Who Was Mike Grose?
Mike Grose was the first bass player of the legendary rock band Queen. He joined the band in 1970, when they were still called Smile, and played at their first three shows in London. He was a friend of drummer Roger Taylor, who invited him to join the band after their previous bassist Tim Staffell quit. Grose was a co-owner of PJ’s, a club where Smile often played, and had a powerful and monolithic sound.
Why Did He Leave Queen?
Grose left Queen after only a few months, because he was not satisfied with the band’s progress and direction. He was used to working a day job and playing gigs in the evening, and did not share the same vision and ambition as the other members. He also did not have much input in the songwriting process, and felt that he did not fit in with the band’s style. He returned to Cornwall, where he formed another band called No Joke, and later started his own haulage company.
How Did He Die?
Mike Grose cause of death is still unknown, as neither his family nor his former bandmates have revealed any details. He passed away in early March 2019, and the news was announced by guitarist Brian May on social media. May wrote a heartfelt tribute to Grose, thanking him for helping the band take their first steps, and calling him a “powerful figure, with powerful gear”. Taylor also expressed his sadness, and remembered Grose as an old friend who always sounded huge.
What Was His Legacy?
Mike Grose may not have been a part of Queen’s history for long, but he was still an important part of their story. He was the first person to play bass on some of their earliest songs, and he helped them shape their sound and identity. He was also a witness to the birth of one of the greatest rock bands of all time, and a friend to some of the most talented musicians in the world. He will always be remembered as Queen’s first bassist, and a part of their family.
