Mike was one of Australia's greatest rock guitarists, his individual style and sound was at the core of Spy v Spy. His solo CD Honey Island was magical, a real treat and almost a hidden Spys recording. Just so sad he passed away in 2018. No one can recreate his style of playing, they try buy never match it.
What a great historic interview with such a great man and musician. I had the absolute privilege of meeting Mike, Craig and Mark Cuffe when i was a camera operator on their film clip “ Comes a Time” That shoot started at sunset and went through til sunrise and the Spies were professional,patient and very gracious throughout. I hold those memories as a career highlight.
I was super fortunate to have met Mike on a few occasions, the last time back stage in Sydney I think in 2000. That's when Craig Bloxom was still playing and, from memory, Paul Wheeler (Icehouse) was on drums. He was such a humble, affable bloke, totally devoid of ego, with a self-deprecating sense of humour and straight forward sincerity. Not to mention a unique guitar player who overlayed the driving bass and drum rhythm with sonically beautiful melody lines. The final time I watched Mike play was at the Dee Why RSL on Sat, 02 April 2016 - the Spies were supporting the Radiators. He played superbly - no suprise. The fact we're all here talking about Mike means he's still with us, he continues to exist and resonate in our lives. And of course, the music lives on and on.
Mike Weiley had a unique style of Guitar playing. I first saw 'Spys' early on in 1982, during their Ska period. I may have heard "Brightside" on JJJ before seeing them in concert, hard to remember. I still possess the E.P. "Four Fresh Lemons", it is a treasure of mine. I don't agree that they are 'under rated' though. They did have some 'healthy' Chart success with a few albums in the Mainstream. Some of their Singles needed more commercial airplay in order to sell more. If "Hard Times" isn't a catchy tune then I'm not a carbon based life form. All 'Spys' fans know their other catchy songs that would've been Chart Hits with support from the fickle Triple M radio. I'm not exaggerating when I say that 'Spys' are one of the best 3 piece Bands to walk the Planet. Words cannot describe how much I love them.
Loved this interview! I've been a Spies fan since the early 80's and got to meet the guys so many times...my favorite band of all time. I remember Mike getting me into a sold out gig one night...have the best memories going to their shows. Not the same now that Mike is no longer with us 😞
Amazing to see this surface, such an under appreciated band and guitarist in Mike. Would’ve loved to hear your talk some tone with Mike because he has one of the most unique sounds I’ve heard. Any chance you can remember what he was running on his board when you played with them?
Thanks Hamish! but honestly I can't remember... it was a pretty hectic night. By the time I got to talk to Mick and conduct the interview we'd had to set up the camera, lights & mic in his hotel room. His gear was in the other end of the pub so I didn't get to look at his set up... but I vaguely remember thinking it looked like Mission Contro l! and I agree, he had a unique sound and he was unique player which is why I wanted to do the interview. Glad you enjoyed.. I just posted an interview I did with Tommy Emmanuel, check it out!
I saw them play on the gold coast,, what a class act. I was mesmerized by his guitar work, such a unique sound and style he had. Thanks for sharing. RIP Mike, you left a large footprint
Im not so sure about "no Jimmy Page" as Mike was a guitar genius in his own right with a unique sound that grew throughout the 80s and was imitated by many others. A truly under rated talent in Aussie music.
Bloody hell!! The Spy's were one of the best Sydney bands ever!, and forever! I'm so grateful to have grown up during this time, and have seen this awesome band perform , locally in Sydney in many venues, and supporting U2 during their Love Town Tour in 1998. Treasure my Spy albums and Spy memories like gold!..
Thanks for sharing this interview Steve, the Spy’s are one of Australia’s most underrated bands still listening to their music everyday, can you tell us what year you did the interview 🤙
Mike was one of Australia's greatest rock guitarists, his individual style and sound was at the core of Spy v Spy. His solo CD Honey Island was magical, a real treat and almost a hidden Spys recording. Just so sad he passed away in 2018. No one can recreate his style of playing, they try buy never match it.
Totally agree!!! As far as I'm concerned, Mike and Blox were Australia's version of Page & Plant.
Great interview. Interesting insights. RIP Mike. Spies always have been and always will be my favourite band.
Thank mate, glad you enjoyed as much as I did
Same Here.... here here
We Brazilians were lucky enough to have many Spy concerts here during the 90’s. RIP Mike, you left a mark in surf music for sure 🙏🏻🇧🇷
love that!
So true I listen to the spy’s almost before every surf 🏄♂️
Oh you can thank me as I played the spy’s to a Brazilians DJ at seal rocks in the late 80s and took it back and played the shit out of it
Wow, that's a Pearl with this iconic guitar player, Mike Willeys of my fave aussie surfing rock band ever, V Spy V Spy!
Love Spy, Thanks Mike....rest in peace
What a great historic interview with such a great man and musician.
I had the absolute privilege of meeting Mike, Craig and Mark Cuffe when i was a camera operator on their film clip “ Comes a Time”
That shoot started at sunset and went through til sunrise and the Spies were professional,patient and very gracious throughout.
I hold those memories as a career highlight.
great find...simply one of the best bands and musicians we've ever had
so glad footage like this is still around
I was super fortunate to have met Mike on a few occasions, the last time back stage in Sydney I think in 2000. That's when Craig Bloxom was still playing and, from memory, Paul Wheeler (Icehouse) was on drums. He was such a humble, affable bloke, totally devoid of ego, with a self-deprecating sense of humour and straight forward sincerity. Not to mention a unique guitar player who overlayed the driving bass and drum rhythm with sonically beautiful melody lines. The final time I watched Mike play was at the Dee Why RSL on Sat, 02 April 2016 - the Spies were supporting the Radiators. He played superbly - no suprise. The fact we're all here talking about Mike means he's still with us, he continues to exist and resonate in our lives. And of course, the music lives on and on.
Cheers for sharing this great memory and sentiments - definitely still with us!
As a long time Spys fan this is so great. Thanks for the upload and thanks for all the good times Mike. RIP
I appreciate that, I enjoyed the interview myself
A very humble man who always made time for spys fans. Such a talent. Gone but never forgotten. Miss ya mate.
So rare to hear an interview from any of the spy’s. Such an underrated band and Mike is an underrated guitarist. Loved em.
I was lucky to catch up with these guys...I have over 200 interview so hit the bell so you know when they are up...just uploaded 10cc check it out!
Thank you so much!
Glad you enjoyed!
Mike Weiley had a unique style of Guitar playing.
I first saw 'Spys' early on in 1982, during their Ska period.
I may have heard "Brightside" on JJJ before seeing them in concert, hard to remember.
I still possess the E.P. "Four Fresh Lemons", it is a treasure of mine.
I don't agree that they are 'under rated' though.
They did have some 'healthy' Chart success with a few albums in the Mainstream.
Some of their Singles needed more commercial airplay in order to sell more.
If "Hard Times" isn't a catchy tune then I'm not a carbon based life form.
All 'Spys' fans know their other catchy songs that would've been Chart Hits with support from the fickle Triple M radio.
I'm not exaggerating when I say that 'Spys' are one of the best 3 piece Bands to walk the Planet.
Words cannot describe how much I love them.
100% ! thanks for the great comment mate, glad you enjoyed the interview.
Amazing guitar player! RIP Mike
🇧🇷
one of the great Australian guitarists...
For sure
Best riffs were on Credit Cards and Harrys Reasons, brilliant Guitarist.
Loved this interview! I've been a Spies fan since the early 80's and got to meet the guys so many times...my favorite band of all time. I remember Mike getting me into a sold out gig one night...have the best memories going to their shows. Not the same now that Mike is no longer with us 😞
wow great story! glad you could flashback with this interview :)
Amazing to see this surface, such an under appreciated band and guitarist in Mike. Would’ve loved to hear your talk some tone with Mike because he has one of the most unique sounds I’ve heard. Any chance you can remember what he was running on his board when you played with them?
Thanks Hamish! but honestly I can't remember... it was a pretty hectic night. By the time I got to talk to Mick and conduct the interview we'd had to set up the camera, lights & mic in his hotel room. His gear was in the other end of the pub so I didn't get to look at his set up... but I vaguely remember thinking it looked like Mission Contro l! and I agree, he had a unique sound and he was unique player which is why I wanted to do the interview. Glad you enjoyed.. I just posted an interview I did with Tommy Emmanuel, check it out!
I saw them play on the gold coast,, what a class act. I was mesmerized by his guitar work, such a unique sound and style he had. Thanks for sharing. RIP Mike, you left a large footprint
no worries mate, cheers for the comment
Nice legacy there - Agree with comments humble guy amazing player great band
Im not so sure about "no Jimmy Page" as Mike was a guitar genius in his own right with a unique sound that grew throughout the 80s and was imitated by many others. A truly under rated talent in Aussie music.
yes indeed
Sallie Anne.....Iconic.
Bloody hell!! The Spy's were one of the best Sydney bands ever!, and forever! I'm so grateful to have grown up during this time, and have seen this awesome band perform , locally in Sydney in many venues, and supporting U2 during their Love Town Tour in 1998. Treasure my Spy albums and Spy memories like gold!..
Thanks for sharing mate! sounds like good times
Legend - RIP Mike , unique sound
Thanks for sharing this interview Steve, the Spy’s are one of Australia’s most underrated bands still listening to their music everyday, can you tell us what year you did the interview 🤙
I think it was around 2016... a year or two before he sadly passed away.
My favourite song is credit cards also . rip Mike your music lives on
When was this iterview ? year ?
RIP Mike.
spys rule