 thankyou says:

.eternal bless.

#51 Beek says:

Last night was like an incredible time machine. What a great get together with such a cool group of people (a lot more wrinkles and a lot less hair). Jesus Mike, you had a lot of friends! And Alex....oh my God Alex. Wow, has she turned out to be such a wonderful, beautiful and incredibly strong young lady. You did well my friend!!!

#52 mike de la cruz says:

it's monday morning and i thought i'd be better, then i came acoss this site. i see all my old friends post's here and man that guy was loved. it was good to see all mikes friends last night old and new at the bar especialy chris "baby" moon. i spoke to nick last night on the "puter and look froward to seeing him as well as al the vegas contingent on sunday. jon shine's put it so well when he said
"Truly a great friend and accomplice on many adventures. " yes he was....yes he was. for anybody that want's to help mikes kids alex, zoe, and ava heres a link to the site WWW.MIKECONLEYFAMILYFUND.COM please do what you can to help sid and the girls. thank you, mike de la cruz

#53 carole (Mikes Mom) says:

Through my tears I struggle to read about my Son through all of these posts. How truly proud I am of him and his accomplishments. To see the impact he had on so many other lives is amazing! I will always remember Mike coming home on a weekend , friends in tow, hanging by the pool,sleeping on the floor with stories that made me laugh. Mikes friends were a huge part of his life . I am so happy to see the impact and the long after he's gone affect he will always have with all of you. I am so devastated along with his sisters and Father..My only son has given so much back in his life it makes me even miss him more knowing the loss to everyone along with myself. please feel free to call me I get so much comfort in hearing mike stories..we'll see you all on Sunday.

Mom..

702 878 7387

#54 Dirk Vermin says:

Mike has not left my mind since I received this tragic news on Thursday. Father, business man, front man for a great punk band... I kinda relate. I've been absorbed with his story, as I have been working steadily on the upcoming "Boredom Was The Reason"( the book about the history of the 80’s Vegas punk scene). We had had been corresponding back and forth last month piecing together the M.I.A. chapter. This project keeps becoming more important as time goes on. “I will make you proud Mike”. My heart goes out to your family and friends. Your legacy will not be forgotten, my brother.

#55 Jiffy says:

He was a gentleman. R.I.P. Brother.

#56 Larry Pearson says:

After reading Delle's post (#52) It made me relize how much we all feel the same. Mike had a way about him that was very special. We all are connected to him in so many ways. Cedar Street, Spatz, Vegas, tours, shows. Always a open cold beer when you walked into Avalon. I could go on for days. Our times on tour are the memories I will hold deepest, it was me and him against the world. I'm proud to call you a friend. Its been good to see old faces and talk story on one of our dearest friends. I miss you brother.
Larry

#57 Jordan Watson says:

Dear Mike.
Well Respected. Loved by all. I am very proud to have known you and to be able to call you my friend. The grooves on my MIA vinyl are worn deeper than all the rest. You are and always will be an inspiration to all of us with your vision, dedication, and perseverance. So sad about you. You were taken from us much too soon.
Jordan

#58 Scooter says:

I want to give my regrets to his family & all his good friends. He was a real genuine nice guy. Thank you for letting me know you and I will always enjoy your great music you made!

#59 Mark Gleason says:

I had the maybe unique experience of knowing Mike both back in the day and MUCH later as soccer dads. I was at many of the MIA shows and other events of the 80's and was always a big MIA fan - still have the VINYL records. I wasn't a exactly a friend back in glory days of punk, more like a well-connected fan who got the opportunity to talk to Mike at a number of events. We had a lot of other stuff in common and always had much deeper conversations than anyone would expect at an MIA or DKs show. About 20 years later Mike's daughter Alex joined the club soccer team that I managed. Mike showed up at a practice one day and introduced himself and I thought, "Where do I know this guy from??" So I asked and he said that he was once in a band. And I said, Mike F'in Conley from MIA?!" Talk about your small worlds. Mike said that I was the first soccer dad who knew anything about MIA and I told him he was the first punk idol to have a kid on one of my teams. We immediately re-connected on many levels. We navigated Costa Mesa politics together, hung out at Avalon (mmm, Spaten on tap...), popped in for interesting shows at Detroit, and got our athlete daughters into college on scholarships. Our kids are still very close, even though they're in school on opposite ends of the country. I was planning on taking my just-turned-21 punk-ish son to Avalon on Sunday prior to a show at Detroit and introducing him to Mike. We lost a lot with Mike's passing. The guy really made an impact in Costa Mesa and I don't know how that gap can be filled. RIP Mike is a nice sentiment, but I doubt that he can RIP because he still had so many things to do in life.

#60 The Doctor says:

In case anyone doesn't already know and would like to reminisce some good old times and tunes... itunes store has most of the M.I.A. oldies (even all my favorite's from the MIA/Genocide album.. I couldn't believe it!!!!). It was excellent to find these gems again.
The Doctor

#61 tony erba says:

what a great fucking band and an inpiration for me to start my own bands. never met the cat,never saw them play,was just a fat fucking geek who wore out the split w/ genocide jamming to it in my mom's shitty basement. thanks for the great punk rock. RIP.

#62 Devon says:

Mike was the guy from OUR neighborhood who made us realize that four kids can grab their instruments, get in a van and see the country. MIA put Las Vegas on the map and those records sound even better today. I am truly grateful for his music and energy.

#63 chris mclaughlin says:

As an 18 year old kid in the late nineties I lived next door to Mike on Rochester! I never knew of him from being in a band in the past, but i knew he was cool, just by the way he was! He would ask me what kind of music I liked and all i could reply was "rock and roll". I used to drive a 69 Dodge dart and was always interested in what him and his friends were up too cause they had cool bikes, and I even remember at one time an old ford galaxy he was working on. My brother Cole and I called him "Moto Mike". He had great style, had great things goin on and was always a bro. He will be missed greatly and I will always have a positive memory of him as I'm sure most people that associated with him will too! Rest in peace friend!

chris and cole

#64 S. RIVERA-LOGAN says:

MIKE & SID ATTENDED MY WEDDING, ONE OF THE BEST DAYS OF MY LIFE. I AM HONORED TO SAY THAT HE WAS FAMILY. HE TRULY WILL BE MISSED AND AVALON WONT BE THE SAME WITH OUT HIM. THE RIVERA FAMILY WILL TRULY MISS HIM AND THANK HIM FOR BRINGING US INTO HIS LIFE. I WILL NEVER FORGET HIS HOSPITALITY WHEN EVER WE STOPPED INTO AVY. SO MANY MEMORIES THERE, SO MANY GOOD TIMES. THE FAMILY WILL MISS HIM AND YOU ALL KNOW WHO IM TALKING ABOUT. MY SINCERE REGRETS TO SID AND THE GIRLS. I JUST RECENTLY SAW HIM BEFORE I MOVED AND IM GLAD I HAD THAT MOMENT WITH HIM.
MUCH LOVE SR AND JL
RIP MIKE
RIP

#65 kelly newport says:

wow ! i just heard
mike you were my best friend in grade school all the way through high school, then we sorta lost touch. couple of e mails in the last several years was about it. i remember stripping down your honda 70 every weekend to repaint it a different color by sunday race day at williams motor cross track. also the times you went hunting with us. i will miss you deeply ! my thoughts and prayers go out to your family

#66 Jerry Russo says:

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Conley Family.
It was an honor to know Mike back in the day in Vegas.
Mike you'll truly be missed.

#67 Melodie Gibson says:

What a terrible tragedy.
I am so sorry for his children.
I knew Mike back in the Swell days. I was one of the original groupies. I have fond memories of him in his leopard painted chuck taylor high tops back in 1980.
He was such a bright light.
Melodie

#68 John Castro says:

I was affected and saddened to hear the news. He was an amazing guy. I grew up in Vegas a couple of blocks away from Mike's parents house on Mason. Being heavily influenced by the sounds of punk in the early 80's, I was into many bands, and one of the premiere bands on my radar was MIA. I remember spinning the crap out of the Last Rites record with Genocide/MIA. I was floored and hooked. I don't even remember the Genocide portion, only MIA. One day my brother and I walked over to the Conley's house. There, through my young awe struck eyes was Mike and MIA loading their van with all the gear and merch getting ready to leave on the MIAFP tour. Wow! We walked over sheepishly, struck up conversation as fan boys, and found them to be the coolest guys while signing their new record and t-shirts for us. Mike was especially courteous and sweet. It was an inspiring moment that had left an impact upon the young aspiring musician in me. Over the years I still paid visits to the house. His father opened the door to us, sharing pictures and stories of the son he was proud of. Years later I ended up playing bass with Todd in Samson's Army. Todd and he were the closest of friends. I got to know Mike better during this time, as we shared many a nights and many shows with he and Naked Soul. I hadn't seen him in many years, but I can tell you that he was the real deal. A man that left and indelible impression on many people, influenced many bands, and possessed a heart of gold. He will be missed and not forgotten. Much love to his family and friends - John Castro

#69 Cheri says:

What a shock! I was one of the original Swell followers along with Mel and remember when Mike was just learning the bass... long before he became a frontman. I remember the first time he bleached his hair and came over at 2am to show it off. Even though it seems like forever ago, I think of those days often. They were great times and Mike was a good friend.
I am really impressed with what he did with his life.
My condolences to his family.
You will be missed. Love, Cheri

#70 John Gilhooley says:

I photographed Mike for OC Weekly the shot is the one on this link

I also shot a Cover of Abstract Workshop in Avalon

What a great guy... we hit it off right away .. talking about the old punk rock days and our family lives we have now

This news blows me away

I could tell meeting him that he would be one of the people I kept in contact with long after the shoot .. I am so sorry that I wont get that chance

Please help Mikes family in any way you can

#71 chris moon says:

well this still hasen't sunk in yet. i must say that sunday night at the avalon wil go down in my top ten nights.it was the first time at mikes bar for me, it was so conz. seeing everybody was a great thing for me, it has helped me deal with this. i know mike was looking own and smiling on us all. i spoke to mikes mom last night, what a great lady! please do not hesitate to call her, (702-878-7387) carole would love to hear from everybody. i was kind of worried what i would say, but she made it so easy for me. please call her. going through this site and seeing all the old names has been great, here is my e-mail address if anybody want to keep in touch cmoongo@cox.net or 702-870-3937, i would love to talk to anybody from our past. againi want to thnk scotty rew for all he is doing for his family, what a solid guy. they are going to start planning some benifit shows and we ALL must help. i talked to nick and we might get the old band back together for a show for mike. that would be cool, just don't expect us to play that fast LOL!well i will see all of you guys on sunday, i think we might be getting together on saturday night somewhere and hang out, i will get back on that one. as mike wrote, live your life full, live your life free, tomarrow is but a vision, yesterday is just a dream. love moon

#72 Jesse Luscious says:

As a big MIA fan I am shocked to hear about Mike's death, and as a worker @ Alternative Tentacles I'm doubly saddened. It's wonderful to read the great words & memories. I'm bummed I never had the chance to meet him, but I love his music. "I Hate Hippies" is the best song about the Sons And Daughters of Jerry Garcia EVER!

#73 XXXXXXX says:

WE LOVE U MIKE AND ALWAYS WILL! YOU TRULY WERE A BEAUTIFUL SOUL AND MADE AVALON A HOME TO MANY. SO MANY GOOD TIMES THERE AND SO MANY MEMORIES. THE DAY YOU LEFT US, A LITTLE PIECE OF OUR HEARTS WENT WITH YOU. THE SUN JUST DOESN'T SEEM TO SINE AS BRIGHT, KNOWING YOU AREN'T IN THIS WORLD WITH US ANYMORE. GOD HADS A WONDERFUL FRIEND AND COMPANION NOW AND YOU ARE HOME.I KNOW YOU ARE SMILING DOWN ON US AND HOPE YOU ARE AT PEACE, KNOWING HOW MUCH YOU WERE LOVED AND HOW MUCH OF AN INPACT YOU HAD ON SO MANY OF US. RIP MIKE CONLEY, YOU WILL B MISSED!!

#74 Pat "RICO" Shannon says:

I'm proud to say I was and always will be a friend of mike's. He was one of the coolest guys I ever met and will never be forgotten. RIP Bro!

#75 The Vermin says:

We (Rob Ruckus and Dirk Vermin) can't be there Sunday as were off to New York to play some shows.
Each nite will start with Boredom is the Reason and a dedication to Mike.
Especially Sunday.
It will be a Bi-Coastal Tribute.

Such a terrible loss, but at least it has brought "The Family" back together.
All our Love to You Guys and Mike's Family. We're gonna miss you Brother.
-The Vermin (From Vegas)

#76 Rick Fiddler says:

Mike was always the coolest. I remember letting him (The Swell) use my van as a billboard- 999 on top for the air patrol, a british flag across the entire front and THE SWELL across the entire van on both sides. Artistry by Matt D. Paint purchased by Mike. Always enjoyed his company and his visions. I will never forget all the great times we had in the pit! Hello Chris M. Matt D. Thanks for call Scott.
God bless
Rick

#77 Jeff says:

RIP SO CAL COOLIO........

#78 Rick Fiddler says:

Every now and then ones mans life touches so many people in such positive ways. Mike,s life touched mine in my late teens and early 20,s. In the mist of my alcoholism and drug addition Mike always have the compassion and courage to tell me like it was! God used Mike as a vessel to help me to realize my alcoholism and drug addition. I,ve been clean and sober for quite a long time now and just now reaching the compassion and Love Mike had for others! You showed me the way! I think of you always when helping others who need a friend.

My Prayers go out to Mike's Family and friends- may God give you the Love, courage and strength to meet each days task at hand.

Rick
www.Houseofhope-Houseoffaith.org

#79 mo says:

mike....you blessed so many while you were here, and now you're gracing your presence to everyone in heaven. i have the good fortune of sharing some of my most treasured memories with you. you made an incredible impact on my life...genuinely one of the most beautiful souls a person could ever hope to come across in their life. i will be forever grateful for our paths crossing, and our times together.
i love you forever, and wish you were here longer. your spirit lives on through your daughters and all that were blessed to know you...i miss you terribly.
mo

#80 Curtiss says:

WOW... I knew Mike through Meatball and Lucky & some other guys we rode with over the years. He is best known for MIA... But I grew up out of state and knew nothing of MIA until after I had known Mike for several years. I guess I never really completely put the two together. The Conley I knew was a fun, fast MotherFr who loved his family and loved his bikes... He never bragged about anything but was always kind of a smart-ass... He is a good guy and we will all miss him. Rest in peace brother. I am sure I will see you on the other side.

#81 tds_editors says:

This was sent in via email, pt. 1:

i just snowshoed off the mountain top to type some about mike. i'm computer free so bear with me. mike and i grew up one street apart from eachother in charleston hieghts, top of alta hill, red rock elementary, grey hole desert, he on pershing , me on zion. we went to elementary school together. he was one year older than me. once i was out riding my bike in the grey hole area when i saw mike and dave brumback smoking cigarettes in the crater. mike jumped up and said dont tell on us and i didnt. i was maybe forth grade, 1969 or 70. mike was in the pershing gang with garrett and brumback and they did battle with the view gang with charlie and the andrades. i was the little musician kid in the middle and got my ass kicked back and forth between the two. charlies dad was a great vegas musician as was my dad and our backyard fences touched. the pictures of us in the garside jr. high yearbook of 72/73 would make you laugh. and everybody was still kickin my little ass. then i switched jr. high schools and started playing music alot and forgot all about mike conley. i started hanging with other musician kids like robert windolph, lifelong friend / played piano on mia album "notes" and my greatest influence of all time nick adams. we were long haired rockers but we were starting to listen to this strange new music called punk/new wave. then after high school we met mike and charlie, now the first punks in town. mike and charlie would go to california surfing and bring back punk records you couldnt get in vegas. they were sceptical of me but they loved nick and who wouldnt. then the other first punks, chris,andy,eric, etc came around and we got deeper into punk rock. once i gave a ride to mike and we marveled at the fact that a band would name themselves the sex pistols!

#82 tds_editors says:

email pt. 2:

conz, murray and i would go to the four kegs for wings and missle command.next fall we all moved away from eachother. then thanks to nick i was asked to move to newport beach, where i'd never been, and play bass for m.i.a.! I was so lucky, though i didnt feel lucky then, to be near mike and chris and the others and have some of their tough coolness rub off on me. a thousand gigs later ... mike and i had so many experiences good and bad. and in the end our relationship was personal. i've been wrestling with the news and it hasnt been easy. mike and i had some unfinished business to attend to. and i'm so sad for his mom, such a great lady, so nice to me back in the day, and so sad for his kids and for all of us. "us" meaning all who crossed paths with this wild soul mike conley. he was the best video game player of all time. remember how he'd curl his pinky finger when skating a ramp? he loved dumb jokes and would tell them onstae. the best frontman of his era. i've seen him fly off huge p.a. collumns on tour in towns he'd never been in. anyone who saw us perform then was lucky. what a great band. i loved naked souls version of so sad about us and often thought it related to mike and me. thanks must go to jon shines and jello biafra for getting our records made. i'm a reclusive mountain man now. i dont "e" anything. i dont even know where my cel phone is. but i'm still living in the forest, remembering all of you fondly and now especially mike. what a long action packed life he lived. all of my love to chris, larry, and nick. i miss you fellow mia alumni. and to otis,scotty,jon and all the other friends, let's talk about mike to anyone who'll listen for the rest of our lives

#83 joe says:

he arrived in a cab

#84 Julie Foxx (Jules) says:

I just spoke to Mike's Mom. She was extremely kind to me even with all that she is going through.

I knew Mike back in the day--Vegas--and we had some pretty memorable experiences. That was in the 80s when I was a DJ at KUNV 91.5. Mike was one of the coolest, nicest and talented people I have ever met. Even though I haven't seen him for over 20 years, he is the type of person that you never forget, my very, very strong condolences for all of us! Mike, you will be missed terribly.

By the way, some of you Vegas punks need to leave your e-mail or phone number so we can talk! Read: Chris Moon, Gigli, Marky from Subterfuge, Anthony Hudak (from Self Abuse?) Andy Zafuto--don't know if spelled right. Heidi (Tattoo) and I would like to be in contact with all you guys. Thanks.

Julie Foxx

Remember Jules on Rock Avenue? If you remember me, please call or e-mail so we can share good memories of Mike and the fun we all had.

E-mail: juliefoxx@verizon.net
Home: (310) 314-7700
Cell: (310) 403-6305

#85 worm on broken glass says:

CHICAGO is the reason.

#86 Janet Bravo says:

It HAS'NT HIT ME YET!!! BIG CLICHE! I TOTALLY LOVED THE CONZ FAMILY!!! I "MISS" MIKE SO MUCH ALREADY!!! MARY AND I WOULD BE GETTING READY TO GO SKATING, AND MIKE AND MIKE McCARTY WOULD BE BUGGING US TO HURRY AND GET OUT OF THE BATHROOM!!! MIKE WAS DEFINETLY ONE OF A KIND!!! HE'LL BE MISSED "BIG" TIME!!! I LOVED HIM LIKE A BIG BRO!!! I HOPE HE'S ROCKIN THEM UP THERE!!! YOU KNOW HE IS!!! I MISS YOU MIKE, AND SO DOES EVERYBODY ELSE!!! LOVE YOU, JANET BRAAVOO

#87 chris moon says:

paul, it was so great to see you writing on here. i was bummed i haden't heard from you! i dig your mountain life, and how you are living. please keep in touch with all your old friends, they miss you and want to talk. my number is on this site and in the phonebook, give me a call or write i you can. love moon cmoongo@cox.net

#88 guy smiley says:

my heart aches deeply for you and your family, may they be blessed, and that you always rest in peace. cons was a huge inspiration to the vegas punkrock scene. he was a punkrock pioneer that helped lead the way (along with many other great people)for one of the the best scenes anywhere. when he left for cali, a ton of people still looked up to him for all the great things he accomplished. he was and always will be greatly missed. we always looked forward to seeing mia play vegas, and going down to see them in cali, good times at the lil house on cedar...etc. please celebrate mikes wonderful life as you remember it. love ya cons.
guy smley

#89 steve says:

Mike:

From the short few years I knew you were very passionate about everything you you set your mind on - you knew eventually the westside would come around and you were one of the do'ers and makers investing in CM's future. You made things happen that were positiive for the city. I hope the folks in city council realize what a vissionary they had in their midst. You will truley be missed. Anyone for changing the name of 19th street to Mike Conley Boulevard?

Miss you man - RIP!

Steve

#90 Matt Dudenake says:

Hey everyone,I am in the process of writing a tribute song about Mike. I'm not sure what will become of it,or who's going to be playing on it,but I plan on recording it soon.If anyone has any input on this,feel free to email me at puckwork999@yahoo. It will definitely be,in the words of C.Gordon Moon,"chimey-riffy-gravy".

Looking back,some of the things that I associated with Mike: his sunburst Rickenbacker bass he played in the Swell,and M.I.A.,hot wings at the Four Kegs,Skating at Jaws and being chased by the cops,his contempt of hippies,his love of the Buzzcocks,the Replacements,Tom Waits,the record of "California" by the Simpletones, and the Prescence album by Led Zeppelin (pre-punk,of course),his stereo amp set up,playing at all of Self Abuse's last 3 reunion shows.The last show he played in a cast after a motorcycle accident. Making him laugh onstage, his "German" surfboard,him singing back up vocals on Self Abuse's "I Like Coors" in which he snuck in a 12 pack of old Adolf's brew into the studio and was totally laughing his ass off,and hanging out at his pad in Newport with the Las Vegas punk crew listening to TSOL's "Dance With Me"for the first time,and all of us totally stoked on what an amazing record it was, then all of us going to the Cuckoo's Nest for the first time...Awesome times.

#91 Mason says:

Such sad news. I met Mike when he first moved to Newport and we both worked at Perry's Pizza. Through Mike I got to know Nick, Paul, and Chris, and ended up sharing an appartment on 41st st with them. I went to as many MIA gigs as I could back then. Mike and I were not close friends, but he always seemed like he was happy to see you, and made you feel, for the moment that you were talking to him, like you were a good friend. The last time I saw Mike was at a girlscouts daddy/daughter dance. We both kind of did a double take, and laughed a bit at two old punks running into each other at a girl scout funtion. We chatted a bit and went off to dance with our girls. I still have all my MIA releases on vinyl, and listend to them in his honor when I first heard this sad news. His family and friends are in my thoughts.

#92 Ross says:

Mike was a SWELL guy. Since I got wind of the freak, surreal even, accident that took his life, a lot of memories come back. He was instant fun. A trick birthday candle that relit again and again. Back then most of us felt stuck in Vegas, not Mike, he went to Costa Mesa with the band. Came back into a cloud of I told you so's down the road, made more punk rock, and hit the road again. This was a small yet big example for me in my life back them, how to to escape the bonds of Vegas. His pick up lines were film ripe too. Always giving pointers to younger dolts at the table. At the Buckaroo, after Social D played Vegas World, I sat diagonal from him and took notes. I tell one special Mike story to my kids to this day involving a reinforced front bumper on a certain compact car. A Toyota Corona (or Datsun?) mated to a steel I-beam, brilliant ultra vandalism, my son eats the story up. Despite Mikes popularity he never had a big head, totally down to earth. Need a place to crash? No problem. So long Mike.

#93 shane baum says:

I wrote this last week and read it at mike's memorial on Sunday. Mike was a dear friend for 17 years and I miss him more that I thought I ever could.

If being loved is a measure of wealth, Mike Conley died a very rich man.

Mike was a light that burned bright. Anything he did or touched had a certain intensity.

In his younger years, I think sometimes that intensity led to conflict. But at the very core of it, the intensity was directly attributed to integrity. His life was all about integrity. Anything fake or insincere was simply not tolerated.

Mike had a way of making people feel special. When you said goodbye, a mike conley hug was a little longer and firmer than most. And when he said goodbye he’d tell you he loved you and that he was gonna miss you. He was honest like that.

I remember how Mike played the guitar. Extra low with those big hands wrapped fully around the neck. Lost in the moment, completely connected and fully in his element. He liked it loud and fast. His music moved thousands. Though his early career was entrenched in Punk Rock, Mike’s love of music was extremely diverse. Jazz, Reggae, Blues, indy the genre didn’t really matter, as long as it was real and had soul, mike loved it all.

Those hands served Mike well. They were almost an extension of his heart. They cradled his baby girls, handled the motorbikes, crafted wood and sometimes slapped his own leg when the laughter was a bit too much to handle. (continued)

#94 shane baum says:

(continued 2)
That laugh of Mikes’ was infectious. Deep and from the soul. The intrinsic depth of Mike’s wit mixed with eclectic color of his diverse group of friends led to many, many nights of chaotic warmth and laughter.

When it came to friends, Mike was like the United Nations. He had friends from many factions. Though diverse, you always knew a friend of Mike Conleys was decent human being and you could trust that they’d most likely be a friend of yours as well.

Mike was a funny guy. He had a convincing arsenal of accents. From a eastern indian “serving a slurpee at the quickie mart, to a hispanic hanging in the barrio to a soul brutha from the south "drivin’ an granada hung lower than a devil. ..... " He was a funny, funny man. I’m really gonna miss that.

Mike was trustworthy. He had a way of getting people to open up. He kept secrets well and expected the same in return.

Mike was mischievous. He made some mistakes along the way. Though he didn’t always deserve it, he was easy to forgive. He was like a little kid this respect. You just couldn’t help but love him. You always knew his heart was in the right place and that he’d “try better tomorrow”.

Mike a very positive human being. You could always trust that if you needed a friend to put a positive spin on life, Mike was your guy.

Mike was a smart guy. A true intellect. Well read, with a philosophical point of view, a conversation into the evening with Mike was never dull and often inspiring.

More than anything, Mike was a lover. Mike loved people. He loved this group people to no end. He loved Syd immensely. He loved Alex, Zoe and Ava as much as a father possibly could. And though it’s so very hard to lose a man we all loved so deeply, I think we can only feel lucky to have known him.

And though we will all wake up tomorrow missing a dear friend, I think we can find strength and solace in the message that will become his legacy.

Live your life full, live your your life free.
Tomorrow’s but a vision.
Yesterday’s a dream.

An what a dream it was, Mike. What a dream it was.......

Rest in peace mike. We love you and always will.

#95 Scott Hale says:

Oh Mike, I can't believe this happened - I'll never forget all the great times during those crazy years, and what a good friend you always were. I don't think I would change a thing if I had to do it all over again. Take care friend, I know you are in a better place - Scott

#96 ronnyriverjetty says:

mike always hung out with us in newport back in 82-84 on 46th street with kendall, scotty, jim, joe, scotty, bruce, lance, greg etc. He was a great friend to all of us and just a cool guy to hang out with at our beach partys on river and 46th street. All the great times and laughs we all had, I will never forget mike.
I am very sorry for his loved ones and family during this hard time.
p.s.
I hope the police really look into this case. I can't see him falling and then someone just happened to have his cell phone and credit cards. Doesn't sound right to me. It sounds like someone robbed him.

#97 Rev. Nørb says:

I believe i only met the gentleman once, when my band at the time opened up a Descendents/MIA/Doughboys bill in 1987. It was the middle of summer with typical northern non-ventilation, and it got so hot and so humid in the club that the paint was bubbling off the walls in 16-inch bubbles, i've never seen anything quite like it since. Always been a big fan of "Murder In A Foreign Place," liked their side of the split LP with Genocide as well, and can still sing most of those songs off the top of my head. A dadgum shame, this.

#98 Gidget says:

When I was 16 I met Mike at a party in NB. That was in 1980 something. We dated for a short time after that. He was a real decent guy. I haven’t heard about him for years until a neighbor of mine was talking about a father of a girl on her granddaughter’s soccer team that had died. I was very sorry to hear this news. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends.

#99 Gidget says:

Don’t worry he never laid a hand on me. I had my own apartment and had been on my own as an emancipated teen since I was fourteen. He didn’t know how old I was when we met. When he found out he promptly dumped me (In the nicest way). My age wasn’t a secret, it just never came up. When it did we were OVER. Still the only thing I remember about him was that he was a gentleman. Again I am so sorry to his family and friends for their loss.

#100 Marky from subterfuge says:

Gidget you bloody little whore, he told us all about it

#101 mo says:

Satellite's gone
up to the skies.......

satellite of love

you weren't here for a long time, but you here for a great time...

#102 Scotty Rew says:

Marky that's funny........

Where were you last weekend? Wish I could have seen you along with all the others. We might be in Vegas in May - maybe we can all go get some wings and beers at 4 Kegs.....

#103 Arab says:

I wrote this the day after upon hearing of Mike's passing.

First and Lasts with Mike Conley and MIA

The first band I ever played in back in high school was with Mark Arnold the last guitar player to play in MIA, Mark also taught me how to play guitar, change and tune strings, the first band I ever worked for was Marks band 'The Veins"

MIA's first guitar player Nick Adams and bass player Paul Schwartz were founding members of my old band Arab and The Suburban Turbans, the band actually formed by accident in Nicks bedroom when Raggs who was part owner of National Trust Records and I stopped by Nick and Conelys house to hang out.

I use to run Swingline Record Distribution that was the parent company of National Trust records that put out MIA's "Notes From The Underground" LP. This was the first LP that got dropped in my lap to sell when I started working there. National Trust also put out Love Canals first LP "It's a Dogs Life, So Blow It Out Yer Ass" . That album was recorded with Larry Pearson from MIA's drum kit and Nick Adams Marshall Amp. Coincidently, years later, I married the owner of that record companies girlfriend, who's best friend use to live with Mike and Nick in Newport Beach, ca.

After Love Canal broke up, the first Bass player in Love Canal, Louie Garcia, started a band with Nick, (the name of that band escapes me right now).

The first 7" vinyl Love Canal did was on "O's" Insane Industries label, it was a compilation with MIA, Decry and Basic Math.

Some of the first shows that Love Canal ever played were with MIA, they along with TSOL , The Vandals and Shattered Faith were probably the 4 most influential bands we had in our early days.

#104 Arab says:

Part 2

MIA was one of the founding members of the "So Cal Sound", that today still reverberates around the world, all because of Mike Conley and the rest of the band that migrated here from from Sin City around 1980.

Mike was one of Punk Rocks greatest Singer/Songwriter/Frontmen, which is probably why Jello Biafra signed them on the spot to his Alternative Tentacles label. Just listen to "Tell Me Why" from the Last Rites For Genocide LP or "Boredom Is The Reason" from the Murder In A Foreign Place LP, or "Scotty Rew" from the Notes From The Under Ground LP or their classic take on the Momas and The Popas "California Dreaming" from the After The Fact LP.

MIA has left a mark on the history of punk rock that can never be takin away, they were what they were because of Mike Conley, one of Punk Rocks Greatest Treasures, heck, if you don't believe me, go buy all their albums and try and tell me I'm a liar!

I hadn't seen Mike in a number of years, up until a couple years ago, He looked great, in fact, with the exception of a little gray hair, he still looked like that little skinny punk kid from Vegas.

I had told him that Love Canal was gonna try and get back together and that wouldn't it be great if he could get MIA going again, and maybe we could also get the old Vandals with Stevo back together and do a reunion show......

My family recently had dinner with Nick, I asked him if he could get MIA back together for a Cuckoos Nest Reunion show, in hopes that this wouldn't be the LAST time we would see them, but the FIRST time to see them for their comeback. Nick didn't think it could happen because of all the miles between the band members, I wasn't gonna give up hope. But today I got the first, last and final answer.

REST IN PEACE MIA Mike!!!!!!!

#105 Arab says:

It was like a High School reunion at Mikes memorial, it was great seeing everybody, and leave it to Mike to bring everybody back together and be the center of attention. You will be missed, but never forgotten!!!

arab169@hotmail.com

#106 DIJ says:

Better an end with fear than a fear without end
This time the victim is desire, what a tragic loss.
I send My deepest sympathy,

Douglas P.
Death in June

#107 Robin says:

Hello everyone...especially those near and dear in Vegas. I spoke to Candy just recently and was crushed to hear the news of one of our loved our ones, one of our "home grown". There is nothing I can add that you all do not know, and have not written. Mike was indeed one of the good guys as you all are. He was an icon, and leaves a legend in a bottle of wonderful memories we cherish. Sure the gigs were of essence, but it was also the before and after times we spent that made us family and gave us these roots. It is wonderful to see so many names; Marky and Gigli, Todd and Matt D., and Guy Smiley, Shines and oh yes, Andy Zafuto. Hoping all is well, I think of you all often...be in touch. robinr1234@msn.com xoxo

#108 Scotty Rew says:

I'd like to get all the Vegas people's addresses, emails and phone numbers, to let you know about shows, be able to get hold of you when I'm in town, and most of all to just keep in touch. It was great seeing a lot of you last week and I have many of your info, but if you could take a minute and email me at scotty@mikeconleyfamilyfund.com or rewster@charter.net Hope to see you guys soon - I may be in Vegas in May - Kristin and I had a room booked for the last several weeks, but we're waiting to see when the benefit show here in Cali is going to be. Cheers!

#109 Vegas friend says:

This makes me think about everyone that I still want to have one more beer with before its all over. I seen this online, explains how it went down in detail.

http://www.myfoxchicago.com/myfox/pag...

Farewell

#110 Mr Ed Banger says:

I promoted MIA in Vancouver in 1984 on that first Canadian tour. It was at a legendary shithole called the Smilin' Buddha. Unfortunately, the gig was on a Monday night and didn't draw flies. MIA still put on a great show for the 50 odd people that were there. Nick a fantastic guitarist that gave the band its truly unique sound. Paid them $200, I remember. They should have been bigger than they were as they were just a solid rock band. Ed Banger, Beijing, China.

#111 Trey says:

I didn't know the man, but I loved his music. Growing up in HB and getting beat up by hippies because I had short hair, I was especially fond of the MIA song "I hate hippies." It was pure punk rock. RIP

#112 jeff says:

rip

#113 Scotty Rew says:

I have really been missing my friend Mike a lot lately. It's getting easier, but I know I will always miss him and I'll probably think about him every day for the rest of my days. Reading all these posts from time to time is somehow very comforting and I think has helped me get through this. It is nice to know how many people Mike touched and to read the warm thoughts and share the memories. Looking forward to the big tribute show and MIA reunion and seeing lots of old friends again! Scotty

#114 Scotty Rew says:

Oh and in case you haven't heard, the tribute show is going to be Monday April 28th at House of Blues in Anaheim and promises to be a memorable night! Go to hob.com or ticketmaster.com for more info and to order tickets. See you there!

#115 chris moon says:

hey people, well it's been hard and we are still trying to take this all in. the band has been working hard trying to make this all happen for mike's family. it is going to be a great show and you need to be there!!!! we need to do all we can for mike. the band after 20 something years is ripping and i am proud to be playing we these guys again. get your tickets this saturday, it will be more than worth it. to all the old friends, it has been great to see all of you! i love you all!!! MIA lives in mikes memory..... love moon

#116 Erik Rood says:

I remember when I first met Mike almost 17 years ago, through some friends from Costa Mesa & Newport. I was already a huge fan of M.I.A., so I was like man this is "Mike Conley" from M.I.A ! He was one of the nicest guys, I have ever met. He made you feel like you had
known each other your whole life.

Mike's post M.I.A. bands Naked Soul & Jigsaw were also awesome bands!
I can remember seeing them play all over OC & San Diego
and after some shows, Mike asking, so what did you think, how did we sound? Always saying you guys sounded great !

One quick story. Some of my friend's and I, would go to Woody's Warf in Newport, and Naked Soul would play there
all the time, and Mike was also a bartender there. Mike would bartend on the Patio outside on the bay. This one night,it's like a Friday night, and there this huge line at
door and my friend was like if Mike's working the patio,
he can sneak us in from the side, let's go. So we walk
up the side of the place next door to the patio and
there is like 7 of us, and Mike's like I can lose my
job for this ! We said, we don't want to get you in
trouble, right then, Mike's like don't worry,
now's a good time, jump onto to the patio ! They're all
these people just looking at us as we blend into the
crowd, and Mike starts pouring us some beers. What a guy !

One last thing. Mike had so much musical talent, he
was a gifted songwriter, guitar player and singer. Great
voice, and how he handled the stage ! Remembering all the shows over the years brings back so many fond memories !

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mike's family.

RIP Conley, and thanks for all the great music and memories,
you have touched my soul.

Erik

#117 Ned R. says:

Scotty kindly pointed my way to this page earlier today -- thanks man. Some eloquent words about Mike here and in comparison my story ain't much, but if there's any interest you'll find it here:

http://nedraggett.wordpress.com/2008/...

A great guy. No question, never was.

#118 Dennis Dickens says:

I just got THE phone call from an old friend. MIKE, You will be missed by all. You have a heart of gold and were always there for your friends when they were down or in need. You have touched many with your music, your recordings, and most of all---your friendship. My heart hurts deeply to find that we all lost someone as great as you. When I was in a serious motorcycle accident a couple of years ago, Mike dropped everything to be by my side in the hospital. Mike comforted my little boy and made everything all better for him. That's the kind of guy Mike lived to be. My family and I will be forever indebted to Mike for his kindness and friendship! I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU BUDDY!!! To Dave Beek, What you wrote in #30 is absolutly right! I miss you and hope to talk to you very soon, and of course, anybody else reading this..Take care of each other....It's all we got! Dennis 949-858-9460

#119 Dennis Dickens says:

I forgot to add my email address: fortyfour527@yahoo.com

#120 Scotty & Jen Coats says:

We were thinking of ways to help and came up with a sample sale to help raise money after the benefit. It's at Evocal next to Avalon in Costa Mesa, a property that Mike owns. Friday, May 2nd from 4PM-9PM and Saturday, May 3rd from 11AM-6PM. Participating vendors, Penguin & Paul Frank Eyewear, Serfontaine, Ubiquity Records, Ella Moss, and much more...Part of our proceeds will go to the Mike Conley Memorial Fund. We hope to see you there.
Copy & paste link below to view flier

<a href="http://s30.photobucket.com/albums/c343/conderwells/?action=view&current=SampleSaleFlierColorcopy-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c343/conderwells/SampleSaleFlierColorcopy-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

#121 chris moon says:

WOW!!! bitter sweet, this whole thing has been such a bitter sweet adventure. i just wanted to thank EVERYONE for all their hard work in making this happen for mike's family. first, joe sib... thank you. scotty rew, hope you can find something to do now!!! your the best, mike would be so thankful for all you have done! to nick adams, your hard work, travel, keeping it all together for us, i love you!!! to rob ruckus, man you are the shit!!!! thank you so much for working so hard to help us out!!! i love you. matt dudenak, steping in and helping as well!!! i love you. to bobby thomson (bass) man you are the shit!!! thank you so much for your hard work!!! you ripp, it was so much fun playing with you. hot rod TODD, man i love you!!! i have played with you for so long and it never gets old. great job!!! even with half a voice your still the DUDE! deli, well what can i say. thanks for always being a friend to all of us. we go way back!!!! keep on doing your thing. it has been so much fun seeing everybody from the past, thanks for being there for us. remember keep in touch with people you love, you never know when it's your last day. life is short, we can't let it get away from us. thank you again from my heart, love moon

#122 Andy Z. says:

Moon!! You impress the hell out of me!! You know, since Mike's passing, I read this blog almost every day. It's kind of sick, I know. But I just like to see and read all of the amazing things that people had or have to say about the Conz. The dude touched so many people's lives in so many ways - all positive!! Moon, Mike is looking down (or up, depending on your perspective) and saying "That Moon, he's a kick ass mother fucker."

Now' I'll bore all of you with some trivia. It's 1978 or 79, Las Vegas, I'm 17 or 18, and I'd see Conz driving his green Datsun minitruck with the white fiberglass fender flares and sunvisor and lowered front end; he'd be cruisin' down the street with his surfboard in the back. "Where ya goin' Conz," I'd ask him. He would say, "I'm headin' down to Newport!" I thought to myself, man that Conz is one cool kat. Fuck, I wished I could be half as cool as Conz.

You know, even though Mike lived in Vegas, he spent most of his time in Costa Mesa/Newport/Huntington - He was OC through and through. I wanted to be so much like Mike.

Maybe in a month I'll tell you all about how I talked Mike into picking up the bass and playing in The Swell. That's right people, I'm taking credit for jumpstarting his music career :-)

Moon, maybe someday I'll get enough balls to call or email you. You kick ass, Moon! Love, Andy Z.


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