Very sad news to hear that a dear freind of ours, Bob White has passed away. Bob was the lead vocalist of Meatloaf tribute band Bat Out of Hell as well as many others throughout the years and also was a top notch sound engineer. Please keep Bob's family in your prayers. Rest in peace....

Hi! This is Mark (the retired Mellencamp guy). I had the pleasure of performing with the Kings at Mohegan Casino Party on the Patio Thursday, and I want to share some thoughts. 16 years ago I had the idea for the band. My dear friend Ken Brophy said "You have to come hear this guy "Mike" sing. I did. The next day I was sitting in a DD convincing him of the idea. Ken Brophy had given me some great advice over the years but this by far, was the best. Before we met for coffee, I was worried that Mike, with all of his talent could have been an egotistical asswipe. My concern was erased as soon as we met. Michael is without a doubt the best singer and bandmate I ever had. Thank you Mike for 13 of the best years of my life.

The band formed with Myself, Ryan, Mike, and Candy (Mikes daughter) and as I said I worked with Mike and Ryan for 13 years and I must say it was a complete pleasure. To be able to stand on stage with my son performing for 10,000 people is simply mind blowing! Ryan's talent amazes me every time he walks on stage. Some of the riffs he pulls off just make me smile from ear to ear. I may be biased. Lol! He is the most laid back band leader I ever saw, which is in itself amazing because his father (Me) was a read dick as a bandleader. (Ryan's wife once said "I don't like Band Dad." lol. So, Ryan, thank you. Thank you for being the best guitar playing son a Dad could have. I can't express how much I love and appreciate you.

Then there is John. The best drummer I have worked with in 50 years. He was such a great addition to the band and he is the nicest guy! He quickly became Ryan's travel partner so they could talk about Star Wars and other goofy shit. Lol. John, you are the most incredible drummer and bandmate. Thank you for fitting in so seamlessly.

Tom was next on bass. I did a benefit for Jerry Hludzik, and Tom Theobold was the bass player backing me up. I never previously met Tom but I liked what I heard and saw and was happy he was the bass player for that show. Our IK road manager, Tom Wardel, told me Candy was going to leave to advance her own career. I got pissed and told Tom to "hire that guy", pointing to Tom T. One of the best split decisions I ever made. Tom is not only a great bass player, showman and BG singer, but he is also wonderful human being with a great sense of humor.

Now Frank. I admit I was the toughest on Frank. Not because of his playing ability. Maybe I just wanted to pick on the biggest guy in the band! Whatever the reason, I was wrong. Frank has become an intregal part of the IK sound. His keyboard prowess and spinning keyboard stand adds sonic and visual interest for the audience. He is a total sweetheart and great guy! Thank you, Frank, for not clocking me! God knows I deserved it. Haha.

But the Idol Kings has one morre member most of you don't see. Trailer Tom, (named by Ryan's son Jason) has been holding everything together for the Kings. He takes care of the bookings, catering, rooms, cleaning cat shit out of the trailer (?) and soooo much more. Thank you Tom, you are not only the road manager, but more importantly a good friend.

In conclusion, I want to thank everyone who was at the show. The love I felt was immeasurable. So, THANK YOU!

As of now, tonight's show is still on. If the casino gives us any information, we will pass it along