Born December 4th, 1961 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada to parents from Liverpool, England, Mike Parkinson's musical ability came naturally. His mother Beryl has been singing in choirs and performing Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta's since Mike was a small child. Mike's Uncle John was a sax player in the 1950's in Liverpool and performed at the Cavern Club regularly. MIke's first real interest in music came in 1970 when his Uncle sent him a copy of Three Dog Night "Live at the Forum" for Christmas. This was Mike's first record and his Dad still cringes when remembering how Mike played that album hundreds of times that Christmas day.
Coincidentally, in 1972, while visiting his best friend's home, the next door neighbour's son came over for a visit. It was Floyd Sneed, drummer for Three Dog Night. When Mike expressed an interest in playing drums Floyd took him under his wing and encouraged him and gave him a few pointers. To this day Mike and Floyd keep in contact with one another. Mike's first foray into the world of professional rock and roll came in 1979 when he joined local recording act "Mantra". Mike stayed with "Mantra" for two years before moving on to another local recording act called "Circus". After two years with "Circus" Mike's break came when Las Vegas promoter Joseph Zito asked him to join his Glam Rock group "Thunder" and tour the U.S. and Canada extensively. After a few months of touring with "Thunder", Mr. Zito asked Mike to join another one of his touring groups "Cyclone".
Although constant touring suited Mike just fine it did not suit his fiancee as well. In 1985 she asked Mike to come home from the road and get married and settle down. Mike was married in August of 1986 and essentially retired from the music world completely. His daughter Courtney was born in October of 1989.
Joining "Optimal Impact" in 1999, Mike has never enjoyed so much success. Happy, healthy, and playing drums better than he has ever played before Mike is enjoying rock and roll more and more all the time. Although he finds it hard sometimes to keep up with these young guys in the band he is excited about what the future holds. "I'll keep playing till I'm a very old man, and nothing's going to stop me. After all, my old mentor Floyd is in his sixties and is still touring with Three Dog Night".
Mike Parkinson currently resides in Calgary, Alberta, Canada . Aside from his work with Optimal Impact, Mike is writing music for an upcoming solo album and contributing song ideas for a new album by the legendary Canadian group "Prism". Mike continues to exhibit his youthful spirit not only in music, but also in his everyday life. A truly remarkable man, Mike could easily be described as the ideal member to any band; understanding, experienced, loyal, open-minded and above all, a fun guy!!