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Journal

March 6, 2008:
Hi everyone!

Well the new cd LUCKY ONE is now released and for sale! The response has been excellent and we are very excited to see what the new year will bring! Nicole and I have already begun writing more new songs for the next one. This machine called Luvplanet seems to be unstoppable!!! We are Luvin it all the way around!
Peace, Mark
October 5, 2007:
Wow time sure flies when you're having way too much fun!

Well the third Luvplanet cd has been recorded, and it sounds awesome! Twelve new songs. We really captured a lot of energy and vibe on this recording, and Nicole, Tommy, Scott and myself are very pleased with the results. We recorded it in August at Audio Voyage Studios in Livermore, CA with our pal Brad Barth. He did a fantastic job and really went the extra mile for us in all ways! Thanks Brad, you rock!

Now it's phase two, the mixdown. We've recruited veteran engineer and long time friend, Michael Rosen, to spin the knobs while I am out on tour with Gregg Allman. He and I will connect when I return, and we'll then finish the mix together. He is really stoked to be involved and for us to be working together again!

Here is the track listing:

Gotta Believe
Can't Say No
Lucky One
Need An Answer
All I Want
Wake Me Up
Violence
Dive
Wiser for Wear
Down Daze
Everything
Surrounding the Beautiful

Luvplanet's new CD, "Lucky One", will be released on February 14, 2008.

Regarding Gregg Allman and Friends, I will leave on Oct 10th to resume the 2007 tour. I am excited to get out there and rock the East Coast with my bro's!

Here are the tour dates:
It has also been a busy summer with my band mates the Alameda All Stars! We recently performed a show with Sammy Hagar as well as at the 40th anniversary Summer of Love concert in Golden Gate Park to well over 50,000 people. Jefferson Airplane, Taj Mahal, Moby Grape and many other classic acts from the late 60's were on the bill. It was filmed for a possible movie/dvd release.

Well that's all for now. I look forward to seeing you on tour and most of all for you to here the new Luvplanet release!!

Be well and rock on!
Mark
June 2, 2007:
Hi everybody!

Well last weekend I performed my first shows with Gregg Allman & Friends in four years, and I must say it was a blast! Gregg is in top form and the band is great! I leave again today for the next leg of our summer tour and am looking forward to rocking the house with you all!

See you on the road!
Mark
April 5, 2007:
Hi everyone! Well there's been lots going on. I recently heard from my old band mate Mr. Gregg Allman, and he has asked me to come back and play guitar with Gregg Allman & Friends. We start our summer tour dates in Lincoln City, Oregon on May 25th with added West coast dates in June and a trip to Italy in July. There is also talk of recording a brand new GA solo cd and a full Fall US tour! This will be a blast, and I am looking forward to it!

On the Luvplanet front, all is kicking ass and this is a very productive time as we are gigging frequently and gaining more and more fans. The band is getting close to having the third cd's song selection decided on. It will be a high energy and super melodic batch of songs that we are sure will please Luvplanet fans as well as attract many new ones. If all goes as planned, it will be out before Christmas.

Well that's all for now. Stay tuned and keep on rocking!
Mark
December 12, 2006:
Happy Holidays to all you music junkies out there! Wow it's been a long time since I've been here on the mm.com journal. Time flies when you're rocking I guess. I have been staying busy with Luvplanet shows and the Alameda All Stars. Luvplanet is now preparing new songs for our 3rd release, tentatively titled "Lucky One". The new material is very infectious and shows a big step upward and outward for Nicole and me. The writing style is similar but with more of a focused and concise approach. Just like everything involved with Luvplanet, the musical direction is a completely natural progression. Nothing is premeditated or forced. That is the real beauty of what our chemistry is all about. Some of you who have been coming to the shows have already heard a few songs like Lucky One, I Need An Answer, Dive and Down Daze. The one thing you can't do is think you know what you're gonna get from Luvplanet. Nicole and I have a diverse mix of new songs that we are busy fine tuning and believe me, selecting the final track listing will not be easy as we are really luving all of these tunes. Needless to say, the excitement is growing, and we can't wait to get into the studio!

I am still planning to finish up my solo debut, however there is lots going on so please be patient. I promise you it'll be worth the wait!!

Wishing you all a healthy, happy and positive Christmas Holiday season. Rock on,
Mark
April 30, 2006:
Hi everyone! Well it's been a while since I've posted here. Lots of good things are going on. State of Mind is currently being distributed to about 30 different digital downloading sites all around the world, including ITunes, MSN Music etc. Luvplanet is also in negotiations with another distribution company so that our cd will be available in stores nationwide! More about this in the coming weeks. Aside from that, we have some great gigs coming up and a bunch more in the works.

Yesterday we went in to Fantasy Studios in Berkeley with my long time friend and engineer Michael Rosen (Todd Rundgren, Journey, Green Day, VR) and cut tracks for 2 of our new songs, Down Daze and Dive! Yes it is true: the 3rd Luvplanet cd has been started. This of course will not happen overnight but will be in the works until it's completion. We are all very excited about the new developments, and we hope to see you at our upcoming shows! They will be big big fun for all. I promise!! Much Luv to you all!!
Mark
February 4, 2006:
Thanx to all our friends and fans for making last night's show with guitar legend Pat Travers a huge success! The packed house was rocking hard and screaming at the top of their lungs! An awesome night and big fun for all of us. Can't wait til the next one! Peaceout,
Mark
January 19, 2006:
Well, 2006 is already proving to be a fabulous year. San Francisco rock station 107.7 FM The Bone radio station ( www.1077thebone.com ) has been spinning Life Goes On from the State of Mind cd. It's being included in the station's Tuesday night Local Licks show from 9 to 10pm west coast time. Nicole and I were interviewed for the Local Licks show and Luvplanet will be the featured artist in the coming weeks so tune in and catch it! We'll be playing 3 tracks from the new cd with a nice interview. Now is an ideal time to request Luvplanet on the Bone at 1-888-303-BONE or email Billy Steel at bsteel@thebone.net .

Also, looking forward to the next Luvplanet show with Pat Travers on Feb 3rd in Concord, CA @ Bourbon Street ( www.bourbonstreetrocks.com ). Best wishes,
Mark
November 22, 2005:
A huge thank you to all my friends and fans who came out to the 19 Broadway show on Nov 17th. You really made it a special night for the band and myself. It was by far one of the most memorable birthdays I've ever had and I'll never forget that night!
Luv to you all!!!
Mark
November 8, 2005:
Hey everyone! Wow, there's been so much happening lately. More memorable shows with Nicole, Tommy & Scott promoting the second Luvplanet cd "State of Mind" as well as reuniting with my old band mates in Vicious Rumors to discuss possibilities for a reunion!

Geoff, Larry, Dave and I got together for a couple of nights and rehearsed many classic VR songs. Aside from my favorite Marshall amplifier blowing up both nights, it went very smooth. The band sounded great, and it was so much fun! The only thing missing was the one and only Carl Albert...

Unfortunately, even though we share so much history and great memories together, this is a business. After thinking long and hard about our discussions and the amount of commitment it would take to pull off the offer that was presented, I sadly had to decline. It was a tough decision to make, and of course Nic, Tommy and Scotty were completely supportive of whatever I chose to do. I know a lot of fans out there would love to see this happen some day, including myself! However, Luvplanet's where my heart and soul is now.

I came to the conclusion that I simply have way too many goals and too much invested in Luvplanet to give up the amount of time and energy that a full-fledged Vicious Rumors reunion would take from Luvplanet. Schedules would eventually clash, and Luvplanet is my priority. A reunion with a new cd and tour would be too special to not give my full commitment to. It just wouldn't be a positive situation for Vicious Rumors or myself, nor would it be fair to the band, the fans and the legacy.

I wish Vicious Rumors the very best. And who knows, maybe some day in the future there will be another chance for such an exciting reunion! Much Luv,
Mark
September 17, 2005:
The tragedy in New Orleans and the rest of the gulf is truly disheartening. Having played there many times with Gregg A., I have fond memories of my time in this beautiful city. Please do all you can to lend a helping hand!
Keep it real!
Mark
July 28, 2005:
Hey There! Luvplanet has some shows coming up that you won't want to miss. This coming Wednesday August 3 at Blakes on Telegraph is gonna be a biggie with Coal Pitts Wash. This show is 18 and over. The following week we are back at the Sweetwater on Tuesday August 9 for a North Bay cd release party and back at the 19 Broadway on Friday September 23. I know it's tough to make it out on these mid-week shows but it would really help to show your support now so we can secure weekend nights at these places. We appreciate all you are and do and we know that it takes more than just the artist to make the magic of music come alive, it takes all of us sharing the experience together. Be well and see you soon,
Mark
July 18, 2005:
Happy Monday Everyone! I want to thank you so much for helping to make Luvplanet's CD release party (July 16th) a success. We could not have done it without you guys. It was an amazing night that has definitely moved to the top of our list of shows we've played. Special thanks to Jim and Lynn, Tommy Sprayberry and Danika Heartt for going the extra mile. The guy taking pictures was from the SF Chronicle so look for an upcoming article. Hope all is well and if you didn't make it Sat. there will be more shows soon. Thanks again, and don't forget that you can help by calling these radio stations and requesting Luvplanet.

KRSH 707-588-9999 / ALICE 415-478-3697 / KFOG 1 800-300-KFOG

All the best,
Mark
July 2nd, 2005:
Hi everyone. I just wanted to wish you all an exciting 4th of July weekend. Please remember why we celebrate this sacred day. Also at this time, I think it's important to remember all our brave young men and women serving in the military that are out there fighting battles in the name of freedom. If not for them, we would not have all the great freedoms and life we've come to know and luv! So rock hard, celebrate and be safe!! Peace,
Mark
May 16th, 2005:
Well it's been over 10 years since I left Vicious Rumors, and now I am excited to tell you all that this Saturday, May 21st, I'll be rejoining my former bandmates Geoff Thorpe, Tommy Sisco & Larry Howe for a very rare, one time only appearance at the Last Day Saloon in Santa Rosa, CA. The 4 of us along with vocalist Brian O'Conner will be playing a full show featuring mostly classic VR songs from the beloved Carl Albert era. You won't wanna miss this one, it's gonna be crazy.

Also it's exciting because the support band on the show is American Slang featuring former bandmates guitarist Mike Carsey (Overdrive) and bassist Devin Lacey (Now). This will be a night of old- and new- school cronies coming together for one huge bash. Please don't miss this one, it's sure to be a legendary night!! Peaceout,
Mark
May 5th, 2005:
Well we've arrived!! The new Luvplanet "State of Mind" cd is out, and we can't wait to get out there and play some shows for all you planeteers out there. I'm super excited for everyone to hear this one. It's filled with lots of ear candy. See you at the next show!

On a side note, tonight I had the pleasure of recording guitar tracks for Hollywood Records recording artist Christian Burns (BBMAC fame). It was a remake of the classic Tears for Fears song "Everybody Wants To Rule The World". I did some rhythms and the solos, cool version. Michael Urbano (Smashmouth) played drums and Dave Palmer (Seal) played keyboards with Jeff Saltzman (Killers) in the producer chair. It will be included on Christian's upcoming solo cd as well as the soon to be released Disney movie and soundtrack, "Sky High" starring Kurt Russell, Kelly Preston and many others! Yep, my first gig for Mickey, Minnie & Goofy! Very kewl!! Peaceout,
Mark
March 15th, 2005:
Well, my trip down south proved to be very rewarding. John Golden did an incredible job mastering the new cd "State of Mind". We are preparing the artwork, and it will be going to press ASAP. It turns out that John has worked on more albums than you can imagine, and his knowledge of sound has added the final touch to the sound of our recording. We are already excited to record the next Luvplanet cd, but we are trying to catch our breath and pace ourselves. There is plenty to do now in support of this new release. We have so many new songs that haven't been recorded yet that, aside from the tracks on State of Mind, you will defintely hear some brand new songs added to the live set. Also, we will be putting up some sound bites from the new cd in the coming weeks. So be sure to check back soon and catch a sneak preview!! Peace & luv,
Mark
March 1, 2005:
Good news on the Luvplanet front! I'll be heading down to LA next week to get the new Luvplanet songs mastered and ready for pressing. These last few weeks before packaging the cd are quite tense. I get really impatient waiting for it to be all done. We're excited to get the new album in your hands. I'll be working very closely with experienced mastering veteran, John Golden. Together we'll put the final sonic icing on the cake. Someone once said to me, "There's no way to ruin a great mix than with a bad mastering job". It's quite true really. Mastering a record is the final phase of getting it to sound just right. John has mastered many classic records over the last 30 years. Anything from Heart to Green Day to Joni Mitchell. I have a really good feeling about everything. We are shooting for a late March release date, so check back soon and get your copy. I promise, you will not be disappointed. There's definitely something for everybody on this one.

Some other very exciting news is that three classic Vicious Rumors albums from our period with Atlantic Records -- "Vicious Rumors", "Welcome to the Ball" & "Plug In and Hang On - Live in Tokyo" -- have been re-issued by Wounded Bird Records in New York.

And two other releases that I had the pleasure to appear on, "Guitar Farm" and "Give Us Moore! - A Tribute to Gary Moore" have just come out.
Mark
February 7, 2005:
Well, well, well. The new cd State of Mind is finally finished. It will be mastered this month and will be packaged and available sometime in March. It was a lot of long hours and hard work, but we managed to turn out a collection of songs and performances that are filled with vibe and conviction. It's always a trip to see how the songs come out. You kind of have your own vision for the material, but the songs always seem to take on some of their own personalities once they're recorded. I'm so proud of Nicole, Scott & Tommy's performances on this cd. Everyone really stepped up to the plate and delivered the goods.

One of the most important aspects of making an album is putting every song in just the right place. This can really affect the feel and pace of the record. We've been testing out different song orders for the cd, and I think we may have it. The current song order is:

Life Goes On / State of Mind / More Than I Do / Last Chance / Love You Madly / Gem / Something's Waiting / Girl / Faded / You Are The One / Highway Song / Home

Who knows, it may change again. We'll see soon enough I guess. Well until next time, be well and be happy!
Mark
November 23, 2004:
Well, the magical work in the studio continues. On Sunday, Nicole began tracking her vocals and let me tell you, I was completely seduced by her impassioned performances. I'm now beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. She sang the title track "State of Mind" and the song "More Than I Do". Two very different types of songs, and both were just incredible. She is truly gonna shine on this record. The centerpiece of everything. I am feeling really, really lucky!!
Mark
November 17, 2004:
This past weekend we began the next phase of the recording for our new cd, "State of Mind", and it went great! We are now recording at Prairie Sun Studios in Cotati, CA. The engineer 'Jason' has a great vibe, and we are enjoying working with him. This past weekend was guitar time. I recorded all the electric rhythm guitars for all 12 songs as well as solos for 2 of them. After some ghost in the machine type bugs that needed working out, the tracking began to flow. This record will surely rock harder than the debut cd. I think all guitarheads will enjoy what I'll be putting down on this one. Nicole is now so psyched to start cutting vocal tracks this coming weekend. The vocal arrangements for this record are stellar, and Nicole is sounding better than ever! On a side note, today is my Birthday. Yep, 21 again. Ha, ha, ha. Well that's all for today my friends. Check back soon for more recording info.
Mark
November 11, 2004:
Today the new cd, "Give Us Moore! - Gary Moore Tribute", was released on the Lion Music label. Luvplanet performs the classic Moore tune "Don't Take Me for A Loser" from Gary's 1983 release, "Corridors of Power". We recorded this several months ago at Audio Voyage Studios, and it came out just fabulous. To read more about this new release, go to www.lionmusic.com. I'm not sure if it's been released officially here in the USA, but I'm sure you can get it via import. If you don't know anything about Gary Moore, he's one of rock's greatest guitarists and definitely a big influence of mine. Enjoy!!
Mark
November 7, 2004:
Hello to all from Nicole, Mark, Tommy & Scott! Welcome to our new Journal page. Here we'll be posting anything from studio updates to personal thoughts. This is the first message to all you Planeteers out there on our new Journal page here at LP.net, and it's come at the perfect time. As you know, we began recording tracks for the new cd "State of Mind" this past weekend. All I have to say is, AWESOME!!! Scott and Tommy layed down the most amazing bass and drum tracks for the 12 new songs that will be on our new cd. The songs are State of Mind, Life Goes On, Last Chance, Faded, Love You Madly, Gem, Highway Song, Something's Waiting, You Are The One, Girl, More Than I Do, Home. The song Home is a 13 minute long epic, which goes places not many bands go anymore. We recorded them at Audio Voyage Studios in Livermopre California with engineer Brad Barth, and we are stoked about the sound and performance so far! Tommy and Scott sound so good. It's such an amzing feeling to write the songs, prepare them and then finally get in and start recording. This feeling you never get used to. It's like the closer that you get to completing them, the more anxious you get about finishing. We're all so pumped up about this record, it's hard to put into words. One thing we know is you're gonna love it!!! Peace,
Mark