| Mik Kaminski | |
|---|---|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Michael Kaminski |
| Born | 2 September 1951 |
| Origin | Harrogate, England |
| Genres | Rock music Pop Classical music |
| Occupations | Musician |
| Instruments | Violin, keyboards |
| Labels | Jet Records |
| Associated acts | Electric Light Orchestra Violinski OrKestra ELO Part II The Orchestra |
| Website | Musical career |
Mik Kaminski (born Michael Kaminski, 2 September 1951, Harrogate, North Yorkshire) is best known for playing violin in the Electric Light Orchestra between 1973 and 1979.
He made his first professional performance with the Leeds Orchestra, when he was 14. During his time at the Leeds School Of Music he founded the band Cow, together with his friends John Hodgson (drums) and John Marcangelo (keyboards and percussion). In 1973 he joined Joe Soap and played violin on their Keep It Clean album. Their producer Sandy Roberton suggested Kaminski to Andy Roberts, who needed a violinist for his album. Thus Kaminski played in 1973 on Roberts's Andy Roberts And The Grand Stampede LP.[1]
After those albums Kaminski applied for the vacant post as ELO's violinist because of an advertisement in the Melody Maker. He was recruited after two interviews.[1]
Kaminski was one of the three remaining string players for the group when Lynne decided to remove them. However, he appeared in the band again when he played a solo on the 1983 single "Rock 'n' Roll Is King". Later on he joined the ELO offshoot ELO Part II, playing as part of the live touring band.[2]
Apart from the hits he had with ELO, in early 1979 Kaminski made the Top 40 of the UK Singles Chart as the frontman of a one-hit wonder group called Violinski, with the single "Clog Dance".[3]