Spinning Tires with Mike Conley

Michael Conley 1959 to 2008, Band M.I.A.

Photo by Kurt Porter

2/28/2023

I just got back from walking around the block in the rain. I love night walks and thought about Mike. He was one punk singer that made an impression on my life.

One time around 2008 when I was working on my Punkalullaby memoir I was writing about Mike when Nick called. Another member of the band MIA. He told me the news that Mike had died.

It was overwhelming to me that at the moment I was remembering Mike that Nick might call. It really is a wonderful memory to share here now.

The magic of music, friends, and life and the beyond…. There is really something to it. I get the feeling that some of these punk friends that died are watching over us. It is very comforting.

I remember Mike’s eldest daughter Alex Conley, explaining at his funeral, how her dad always had to play his music loud, be it in the house or in the car. She did not seem to get it, since they had headphones.

Today youngest son is acting like a know-it-all teenager. He knows all about art and rock & roll. A stick up his ass. Like an old fart art curator or rusty rock band member.

Me, I am just Mama Kin… I don’t know a thing.

I stopped to drop him off at his college art class. Before he got out, he turned down the music, changed the channel to Jazz, and closed the door. I then changed the channel back to rock & roll, turned up the music loud while spinning tires, and raced away.

Mike Conley came to mind. I was then really sitting with his ghost as this song came on.

It is cool man. Time for a cocktail. I enjoyed a ride with Mike Conley today.

Youngest son is my friend regardless… we both like rock & roll, art, and fast cars. He is a son, and I am a mom.

Mike was a good punk friend or maybe Punk Colleague on the wild side of my exuberant youthful life.

He is welcome to visit any time!