Michael McDermott

September 8th 2010

Click on the Interviews link under Press and read an interview with Nick Kitsos, long-time bass drummer with Michael McDermott

August 25th 2010

Cross Rhythms from the UK recently gave Hey La Hey a 10 out of 10 review! From the review - here are two versions of the brilliant vulnerable “So Am I” and “The Ballad Of Johnny Diversey” continues to demonstrate his skill in using a song to tell a story. (It’s another trait that’ll get him Springsteen comparisons!) “Hard To Break” featuring lead vocals from Kate York is a mesmerizing catchy song and “The Year It All Went Wrong” has the authentic feel of a man who’s been schooled by life’s experiences. And if it continues to inspire a set of songs like these I’ll be worried if he gets too happy! For now though, this is one of his finest releases. (10 squares) - Mike Rimmer

August 18th 2010

This year's program for the Greenbelt Music Festival features a spot-on note about Michael McDermott and his music. From the program - Michael McDermott is in possession of one of those classic rock voices, and isn’t afraid to use it. Drawing on influences from Bob Dylan and Van Morrison the Irish American is another dysfunctional prophet who spins stories so brilliantly through his songs that they’re old friends by the end of the first hearing. He is, in short, extraordinarily good

August 11th 2010

In August of 1991, Greg Kot of the Chicago Tribune wrote of 620 W.Surf "the debut album is filled with acute, passionate songwriting that combines sprightly rhythms with confessional intimacy." Watch this website for more articles and reviews from the vault

August 4th 2010

A very special, once in a lifetime show is being planned for late 2010. We will be counting on you to help make a few choices - hint, hint. Watch this space for more hints and updates!

July 30th 2010

SAD NEWS - A dear friend, Steve Jacula, passed away last night.
Steve engineered and recorded Noise From Words - Record Release shows - Live At Davenport's.
A long-time friend to our management team and truly a great man.

July 28th 2010

BREAKING NEWS - "Carry Your Cross" will premiere NATIONWIDE August 1 on Positively GAC on the Great American Country network. Get in front of your TV at 7:00 AM CST/ 8:00 AM EST. GAC airs on DirecTV channel 326 and Dish Network 167. Please check local cable listings to find out what channel it airs on in your area. For more information on this show, head over here.

July 1st 2010

antimusic.com provided a review of Michael McDermott's May 7 show at the Montrose Room in Rosemont, Illinois. Anthony Kuzminkski's detailed review can be found here

June 30th 2010

Click here to listen to a recent interview and performance on WNUR's Folk Show Live. Please note you need to move ahead to about one hour to hear the great interview

June 19th 2010

Lou Gehrig's Birthday Celebration at Wrigley Field. Honoring the sport's legend on his day of birth with Michael McDermott singing our National Anthem at 12:00 Noon. Hundreds of tickets were bought by the Les Turner Foundation members to help combat and support those with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The Les Turner ALS Foundation is the only independent publicly supported non-profit organization in the Chicago-area devoted solely to the treatment and elimination of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), better known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Learn more about the foundation here

May 28th 2010

Click on the Interviews link under Press and read an interview with TJ Pavletic, long-time bass player with Michael McDermott

May 12th 2010

Click on the Interviews link under Press and read a quick interview with Lex Price, producer of Hey La Hey

May 4th 2010

"Great American Novel" has been added to the May A Taste Of Triple A Sampler. This compilation will be going out to 235 radio stations on May 17th. Check out the Radio Requests link to see how you can help spread the word

April 13th 2010

Wanna know more about the people that make Michael's music so special? Check out new biographies of Michael's friends under the Biography link

April 12th 2010

Michael is the Featured Artist of the Month here. Get your tickets in advance for the May 7 show as they are moving fast

March 19th 2010

Great article on Michael's St. Louis show. March Madness continues here

March 15th 2010

...and in the meantime, 2001's collection of demos and outakes is now available in the Merchandise section. East Coast friends - check out the new tour date in the Tour section as Michael returns to the New York area on May 20

March 7th 2010

Check out Michael's thoughts on Chicago here as part of WXRT's Chicago Day

March 1st 2010

Join our friends at WMMM (105.5 Madison - Wisconsin) at 12:00 PM on March 3 as they present 620 W. Surf on Radio Deli. WMMM will also be presenting that evening's show at the High Noon Saloon. Show time is 7:00 PM. Read more about the station here

February 25th 2010

Because of severe weather, please check with Kennett Flash before heading to tonights show. There is a chance the show will be cancelled due to weather. Matters beyond our control.

February 8th 2010

Happy Anniversary to Monday Morning Madness. We will do something special this week for you so make sure you check in everyday. Thanks for listening !

January 21st 2010

Another station adds "So Am I" to its rotation. From our friends at WOCM in Maryland "It's in a heavy rotation. A great song."

January 18th 2010

Michael McDermott appeared live on WGN Midday News. Check out a peformance of "Great American Novel" here

January 2nd 2010

Live Sampler - a selection of live performances from 1993, 1996 and 1997 now available for download in the merchandise section

December 31th 2009

Michael McDermott visited the studios of WFPK (Louisville) on December 18 to talk about Hey La Hey and perform. A podcast of the interview and performance is now available at http://archive.wfpk.org/Podcasts/20091218-michael_mcdermott.mp3

December 29th 2009

Sincere apologies about Monday Morning Madness. With the crazy holiday season Michael promises a song up by tomorrow. Many thanks for your patience.

December 25th 2009

Please head over to http://www.wxrt.com/ and submit a few votes for Michael in the 93 XRT 2009 Listener Poll

You can log in at http://www.dat-e-baseonline.com/front/Best_of_2009.asp and cast your votes in the following categories:

Record Of The Year - Hey La Hey
Song Of The Year - So Am I (as a write-in selection)
Concert Of The Year - July 31 Hey La Hey Record Release Show at the Old Town School of Folk Music

December 22nd 2009

MIchael has added commentary to the first four albums, writing back story and details surrounding the music. An interesting look inside the creation and inspiration of the music. Michael will be sitting in with Heather Horton tomorrow at Underground Wonderbar at 10 E Walton at 8pm

December 20th 2009

For the first time ever, the Noise From Words Record Release show is now available in the Merchandise Section. Watch for other Record Release shows and special live shows to be added in the coming months

December 18th 2009

Hey La Hey is Number 28 on the Top 100 Best Albums of the Decade countdown

Anthony Kuzmimski writes "‘Hey La Hey’ is brimming with fiery emotions that are so undeniable they burn themselves into your mind. There’s an overriding sense of responsibility and redemption on these songs."

Check it out at http://the-screen-door.blogspot.com/2009/12/screen-doors-best-albums-of-decade-2000_09.html

December 17th 2009

Michael will be performing on WFPK in Louisville on December 18th 2009 at 3:20 EST

For the first time ever, The " Lost " Seattle record is now available in the Merchandise Section. It was the follow up album to "620 W. Surf" that was never released by the record company. Recorded In Seattle in February of 1992, with producer Rick Parashar ( Pearl Jam's " Ten" , Temple Of The Dog, Blind Melon" The band consisted of Dan and Doug Petty, Mike Levesque, Paul Bryant and Dave Navarro was a guest musician. Its an interesting insight into the evolution of an artist discovering his voice both as a singer and writer.

Monday Morning Madness on a Thursday? The return of Monday Morning Madness. To kick start it Michael has decided to start the process where it all began, his original home demo of the song that started it all " A Wall I Must Climb"

There is a new collection of live songs. Stuff recorded in Chicago, London, Cleveland, New York, Philly, Los Angeles. From solo acoustic, to solo piano, to the full throttle band jams. 15 songs covering a span of 18 years. All for only 10 dollars.

A few new dates added to the calander section, and more to be announced shortly.