Mike Mahaffey
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Mike Mahaffey (1967-2005) was a founding member of the power-pop band Self. Founded with his brother, Matt Mahaffey, in the early 1990s, Self released two major-label albums and various independent and internet-only albums. A multi-talented performer, Mike played lead guitar, keyboards, and bass for the band on various occasions. Before joining Self, Mike played in several bands, but none had very much success. The most successful of these bands was hair-metal band Blackfish. Mike played lead guitar in the band, but contributed little to the songwriting. Blackfish released one major-label album in 1992 before disbanding. His last recorded work was on Self's as of yet unreleased Ornament & Crime.
Mike died in his sleep in May, 2005. He is survived by a wife, an ex-wife, and four children. There were several tribute shows in Mike's honor, with proceeds going towards a college education fund for his children. One featured the bands, The Katies, Fluid Ounces, and The Features, and took place in Nashville, Tennessee on August 19, 2005. The other show was also in Nashville, on September 10, 2005. It featured a reunited version of Self, with the opening acts The Privates and SJ and the Props. A third tribute show was held later that year on December 3, 2005 featuring John Cowan and various musicians who were friends with Mike. In addition, you can purchase wrist bands with Mike's favorite phrase, "It's All Good", printed on them. Profits of this go towards the college fund as well.
