The Millennium was an American rock band from the mid-1960s to the early 1970s. They were often referred to as "America's own Fab Four", and they achieved a tremendous level of success throughout their career.
The initial members of The Millennium consisted of Rocky Michaels, Mark Stevens, Carl Cameron, and Randy Carmichael. The band was formed in 1965 by Michaels and Stevens, who had both been members of different local rock bands in Sacramento, California. Stevens had previously played drums in a band called Psyworth while Michaels had played bass in a band called The Breakers. They would later be joined by Carmichael and Carl, both of whom had played in The Rhyme and Reason, another local band.
The Millennium's music was heavily influenced by the British Invasion sound of the 1960s and was also inspired by bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who. Their sound featured big hooks, a sense of energy and adventure, and powerful vocal harmonies.
The band had a series of hits throughout the 60s and 70s, including such songs as "Come On Over to My Place," "Joy Street," and "Everyday Things." These songs cemented The Millennium's legacy as one of the most successful American rock bands of their time.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, The Millennium began to explore new directions in their music while still remaining firmly rooted in their British influences. The result was a more experimental approach to rock, particularly on albums such as 1972's "Search Parties" and 1975's "Rodeo." With these albums, The Millennium were now just as likely to delve into the realms of country, folk, and even jazz.
From the mid-1970s onward, The Millennium shifted their focus to live performances, particularly in Europe. After long tours of France in 1976 and the Netherlands in 1978, they moved to London and set up residence for the next decade.
Their career peaked in England during the 1980s when they had their biggest hits with tracks like "Monster Run," an infectious sing-along which became a top ten hit in Britain at their peak, and their enduring classic "Lose Your Shoo-Shoo."
Despite an ever-changing lineup – only Michaels stayed with the band for the entirety of its run – The Millennium continued to grow in popularity until their disbandment in 1989.
The Millennium’s music continues to endure to this day. Their sound remains an inspiration to many subsequent Rock'n'Roll acts and they continue to be held in high esteem in American music circles. The band's immense song catalog and their described fondness for experimentation makes them one of the most beloved American rock acts of the era. Even after their disbandment, The Millennium's music is still revered to this day.