Perry was born in New York City. Between 1971 and 1974, Perry lived in Fulham, London and went to Westminster City School, after that the family moved to Florida.[1] Perry started playing guitar when he lived in England, he was initially taught by his mom who showed him a few chords,[1] he first got motived to play the instrument from a boy at his school.[1] He played guitar along to Top of the Pops, including to "Rubber Bullets" by 10cc.[1]
Following his stint with Hughes he played with Steeler with Ron Keel, replacing Yngwie Malmsteen.[8] He was noticed by Billy Sheehan and joined his band Talas,[1] appearing on live album Live Speed on Ice (1984).[9] He joined Australian band Heaven in 1984,[8] he played on their album Knockin' on Heaven's Door, on which he also played keyboards.[1]
Perry was guitarist for Cher, he got the Cher gig after she decided that the person she had auditioned, she didn't like. A friend of his who was in her band recommended him, he toured for the 'Heart Of Stone' tour.[1][17] Before going on tour with Cher he joined David Lee Roth's band as a replacement for Steve Vai for two weeks.[18][1] After touring with Cher he formed a supergroup with Paul Shortino (Rough Cutt, Quiet Riot) and Sean McNabb (Quiet Riot, House of Lords) the project also included Rich Carlton and Matt Abts on drums and Michael Guy and Steve Fister on guitar who all contributed to the bands self titled album,[19] which was later re-issued as No, No, Nikkie with drummer James Kottak also contributing.[20] Badd Boyz morphed into 7% Solution with Shortino being replaced by Ralph Saenz (Steel Panther, L.A. Guns).[10]
In 1994 Mitch joined Edgar Winter, after collaborating with the well-known drummer Carmine Appice in a project with which he participated in a tour called 'Super Rock Session' in Japan. He played with Winter for over eight years, playing with former Winter guitarist Rick Derringer and Ronnie Montrose.[1] Perry left Winter in 2001 to become a full time racing car driver.[1] Winter played saxophone on Perry's first solo album Wire To Wire (1996).
Perry also tours with his solo band the Mitch Perry Group, which includes Keith England, Shelly Bonet and Kara Turner, who front the band, drummer Tal Bergman, bassist Dan McNay and keyboardist Ed Roth.[29]
^GRAHAM, SAMUEL; SUTHERLAND, SAM (1980-05-24). "The Coast | Record World | May 24, 1980"(PDF). Record World. p. 21. Retrieved 10 August 2023. bass player Alphonso Johnson and [Carmine] Appice's brother Vinnie, who plays in Johnson's band
^"ASIA Featuring John Payne Welcomes Grammy®-Winning Guitarist Bruce Bouillet on Summer Live Dates", Asia Featuring John Payne press release, August 9, 2011