Mark "Moke" Bistany
Born in Peabody, Massachusetts, Mark started playing the drums rather late at around 14-15 years of age. But that did not stop him from quickly developing into a master of his art.
He played and recorded with various bands in the 80s and early 90s, such as Tyrus, Joy Basu, Impellitteri, Mud Slick, SLAM and Nosferatu, until he got the chance to fill in on drums for Lenny Kravitz for 2 months in 1994.
Soon thereafter, in 1996, the band Cellophane was founded, with Shannon Crawford as Vocalist, John Chase on Guitar, Doug Ardito (who would later also join Puddle of Mudd) on Bass and of course "Moke" on Drums.
Mark then played with Otep for 3 years, before joining Hed PE, recording albums and music videos with both of these bands.
In 2005, "Moke" was called by his old friend Doug Ardito, asking him if he would join Puddle of Mudd for a recording session, because the previous drummer, Greg Upchurch, had departed the band and joined 3 Doors Down.
After playing a few gigs with Puddle, Mark was offered to join the band. An offer that he gladly accepted, because who wouldn't love playing great songs to great crowds all over the world?!
The most memorable show, of course being New Year's Eve 2005 on Time's Square, with 2 million people attending the event live, and many more millions watching it on TV.
Another exciting adventure was playing for returning soldiers at a military base in Darmstadt, Germany in November 2006.
After departing Puddle of Mudd, "Moke" joined forces with guitarist and songwriter Jimmy Allen (whom he played with in the 2005 Puddle of Mudd line-up) in his new band "Against All Will".
Besides in bands, Mark's work can also be heard and seen in the 2008 Horror Movie "Repo - The Genetic Opera" and in the 2018 Music Video "WANNA BE YOUNK: 7EVER feat SID".
In 2020, Yamaha Drums posted a video in which "Moke" is presenting his skills on their Live Custom Hybrid Oak Kit.
Mark is an amazing drummer and an even more amazing person. He is very friendly to all his fans, and he cares greatly about his family and friends. A true rockstar with a heart of gold and with drum beats that will brighten your day!
