Who Is Mike Mills? Age, Biography and Wiki
Mike Mills, born on December 17, 1958, is a celebrated American musician best known as the bassist and co-founder of the alternative rock band R.E.M. With a career spanning several decades, Mills has made significant contributions to the music industry, both as a performer and a songwriter. As of 2025, Mike Mills is 66 years old and continues to influence aspiring musicians across the globe. His journey through music began in the early 1980s, leading R.E.M. to worldwide fame with hits that resonate with audiences even today. You can learn more about his life by visiting his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Music Producer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 17, 1958 |
| Age | 66 Years |
| Birth Place | Orange County, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Mike Mills's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While Mike Mills maintains a relatively private personal life, sources indicate that he stands at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall and weighs around 160 pounds (72 kg). His measurements reflect a typical build for a performer of his age, emphasizing the active lifestyle he leads through his music career. Mike's commitment to fitness and health has allowed him to remain engaged in tours and public performances.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Mike Mills has been private about his romantic life, but he is reported to be in a long-term relationship. As of 2025, he is rumored to be dating a notable personality in the music industry, although details remain scarce. In terms of his family, Mills has children and is known to value his time spent with them, often balancing his career with familial responsibilities. He continues to foster a supportive environment for his loved ones while navigating the complex world of fame.
While his father was away, six-month-old Mills, with his mother and grandmother, moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he lived for around ten years. The family moved to Macon, Georgia, in 1971. It was there that Mills met future R.E.M. bandmate Bill Berry when they attended high school. The duo started out in bands together.
Early projects included the band Shadowfax, later called The Back Door Band. Berry kept his drum kit in the basement of Mills's parents' house, and Mills dabbled with it. "We had a turntable next to it, so we would put it on," explained Mills. "I only had three records at that point.
I had A Night at the Opera by Queen, Tres Hombres by ZZ Top, and I don't remember the third one." At high school, he began playing bass because he enjoyed experiencing the wooden bleachers vibrate from the sound of the bass in the school's jazz band.
He borrowed two bass guitars from his mother's chiropractor, one being a Fender and the other a Gibson EB-2. After giving those back, he used the school's jazz bass for a long time. He played in the school's jazz band, which meant (per the school's rules) that he also had to play in the school's classical band and their marching band.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Mike Mills is estimated to have a net worth of around $10 million. His earnings come not only from his successful career with R.E.M., which has sold millions of records worldwide, but also from various side projects, including solo performances and music production. With a history of lucrative tours and collaborations, Mills has secured a stable financial foundation throughout his career.
Career, Business, and Investments
Mike Mills's career took off in the early 1980s with the formation of R.E.M. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of alternative rock music. The band's innovative approach to songwriting and their thoughtful commentary on societal issues propelled them to legendary status. In addition to his work with R.E.M., Mills has embarked on solo projects and collaborations with other artists, showcasing his versatility as a musician. Furthermore, Mills has invested in music venues and record labels, helping foster new talent and music styles.
During R.E.M.'s career, Mills often harmonized with Michael Stipe in songs; in the chorus for "Stand", Mills and Stipe alternate singing lyrics, creating a dialogue. "My voice is the culmination of a lifetime of enjoying harmony," Mills explained in 2023. "When I was a kid singing in the church choir, I was always finding harmony.
I usually got the tenor part. I grew up around music. There was always music in the house. So when R.E.M. started playing, I sang. Our approach was that my voice and Michael's voice were extra instruments. It wasn't about a lead vocal and a backing vocal and a harmony vocal. It was just more melody and more instrumentation to add to the mix."
Social Network
In 2025, Mike Mills actively engages with fans through various social media platforms, including Instagram and Twitter. He shares insights into his life, career updates, and personal thoughts, offering fans a glimpse of the man behind the music. His online presence is a testament to his continued relevance in the music scene and his dedication to fostering a connection with his audience.
Mills performs as part of singer-songwriter Joseph Arthur's band. On April 3, 2014, while performing with Arthur, Mills broke the news that David Letterman would be retiring in 2015. Nine years later, Mills said: "I spoke to Dave about it later and he said, 'No, it was fine.
If somebody was going to do it, I'd rather it be you.' And I said, 'Well, thank you.' It was quite a moment to hear him say that sitting there in the dressing room." Mills took a band self-portrait that he posted to Instagram and did a short interview about "breaking" the story.
Education
Growing up in Orange County, California, Mike Mills attended the University of California, where he studied architecture. Although he never completed his degree, his time in college was instrumental in developing his artistic sensibilities. The skills he gained during his studies have influenced his approach to creativity both as a musician and a performer.
Mills and Berry sold most of their musical equipment and moved to Athens, Georgia, together. Upon arriving, they bought their equipment back, having been turned onto punk music by Ian Copeland, who Berry worked with at Paragon Booking Agency in Macon. Mills attended the University of Georgia, where R.E.M. was formed.
