Mik Maks come back
THE community has rallied around much-loved local children’s entertainers The Mik Maks in their first major Geelong performance since the death of bandmate Dean McInnes.
A full-house crowd of more than 800 kids and parents attended their show at the Geelong West Town Hall on Monday.
Dean died suddenly on April 2 after suffering an internal haemorrhage at the age of 32.
Dean’s brothers and remaining Mik Maks members Al and Joel McInnes have embarked on a Victorian tour, alongside Drums the Panda.
In a touching tribute to the late entertainer, one little boy even “came dressed as Dean” to the Geelong concert.
“He had the same colour pants on, (the) pink jacket, and his hair was done the same way. It was lovely,” Joel said.
Joel said the Mik Maks “definitely” sensed the support among the crowd.
He said social media has been a “really powerful” tool for people to show the group support since the tragedy.
The tour is the band’s first since Dean’s death.
“It’s very, very difficult (going on tour without him),” Joel said.
“There’s a big part missing definitely, but as soon as the show starts, you quickly realise why you’re there and then seeing the joy on the kids’ faces really brings it home, why we do what we do.”
Dean, the youngest of four brothers and a father to Max, had battled a blood condition for more than five years.
The Mik Maks continue to share Dean’s legacy through music, and hang his distinctive pink jacket up during shows, a reminder of their beloved brother and bandmate.
“It’s right beside us the whole time,” Joel said.
“We like to give it a little touch each as we walk on stage for the first time.
“It doesn’t sadden us to perform, it’s probably the opposite. It’s something we really enjoy doing and (we) enjoy performing his work.”
Joel said the Mik Maks were very grateful for the support they’d received from the Greater Geelong region.
“(It) means everything to us.”