Career
He was best known for his 1984 hit, "Survivor". Francis formed his first band at age 14 with schoolmates from l"Istituto di Studi Americano in Rome. He had his first hit with "Survivor" in 1984 and went on to record ten studio albums.
His album Inspired followed the cover of Van Morrison"s "Someone Like You", together with Blank & Jones for the compilation album Café del March Volume
12. His website states him as saying: "From that moment many other songs were born, in a simple and spontaneous way, simply "inspired".."
Songs by Mystic Diversions were featured on many high-profile chill-out and lounge compilations. In addition to new, original song material, the group also did covers of famous 70s and 80s songs like "Float On" (by The Floaters), and "A Warm Summer Night" (by Chic).
The band was composed of members Francesko (Francesco Puccioni), Mari-One (Mari-One Puccioni), and Aidan Zammit. Additional musicians for live sets consisted of Agostino Marangolo (drums), Fabio Pignatelli (bass), Marco Rinalduzzi (guitars), Giovanni Imparato (percussion and vocals), and Wendy Lewis & Laura Serra (backing vocals).
Francis died aged 47 on January 30, 2009 of lung cancer in Rome.
His last compilation album The Very Best Of Mike Francis (All Was Missing) was released just days before his death.