NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess) — Michael McDonald, the high-power manager behind artists such as Ray LaMontagne, Maggie Rogers, Walk The Moon, Deer Tick, and numerous others appeared on Fox’s daily briefing to discuss his upcoming participation in the 2019 Ironman World Championship in Hawaii next month.
In the segment with Fox’s Dana Perino, McDonald discussed his longtime dream of participating in the Iron Man, which includes a 2.4-mile ocean swim, followed by a 112-mile bike race and then a 26-mile marathon.
McDonald also candidly discussed his experiences with alcohol and cocaine addiction and the assistance that MusiCares provided to help him recover.
McDonald attributes the treatment he received from MusiCares, including free group counseling sessions with other industry professionals who understand the unique challenges of addiction in the music industry, for saving his life.
“I reached out to another manager [Tim Collins] who was managing Aerosmith at the time, who I knew had helped them get sober, and he put me in touch with a board member of MusiCares,” McDonald told Perino.
As for the Iron Man, McDonald says he was inspired to get in shape and compete 25 years ago “while hungover on a couch watching these incredible people cross the finish line.”
Now, to mark 20 years of sobriety, he’s participating in the race and using it as a fundraising platform to benefit MusiCares and its mission.
McDonald, who started his career with a six-year stint as Dave Matthews tour manager, and later managed John Mayer, also founded ATO Records and his own artist management company Mick Management.
11 years ago, he left ATO Records to devote his energies full time to artist management, and that focus appears to have paid off. Today, his roster has grown to include Leon Brides, Passion Pit, Tokyo Police Club, White Denim, St. Lucia, Lord Huron, The Walkmen, Kat Edmonson, and Sharon Van Etten among others.
Editor’s note: CelebrityAccess is proud to be friends with McDonald and to support his efforts. So far, McDonald has raised more than $194,000 of his $250,000 fundraising goal. If you’d like to participate, more information is available here.
McDonald with Dana Perino
