Mike's early interests in singing turned to playing an instrument when his voice dropped from boyhood soprano to teenage tenor. Who would have thought that old Al Hirt and Herb Alpert records could have inspired the likes of drummer Mike Gasper? Mike's early aspiration was to play coronet, and he taught himself to do so, until he realized that playing with live musicians was harder than it seemed. Undaunted by these minor setbacks, Mike proceeded to secretly practice drums on a borrowed drum kit (against his father's wishes) to influences such as the Chicago Transit Authority.

His early experiences playing professionally began during the 70's and 80's doing mainstream country-rock, southern-rock and top-40 rock and roll. In the late 70's/early 80's, Mike toured with "Spring City Southern" along with bassist Pinkey Lee ("New Legion Rock Spectacular"). During this time, he studied at the Milwaukee Conservatory of Music for 9 months under seasoned drummer Bob Budney. He also auditioned with the BoDeans (which included his long time friend, bassist Bob Griffin), but he chose to start his own group.

Mike and fellow musician Dave Ciccantelli (Barry's Truckers, Modern Giants) formed "Full House" which performed extensively throughout the Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Michigan area. At one point, Mike had officially joined with E.W.Porter, but Porter chose other directions prior to the new group's first appearance.

Mike's next musical tour was with "Off The Record", which he appeared with for two years, followed by two tears with the "Barrelhouse Blues Band". While with Barrelhouse, Mike had the opportunity to open for blues legend, James Cotton. Musical evolution then led to Mike join the popular group, "Cool Hand Luke" which kept him swamped with work, including opening at Watertown's Riverfest in summer of 2002 for "The Ides of March" and the "Young Rascals". Mike had pushed the limits of his understanding spouse and family and needed to seek changing musical venues and markets.

It was a decided musical career move which led Mike to seek out and join the Front Page News Band late in 2003. Mike brings his tenor range and experience singing an average of 30-plus songs per night to the wide vocal ranges of the new Front Page News. His lead vocal proclivity can be heard on songs by Eddie Money, The Doobie Brothers, and Wild Cherry (Play That Funky Music).

Mike credits his early influences of rhythm and blues and English rock (Ten Years After, The Yardbirds) with influencing his playing. And he finds that his love of jazz also has a positive effect on his style. His interest in many forms of music is shared by other members of the band, and strengthens the group's ability to entertain a variety of audiences.