Michael Miley began pounding on the drums at the age of four, launching a lifelong passion that has taken him from small local gigs to stages across six continents, as a professional drummer and recording artist. As the drummer and a founding member of the two-time Grammy-nominated rock band Rival Sons out of Long Beach, California, he has shared the stage with legends including Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC, KISS, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, the Rolling Stones, and Alice Cooper. In the midst of rock ‘n’ roll success, a profound spiritual awakening transformed his life: he became a Christian in 2009 and was received into the Catholic Church at Easter 2014. Today, Michael combines his world-class musical career with a deep commitment to faith, inspiring others to discover their own “spiritual grit” — the tenacity, persistence, and resilience needed to glorify the Lord in every pursuit.
A California native who still calls the Golden State home, Michael earned his music degree from California State University, Long Beach. He has been a professional drummer for over 30 years, performing for audiences from 50 to 50,000 people and teaching drums extensively to hundreds of students. His band, Rival Sons, has earned two Grammy nominations and built a global following through relentless touring and authentic “Rock ‘n’ Roll” music.
Michael’s speaking draws from combining this high-stakes world of music and his personal conversion journey, blending stories of spiritual grit in the midst and trenches of the entertainment industry, with the transformative power of Catholic faith. He is an aspiring author currently writing an autobiographical book on persistence, tenacity, and grit. His speaking experience includes numerous appearances at Opus Dei events, serving as a co-leader and MC for the “That Man Is You” program at his parish (leading every Saturday morning), guest speaker for the AHEAD program for boys and young men, and delivering hundreds of interviews and drum instructional clinics throughout his career.
Talk Titles and Synopses
• Spiritual Grit: Tapping into Tenacity to Glorify God
Drawing from 30+ years as a professional drummer — including opening for rock icons and touring six continents — Michael shares how persistence and resilience fueled his career and how surrendering to Christ amplified that grit. This talk explores practical ways to cultivate “spiritual grit” in daily life, turning challenges into opportunities to grow closer to God and live out one’s vocation with unwavering tenacity.
