Emeligh Eggers deserved a block for that statement . Seen WP in the 1990’s around 80 times. JB has always been a force on the guitar. What an idiotic statement .
People who never went to a panic show during the mikee era will never know how awsome his freakin tone was and the greatness of the lingering lead..... To hear his playing at concert volume was a glorious thing most nights
Yes a unique time. Great music. Big spiritual happenings...total silly fun.. great towns easy travel down south to various runs... my twenties where spent on their lots and music halls.
Mikey's predominant use of the Ernie Ball volume pedal caused him to spend most of his performance time balanced on one leg, this would eventually lead to circulation problems causing his left leg to become numb. In 1996, during an acoustic tour known as the "Sit and Ski" tour, he was reminded of how much more comfortable and accurate his playing was while he was seated. Subsequently, Houser returned to playing all shows seated in 1997. His playing style used a volume pedal for sonic effect, rather than just for volume control. From Michael Houser Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Houser
@@Guitargate Mikey says in this 1996 interview that he's never known a single scale in his life besides his own pattern that he started playing the very first time he ever picked up a guitar. This is a huge part of why his sound is so unique & distinctive (along with pushing his volume pedal up & down with every note). He carved out his own style rather learning traditional styles. I'll paste that section of the interview here: Houser: “When I first picked up my first guitar, and started playing it, I established a little pattern, on the guitar. And I have expanded and worked with that pattern for all these years. But almost instantly, as soon as I started playing the guitar, that was it. That was the sound, that was the pattern that I would build everything else from.” Interviewer: “When you first started, did you start electric?” Houser: “Yeah I started playing electric guitar. I had an acoustic for about a week. I immediately got an Ibanez Telecaster. So I very quickly established -- like I said, it's a pattern, on the neck, and it's a physical thing; I could show it to you. And as far as I know, it had nothing to do with scales. I still don't know a scale to this day. And it's very strange.” Bruce Hampton says it's some kind of weird Middle-Eastern scale or something. And once I found that little pattern, I was locked in. And it has nothing to do with what key, or a scale -- It's actually WRONG, is what it is. It's not right. It's just that I've gotten -- I've played with it so much that, uh -- It's very strange.” Interviewer: “If it sounds right though, who says it's wrong?” Houser: “Well, I know. It's not technically right. I mean, technically I should be doing a couple of different notes, but it's those places where…” Interviewer: “Yeah but says who? Stravinsky? Mozart?” Houser: “Well exactly, exactly. Yeah. So, that was it. And then once I started playing with JB, y'know, it was all over after that!” Interviewer: “I love the notion that once you found the pattern you were locked in.” Houser: Yeah, I was! And I still do it to this day. That same exact "first-time-I-picked-up-the-guitar" lead. I still do it every night. Full interview: widespread-panic.blogspot.com/1996/06/6796-interview-w-mike-houser.html
Don't forget, Houser was known as "Panic" in college because of his reoccurring panic attacks. (He said, "I want to be more than Panic, I want to be widespread...") This may also have influenced his decision to be more out of the spotlight (so to speak) in terms of his place on stage, hair in his face, etc.
Thank you so much for providing coverage for Michael Houser, one the most unique and unlikely lead guitarists in rock history. He truly had a sound that has never been heard before, developed entirely through 'feeling'. One of the finest human beings ever. Long live Michael Houser, Widespread Panic and the Lingering Lead! Peace, Ted
Never saw your channel before and I can't play guitar worth a shit. But your joy watching Mikey for the first time and giving him so much respect gave me chills. Made my day. I was lucky enough to see panic for the 1st time in '98. Seeing Mikey play would blow you away every time, I would sometimes get sea sick if I was standing Mikey side. It was awesome listening to you explain all this technical jargon gave me a whole new understanding of how great Mikey is. Those were the days. Thanks man. Peace.
@@Guitargate Did anyone answer your question? Mikey began sitting down because he was ill. Very ill it turns out. Your reactions to the Grateful Dead led me to a loving Jerry/music channel. And yeah, WSP in Athens was my stomping ground. ;)
Yes sir!!!! WSMFP! Mikey is the reason I started playing guitar. His playing was so unique and I can't tell you how much it makes my heart happy to see you looking and reacting to his playing. Man, I am digging this channel so much. Keep it rolling my man.
I know absolutely nothing about music theory, notes, chords, keys or even playing an instrument. But I thoroughly enjoy watching you breakdown a song and identify what is going on. Your ear, and ability to pick out a note or whatever, is in my opinion, simply amazing. Keep up the great work. Oh, and maybe check out Gov't Mule, particularly something from their three piece days with Allen Woody on bass.
Jimmy’s playing blows me away but houser’s playing pulls me in Mikey’s tone and ability to let the song breathe just speaks to me on a whole nother level
I started with Phish. Saw them over 30 times in the 90s. Loved them. In Fall 95 I first saw a Panic show. I'm still going to Panic shows. Jimmy is amazing, but Mikey was the soul of the band that can't be replaced. See them live, you will never be disappointed.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! "A man after my own heart," is exactly how we Panic fans feel! As far as the camera angle goes, do it how you are most comfortable.
Seeing the instruments in the background is cool, and I really prefer having you on the left and the vid on top right, the way it was to start. It's much better to follow what you're doing on guitar. Thanks!
Mikey's lead guitar, musicianship and songwriting skills were incredible. However, his friendship, generosity, and kindness are what set Panic apart from all others. Love your honest technical appreciation for my favorite band playing at the peak of their musical power imo!! Thank you heeding the fans cry for you to check Mikey out. Looking forward to watching more of your vids and picking up a guitar!!! "Turn me up, love it!!!!" regarding JB vocal (lead singer/rhythm guitar) #TurnJBup t-shirts and bumper stickers were made in that era... you made my frickin day man!! Peace and Love brother!!!!
From a 1996 interview with Michael Houser (on his playing style): MH: So I very quickly established -- like I said, it's a pattern, on the neck, and it's a physical thing; I could show it to you. And as far as I know, it had nothing to do with scales. I still don't know a scale to this day. And it's very strange. Bruce Hampton says it's some kind of weird Middle-Eastern scale or something. And once I found that little pattern, I was locked in. And it has nothing to do with what key, or a scale -- It's actually WRONG, is what it is. It's not right. It's just that I've gotten -- I've played with it so much that, uh -- It's very strange. R&R: If it sounds right though, who says it's wrong? MH: Well, I know. It's not technically right. I mean, technically I should be doing a couple of different notes, but it's those places where -- R&R: Yeah but says who? Stravinsky? Mozart? MH: Well exactly, exactly. Yeah. So, that was it. And then once I started playing with JB, y'know, it was all over after that! R&R: I love the notion that once you found the pattern you were locked in. MH: Yeah, I was! And I still do it to this day. That same exact "first-time-I-picked-up-the-guitar" lead. I still do it every night.
@@ScottBernadot just listen to his music, play along to it. For the longest time I chased trying to be able to do it exactly like him, but it ended up limiting me on playing guitar as a whole. I now only dabble with that style. It's a beautiful thing of his own, even though it seems extremely simple, he really made up his own way of playing guitar with that band! His clean tone riffs are a thing of beauty too. The strat tele sound all in one with the telecaster plus deluxe..how he gets the vibrato going with his right hand on the bridge (he removed the bar) but be careful! Michael Houser can ruin guitar for you in the best way possible! Rip Mikey! :)
ripplebear Thank you! I have never listened to WSP before this video. I will take your advice and listen to some of Mikey’s work. Looking forward to it after reading all of the great comments about him. Sounds like a special soul .
A long time guitarist friend of mine once described Houser's style as sounding like, "he's playing backwards". While I've always had an ear for his style I never understood exactly what he meant. Maybe you can shed some light. Keep WSP coming. We love it! And we'd love to see at a show!
2000 panic was an incredible time from this band. Glad you got to dissect some of what mikey put out there. And drew us in as very loyal fans and friends. We love our "PANIC" our "wsmfp".. glad you enjoyed Mikeys style. Mikey used to stand. But his overplaying of volume pedal began make it harder to stand and play, and once he found his place sitting, it was surely his thing. I was always amazed but this sleepy man, sitting there so calmly, playing sounds that made us dance our asses off into sweaty bliss. How did this guy sitting there create such energy? Because of course, they are wsmfp!
Totally just realized that I was at oak mountain for this show! The next year was killer though!!! Amazing setlist(all 3 nights) wind cries mary, stir it up!! Wow... too many panic memories to keep track of! 🤯🤘🏻😂
Your note of Mikey playing in his own “box”, where you might be welcome or not is a great call. He is the only guitar player that I feel like the other 5 dudes were trying to get the sound just right for him….and when they got him to his “zone” it was magic. Miss him as much as a lost family member, cheers
Two words I've never heard associated with Mikey: "intimidating" and "foreboding" 💗😂💗 As a non-musician music fan, this video was super interesting to watch. Thank you for taking the time to make it!
I was thinking the EXACT SAME THING!! Mikey was the sweetest guy you could ever hope to meet! I think that his position was more like an introverted kind of un-statement! Haha
A man after my own heart. Hell yeah buddy. This has been incredibly fun to watch you discover all this stuff and get the same feels i did at first 20 plus years ago. :))))))))
Mikey was really one of the most underrated guitar players in the 90’s especially in the jam scene. I personally never saw Mikey, but after seeing Panic with Jimmy I dove deeper and I prefer the more laid back southern approach, vs the southern hair metal mixed with the dead and ABB. Either way, Panic is Panic but Mikey Panic is a treasure we will always have
Hah.... hair metal isn't fair. I know it's easy to get that vibe from Jimmy's speed sometimes. Jimmy comes from a Jazz approach that has always been his style. John McLaughlin and Steve Morse is where that comes from. I'm not saying " Damn it Crabz" now you have to like it now you know it's not Motley Crue. Jimmy has the ability to drop right into some crazy grooves and rhythm guitar on a dime. That's not an ability all lead players have. Jimmy uses his blistering notes per beat and the unique modal structure more than he used to. Probably from touring with McLaughlin. I'm not disagreeing with you. Jimmy is one of the only players I can listen to and appreciate the note count spinning out of control. For contrast listen to Many Rivers to Cross from Wood. Then Diner from last week at Beacon. The Diner solo approached a Sonic Boom but it may have enough finesse and articulation in it for you to kind of see what I'm saying. As I said before. I'm not arguing or disagreeing or tlying to change your mind. I actually agree on some levels with you. ✌ Music is the best format for World Peace, if only for a moment
I also like to always give a shoutout to George McConnell who filled in after Mikey's death and before Jimmy Herring. He had big shoes to fill and he went out there and rocked it every night. He kind of got the cold shoulder when Jimmy agreed to join.
I saw a bunch of shows with George, and I thought it was great to hear the band with a more conventional guitarist who still tried to do Mikey justice. Jimmy is too busy for my taste. He’s a guitar god and perhaps one of the best ever, just not my favorite. The fans really seemed to shit on George. I liked him.
Right on. George got too much crap from people but I loved him. His obvious excitement just to be there the first year or so brought a lot of light to a dark time. And " Doreatha" is one of my favorite songs and "Yard of Blonde Girls" was pretty sick. Yeah, George did a great job. Peace
iplaylax22 wow same here! Saw George a bunch over those years. His playing seemed light and bouncy like Mikey's, while Jimmy has more of a dark whiny guitar sound. I miss the bounce.
If you decide to do another Mikey Panic song I’d highly encourage Pilgrims which is arguably Mikey’s most beautiful guitar work. A great version is on 1998s live album Light Fuse Get Away which is one of my “desert island” albums. Love your work, man!
If I recall correctly, I believe I heard or read an interview where Herring said that Pilgrims was the most difficult song for him to learn which is a credit to the complexity and intricacy of Pilgrims. Would love to see him do that one too.
YESSSSSSSSS🤟🙏🏴☠️. Pilgrims is my absolute favorite song of any band even though Panic is not my top band. I dropped the have to have a favorite band thing a few cities ago like superstition on the roadside cause I could hear it calling from the wind outside before I rode on to another forgotten dream like a fresh skipped stone😪.
Great job. Thank you and respect. Best thing on mikey’s playing style and wsp on the internet. Honest appreciation of panic and also knowledgeable professional.
I sent this to Mike's guitar tech to check out. In addition to his playing style, his tone was unique in rock history as the master of the volume pedal. That grungy sound is perfection
Jimmy, Garcia, trey, are without a doubt more technical than Mikey. HOWEVER Mikey was all about those huge soaring sustained notes, carving through the air, all soul. He hits you right in the heart and it feels amazing to hear him fly .
Dude!! Holy hell!! I've been waiting on this moment for 20+ years!! Mike never got the credit he deserved, imo of course. It's great to see a trained pro slice up Houser's skill set. THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! Now, let's do it again! Waiting on your next WSMFP video... with Mikey of course 😁😁😁👏👏👏✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼
One of the greatest jam bands of all time! I've seen 150 dead shows at least 30 or 40 Phish shows, 60+ WSP & Widespread Panic Wins Almost Every Time! 🥳
If you're going play Mike Houser, you've almost got to get a volume pedal. The constant volume-swell vibrato effect is unlike any other player I've ever heard. And yes, the volume swell vibrato is why he sits to play, he messed up his hip. I suspect the reason he's cordoned off in his own little area is partially out of necessity and also because he was painfully shy. I miss him a lot.
You have been on a major role. I've been loving all of your videos. Excellent stuff. Keep it coming. It's about time you did some WSMFP. In this video you mentioned how you loved the percussion. My favorite percussionist in the Jam scene is Jim Loughlin from the band moe. I highly recommend you check them out.
Guitargate Thank You for doin some Mikey Era WSMFP !!! PLEASE do some more, seems like your diggin the Panic 🤯 The Grateful Dead was the 1st band I fell head over heels for.. But WsP-- The only band I would drop Everything & Go on Tour with.. Panic is my ALL TIME FAVORITE Band, Hands Down
Dude, I’m loving your panic breakdowns, It makes me love him even more to hear how you describe houser. Outside of two more, this is my top band and I’ve been seeing them for 30 years!
11:05 the reason why Mikey never stood on stage was really just because he was more comfortable sitting. The idea being why do i have to stand when I play much better sitting down
I love the camera shot you have now, as well as your videos! Sometimes I forget I’m watching RUclips and I feel like I am sitting next to you taking a guitar lesson!! Thank you!
please keep doing these-i learn so much when you do-I am more phish than wsp, but this is one of my fav wsp tunes-and watching you breakdown the genius that was Mikey made my day!! I would suggest you add JRAD to your viewing for sure-would love to see a breakdown of Metzger and Hamilton!
Welcome friend, widespread panic changed my life. I was lucky enough to Mikey, when I started in 99 . Met the wife and still panic when they come close. Best band ever
Love seeing people discovering the music I’ve enjoyed so much for years!!! Keep up the videos man....you’re definitely headed in the right direction here ❤️
Houser!!!!! Yes! Was able to catch them a few times with them before he passed...His tone was his own....RIP.. I like the "Old Angle" And DO Gov't Mule or Moe. Next!! Pretty Please!!
I vote for the original setup. I liked how the dry erase board, dad mug and desk of papers and books was over your shoulder. It was a very approachable and non-intimidating backdrop. As if we were at our own desks jamming to videos. If you go with the camera angle in this video, close the sliding door, the stairway is distracting ;) As another commenter wrote, if you were sitting on a goat I'd still watch your stuff! Thanks for these great videos!
The first time I saw WSP, Mikey was still alive. I can remember clear as day being blown away by the fact that the guitar player was sitting there so calmly and absolutely ripping it up.
It was always a bend fest with Houser's solos, loved him and his stage presence. Also how you were picking up on Schools and his bass right away, they're all such unique players. Great band.
Thank you for this. While your analysis is mostly way over my head, Panic has filled my heart for 30 years. A crushing Houser solo like this can still bring tears to my eyes. I hope you explore more of their catalog. So many shows are available on Panicstream.com. Well done.
Great call about Mikey having an accident and thus sitting down. By now you obviously know what the sitting down was all about. Really really cool watching you analyze this as a first time listener 'discovering' this guy for the first time. I haven't read any of the other comments, but I'll just add that Houser's influence on my own life has been immense. His playing STILL hits me squarely between the eyes and lets me feel life in ways that I can't feel by other means. Crazy music!
Mike Houser pulls hard at many heart-strings almost 20 years after his passing. ... Thank you for loving on Mikey. Easily my all-time favorite. Your videos are awesome and this is hands-down my favorite one to date. ... Thanks again and keep up the great work in spreading the good guitar love and breakdown and celebration of awesomeness. I am getting old but I will learn how to play as well as Mikey, and you. You will get my 10 bucks for sure, with all that you're doing ...
Awesome breakdown. House-era Panic was legendary. Some of the best times of my life. Do a live version of “Tunnel Of Love” or “Telegraph Road” by Dire Straits. Knopfler is a guitar god.
I was at that show all three nights and it was definitely some of if not the best panic I ever heard. Mikey had bad "panic"attack's in front of a crowd there for there name .so he would sit at the end of the stage in the cut with his hair in his eyes hiding the crowd. That also was one of Sonny the" percussionist"that inspired me to play percussion ,and about the time the term "turn JB up" came to be he is notorious for being low in the mix back then .but that entire show is on a DVD check it out it's been refreshing to watch a Mikey cherry getting popped after all these years . cool man cool cool
Great job breaking the song down and glad you enjoyed it. Hat tip to James Francis for picking a high quality video of one of their more instructive versions of Chilly. So many times I've seen zealous Panic fans throw a poor quality take on a new listener and it just falls flat. I play in a Panic tribute band and we geek out on these songs in much the same way. It's refreshing to see a high quality player as yourself honestly hit the high points of their sound with some authentic aplomb. Enjoyed it. You have a great ear. I might have to become a student. I am the JB (the singer) in our band.
I like the 'standard' shot down the table, it gives good framing for the video in the top right while not overlapping or blocking out the fret board... $0.02
The current angle is ideal for these reaction videos. But it was fun/interesting to see the rest of your set up (would love to see those drums featured ha), so perhaps show us those angles in other types of videos...
Excellent stuff. My favorite song by my favorite band highlights the unconventional greatness of my favorite rock and roll guitar player, circa 1994-2002. RIPIP Mikey! Btw, get this guy on stage with the band.
Love your channel dude! Honestly, I don't understand half the stuff you're saying since I don't play guitar, but your love for good music is infectious. You've already covered most of my favorite bands, panic, phish, dead but how can you not have covered Warren Haynes yet! There are hundreds of Allman Brothers or Govt Mule shows to pick from but one of personal favorites is when he sits in with Dave Matthews and covers Neil Youngs Cortez the Killer. Love to hear your take it on it. bit.ly/2VTEYaW
I was at jimmys first show with WSP after they fired George.... first licks was for surprise valley.... it was like going back in time... still gives me goose bumps.... gotta love panic fans... bunch of shirts in the crowd that day that said “poor George “. Lol.
Finally some panic!!!! Guitargate, I sub’d to your site, have been practicing at nights after work and already notice a big improvement in dexterity and finger strength. Can’t wait to practice tonight! Thanks for reigniting my passion to play!
You have John Bell at Lead playing a Washburn Guitar, Percussionist, Domingo "Sonny' Ortiz, Bassist, David Schools, Keys, JoJo Herman, and Drums, Todd Nance (RIP), Lead Guitar, Michael "Mikey" Houser (RIP). This was the real WS. I miss hearing Houser immensely. They all hail from Athens, Georgia.
Thank you for you enthusiasm & genuine curiosity over this band I hold so dear. Started following WSP in 1988 & have never heard a more pedestrian (easily describes) explanation of Mikey’s gift. I’m not a musician but know just enough to be curious & eager to learn from truly talented folks. In the end I love what these guys do. Your eye /ear on Dave Schools‘ bass playing is also appreciated. Trying to listen to whole song, my ear gravitates to Schools showing out. Keep up the great work dude. We’ll gladly have you on the bus. You ‘get it’ on many levels.
quick note on your camera position... maybe make each postion for a different video format, reaction video angle, stream angle etc.. or just do what you feel in that moment
WIdespread Panic! THE kick ass rock and roll band! I was at that show. Watching you see it for the first time and your eyes light up is great! Gave me the goose bumps again seeing someone watch panic the first time! Thanks!
When Mikey died, a little bit of all of us did as well. RIP Mike Houser always.
Ryan Boldrick First time I have watched Mikey since he passed. So many emotions....you hit the nail on the head. Everyone enjoy your weekend.
I haven't seen Panic since the 90's. The band isn't the same.
Shortly after this show. I believe it was 2002. Cancer sucks balls...
I love Jimmy and he's helped bring this ship back around for sure....but Mikey will live forever.
Shut up!😭
praise to those who insisted on the Mikey version of PANIC!!!!!
well JB doesn't play his instrument so..
@@emileigheggers632 oh but he does lol. Common misconception amongst fans.
Word !!! The signature lead sound of widespread !!! Herring and others kept the torch burning but Michael Houser LIT IT UP! LIGHT FUSE GET AWAY!!!! 😄
I like what I’m herring from Jimmy too!
Emeligh Eggers deserved a block for that statement . Seen WP in the 1990’s around 80 times. JB has always been a force on the guitar. What an idiotic statement .
People who never went to a panic show during the mikee era will never know how awsome his freakin tone was and the greatness of the lingering lead..... To hear his playing at concert volume was a glorious thing most nights
Agreed. God I miss him.
Wish I could have seen him live.. it's a shame I was not able to..
It is almost like you could see the notes coming in waves from his stand across the audience. When he was on, it was the coolest.
Wish i could have seen him but I was too young. Thankful for the music we have today Mikeys legacy lives on!
Biggirl bigFella I couldn’t agree more. I was fortunate enough to see many Mikey shows from 99-2002. He was in his prime. I miss that lingering lead
“an honest tune with a lingering lead”
RIP Mikey
Amen Brother.... best times of my life
@@richardupyurass2379 Houser is Panic
I hear him Everyday
Yes a unique time. Great music. Big spiritual happenings...total silly fun.. great towns easy travel down south to various runs... my twenties where spent on their lots and music halls.
My favorite band from 1989 to present day
Mikey's predominant use of the Ernie Ball volume pedal caused him to spend most of his performance time balanced on one leg, this would eventually lead to circulation problems causing his left leg to become numb. In 1996, during an acoustic tour known as the "Sit and Ski" tour, he was reminded of how much more comfortable and accurate his playing was while he was seated. Subsequently, Houser returned to playing all shows seated in 1997. His playing style used a volume pedal for sonic effect, rather than just for volume control. From Michael Houser
Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Houser
Now that's the info I'm looking for!! Thank YOU!
Great synopsis, Jason.
This is the story I heard as well.
@@Guitargate Mikey says in this 1996 interview that he's never known a single scale in his life besides his own pattern that he started playing the very first time he ever picked up a guitar. This is a huge part of why his sound is so unique & distinctive (along with pushing his volume pedal up & down with every note). He carved out his own style rather learning traditional styles. I'll paste that section of the interview here:
Houser: “When I first picked up my first guitar, and started playing it, I established a little pattern, on the guitar. And I have expanded and worked with that pattern for all these years. But almost instantly, as soon as I started playing the guitar, that was it. That was the sound, that was the pattern that I would build everything else from.”
Interviewer: “When you first started, did you start electric?”
Houser: “Yeah I started playing electric guitar. I had an acoustic for about a week. I immediately got an Ibanez Telecaster. So I very quickly established -- like I said, it's a pattern, on the neck, and it's a physical thing; I could show it to you. And as far as I know, it had nothing to do with scales. I still don't know a scale to this day. And it's very strange.” Bruce Hampton says it's some kind of weird Middle-Eastern scale or something. And once I found that little pattern, I was locked in. And it has nothing to do with what key, or a scale -- It's actually WRONG, is what it is. It's not right. It's just that I've gotten -- I've played with it so much that, uh -- It's very strange.”
Interviewer: “If it sounds right though, who says it's wrong?”
Houser: “Well, I know. It's not technically right. I mean, technically I should be doing a couple of different notes, but it's those places where…”
Interviewer: “Yeah but says who? Stravinsky? Mozart?”
Houser: “Well exactly, exactly. Yeah. So, that was it. And then once I started playing with JB, y'know, it was all over after that!”
Interviewer: “I love the notion that once you found the pattern you were locked in.”
Houser: Yeah, I was! And I still do it to this day. That same exact "first-time-I-picked-up-the-guitar" lead. I still do it every night.
Full interview: widespread-panic.blogspot.com/1996/06/6796-interview-w-mike-houser.html
Don't forget, Houser was known as "Panic" in college because of his reoccurring panic attacks. (He said, "I want to be more than Panic, I want to be widespread...") This may also have influenced his decision to be more out of the spotlight (so to speak) in terms of his place on stage, hair in his face, etc.
Thank you so much for providing coverage for Michael Houser, one the most unique and unlikely lead guitarists in rock history. He truly had a sound that has never been heard before, developed entirely through 'feeling'. One of the finest human beings ever. Long live Michael Houser, Widespread Panic and the Lingering Lead! Peace, Ted
AMEN TED!!!
@Chad Douglas Thank you so much for your kind words Chad.
Amen. Facts. Lord I miss hearing him.
Never saw your channel before and I can't play guitar worth a shit. But your joy watching Mikey for the first time and giving him so much respect gave me chills. Made my day. I was lucky enough to see panic for the 1st time in '98. Seeing Mikey play would blow you away every time, I would sometimes get sea sick if I was standing Mikey side. It was awesome listening to you explain all this technical jargon gave me a whole new understanding of how great Mikey is. Those were the days. Thanks man. Peace.
Love it dude. Love it. Thanks!
This is what I also enjoyed. Panic was pulling him in.
I concur...great stuff, I miss this band.
@@Guitargate Did anyone answer your question? Mikey began sitting down because he was ill. Very ill it turns out. Your reactions to the Grateful Dead led me to a loving Jerry/music channel. And yeah, WSP in Athens was my stomping ground. ;)
Agreed.
Yes sir!!!! WSMFP! Mikey is the reason I started playing guitar. His playing was so unique and I can't tell you how much it makes my heart happy to see you looking and reacting to his playing. Man, I am digging this channel so much. Keep it rolling my man.
Thank you! I'm loving this ride too!@
Guitargate loving your videos!!!
@@Guitargate not music snobbin out, but you should know. I'm afraid to ask if you know Trey
Rest in peace Mikey always root for the home team.
I know absolutely nothing about music theory, notes, chords, keys or even playing an instrument. But I thoroughly enjoy watching you breakdown a song and identify what is going on. Your ear, and ability to pick out a note or whatever, is in my opinion, simply amazing. Keep up the great work. Oh, and maybe check out Gov't Mule, particularly something from their three piece days with Allen Woody on bass.
LOVE IT. THanks!
@@Guitargate and while on the research trail...marcus king!
I concur with Mike 100%.
Agreed. This what I was trying to say above! Dude does Mikey justice and explained what I’ve been hearing & loving for 32 yrs. !
Banks of the Deel End greatest song ever!!
That frontman is Mr. John Farmer Bell aka JB. He ain’t no preacher he’s just happy to meet ya
I tip my hat to you
He said, "Implying that a-ness." *insert beavis and butthead laugh*
I totally head that too, but we're all professionals here🤪💩
I just happened to read this at the exact moment he’s saying it 😂
thats why im here to see if anyone beat me to comments
we arent the immature ones... he said it loud and clear. he may as well have said " i do do this"
Dude. Panic is every bit one of the best bands to ever come from the southern USA they are right there with ABB
Allman bros is on a whole other level.
He had no idea. Video should be named "guitar teacher discovers WSP for the first time"
I agree. the AB will have the slight edge of Panic even though I am a bigger panic fan.
You had me at "like his voice already".
Jimmy’s playing blows me away
but houser’s playing pulls me in
Mikey’s tone and ability to let the song breathe just speaks to me on a whole nother level
well said
That’s an awesome way to put it!!! Thank you!
THANK YOU finally someone who can appreciate both without hating on Jimmy😁
Both are incredible
Mikey had an uncanny ability to pull you in. It was one of the first things that drew me to the band, I miss Mikey a lot.
I started with Phish. Saw them over 30 times in the 90s. Loved them. In Fall 95 I first saw a Panic show. I'm still going to Panic shows. Jimmy is amazing, but Mikey was the soul of the band that can't be replaced. See them live, you will never be disappointed.
Even this guy thinks JB should be turned up! Lol
One of the first things I noticed !!
@@Guitargate welcome to listening to Panic. Back in the 90s people used to have stickers and T shirts that said "Turn JB up"
they keep him turned down because hes a horrible guitar player. LOL
@@jonathandavidson8633 you're not listening close enough then.
@@mylifeinGA Now it's turn Jimmy down.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
"A man after my own heart," is exactly how we Panic fans feel!
As far as the camera angle goes, do it how you are most comfortable.
Seeing the instruments in the background is cool, and I really prefer having you on the left and the vid on top right, the way it was to start. It's much better to follow what you're doing on guitar. Thanks!
Mikey's lead guitar, musicianship and songwriting skills were incredible. However, his friendship, generosity, and kindness are what set Panic apart from all others. Love your honest technical appreciation for my favorite band playing at the peak of their musical power imo!! Thank you heeding the fans cry for you to check Mikey out. Looking forward to watching more of your vids and picking up a guitar!!! "Turn me up, love it!!!!" regarding JB vocal (lead singer/rhythm guitar) #TurnJBup t-shirts and bumper stickers were made in that era... you made my frickin day man!! Peace and Love brother!!!!
From a 1996 interview with Michael Houser (on his playing style):
MH: So I very quickly established -- like I said, it's a pattern, on the neck, and it's a physical thing; I could show it to you. And as far as I know, it had nothing to do with scales. I still don't know a scale to this day. And it's very strange. Bruce Hampton says it's some kind of weird Middle-Eastern scale or something. And once I found that little pattern, I was locked in. And it has nothing to do with what key, or a scale -- It's actually WRONG, is what it is. It's not right. It's just that I've gotten -- I've played with it so much that, uh -- It's very strange.
R&R: If it sounds right though, who says it's wrong?
MH: Well, I know. It's not technically right. I mean, technically I should be doing a couple of different notes, but it's those places where --
R&R: Yeah but says who? Stravinsky? Mozart?
MH: Well exactly, exactly. Yeah. So, that was it. And then once I started playing with JB, y'know, it was all over after that!
R&R: I love the notion that once you found the pattern you were locked in.
MH: Yeah, I was! And I still do it to this day. That same exact "first-time-I-picked-up-the-guitar" lead. I still do it every night.
thx
Wow, thanks for posting. Really makes sense.
Thanks! Anyone know where to find the pattern?
@@ScottBernadot just listen to his music, play along to it. For the longest time I chased trying to be able to do it exactly like him, but it ended up limiting me on playing guitar as a whole. I now only dabble with that style. It's a beautiful thing of his own, even though it seems extremely simple, he really made up his own way of playing guitar with that band! His clean tone riffs are a thing of beauty too. The strat tele sound all in one with the telecaster plus deluxe..how he gets the vibrato going with his right hand on the bridge (he removed the bar) but be careful! Michael Houser can ruin guitar for you in the best way possible! Rip Mikey! :)
ripplebear Thank you! I have never listened to WSP before this video. I will take your advice and listen to some of Mikey’s work. Looking forward to it after reading all of the great comments about him. Sounds like a special soul .
Now your talking my language!! WSMFP!!!!!
John Bell on vocals
Michael Houser sitting
A long time guitarist friend of mine once described Houser's style as sounding like, "he's playing backwards".
While I've always had an ear for his style I never understood exactly what he meant. Maybe you can shed some light. Keep WSP coming. We love it! And we'd love to see at a show!
2000 panic was an incredible time from this band. Glad you got to dissect some of what mikey put out there. And drew us in as very loyal fans and friends. We love our "PANIC" our "wsmfp".. glad you enjoyed Mikeys style.
Mikey used to stand. But his overplaying of volume pedal began make it harder to stand and play, and once he found his place sitting, it was surely his thing. I was always amazed but this sleepy man, sitting there so calmly, playing sounds that made us dance our asses off into sweaty bliss. How did this guy sitting there create such energy? Because of course, they are wsmfp!
Awesome to see the magic of Mickey on someone's face when they hear him for the 1st time
Totally just realized that I was at oak mountain for this show! The next year was killer though!!! Amazing setlist(all 3 nights) wind cries mary, stir it up!! Wow... too many panic memories to keep track of! 🤯🤘🏻😂
Your note of Mikey playing in his own “box”, where you might be welcome or not is a great call. He is the only guitar player that I feel like the other 5 dudes were trying to get the sound just right for him….and when they got him to his “zone” it was magic. Miss him as much as a lost family member, cheers
He used to make a room roar and spin. Nothing like riding that wave. Miss that band everyday.
Absolutely
💗 I wish every younger Panic fan could have the opportunity to experience a Mikey show live. It was so special.
Love it, now get your ass to a show...really enjoyed watching the joy on your face as Mikey melted it...
Two words I've never heard associated with Mikey: "intimidating" and "foreboding" 💗😂💗
As a non-musician music fan, this video was super interesting to watch. Thank you for taking the time to make it!
I was thinking the EXACT SAME THING!! Mikey was the sweetest guy you could ever hope to meet! I think that his position was more like an introverted kind of un-statement! Haha
Mikey developed hip issues from working the pedals. That’s why he started sitting. This is great dude. Love the genuine reactions.
Richard! Love ya buddy
Thank you for the respect you put to his style. RIP Mikey. We love you brother.
i have been seeing WSP since 1989 and still go. I always listen to Houser shows when I listen at home
A man after my own heart. Hell yeah buddy. This has been incredibly fun to watch you discover all this stuff and get the same feels i did at first 20 plus years ago. :))))))))
Agree!
Mikey was really one of the most underrated guitar players in the 90’s especially in the jam scene. I personally never saw Mikey, but after seeing Panic with Jimmy I dove deeper and I prefer the more laid back southern approach, vs the southern hair metal mixed with the dead and ABB. Either way, Panic is Panic but Mikey Panic is a treasure we will always have
Hah.... hair metal isn't fair. I know it's easy to get that vibe from Jimmy's speed sometimes. Jimmy comes from a Jazz approach that has always been his style. John McLaughlin and Steve Morse is where that comes from. I'm not saying " Damn it Crabz" now you have to like it now you know it's not Motley Crue. Jimmy has the ability to drop right into some crazy grooves and rhythm guitar on a dime. That's not an ability all lead players have. Jimmy uses his blistering notes per beat and the unique modal structure more than he used to. Probably from touring with McLaughlin. I'm not disagreeing with you. Jimmy is one of the only players I can listen to and appreciate the note count spinning out of control. For contrast listen to Many Rivers to Cross from Wood. Then Diner from last week at Beacon. The Diner solo approached a Sonic Boom but it may have enough finesse and articulation in it for you to kind of see what I'm saying. As I said before. I'm not arguing or disagreeing or tlying to change your mind. I actually agree on some levels with you. ✌ Music is the best format for World Peace, if only for a moment
I also like to always give a shoutout to George McConnell who filled in after Mikey's death and before Jimmy Herring. He had big shoes to fill and he went out there and rocked it every night. He kind of got the cold shoulder when Jimmy agreed to join.
I saw a bunch of shows with George, and I thought it was great to hear the band with a more conventional guitarist who still tried to do Mikey justice. Jimmy is too busy for my taste. He’s a guitar god and perhaps one of the best ever, just not my favorite. The fans really seemed to shit on George. I liked him.
Right on. George got too much crap from people but I loved him. His obvious excitement just to be there the first year or so brought a lot of light to a dark time. And " Doreatha" is one of my favorite songs and "Yard of Blonde Girls" was pretty sick. Yeah, George did a great job. Peace
iplaylax22 wow same here! Saw George a bunch over those years. His playing seemed light and bouncy like Mikey's, while Jimmy has more of a dark whiny guitar sound. I miss the bounce.
George was Meh..
George was terrible and refused to put the time in to actually learn the songs. Theres a reason he was let go after a short stay and replaced by Jimmy
I was there!!! 16 years old with my big brother in the tapping section. And I haven’t looked back since!! WSMFP!!🤘🤘🤘
If you decide to do another Mikey Panic song I’d highly encourage Pilgrims which is arguably Mikey’s most beautiful guitar work. A great version is on 1998s live album Light Fuse Get Away which is one of my “desert island” albums. Love your work, man!
Agreed. That album is quintessential Panic and would really lay out a perfect roadmap for someone trying to learn about the band @Guitargate.
If I recall correctly, I believe I heard or read an interview where Herring said that Pilgrims was the most difficult song for him to learn which is a credit to the complexity and intricacy of Pilgrims. Would love to see him do that one too.
YESSSSSSSSS🤟🙏🏴☠️. Pilgrims is my absolute favorite song of any band even though Panic is not my top band. I dropped the have to have a favorite band thing a few cities ago like superstition on the roadside cause I could hear it calling from the wind outside before I rode on to another forgotten dream like a fresh skipped stone😪.
Matthew Collins yeah man I would love love love this too!
YES!!
New subscriber here... love it!
Absolutely love when people, especially players, discover our Mikey for the first time!!
RIP Brother Mikey
Just got back from 5 fire nites of WSMFP at the Beacon theatre and Boom! Thnks man
Great job. Thank you and respect. Best thing on mikey’s playing style and wsp on the internet. Honest appreciation of panic and also knowledgeable professional.
I sent this to Mike's guitar tech to check out. In addition to his playing style, his tone was unique in rock history as the master of the volume pedal. That grungy sound is perfection
Love this reaction. I've watched it 5 times. Wish I had the ear you do. This was an amazing weekend at Oak Mountain.
Jimmy, Garcia, trey, are without a doubt more technical than Mikey. HOWEVER Mikey was all about those huge soaring sustained notes, carving through the air, all soul. He hits you right in the heart and it feels amazing to hear him fly .
Agree with everything you said. That sound and the emotion are what make him my favorite.
100% Agree
Truth
Panic is the last great jam band and the fact that theyre all dieing makes me sad.
@@matthewmoseley8670who's all dying.. do u mean the members of Panic or Jam bands in general?
Dude!! Holy hell!! I've been waiting on this moment for 20+ years!! Mike never got the credit he deserved, imo of course. It's great to see a trained pro slice up Houser's skill set. THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! Now, let's do it again! Waiting on your next WSMFP video... with Mikey of course 😁😁😁👏👏👏✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼
Wish I could like this twice. Sure do miss that lingering lead of Mikey's!
One of the greatest jam bands of all time! I've seen 150 dead shows at least 30 or 40 Phish shows, 60+ WSP & Widespread Panic Wins Almost Every Time! 🥳
If you're going play Mike Houser, you've almost got to get a volume pedal. The constant volume-swell vibrato effect is unlike any other player I've ever heard. And yes, the volume swell vibrato is why he sits to play, he messed up his hip. I suspect the reason he's cordoned off in his own little area is partially out of necessity and also because he was painfully shy. I miss him a lot.
Your energy is palpable brother! So cool to see you feel the energy us panic fans feel time and time again! Thanks for doing it
You have been on a major role. I've been loving all of your videos. Excellent stuff. Keep it coming. It's about time you did some WSMFP. In this video you mentioned how you loved the percussion. My favorite percussionist in the Jam scene is Jim Loughlin from the band moe. I highly recommend you check them out.
Badass video! “Implying the A-ness” was definitely the highlight😂
Guitargate Thank You for doin some Mikey Era WSMFP !!!
PLEASE do some more, seems like your diggin the Panic 🤯
The Grateful Dead was the 1st band I fell head over heels for.. But WsP-- The only band I would drop Everything & Go on Tour with.. Panic is my ALL TIME FAVORITE Band, Hands Down
Well said, I'm with u 100%...love GD
Saw em 122x but PANIC IS MY SOUL!
Hard to argue
Dude, I’m loving your panic breakdowns, It makes me love him even more to hear how you describe houser. Outside of two more, this is my top band and I’ve been seeing them for 30 years!
YEESSSS! You said you "love the way this dude(JB) sings!!! You either love his voice or REALLY hate it lol
Tony Staggs I think his voice is even more beautiful and intriguing then the very first shows- known him a Very Long Time!
Absolutely! Been seeing them since 98 and it just gets better
11:05 the reason why Mikey never stood on stage was really just because he was more comfortable sitting. The idea being why do i have to stand when I play much better sitting down
Love seeing you getting into the jams man!! Gotta do some string cheese incident and break down some of their jams
I love the camera shot you have now, as well as your videos! Sometimes I forget I’m watching RUclips and I feel like I am sitting next to you taking a guitar lesson!! Thank you!
I'm not a WSP girl, but ... This is incredible. Your musical ability and insight never ceases to amaze me! 🎸🎹⭕🌵
I so enjoyed hearing the technical breakdown of this song from my favourite band.
please keep doing these-i learn so much when you do-I am more phish than wsp, but this is one of my fav wsp tunes-and watching you breakdown the genius that was Mikey made my day!! I would suggest you add JRAD to your viewing for sure-would love to see a breakdown of Metzger and Hamilton!
Made me smile seeing you enjoy a band that gives me chills whenever I hear them live.....Mikey was unbelievable 🤘
Mikey and Woody Allen bass, (govt mule for those that don't know/) were both and still are very underated on there instruments.
Welcome friend, widespread panic changed my life. I was lucky enough to Mikey, when I started in 99 . Met the wife and still panic when they come close. Best band ever
Thanks for your appreciation!!! David Gilmore comment, totally understand!!
Love seeing people discovering the music I’ve enjoyed so much for years!!! Keep up the videos man....you’re definitely headed in the right direction here ❤️
Houser!!!!! Yes! Was able to catch them a few times with them before he passed...His tone was his own....RIP.. I like the "Old Angle" And DO Gov't Mule or Moe. Next!! Pretty Please!!
moe. Fasho!
So awesome to watch you see panic for the first time. Glad you like them. Gotta go see them live with Jimmy
I vote for the original setup. I liked how the dry erase board, dad mug and desk of papers and books was over your shoulder. It was a very approachable and non-intimidating backdrop. As if we were at our own desks jamming to videos. If you go with the camera angle in this video, close the sliding door, the stairway is distracting ;) As another commenter wrote, if you were sitting on a goat I'd still watch your stuff! Thanks for these great videos!
Thanks!
The first time I saw WSP, Mikey was still alive. I can remember clear as day being blown away by the fact that the guitar player was sitting there so calmly and absolutely ripping it up.
It was always a bend fest with Houser's solos, loved him and his stage presence. Also how you were picking up on Schools and his bass right away, they're all such unique players. Great band.
Thank you for this. While your analysis is mostly way over my head, Panic has filled my heart for 30 years. A crushing Houser solo like this can still bring tears to my eyes. I hope you explore more of their catalog. So many shows are available on Panicstream.com. Well done.
That Schools bass tease @ 1:15 ... really gets my motor running
Probably one of the best versions of Chilly. Love watching others discover music that changed my life. Keep rockin' brother. WSMFP
God bless you for doing some Mikey era Panic.
Great call about Mikey having an accident and thus sitting down. By now you obviously know what the sitting down was all about. Really really cool watching you analyze this as a first time listener 'discovering' this guy for the first time. I haven't read any of the other comments, but I'll just add that Houser's influence on my own life has been immense. His playing STILL hits me squarely between the eyes and lets me feel life in ways that I can't feel by other means. Crazy music!
You're hooked! Widespread Panic ruins lives haha
Mike Houser pulls hard at many heart-strings almost 20 years after his passing. ... Thank you for loving on Mikey. Easily my all-time favorite. Your videos are awesome and this is hands-down my favorite one to date. ... Thanks again and keep up the great work in spreading the good guitar love and breakdown and celebration of awesomeness. I am getting old but I will learn how to play as well as Mikey, and you. You will get my 10 bucks for sure, with all that you're doing ...
Awesome breakdown. House-era Panic was legendary. Some of the best times of my life.
Do a live version of “Tunnel Of Love” or “Telegraph Road” by Dire Straits. Knopfler is a guitar god.
"Those who can, do....those who can't, teach" This quote has never been proven SO wrong. The positivity is inspiring and infectious.
$100 says this guy goes to a Panic show soon.
Sean Doyle I can see him doing a sit in???
Hes gonna be pretty disappointed if he does it based off a recording from 2000
Sean Doyle he for sure will be on tour
I was at that show all three nights and it was definitely some of if not the best panic I ever heard. Mikey had bad "panic"attack's in front of a crowd there for there name .so he would sit at the end of the stage in the cut with his hair in his eyes hiding the crowd. That also was one of Sonny the" percussionist"that inspired me to play percussion ,and about the time the term "turn JB up" came to be he is notorious for being low in the mix back then .but that entire show is on a DVD check it out it's been refreshing to watch a Mikey cherry getting popped after all these years . cool man cool cool
Great job breaking the song down and glad you enjoyed it. Hat tip to James Francis for picking a high quality video of one of their more instructive versions of Chilly. So many times I've seen zealous Panic fans throw a poor quality take on a new listener and it just falls flat. I play in a Panic tribute band and we geek out on these songs in much the same way. It's refreshing to see a high quality player as yourself honestly hit the high points of their sound with some authentic aplomb. Enjoyed it. You have a great ear. I might have to become a student. I am the JB (the singer) in our band.
Love it.
Where do y’all play
@@janiekennedy4295 we play in Texas mostly, but just got on board with a talent agency that might be able to help us expand our reach
We’ve all been waiting! Thanks for picking Mikey. Awesome
Great idea! Mikey/Jimmy same song comparison videos...?
Really cool to see your enthusiasm over Mikey's playing! My all time favorite. So unique. So missed. Gotta run now... sniff sniff
No but seriously - Do you like me switching angles or do you prefer one? THANKS!
I like the 'standard' shot down the table, it gives good framing for the video in the top right while not overlapping or blocking out the fret board... $0.02
The one that you shot on for this video is perfect.
I like the at computer angle because that’s more or less how I look watching these videos. Gets kind of meta with the whole thing.
The current angle is ideal for these reaction videos. But it was fun/interesting to see the rest of your set up (would love to see those drums featured ha), so perhaps show us those angles in other types of videos...
This is the best angle imo, but Panic does improve most perspectives
Excellent stuff. My favorite song by my favorite band highlights the unconventional greatness of my favorite rock and roll guitar player, circa 1994-2002. RIPIP Mikey! Btw, get this guy on stage with the band.
Thank you!
3 nights in Durham this week! Come experience the magic
Love your channel dude! Honestly, I don't understand half the stuff you're saying since I don't play guitar, but your love for good music is infectious. You've already covered most of my favorite bands, panic, phish, dead but how can you not have covered Warren Haynes yet! There are hundreds of Allman Brothers or Govt Mule shows to pick from but one of personal favorites is when he sits in with Dave Matthews and covers Neil Youngs Cortez the Killer. Love to hear your take it on it. bit.ly/2VTEYaW
I feel blessed to have seen Mikey play about 15 times.
Turn jb up!!!!
I was at jimmys first show with WSP after they fired George.... first licks was for surprise valley.... it was like going back in time... still gives me goose bumps.... gotta love panic fans... bunch of shirts in the crowd that day that said “poor George “. Lol.
You made it on Panicstream!!
Saw it on some Facebook groups too. GointocJB I think? Not as big time as Panic stream though! Lol But still getting some action!
Finally some panic!!!! Guitargate, I sub’d to your site, have been practicing at nights after work and already notice a big improvement in dexterity and finger strength. Can’t wait to practice tonight! Thanks for reigniting my passion to play!
Dude! You have been missing out. Houser was an incredible musician. Listen to the Multitrack remasters.
You have John Bell at Lead playing a Washburn Guitar, Percussionist, Domingo "Sonny' Ortiz, Bassist, David Schools, Keys, JoJo Herman, and Drums, Todd Nance (RIP), Lead Guitar, Michael "Mikey" Houser (RIP).
This was the real WS. I miss hearing Houser immensely.
They all hail from Athens, Georgia.
“He’s really low in the mix” hahaha
Rip mikey.widespread is killer!! I fell in love with Houser's style..damn I miss that dude.
Don’t think too hard about where you’re sitting! 👍 keep it up.
Awesome. THank you
Ben Jammin agreed.
Thank you for you enthusiasm & genuine curiosity over this band I hold so dear. Started following WSP in 1988 & have never heard a more pedestrian (easily describes) explanation of Mikey’s gift. I’m not a musician but know just enough to be curious & eager to learn from truly talented folks. In the end I love what these guys do. Your eye /ear on Dave Schools‘ bass playing is also appreciated. Trying to listen to whole song, my ear gravitates to Schools showing out. Keep up the great work dude. We’ll gladly have you on the bus. You ‘get it’ on many levels.
quick note on your camera position... maybe make each postion for a different video format, reaction video angle, stream angle etc.. or just do what you feel in that moment
WIdespread Panic! THE kick ass rock and roll band!
I was at that show. Watching you see it for the first time and your eyes light up is great! Gave me the goose bumps again seeing someone watch panic the first time! Thanks!
panicswol - I was at that show too! 😍💫🌟