I absolutely loved the guy, he was one of the best. I only knew him for a short while, but we had such good times, he was such a warm, lovely guy. I'm just fucking devastated, I don't even know what to say. Just in complete shock. I can't imagine how the band, his family and friends must be feeling, but I hope they can all get through this. An absolutely tragic loss.

This is absolutely insane. My heart goes out to those who were close to him. I'll never look at a Silvertone the same again.

Just been told by James, been in lectures at uni all day, so not had the chance to see this. Words fail me really, Evile have been one of the driving bands behind the UKThrash resurgence in recent years, so while I personally don't know Mike, he has - through Evile - affected all of our lives through his music.

My thoughts go out to the band, Mike's family and friends. Sad times for the UKThrash community

Such sad news, RIP.

R.I.P., evile wont be the same without mike....his stage presence was amazing, didnt know him but a great musician to watch on stage.

This is just too hard to take in, fucking hell.

Tell me about it man. It is warming to see so many heartfelt messages - even to those who didn't know him, Mike still left a great impact with everyone. You're right Zurab, his stage presence was amazing! I remember when they played Infected Nation at Islington, during what Matt referred to as the "cheesy build-up" bit towards the end, all Mike did was just subtly punch his fist in the air, and the crowd went nuts, chanting along with him. It's funny, I go absolutely mad when I tried get people to chant in a song, and usually get about 3 people responding, haha! But Mike had that commanding presence, he could move his hand just a little bit and everyone would go mental. He truly was amazing. I'm still in complete shock, as I'm sure everyone is, but you know what, I feel very privileged and very very lucky to have known such a legend, if only for a short time.

Here's to you, Mike.

He'll be thrashing it up with Cliff right now.
Farewell Mike.

Got a text from a mate about this just as I was going to visit my wife in hospital.
I couldn't say much of anything for a few minutes. Too hard to take in.
Absolutely gutted.
I met him a few weeks ago at Bloodstock, and had a laugh with him and Ben on the campsite, taking the piss out of bass players.
I only spoke to him for around ten-fifteen minutes but it only took twenty seconds to realise what a nice guy he was. I know that sounds like a typical thing to say after someone's died but I really do mean it. sometimes you can just tell that quickly with people.
Just horrible.

RIP Mike.

This is horrible news, thoughts go out to his family and friends!

Gosh it really does feel very bizarre even having to type something like this. I never spoke to the guy personally or can attest to being a massive Evile fan but it's without a doubt that they've been at the forefront of the scene for a while.

The few times i did watch the band it was noticeable how large a stage presence the man commanded, I remember watching them support Megadeth in Brixton and following him throughout their entire set. He was undoubtedly doing what he loved and was visibly enjoying it.

I hope the other band members recover from this unexpected and unbelievable shock as any band will attest there is a strange symbiotic unity between members that bizarrely combines friend and brother, i couldn't even begin to imagine how they're feeling.

Finally my deepest and heartfelt condolences towards the man's family, it's one thing to have a friend leave you. But to lose a family member so suddenly must be soul destroying.

Sad news indeed, RIP Mike.

I just haven't got enough good things to say about Mike. He was the nicest person I've met.

I love you big guy, R.I.P.

I've seen that Seregon are donating the proceeds from their EP release show to Mike's family, which is really thoughtful. I was thinking maybe us UK thrashers should put on a dedicated show to pay tribute to the guy, and also to try and raise some money for his family to help pay for funeral expenses. What do people think?

I'm absolutely gutted about this. I've seen Evile live quite alot of times. Great bassist and, as previously said, awesome stage presence. I hope his family, friends and the guys in Evile will get through this ok. It's so shocking to hear about this happening to someone so young.

Fucking gutted.