Driven and determined, his passion propelled him and through the years earning him much respect in the music world. With a deep appreciation for many styles of music, Mark continues on a path driven by artistic choices.

By age 15, Mark was performing live in the San Francisco Bay Area's top clubs with his early bands Overdrive (1980-1983) and Now (1984-1985) performing shows with Metallica, Ratt, Y&T, Randy Hansen, Loudness and Quiet Riot.

From 1985-86 Mark was lead guitarist with the prog rock band Starcastle. In the seventies, Starcastle played arenas touring with Jethro Tull, Rush, Boston and many others. Led by founding member Gary Strater who sadly lost his battle with cancer in 2004, Starcastle's music was a fusion of rock and classical styles and with layers of harmony vocals. Starcastle was experimental in their approach with an artistic side rarely seen in the music of today.

Unlike many other guitarists respected for their virtuosity and in your face guitar approach that only seem to find solace in creating instrumental shredder music, Mark has always been most inspired by the organic quality of the human voice, song and a strong melody. The way Mark attacks the string and makes the notes 'sing' is a direct result of that. His ultra melodic and emotionally driven style, even when playing fast complex phrases, is one of many reasons why Mark stands out among all other guitarists!

Realizing how the resonance of a great vocal moved him in a deeper way than other instruments, he began to developing his own strengths as a vocalist and was soon accepted to study with respected voice teacher Judy Davis (Streisand, John Waite, Steve Perry).

From 1986 -1995, Mark was busy recording and touring the world as lead guitarist for Bay Areas Vicious Rumors. Mark and Power Metals 'VR' toured in 20 countries, enjoyed video rotation on MTV's Headbanger's Ball (USA & Europe) and were nominated for "Outstanding Metal Album" at the 1992 Bay Area Music Awards for their 1991 Atlantic Records release, "Welcome to the Ball". Some highlights include performing at the famous 'Hammersmith Odeon and 'Marquee Club' in London as well as headlining a sold out tour of Japan. Since then Mark has made guest appearances on 2001's 'Sadistic Symphony', their new release 'Razorback Killers' and also reunited with the band for one special show in Germany at the 'Keep It True Festival' in April 2011. Vicious Rumors performed shows around the world to crowds as big as 30,000 people and performed with acts such as Paul Stanley (Kiss), Blue Oyster Cult, Badlands, Paul Dianno (Iron Maiden), Savatage, Testament, Danzig, Zakk Wylde, Metal Church and many others.

In 1995, Mark was invited to play guitar with the Alameda All Stars. They were also members of Gregg Allmans band and when Gregg was in need of a guitarist, Mark was asked to audition and walked away with the gig where he stayed for more than 10 years. This makes Mark the longest running guitarist in Gregg's 30 + year solo career. From 1995 -2004 and in 2007, Mark toured throughout the US, Europe, Canada and Japan with the Southern Rock Icon and Rock n Roll Hall of Famer. Mark's fiery style and wicked slide playing added an exciting edge and intensity to the band's sound. Through Gregg also came the opportunity to work alongside legendary producer Tom Dowd (Clapton, Aretha Franklin) for the recording of Gregg's 1997 "Searching for Simplicity" release. Mark also appears on Gregg's 2001 "No Stranger To The Dark/The Best of" cd. Gregg Allman & Friends shared the stage with acts such as Jeff Beck, Derek Trucks, Govt. Mule, The Spinners, Wilson Pickett, David Crosby, Bad Co., REO Speedwagon, Ted Nugent, Joan Jett, Kansas and Cyndi Lauper to name a few.

In 1999, Mark was hired as a session musician to record guitar tracks for a singer/songwriter from Detroit named Nicole Sutton. As it turns out, Nicole and Mark had much in common and the two soon realized that their paths crossing was no accident but destiny. They soon found themselves rehearsing weekly with bassist Stu Hamm and drummer Jeff Campitelli as they prepared to go into the studio. After performing a few shows, Stu and Jeff's obligations with Joe Satriani would no longer allow them the time to commit to the project. Mark and Nicole named the group Luvplanet and they moved forward as Mark's role as Producer became clear. He began fine tuning song arrangements and vocal harmonies and soon they would record their well received debut cd in 2003. In the years to follow Mark and Nicole's chemistry continues to blossom and together they create memorable, meaningful songs with big melodic hooks and quality musicianship. Along with with longtime bassist Tommy Sisco and former drummer Scott McKenzie the band released 3 follow up albums 'State of Mind' (2005), 'Lucky One' (2008) and 'Luvolution' (2010). The band also performed the song 'Don't Take Me For A Loser' featuring Mark on lead vocals, for the Gary Moore Tribute album 'Give Us Moore'. Now in 2012 Mark and Nicole continue to move forward creating fresh original Rock music featuring their classic, timeless songwriting style and Mark's stellar guitar work and production abilities. Pre-production for their 5th full length studio release is ongoing and plans to tour are also in the works!!

Mark has some tracks recorded for his debut solo cd, tentatively titled "Gem". The cd highlights his diverse musical palette and includes guest appearances by bassists Tony Franklin (Jimmy Page), Stu Hamm (Steve Vai), Jamie Van De Bogert (Gregg Allman) and Jeff Campitelli (Joe Satriani) as well as other special guest appearances.

Through his love of the studio and session work, Mark has appeared on the Disney soundtrack "Sky High", acclaimed instrumental release "Guitar Farm", Stu Hamm's "Outbound" and 'Just Outside of Normal' releases, Brad Gillis' (Night Ranger) 'Alligator' cd and most recently with vocal legend Mickey Thomas (Starship, Elvin Bishop) for his 2011 'Marauder' release.

Mark is one who's musical path is driven solely by his artistic choices. His honesty through music and heartfelt approach is one of the many things that have earned him respect in the music world!!

http://www.markmcgee.com / http://www.luvplanet.net