"What I miss the most is real music record stores...real radio too. The whole industry today is pretty awful...everything is too overexposed and there is no myth or legend about bands anymore. Back in the day, the only way you could see the band was if they had a picture on the record or if you went to a show or saw them in a fan magazine or on a tv show like Ed Sullivan."

Mike Onesko: Musical Dreams and Visions

Eight years and miles of grime and grit that goes along with being a troubadour has led to this – the Blindside Blues Band’s “XVI”, an 11-track barnburner produced by Mike Onesko and co-produced by Brandon Youngs. It goes without saying that “XVI” is a culmination of a seasoned blues band with 15 other studio albums under their belt; what’s left to be said is laid out between the grooves and sultry licks. From the bright opener “Shine On Through” to the chasing “Better Days” and closer, “Broken Man”, BBB offers diehard fans a heavy taste of the core sound that has carried the band since its 1993 self-titled debut. At the ripe old age of 17, Mike Onesko left his native home, Fairview Park, Ohio, for the greener pastures of San Francisco, California. With just $60 and his guitar he hitchhiked his way across the midwest, great plains, and rocky mountains, until he arrived in the bay area. Once settled into his new home he formed a power trio called Sundog. This is where Mike started his musical journey playing long jams and heavy sabbath type riffs.                        (Mike Onesko / Photo by Angelica Onesko)

Next was Steelwind, a five piece outfit with keyboards, which featured John Warmouth on drums and Walker Kaeck on vocals. They Headlined at Kezar Stadium just three years after Led Zeppelin played there! The Kwik and Three Man Army were next and they opened for many acts such as Robin Trower, Montrose, Nazareth, Great White, Mitch Ryder and Clarence Clemons. Mike was discovered in the clubs of Marin County California by Shrapnel Records President Mike Varney! They formed the Blindside Blues Band with Scott Johnson on guitar, Jeff Martin on drums, and Gregg Chaisson on bass guitar. The BBB put out three records with this lineup, although Gregg played on the records, he never did any live shows with the band! That duty was filled admirably by Kier Staeheli. The last Shrapnel lineup for the Blindside Blues Band was Mike Onesko, Mike Varney, Aysnley Dunbar, and James Lomenzo. Mike produced and played on Cream of The Crop a tribute to Cream where he produced and performed with Pat Travers, Leslie West, Tim Bogert, Rick Derrigner, Glenn Hughes, Neal Schon, and many more! The 16th full length from the BBB “XVI” will be released on 8.18.23 VIA JIB MACHINE RECORDS.

Interview by Michael Limnios      Special Thanks: Melissa Kucirek / Moxie Publicity

How has the Blues/Rock music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your life the most?

Don't know if Blues Rock has changed my views on the world but I sure do enjoy playing it... The birth of my daughter changed my life the most.

How do you describe your music philosophy and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?

My music philosophy is one of honoring my roots while fulfilling my own musical dreams and visions...well, I don't have a lot of technique, so my music relies heavily on soul.

Why do you think that Blindside Blues Band continues to generate such a devoted following?

We play a kind of music that still has a large audience with my age group and even younger. Plus, we are real...no phony junk.

"Blues Rock will never die! Even the younger people are into it because a lot of the new music that is out there today is phony and junk." (Blindside Blues Band right across from the Guest House at Prairie Sun Recording for the third album, 1995 / Photo by by Ross Pelton)

What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far? What was the best advice anyone ever gave you?  

The highlights of my life are the birth of my daughter and raising her by myself. The best advice anyone ever gave to me was to be myself and stay true to my dreams and convictions.

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

Playing Rockpalast in Bonn, Germany was a career changing show. Another highlight was playing Poland 9 yrs. ago and now again this upcoming September.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

What I miss the most is real music record stores...real radio too. The whole industry today is pretty awful...everything is too overexposed and there is no myth or legend about bands anymore. Back in the day, the only way you could see the band was if they had a picture on the record or if you went to a show or saw them in a fan magazine or on a tv show like Ed Sullivan.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

The best lesson I have learned is to trust yourself and your gut...don't follow the crowd, be your own man, be yourself!

Do you think there is an audience for Blues/Rock music in its current state? or at least a potential for young people to become future audiences and fans?

Blues Rock will never die! Even the younger people are into it because a lot of the new music that is out there today is phony and junk.

Mike Onesko - Home

(Mike Onesko on stage / Photo by Piort Salwa)