Mike "Milton" McDonald, hailing from Milton Keynes, is a renowned session guitarist celebrated for his versatility and breadth of musical collaboration. With a career spanning decades, McDonald has lent his exceptional guitar skills to a wide array of artists, including Patricia Kaas, Mick Jagger, Tina Turner, and the Spice Girls, among many others. His impressive repertoire also features performances with acts like S Club 7, M People, and Bryan Adams, showcasing his adaptability across various genres.
Beginning his journey in music with The Boomerang Gang in 1984, McDonald departed in late 1986 to join the progressive rock supergroup Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe, contributing to both their studio recordings and tours. He became a prominent figure in the UK music scene, particularly known for his work with pop producers Absolute. His tenure with Take That from 1992 to 1996 marked significant achievements, and he later reunited with the band for their triumphant Ultimate Tour in 2006.
In addition to his extensive session work, McDonald participated in high-profile projects such as Ray Davies’ “The Kinks Choral Collection” and the Children In Need Rocks concert at the Royal Albert Hall, performing alongside stars like Shirley Bassey and Leona Lewis. He stepped in for Rob Harris at a Jamiroquai concert in Kazakhstan in 2012 and has since been a touring member of Jeff Lynne's ELO, performing alongside his wife, Melanie Lewis-McDonald.
