He is a bassist born in Sheffield, England who began life as a performer when he was just 11 years old and had his first experiences of Sweden in 1964 when he toured with the backing group The Hi-Grades who accompanied the singer Larry Finnegan.
His association with Sweden remained when he married the Dutch singer known as Suzie who was based in Stockholm in 1965 and even though the marriage didn’t last he decided to remain there. During the latter half of the 1960s he performed with Lasse Samuelsson’s Dynamite Brass, the chart hitting Lenne and the Lee Kings and Zkiffz among others and in 1969 made the decision to become a session musician.
His career took an upturn in 1971 when he began working with the future members of the Swedish group ABBA and performed bass for Frida. This was followed by him being the bassist on “People in Love” that was credited to Bjorn & Benny, Agnetha & Anna-Frid. He continued his association with the group, playing as Rutger Gunnarsson’s back-up, during the latter part of the 1970s and early 1980s. He appeared on many of their hits that include “Mamma Mia”, “SOS”, “Super Trouper” and “The Winner Takes It all”.
After ABBA disbanded in the early 1980s he formed his own cover band who were known as Little Mike and the Sweet Soul Music Band. Today he continues to perform as a bassist and singer.
Appearing on many albums during the course of his career he was noticeable as Napoleon on the cover of Waterloo by ABBA. Other albums he is featured on as a bassist and/or singer include ABBA, Arrival, Ring Ring, Super Trouper and Voulez-Vous by ABBA, I’d Rather Write a Symphony by Ted Gardestad, Anders Glenmark by Anders Glenmark, Leo the Leopard by Harpo, Lowdown by The Kane Gang, Get on Up! and Let’s Do It! By Little Mike and the Sweet Soul Music Band, Mighty Flyers by Might Flyers, Opoppopa by Bjorn Skifs, Wellander and Ronander by Wellander & Ronander, and Zkiffz by Zkiffz.
Sources:
- http://www.abbasite.com/the-story/people/musicians/mike-watson
- https://www.discogs.com/artist/300339-Mike-Watson
- http://felpin80.tripod.com/ata/id41.html
- http://www.readysteadygirls.eu/#/suzie/4522383200
- http://www.discogs.com/artist/Mike+Watson
- http://www.allmusic.com/artist/mike-watson-p136452/credits