A cornerstone of Vancouver’s roots and rock scene for decades, Mike Van Eyes has performed and recorded alongside an incredible lineup of legends and local heroes. From his work with and the all-star powerhouse The Trespassers (featuring members of DOA, SNFU and The Scramblers) and soul legends The Epics, to touring with the Herald Nix Band and sharing stages with the likes of The Clash and Howlin’ Wolf, his career has been built on genuine musical connection rather than hype. His contributions to artists like Colin James, The Yodells, Copyright, GI Blues and Peewee Clayton further cement his place as one of the city’s true musical lifers.
Mike Van Eyes Big Band features 24 of the city’s finest musicians. Together, they produced a stellar album titled “Ain’t That Loving You, Baby”. The album was recorded in the Aftelife Studios (formerly the legendary Mushroom Studio) with Juno award-winning engineer/producer Erik P.H. Nielsen. The first single, “Yield Not To Temptation,” was released on December 3, 2025, on beautiful 180g audiophile vinyl, compact disc and digital.
Mike’s other magical mobile unit, The Mike Van Eyes Band, can play any stage – truly loved by young and old, everyone from hipsters to seniors loves great rock ‘n’ roll played with the fervour, passion and skill that Mike and his all-star troupe bring. They’ve headlined numerous festivals in recent years, as well as packing most of Vancouver’s acclaimed music haunts such as the Commodore, Railway Club, Revel Room and The Yale. Mike’s band includes some of Vancouver’s finest rockers – Ron Scott (Shanghai Dog), Mark Ibarra (Doucette), Bob Beaudine (Frank Frank 5) and a revolving door of very special guests.
The Mike Van Eyes Big Band can be seen and heard live on rarer occasions. Mike first formed the Big Band to open for the legendary Johnny Winters at the Commodore for two nights and wowed both the crowd and Johnny! Subsequently, he was asked to perform at the Vancouver DuMaurier Jazz Festival the following year at the Plaza of Nations.
Name:
Mike Van Eyes Big Band
Genre:
R&B, Blues, Jazz
Founded:
1987
# of Albums:
1
Latest Album:
Ain’t That Loving You, Baby
Latest Single:
Yield Not To Temptation
Latest Video:
youtube.com/watch?v=oHTvv1ItnLs&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fmikevaneyes.com%2F
Favourite musician growing up:
Thelonious Monk
Favourite musician now:
Esperanza Spalding
Guilty pleasure song:
Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry
Live show ritual:
Pep talk to the band that there’s no set list, everyone knows the tunes, be ready and fun!
Favourite local musician:
Jimmy Roy
EP or LP?
LP
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl
Road or studio?
Road
Any shows or albums coming up?
Yes. Back into the studio in March and have a fun rock n’ roll show set up for Begbie’s Tavern’s St. Patrick’s Day party in downtown New Westminster.
Where can we follow you?
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Frankie’s Jazz
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
Front Street because it hasn’t changed in a hundred years.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Queen’s Park, New Westminster
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
Anvil Theatre
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Long & McQuade
