Japp, Mikel (15th November 1952-31st January 2012)

He was a musician and songwriter born in Port Talbot, South Wales who was introduced to the guitar by his cousin. He formed a band in the local YMCA when he was 10 years old and went on to play with other local bands.

He became a member of the Llanelli band May Fisher which changed its name to Spread Eagle and toured Yugoslavia. On their return to the UK they played support for The Marmalade and Joe Brown’s Browns Home Brew.

After having caught the attention of The Marmalade he was invited by Hugh Nicholson to join them. He accepted and recorded and toured with the band, although none of the recordings he performed on made it to the charts.

He worked with the musicians John Waite and in a band with Matthew Fisher of Procul Harum and formed the band Harlot with Jimmy Bain. He moved to the United States, settling in California in 1976 before later returning to the UK.

As a songwriter he was the writer and co-writer of songs such as “A Piece of the Action” and “I Was One” recorded by The Babys, “Move On”, “Ain’t Quite Right” and “Take Me Away (Together as One” recorded by Paul Stanley and “Down On Your Knees” and “Saint and Sinner”, “Eye of the Storm” and “It’s Gonna Be Alright” recorded by Kiss.

In 2000 he recorded his solo album Dreamer. Other recordings he has performed on/composed for include Broken Heart and Head First by The Babys, Chequered Past by Chequered Past, Rules of Attraction by Roderick Falconer, I’ll Be There by Matthew Fisher, Our House Is Rocking by The Marmalade and The Essential by John Waite along with many others.

He died of cancer at home in Port Talbot, Wales in January 2012. He was 59 years old.

Sources:

Japp, Mikel (15th November 1952-31st January 2012)

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