Michael Lepond

Michael LePond
Michael Lepond playing live in Novara, Italy
Background information
Birth name	Michael Anthony LePond III
Genres	Progressive metal
Occupation(s)	Musician
Instruments	Bass
Years active	1999–present
Associated acts	Symphony X, Distant Thunder, Dead on Arrival, Rattlebone, Cheap N Nasty, Metal Mike Chlasciak, Sleepy Hollow, Seven Witches, Holy Force, Affector, Rivera/Bomma, Operatika, Helstar, Epysode, Waken Eyes, The Mike Bino Project

Michael Anthony LePond III is an American musician, best known as the bassist of progressive metal band Symphony X.^[1] He is also the bassist of the New York-based metal band Dead on Arrival.^[2] The group issued an album – Alive and Kickin – on the independent Polo label in 1996. He can be heard on all Symphony X releases since the 2000 album V: The New Mythology Suite. He was formerly a member of the New Jersey band Rattlebone,^[3] which opened for many national acts and released a six-song album in 1997.

Biography

LePond was born in Newark, New Jersey. When he was 13 years old, he attended at Kiss concert, and was inspired by the performance, especially the band's bassist Gene Simmons, to begin playing music. He bought some basic equipment, namely a Univox bass and a 150 watt amplifier, and took lessons for a year. He started listening to other bass players like Geddy Lee of Rush, that influenced his style.

In 1998, he met Symphony X guitarist Michael Romeo through a mutual friend, and was invited to replace Thomas Miller, who had recently left the band. He has remained the band's bassist ever since.

In 2012, Lepond formed a progressive metal supergroup named Affector with drummer Collin Leijenaar, vocalist Ted Leonard and guitarist Daniel Fries. The band's debut album, Harmagedon, was released on May 21, 2012. The album features guest keyboardists Jordan Rudess, Derek Sherinian, Neal Morse, and Alex Argento.^[4]

Past health issues

In 2006, LePond developed Crohns Disease, forcing Symphony X to cancel all their European tour. He underwent surgery to control the effects of the disease, and on May 31, 2006 he announced his recovery on Symphony X's website.^[5]

“

Hello to Everyone!!! I want you all to know that I had my surgery and have been released from the hospital. I am feeling so much better now. I am eating normally and getting stronger with each passing day. I should be fully recovered in about 3 weeks. I want to thank all of the fans who sent get well wishes to me. I will read every single one of them. I will never forget how kind and caring you are. I love you all...

”

Solo album

On August 21, 2014, it was announced that LePond would be releasing his first solo album, Silent Assassins.^[6] The album was released on September 26, 2014 features guests such as guitarist Mike Chlasciak (Halford, Testament), Symphony X bandmate Michael Romeo, and vocalist Alan Tecchio (Hades, Watchtower). LePond himself plays bass and rhythm guitar on the album.^[6]

Equipment

For the Paradise Lost album, he used a Caparison Dellinger bass, Madison 8x10 cabinet and a Tech 21 RBI preamp. Live, he uses a Fender Precision bass and a Hamer Cruise as backup, amplified by an Ampeg 4x10 Classic cabinet and an Ampeg B2-R head. In the past he has been known to use Hamer Scarab and Musicman Sterling basses.

See also

• Symphony X

References

• Interview with Michael Lepond at IndianMusicMug

1. Hill, Gary. "Biography: Michael Lepond". Allmusic. Retrieved March 20, 2010.
2. Huey, Steve. "Biography: D.O.A. (Dead on Arrival)". Allmusic. Retrieved March 20, 2010.
3. "Seven Witches: New Album, DVD Update". Blabbermouth. October 5, 2005. Retrieved March 20, 2010.
4. "Affector: 'Harmagedon' Album Samples, Artwork Available - Blabbermouth.net". BLABBERMOUTH.NET.
5. "Symphony X Bassist Is 'Fully Recovered' After Undergoing Crohn's Disease-Related Surgery". Blabbermouth. July 20, 2006. Retrieved March 20, 2010.
6. "Symphony X Bassist MIKE LEPOND To Release 'Silent Assassins' Solo Album in September". Blabbermouth.net. August 21, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014.