Musician Mike Taylor Assaulted Outside Surrey Bus Station

I met Mike Taylor in 2005, when I started working for a local boat tour company as a caterer. His band, Acoustic Groove, was a delightful escape on Sunset Dinner Cruises. As the years have passed, I've been blessed to know him as a friend, as we exchange stories about the music industry and our lives. He defines the word gentleman, with his softly spoken tones and gentle demeanour.

Mike intervened when a fellow bus patron was being harassed by a few youth late Friday night. Having just completed a gig with Acoustic Groove at the Shangri-La Lounge, he was en route home to his daughter and his very pregnant wife when he stood his ground against five youth, who were tormenting an unknown rider while taking pictures. Mike held his ground against the youth, who in turn, shouted racial epithets at him.

Waiting at Scott Road Station for a transfer, he was attacked by the group of kids, between the ages of 14 and 18. They punched and kicked him unconscious outside the station, where he was later found by police.

Mike has been released from the hospital suffering from abrasions and kicks to the head, and the five youth have since been arrested. His guitar has been recovered and is being held as evidence.

As Mike has been left unable to work and is soon expecting a second child, an account has been set up for him at Vancity. Account 427245, Branch 18, Coquitlam.