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Mike Skinner, of the Goddamn Band and Miracle of 86, Has Died

mike skinner goddamn band dead

Mike Skinner, formerly of the Goddamn Band and the Miracle of 86, died over the weekend according to his bandmate Kevin Devine. Though little else is known about Skinner’s death at the moment, Devine wrote a touching tribute to the drummer in remembrance of their friendship.

Miracle, whose name refers to the Mets World Series win in 1986, formed in Staten Island in the late ’90s. Skinner joined circa 2001, in time for the band’s well-reviewed Every Famous Last Word (2003). When Miracle of 86 disbanded the next year, Skinner found work as a producer and songwriter, while Devine launched his solo career and, eventually, his backing unit the Goddamn Band. 

Read Devine’s full statement below, via his Tumblr.

Broken-hearted, shocked. Mike Skinner of the Goddamn Band & Miracle of 86 passed away this weekend. Mike played on, toured on, and/or co-produced “Make The Clocks Move”, “Split The Country, Split The Street”, “Put Your Ghost To Rest” & “Brother’s Blood”, as well as Miracle’s “Every Famous Last Word” & “Last Gasp”. Mike was my friend. He was charismatic, generous, tasteful, singular, brilliant, hilarious; he was a whirlwind, a magnet. It’s impossible to overstate his contribution to the development of Miracle & KD+GDB, but, in short, he made us better, more interesting. More than almost any other person, he encouraged me to push myself, to be confident, to take my talent seriously, because he did. Mike was dynamic, complex, and beautiful. My life’s richer & a lot more more colorful for the 12 years I got to have him in it. He loved to play for you guys and took a lot of pride in the records we made & tours we did. He leaves a wonderful family. Keep them in your thoughts.

Here’s some music Skinner worked on:

//www.youtube.com/embed/BUxDZwsf218?rel=0

//www.youtube.com/embed/spnwu2WNcU0?rel=0

//www.youtube.com/embed/HxccUqI3fA8?list=ALBTKoXRg38BBizYte1UVzM0AN7soLX-jS

//www.youtube.com/embed/igWeNN9wSHc?rel=0