Mike, who also played marimba and did vocals, started his musical career as a part of local South Bend outfit Stomper Bob. He co-founded Umphrey's McGee in 1997.

Mike's last project with that group was the release of 'Local Band Does OK'in 2002.

Following that release and promotion tour, Mike announced his departure from the band to attend medical school.

Umphrey's then called on drummer Kris Myers of Kick the Cat, who currently serves as drummer although Mike sat in with Umphrey's a couple of times after he left the band.

The band issued the following statement:

"Umphrey’s McGee wouldn’t be who we are without all of the passion & musicality Mike added to the music for the first 5 years of our career. There are no words that can convey the feeling of loss we are collectively feeling, we have lost a friend, a brother & a man without whom there would be no Umphrey’s McGee."

Watch this video of Umphrey's McGee featuring Mike Mirro on drums performing at Schuba's in Chicago on May 16, 2002: