Mike Capone began playing the guitar at the ripe old age of seven. His earliest influences came from his father's collection of blues and jazz recordings from the Big Band era. In the fifties, he was drawn to early R&B music by folks such as Elvis, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly and Little Richard. Mike joined a band in high school, playing dances and local parties, but took a two-year hiatus after his instructor was killed in a truck accident.

In the 60s, British Invasion bands such as the Stones, the Yardbirds and Cream brought a reinvigorated interest in the blues to American musicians, and Mike was no exception. He began playing music again, in both local bar bands and on the road.

After thirty years of experimenting with all of the different styles and phases of rock and roll, Mike reformed and revitalized the Rippers, and has returned to his first love, playin' the blues! Mike is usually seen slinging a 60s Epiphone 335-style guitar, but has also been seen recently, twangin' on a Tele!