Michael Anthony LePond III is an American musician, best known as the bassist of progressive metal band Symphony X. He is also the bassist of the New York-based metal band Dead on Arrival. The group issued an album – Alive and Kickin – on the... More

Michael Anthony LePond III is an American musician, best known as the bassist of progressive metal band Symphony X. He is also the bassist of the New York-based metal band Dead on Arrival. The group issued an album – Alive and Kickin – on the independent Polo label in 1996. He can be heard on all Symphony X releases since the 2000 album V: The New Mythology Suite. He was formerly a member of the New Jersey band Rattlebone, which opened for many national acts and released a six-song album in 1997. LePond was born in Newark, New Jersey. When he was 13 years old, he attended a Kiss concert, and was inspired by the performance, especially the band's bassist Gene Simmons, to begin playing music. He bought some basic equipment, namely a Univox bass and a 150 watt amplifier, and took lessons for a year. He started listening to other bass players like Geddy Lee of Rush, that influenced his style. In 1998, he met Symphony X guitarist Michael Romeo through a mutual friend, and was invited to replace Thomas Miller, who had recently left the band. He has remained the band's bassist ever since. In 2012, Lepond formed a progressive metal super group named Affector with drummer Collin Leijenaar, vocalist Ted Leonard and guitarist Daniel Fries. The band's debut album, Harmagedon, was released on May 21, 2012. The album features guest keyboardists Jordan Rudess, Derek Sherinian, Neal Morse, and Alex Argento. In 2006, LePond developed Crohn's disease, forcing Symphony X to cancel all of their European tours. He underwent surgery to control the effects of the disease, and on May 31, 2006 he announced his recovery on Symphony X's website. "Hello to Everyone!!! I want you all to know that I had my surgery and have been released from the hospital. I am feeling so much better now. I am eating normally and getting stronger with each passing day. I should be fully recovered in about 3 weeks. I want to thank all of the fans who sent get well wishes to me. I will read every single one of them. I will never forget how kind and caring you are. I love you all... Solo Album On August 21, 2014, it was announced that LePond would be releasing his first solo album, Silent Assassins. The album was released on September 26, 2014 features guests such as guitarist Mike Chlasciak (Halford, Testament), Symphony X band Mate Michael Romeo, and vocalist Alan Tecchio (Hades, Watchtower). LePond himself plays bass and rhythm guitar on the album.And For The Second Coming Of the newest Album From Mike Lepond`s Silent Assassins Released January of 2018 Pawn & Prophecy.... Equipment For the Paradise Lost album, he used a Caparison Dillinger bass, Madison 8x10 cabinet and a Tech 21 RBI preamp. Live, he uses a Fender Precision bass and a Hamer Cruise as backup, amplified by an Ampeg 4x10 Classic cabinet and an Ampeg B2-R head. In the past he has been known to use Hamer Scarab and Music man Sterling basses.   Less