Michael Allan Patton (born January 27, 1968) is an American singer, producer, film composer, voice actor and record label owner, best known as the lead vocalist of the alternative metal band Faith No More. Noted for his vocal proficiency, diverse singing techniques, wide range of projects, style-transcending influences, eccentric public image and contempt for the music industry, Patton has earned critical praise and influenced many contemporary singers. Patton is also co-founder and lead vocalist of Mr. Bungle, and has played with Tomahawk, Fant mas, Moonchild Trio, Kaada/Patton, Dead Cross, Lovage, Mondo Cane, and Peeping Tom. Consistent collaborators through his varied career include avant-garde jazz saxophonist John Zorn, hip hop producer Dan the Automator and classical violinist Eyvind Kang.
He has worked as a producer or co-producer with artists such as Merzbow, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Sepultura, Melvins, Melt-Banana, and Kool Keith. He co-founded Ipecac Recordings with Greg Werckman in 1999, and has run the label since. Patton’s vast number of musical endeavours and constant touring have led to him being widely identified as a “workaholic”.
Patton possesses the widest vocal range of any known singer in popular music, with a range of six octaves. He has also been regarded as among the most influential frontmen in the 90s along with Kurt Cobain. He is a regular, outspoken, even mocking, critic of the mainstream music industry and has been a champion for non-mainstream music that has “fallen through the cracks.”
Patton has been cited as an influence by members of Coheed and Cambria, Deftones, Five Finger Death Punch, Hoobastank, Incubus, Killswitch Engage, Korn, Limp Bizkit, Queens of the Stone Age and System of a Down.