The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds Ep020: Bootleg Records Special Part 2: Mike the Mic, Stephen Coates & X-Ray Audio
Feb 18, 2016
Stephen Coates, a musician and author, dives into the captivating world of bootleg recordings. He shares the remarkable story of Mike Millard, a 70s bootlegger who recorded legendary concerts. The discussion reveals how music lovers in the Soviet Union turned to X-ray film to preserve forbidden tunes, defying harsh censorship. Coates highlights the sacrifices made for music under oppressive regimes and paints a vivid picture of the underground culture that flourished despite adversity. Unearth the hidden treasures of music history with tales of resilience and creativity!
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Mike the Mic's Bootlegging
- Mike Millard, or "Mike the Mic", bootlegged concerts in LA in the 1970s.
- He snuck equipment in a wheelchair, using soiled underwear as a distraction.
Peter Grant vs. Bootleggers
- Led Zeppelin's manager, Peter Grant, was fiercely against bootleggers.
- He would confiscate bootlegs from stores and was known to be violent.
Bootlegs and Market Constraints
- Bootlegs arose from fans wanting more music than officially released.
- In the Soviet Union, government restrictions fueled a similar demand.