(1969 - 1986)
Like the other horn players of "Kool & The Gang" Robert Mickens has a percussion and second wind (in this case Flugelhorn) section in his repertoire along with the Trumpet that he is best remembered for playing.
I am unaware of either his middle name or any specific responsibilities he had in "Kool & The Gang" (like Dee Tee was Road Manager and Khalis was Music Director) if any reader knows any please send me an email so I can add it to the site.
The nickname Spike is usually given to people who are tall and thin (not very polite) or for those considered to be sharp and tough. I don't think the first applies here but you may know better please email me to confirm where he got his name from. It could also be given because he plays sharp horns rather then being sharp and tough himself (somehow I don't see Kool & The Gang members like this) Actually since I orinally wrote this I have come to realise that this is probably a Tom & Jerry reference - his brother Victor is nicknamed Butch.
In his writing repertoire him has "Summer Madness", "You Don't Have To Change", "Wild Is Love", "Morning Star" and "As One"
Robert means "shining with fame"
and Mickens means... OK I don't currently know but I'm trying to find out.
He left the band after the "Forever" LP.