While the Upcoming Releases page looks at projects that still have a chance to see the light of day, this page looks at projects that were announced but eventually abandoned or discarded. While there is a chance that some of these might be resurrected, the chances are slim that will be the case.
Strung Gurus
Strung Gurus was started by Mike and the legendary Dennis Danell of Social Distortion. Unfortunately, Dennis passed away in 2000 while their debut album was being recorded. Since the album was almost finished, Mike has stated that he would like to finish the album at some time. A few songs were released online and on Mike’s Things I’ve Done, Things to Come album.
| Michael Knott: | Vocals, Acoustic Guitar |
| Dennis Danell: | Guitars |
| Andy Prickett: | Guitars |
| Sean Paul: | Bass |
| Ed Benrock: | Drums, |
Known songs titles so far:
| Sun Eyed Girl |
| Chelsea’s Chasin’ Dragons |
| My Ex-Fiancee in D.C. (aka “Rental Skin”) |
| Miss Liberty |
| Diva Overdrive |
| Whoville |
| Numb (played live, but unknown if it was ever recorded) |
| Suicide By Cop (played live, but unknown if it was ever recorded) |
King Holiday
Not much is known about King Holiday. Rob Goraieb’s official bio from his own site had this to say: “I was in a group called King Holiday, too,” said Rob. “I enjoyed that. It was a Mike Knott project. He’s a definite talent. We did some stuff for Elektra Records.” MIA.Some of the information below was reported as rumors in a michaelknott.com message board post. The band probably existed between 1995 and 1996.
| Michael Knott: | Vocals |
| Rob Goraieb: | Guitars |
Other possible members:
| Fred Friend |
| Debbi Devore |
| Ed Benrock |
| Andrew Carter |
Charity Empressa – Charity Empressa
Michael Knott recorded vocals for a song originally slated to be on Charity Empressa’s self-titled debut (2001 Absalom Records). That song was not included on the final release. Eric of Charity Empressa later had this to say: “I can’t recall what song he sang on… I just remember that he gave a great performance. His voice was, just too big and his performance was too large, to fit into something as boring and delicate as my one note jams.” MIA.
The Lifesavors – Anthology Volume 1
This was supposed to be a boxed set re-release of several Lifesavors demos and bootlegs. It was never released, and then disappeared from the M8 website. Then the M8 website disappeared. MIA.
To be included on this album:
The Lifesavors – Anthology Volume 2
This was supposed to be a boxed set re-release of several Lifesavors demos and bootlegs. It was never released, and then disappeared from the M8 website. Then the M8 website disappeared. MIA. It was never announced what releases were planned for Volume 2.
Aunt Bettys – The Collection
In 2000, a collection album of unreleased Aunt Bettys material was announced. Three songs were released on Mike’s Things I’ve Done, Things to Come album, but this album never materialized. In 2020, Demo Collection 1994-97 was released that probably took the place of this collection.
L.S.U. – Acoustic Fan Favorites
In 1999, a collection album of acoustic versions of L.S.U. material was announced. Fans were encouraged to vote on their favorite songs. Results of the voting were released (see song list below). Members of Havalina Rail Co. were enlisted to fill out the arrangements. The recording was apparently finished or close to being finished, but this album never materialized beyond that.
| Michael Knott: | Vocals, Acoustic Guitar |
| Members of Havalina Rail Co: | Other Instruments |
Possible songs titles (This list is in the order of the highest votes to the fewest – a few of these songs may have been dropped, as only 14 songs were expected to be on the album):
| 01) | This is the Healing |
| 02) | Radio Satan |
| 03) | Bye Bye Colour |
| 04) | Kill Will |
| 05) | Shaded Pain |
| 06) | GGG |
| 07) | Freedom |
| 08) | The Bomb |
| 09) | There’s a Time |
| 10) | English Interpreter of English |
| 11) | Pound of Flesh |
| 12) | Double |
| 13) | Hated Souls |
| 14) | Ocean Blue |
| 15) | Rocket and a Bomb |
| 16) | The Shell |
| 17) | Crash |
Michael Knott – Things Jenison Found in a Closet
In 2000, a collection album of unreleased Michael Knott material was announced. One song was released on Mike’s Things I’ve Done, Things to Come album, but this album never materialized.
| Michael Knott: | Vocals |
Known songs titles so far:
| No One Like You |
Kill Gerard (tour documentary)
In September 2001, the official Michael Knott site announced that Michael would be on tour in September/October 2001 filming a documentary movie: “Be prepared to see Michael in action with his tour manager and filmmaker on the road. This film will allow you to see Michael Knott in many different contexts: in the car, in hotel rooms, performing, interacting with fans, etc. Its purpose is to allow people to catch a glimpse into the inevitable mystique surrounding Michael and his unique world. This is also a medium for fans/unfans to express their opinions on Michael’s music and art from all points of view. If you are one of the lucky fans to be see Michael on this tour, be ready to be documented!” After the tour, it was announced that Bob Wilkinson (the filmmaker) was busy editing up all of the footage from the tour. Then it was never heard of again.One article from Spring 2002 mentions the documentary by name: “Last year, he went on tour with musician and artist Michael Knott to direct and shoot Kill Gerard, a moving and often hilarious documentary about a man who is — as Knott’s own website describes him — ‘a rock and roll maverick and introspective troubadour.'”
Matt where do you find all this great info, I’ve never heard of this documentary! Searching the net it does seem like this Bob guy does a lot of documentary work though.
I found it while doing some research for a gigography that I will hopefully get online this week 🙂 It was buried in the tour section of an old version of the official site on archive.org (great source for research, BTW).