Michael Malone

  • DIED: April 18, 2007
  • LOCATION: Chicago, IL


Michael Alfred Malone, one of the world's great tattoo artists, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound Tuesday April 17, 2007 in Chicago, IL. He was 64.

Malone was born in San Rafael, California April 25, 1942, to Francis Barnett "Mickey" Malone and Evelyn June Essex Malone. Mickey Malone worked in the shipyards in the north Bay Area and later as a house painter. Evelyn Malone was a homemaker with a strong artistic streak, creating handcrafts, earrings, and dolls. The Malones raised Yorkshire Terriers at their Malobar Kennels during the Seventies and Eighties.

Better known by his nom de tattoo Rollo Banks, Malone was a master of classic American and Oriental style tattooing like his peer Don Ed Hardy. He apprenticed under Sailor Jerry in Honolulu, taking over his shop from 1973-99. He was an early proponent of tribal tattooing and created the modern version of the armband tattoo. He also standardized the look and packaging of tattoo "flash," the designs displayed on the walls of tattoo shops worldwide. Malone's Rollomatic and Sailor Jerry Bulldog Shaders are considered to be the finest custom tattoo machines made.

In later years, Malone's work appeared at Chicago's Ann Nathan Gallery and the Honolulu Academy of Art. The book Bullseyes and Black Eyes was a collection of his work and contained an extensive interview with him. Malone was also a collector of art, Japanese toys, and antique carnival chalk figures.

Malone is survived by his brother Steven Malone of California as well as his closest friends Kandi Everett and Keith Underwood, and his second wife Margaret Moser, who edited Malone's stories until his death.

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