Michael Edward Welsh was an American artist and musician who played bass for several bands, including the rock band Weezer. During Weezer's hiatus, he played with Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo in the band Homie, during Cuomo's time in Boston. Following original bassist Matt Sharp's departure from Weezer, Welsh joined as bassist and played with them from the time that they unofficially regrouped in 1998 until August 2001, when he experienced mental health problems. Shortly afterwards, he retired from music to focus on his art career. Welsh died from a drug overdose on October 8, 2011.
Welsh in front of his artwork in winter 2010
Weezer is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1992. Since 2001, the band has consisted of Rivers Cuomo, Patrick Wilson, Brian Bell, and Scott Shriner. They have sold 10 million albums in the US and more than 35 million worldwide.
Weezer performing at Musikfest in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in 2019. From left to right: Brian Bell, Patrick Wilson, Rivers Cuomo, and Scott Shriner.
Rivers Cuomo in 1997
Matt Sharp, pictured with the Rentals in 2007, co-founder of Weezer, left the band after the Pinkerton tour.
Mikey Welsh, pictured in 2010, played bass for Weezer from 1998 until 2001.
