Mike Malinin

Michael Theodore Malinin (born October 10, 1967) is an American musician best known for his work as the long-time drummer of the Goo Goo Dolls. Malinin joined the Goo Goo Dolls in January 1995, after a brief jam session in late 1994 with founding members Johnny Rzeznik and Robby Takac, who were at the time seeking to replace drummer George Tutuska. On December 27, 2013 Mike announced his departure from the band via Twitter.

He is currently the drummer for Tanya Tucker, having joined her group in June 2016.

Early life

Mike Malinin was born October 10, 1967, in Washington, D.C., the youngest of four children. His family soon relocated to Miami, Florida, where Malinin went to high school at Ransom Everglades in Coconut Grove. He began studying drums in the summer of 1979. His first instructor was Mike Cottom, and he then studied with Harry Hawthorne at the University of Miami until 1985, when he graduated from high school and headed to Denton, Texas, to attend the University of North Texas. While in Denton, Malinin played in many bands, including Angry Jasmine, Last Rites, and Caulk. He played on Caulk's first release, entitled Learn to Take.^[1]

Malinin eventually dropped out of college and moved to Los Angeles in July 1992 with his friend and fellow musician Robert Cooper.

Career

Goo Goo Dolls

On December 27, 2013, while on paternity leave after the birth of his twins, Malinin sent a tweet to his followers, stating "Got some news today. Just wanted to say thank you to the fans who've supported me for 19 years! Best of luck & happy travels to the band."

In November 2014, Malinin filed charges in a Federal court against founding members John Rzeznik and Robert Takac seeking damages for 'wrongful dissociation from partnership' and 'breach of fiduciary duty'. The suit stated that the firing was deliberately timed to inflict financial damage upon himself and his family and that "punitive damages are appropriate to punish such sociopathic conduct and ensure there is no reward for hatred and despicable conduct.

On May 12, 2015, District Judge Christina A Snyder approved order for dismissal of Case No. 14-cv-8860 citing 'Based on the Stipulation of the parties, and good cause appearing therefor, and the release by Plaintiff of all claims and potential claims he has or may have against Defendants for violation of statutes referenced in the Complaint, the Stipulation is hereby APPROVED; and IT IS ORDERED that this action be, and hereby is, DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE, each side to bear its own costs and attorneys’ fees'.

Side Projects

Malinin has a side project called FORTY MARSHAS.FORTY MARSHAS's debut, self-titled album (recorded at LA's Swing House Studio) was released in June 2007 on Beatville Records. Other members of the band include Robert Cooper (Pete Droge), Korel Tunador (Katy Perry), Jason Freese (Green Day), Brad Fernquist (New Radicals, Michelle Branch, Fastball), Sarah Meech (Continue the Lie), Krista Galante, Efrem Schulz (Death by Stereo), Jason Sikora, Brian Schulmeister (Amungus), Mitch Marine (Smash Mouth, Dwight Yoakam), John Avila (Oingo Boingo), and Rick Garcia (Green Car Motel, Act of Faith). There are guest appearances on the record by Phil Jaurigui, Warren Huart, Marlon Luna, Paul Denman (Sade Adu), and Lauren Barrett.

In mid-2009, Malinin and company began writing and recording new material for a sophomore FORTY MARSHAS album. Returning members Jason Sikora, Brad Fernquist, Krista Galante Malinin, Robert Cooper, Sarah Meech, Brian Schulmeister, and Rick Garcia collaborated with Malinin to continue the band's exploration of alternative indie rock. The FORTY MARSHAS album in other words... was released independently in April 2010.

Personal life

Malinin is an avid ultra-marathon runner, having completed several 100-mile races, 50-milers, 50K runs, and marathons. He currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee with his wife and children.

Gear

Malinin uses Tama drums, Zildjian cymbals, Remo drum heads, and Promark drum sticks.

References