Mario Marrufo grew up in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles and as young bass player made the circuit of original metal bands throughout the 1980s and 90s. Mario played the legendary venues of the Sunset Strip, known as “the strip” in the glory days back in 1980s. Some of his contemporaries and band mates have gone on to have successful recording and touring careers.
He's recorded with heavy metal as well as blues bands in the Los Angeles music scene and along the way, opened for national and international acts. He is also a collector of bass guitars having amassed a collection of over 20 unique and professional bass guitars.
His influences include Chris Squire of Yes, Terrance Geezer of Black Sabbath, Getty Lee of Rush as well as Steve Harris of Iron Maiden. He doesn’t use a pick and as a self-taught player, he’s developed an unique style using his fingers.
Like Taro, Mario became a single father raising three children and put his music on hold. As his children grew up, he returned to music and worked at getting his chops back. Mario was playing in a local metal cover band Boneyard where they happened to audition Taro who joined the band shortly thereafter. Mario and Taro joined forces in other local bands creating a solid rhythm section wherever they played.
As a veteran player in one of the most developed and competitive music scenes in the world, he had a choice of continuing to play the usual bars and venues or be part of something special. He and Taro formed the LA Rock Show.
