Michael J started his musical career as the lead singer, guitarist, and main songwriter for the Rochester, NY band Exploding Boy in 1987. In their 13 years together the band performed thousands of shows all over the Eastern US and opened for A Flock Of Seagulls, Joe Walsh, Billy Squier, Cheap Trick, and The Goo Goo Dolls among others.

In 1991, Michael J and Exploding Boy made their national television debut in "YAMAHA'S SOUNDCHECK Rock Music Showcase" in Hollywood, CA ranking in the top five from a field of over 2,500 unsigned bands. The show was hosted by Dweezil Zappa and Holly Robinson-Peete and judges included Robin Zander of Cheap Trick, the late John Entwistle of The Who, and Randy Jackson of "American Idol" fame. Michael J and Exploding Boy also appeared as musical guests on "The Jenny Jones Show" in 1998.

Shortly before disbanding in August of 1999, Michael's song "Every Mistake" earned Exploding Boy the honor of being na...