Michael Konstantinos

Name: Michael Konstantinos aka Metal Mike aka Mike “Mars”

 Age: Do I have to reveal??? Lol!  52

Instrument: Guitar

Band/Former Bands: Currently I am in Theatre of Crue. We are a Motley Crue Tribute Band based out of Cleveland, Oh. Other band I have played in were Hair Nation (80’s Big Hair), Turbo (Judas Priest Tribute) & Nightmare. 

How long on instrument: I picked up my first guitar in 1983.  Couple things influenced me to begin playing.  One being a talent show in jr. high where a fellow classmate stood on stage in the auditorium and tore it up....i was like “Wow, I want to do that”!  Second was opening up the Motley Crue album Shout at the Devil.....I was hooked!

Equipment: My first Harmony guitar/amp combo was out of the JCPenney catalog.  That was short lived as you can imagine!!  I then switched to a Takamine explorer. Had never heard of Takamine but have to say that guitar had a great tone....wish I still had it today.  In June of 1986 I special ordered my first Kramer American Voyager model.  I still have that today and will more than likely have it buried with me...lol!  Since then I have accumulated more and more and more Kramer American guitars.  As far as acoustics I play Kramer, Ovation, & Takamine.  I have toggled back and forth between Marshall & Mesa as far as amps are concerned and have settled back in on Marshall.  Although I tested many effects I am currently using Boss.  

Influences: Some of my influences as far as bands go are Motley Crue, Dokken, Iron Maiden, & many more.  For players I would have to say Mick Mars, George Lynch, & Bill Leverty.

My first gig: (1986) Battle of the Bands (USA Skating Rink) Parma Hts., Oh

Hobbies: Cooking is definitely a passion of mine...drinking good wine while doing it is always a must!  I also enjoy a house construction project from time to time...mainly exotic tile work.

Favorite movies: Mostly comedies....too many too mention but here are a few.....Wedding Crashers,  Dumb & Dumber, Classics like Stripes, Caddyshack. Outside of comedies...Tears of the Sun is a great one & of course The Godfather/Goodfellas...you get the idea.

Favorite food: Most foods!  From a hot dog to a Mediterranean Sea bream and everything in between.  

Favorite place: There are many places I have and continue to enjoy however I would have to say My favorite place is definitely Greece.  Have a lot of Family there and it is a beautiful country. 

Favorite sports or team: I’ve been a huge sports fan my whole life and unfortunately due to all political moments or otherwise I have new turned off from sports for a while now.  I may take a peek here and there to see what the Dallas Cowboys are doing....other than that Soccer is my go to anymore.

What I'm listening to nowadays: I am always open to new music....you have to be....but stay true to my roots and 80’s big hair/metal is where I hover.

Coolest thing I've done: I have been fortunate to be able to get in some traveling globally....have to say Australia was pretty cool...have been to Greece almost yearly pre COVID days.  Again, have been very fortunate to be able to do all this....pretty cool I’d say.

Most embarrassing moment: I’m sure there have been some along the way but just can’t seem to remember any....or is it just selective memory???

Bad Habits: If drinking good wine is a bad habit then sign me up!

What was your first concert ever: Ozzy/Metallica @ the Richfield Coliseum

If you could meet a Rockstar ( past or present ), who would it be, and why: Mick Mars, of course, for obvious reasons. It would be super cool to jam with him.  

Who do you love: Easy and tough question this one....easy because I am lucky to have so many great people in my life....My Family/Freinds Who I love dearly and of course my girlfriend who is beautiful inside and out....an amazing woman!  & tough to answer because there are so many to mention.  Definitely blessed in that sense.