Biography
Born on 29 September 1948 in Tampa, Florida, guitarist Mike Pinera first drew notice while playing in Miami-based Blues Image. Replacing Erik Braunn inside Iron Butterfly in 1970, he appeared on that year’s Metamorphosis album and then moved on to the short-lived Mother’s Milk. By 1972 he had joined Ramatam alongside ex-Jimi Hendrix drummer Mitch Mitchell, and the following year he switched to the New Cactus Band. He next assembled Thee Image, a promising outfit that issued two albums, after which he concentrated on session work.
From 1979 to 1982 Pinera served as lead guitarist for Alice Cooper, his contributions surfacing on Special Forces (1981) and Zipper Catches Skin (1982); he also issued two modest solo albums during this period. Over the subsequent two decades he focused on video production, amassing an extensive archive of classic-rock performances. He helped organize the early-1990s Iron Butterfly reunion, issued another solo album in 1996, and established the Classic Rock All-Stars, a nostalgia-oriented touring act that drew large crowds across America. Mike Pinera died of liver failure on 20 November 2024 at the age of 76.
From 1979 to 1982 Pinera served as lead guitarist for Alice Cooper, his contributions surfacing on Special Forces (1981) and Zipper Catches Skin (1982); he also issued two modest solo albums during this period. Over the subsequent two decades he focused on video production, amassing an extensive archive of classic-rock performances. He helped organize the early-1990s Iron Butterfly reunion, issued another solo album in 1996, and established the Classic Rock All-Stars, a nostalgia-oriented touring act that drew large crowds across America. Mike Pinera died of liver failure on 20 November 2024 at the age of 76.
Albums
Singles
