YOUNG TURKS by ROD STEWART mbrs of The Killers/Alice In Chains/The Shins/Afghan Whigs/Dragged Under

This episode features a performance of a Rod Stewart classic, YOUNG TURKS, by special guests William DuVall (Alice In Chains/Vox), Ronnie Vannucci (The Killers/Drums), Jon Skibic (Afghan Whigs/Lead Guitar), Mark Watrous (The Shins/Keys), and Ryan "Fluff" Bruce (Dragged Under/Rhythm Guitar) with yours truly, Mike Squires on COUCH RIFFS with audio mixed by Don Gunn (Death Cab For Cutie/Postal Service/SOUNDGARDEN)
This video is the culmination of much effort over the last 2 years, as I slowly figure out what the hell I'm doing. I book, schedule, film, edit, and promote Couch Riffs, a video series and an audio podcast, which celebrates its 100th podcast episode the week of this release! I can't believe I'm still going some days and I’m not sure how I maintained the energy for it through this year.
Sometimes you think you're creating something very specific that you've fully imagined and realized but life and circumstances have a way of showing you how it will be its best if you listen and take cues. In some ways Couch Riffs is the most fun I've had in any musically related project in my life and career. It is challenging and can be a real test of patience at times but is always worth the effort. I'm constantly laughing at the situations I'm finding myself in and always laughing directly at myself. It is an absolute honor and privilege every time someone says yes to the question "will you be on Couch Riffs with me?"
This ensemble Couch Riffs video is made up of folks that I've known for varying amounts of time. The choice of song inspiration actually came from Ronnie Vannucci who told me years ago before The Killers released Sam's Town that they were going to cover this song (it never happened). I remembered this and when we started talking about song choices I threw that out and he didn't remember! He just thought I picked a great song. I've known RV since the 90s and am so happy to finally get the opportunity to play on a track with him!
Mark Watrous first came on my radar around 2000 when he was in a NW band called Loudermilk, one of my absolute favorites. This guy SHREDS guitar, keys, and strings. He's gone on, of course, to play with some very big and successful acts because that's where he belongs. With the best of the best.
I've met William DuVall over the years a handful of times but never spoke to him at length and digested the depth of his experience and influence on underground music over the last 4 decades until he guested on the Couch Riffs podcast. His stories are some of my favorites of all time on the show and it was an absolute jaw dropping experience for me to hear his track on this the very first time when he sent it back to me. Alice in Chains is lucky to have him and I'm even luckier to have him on this track.
Jon Skibic is in one of the greatest American indie bands of all time, the Afghan Whigs, and he really shines on this track in a way that he doesn't always get highlighted on stage or record. When I moved to NY a number of our mutual friends pestered both of us to meet each other until we finally did and have become fast friends.
Ryan Bruce is likely the most familiar person to most folks watching this video if you've EVER been on KZbin and wanted to learn about some great piece of guitar gear. He has been a super resource to Couch Riffs in nearly every way imaginable. He actually saw one of my earliest videos where I was using an iPad and iRig along with my iphone and he sent me a bus-powered interface so that I could improve my game a bit. He's also been a very patient resource to me as I work out the kinks and riff on ideas to him. He's also a killer guitar player in a vicious metal band called Dragged Under and you should check them out.
It was an absolute pleasure making this and hosting each of my guests. I thank them for trusting me to present them to you and I thank you for watching and supporting the videos and podcast.
couchriffs.com
/ couchriffs

[@benjones7634]

Man, William Duvall absolutely kills this. Great voice. Also Vannucci is a bad-ass

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

Absolutely agree!

[@freddthurman3935]

William Duvall can probably sing any song he wants. So underrated.

[@genotypea2188]

he's not even close on some notes tho.

[@DelilaSloan]

That drummer is badass. The beat on this song is awesome. I never noticed it on the original. The bass backing it all the way is fire. I dont usually like covers of classic songs but this may be better then the original. The mix is perfext.

[@Tbone312]

Young Turks was one of my favorite songs as a kid. This cover totally does it justice! Nothing worse that having one of all time favorites butchered. John Skibic effortlessly and casually nails the solo. Sooo good!

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

Skibic TOTALLY nailed it!

[@vic20adamant2]

YES WILLIAM!!!!! 🤘

[@LukeCannotSkate]

I love this song. GTA SA straight vibin

[@tiagooliveira6539]

now i remember haha gta rádio

[@mec_xyz]

best song of gta sa radios!!

[@wallengene]

Thank you Mens Room for showing me this. Its phenomenal.

[@RobertoRamirez-zu5fw]

Yess that's where I heard it and then searched for it, awesome cover !!!!

[@dac65790]

I Was listening to The Best of The Mens Room today and happened to listen to this episode. Ended up here!

[@thearmandhammer7979]

Also here from the Mens Room

[@leeannasloan2292]

Iv never heard anyone cover a rod song and do it justice. William wow.

[@gregglover9638]

The world NEEDED this right now! It does the original justice and the singer fu*kin' nails Rod's vocals. Great job all around and kudos to Mike Squires for being such a great ringleader!

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

I know I needed it! This was a ton of fun to do. THANK YOU. Stay tuned for more supergroup Couch Riffs vids!

[@dandupuis6678]

So jealous. I wish I was playing bass on that cover. You guys killed it big time. You nailed the vibe of the song 200%. Mr. Duvall, what a soulful voice you have.

[@LeeHarveyGriswold]

I'm not gonna lie, I probably watch this particular video at least 15 times a week...something about this version seems to touch me in that one spot.. You know....the Heart....❤❤❤🤘🤘🤘

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

❤️

[@MartinRuley]

I thought i herd that song before . But i only remember the chorus.

[@cressaturner7374]

This NEVER gets old. An instant classic. 🖤🖤🖤😩

[@shayshalev3287]

Wow wow wow!!! What I’ve just heard! Definitely one of the best covers I’ve ever listened to. Amazing on so many levels…many thanks for that. Awesome piece of art.

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

Thank you so much!

[@conorcullivan7752]

KISW brought me here. This is the cover i needed right now.

[@droffatsttocs]

This cover absolutely needs releasing!

[@Cosmic_Nomad]

I just saw AIC a few weeks ago and this is just the best way to start a new year for me!

[@terrygraves8357]

These guy’s killed this cover for Rod Stewart’s (young turks)and the best cover hands down period 9:50 am viewed

[@Saucer305]

Why doesn’t this have more views?!!?

[@kristofferskog766]

this is good! Never expected to see fluff and DuVall rocking out together

[@LeeHarveyGriswold]

❤❤❤

[@sonofvicvega816]

I can definitively say that William Duvall also sounds great with a synthesizer behind him. He can do no wrong. I bet you if there was a fiddle or a harp behind him I'd still head bang to it

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

sonofvicvega816 he’s really amazing and totally killed it on this song!

[@illiamdeebe7579]

Wow! That's something else!

[@ClassicGuitarRockJFL]

Very cool! Great cover of one of my favorite pop songs! Thanks!

[@wmred]

Hell of a voice! Excellent work by all.

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

Thanks! Yes, William CRUSHED it.

[@anthonyobrien943]

one of the best covers i've ever heard! William DuVall was such a great pickup by Alice in Chains..... has the same haunting chill inducing vocals as Layne Staley.

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

anthony obrien wow! Thanks! Yes, we couldn’t agree more. William is an absolute hero.

[@leeannasloan2292]

William could sing anything and make it awesome. Layne was some.BIG shoes to fill.

[@adora61]

This is amazing! I agree with everyone that William absolutely kills it.

[@JoelMuddlestone]

I might have been only 13 when l first heard this song, and this certainly brought back memories when l was too headstrong and wanting to see what else is out there. Very well done! Rod would be very proud.

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

Thank you! This was my second video and I was so stoked to get this together. I hope Rod sees it!

[@LeeHarveyGriswold]

And I'll say it again, that lead work is absolutely crushing...dude fukn just oozes class...and yes, I'm aware it's a cover song, but dudes tone and just overall style makes me feel funny...and I'm not even gay...lololololol...not that thers anything wrong with that...lolol...if we're being honest, I listen to this song at least once a day for the last few years, and, I will continue to listen to it until the day I die...this version is deliciously divine...❤️❤️❤️

[@Alaskan_Fury]

Simply amazing, I grew up hearing this song a lot and is one that I still enjoy. What an amazing cover, nailed it!!!!! I bet even Rod Stewart himself would approve!

[@xpressclass7507]

Very cool

[@seraphimkrieger1480]

Thank u so much for putting this in my life! I hear it 24/7, much Appreciation

[@shawnpenney7385]

What a great group of musicians...... Duvall proving as always dude is just super talented!

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

William totally blew me away! So killer.

[@jbjuhasz]

Every time I hear this cover on KISW here in the Seattle area, it gets stuck in my head. Great job guys.

[@2ndCharter]

Who in their right minds can conscionably give this a thumbs down? Mike, this is great stuff! Thanks foe sharing the tech behind the scenes with me today.

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

it was my pleasure! I'm glad you found this!

[@jameshyland2292]

Anytime you can get a Whig it will be awesome!

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

Agreed!

[@ishockeyfrilla]

So cool!

[@apartment777]

Goddamn man, this sings to my heart. I've must've watched this like 10 times over the last 8 months... incredible cover. Absolutely gorgeous!

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

thank you!

[@kevinbassett9612]

I've watched it ten times today...

[@miguelsoto4802]

Very good cover ❤

[@vikinglife6316]

OMG this is phenomenal

[@scottmartinetti4875]

I'm loving this man

[@stcpimus]

Hi from colombia, excelent cover.

[@TheRawkVox]

💯 Awesome !!!🔥 🔥 🔥

[@aldengushnowski6179]

Absolutely phenomenal.

[@EnigmaticDecay]

Oh my God, love this. A song from the Golden age of pop.

[@Flfreedom]

St. Petersburg, FL says DAMN this is good!

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

Thanks, St Pete!

[@alexloyola4695]

This might be my favorite cover ever!

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

WOW! Thank you! It was a super fun one and kinda launched our quarantine videos to the next level. I'm still very fond of it, myself!

[@JamieR74]

Always has been and always will be one of my fav songs

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

Its called a classic for a reason! Soooo good and so fun to tackle this song with this crew.

[@SleepUnpluggedPodcast]

Yes, yes, yes.

[@yosoyyo9359]

Good cover 👍👍

[@allenharragarra2025]

I love it, this generation needs the inspiration. Especially in this time of crisis.

[@scottmartinetti4875]

Love the way he throws the word thief. Sounds like he's throwing a heavy weight into your lap

[@SixOThree]

I needed this today.

[@deemftrain]

Hell yes ! Amazing.

[@LeeHarveyGriswold]

Like an old friend, I can always rely on this song to get me through the tough times...plus, that lead work still hits me in the feels...❤❤❤❤❤️❤️

[@SleepUnpluggedPodcast]

No Billy, it does not get better than this cover.

[@bloodiadellamore]

I love you William 🙌 This is great!!

[@NickPierro]

SO goddamn good. Bravo everyone!

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

Thank you!

[@bbussey1967]

This is Amazing.... FLUFF brought me here BTW!!!!!!!!!!

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

Deacon SYNN Fluff is my champ! Thanks for watching!

[@bclairful]

Dude playing lead is a fukn beast...🤘🤘🤘❤❤❤

[@fabianamorato9174]

Wow! 👏👏

[@javiergustavotutti7090]

Hermosa versión

[@user-ky2lx5ke9y]

โคตรเจ๋ง ชอบมาก

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

thank you!

[@pauldiaz1818]

You GUYS ROCK GREAT JOB

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

thanks!

[@NacoDeCota]

cool🎉

[@jonathonhass4178]

Stu f-ing pendous ! Absolutely unbelievable cover ! Rod Stewart is undoubtedly pleased

[@delaryus2105]

🎵🎶🎶🎵🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! great cover!!!!

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

Thank you! More to come!

[@alanduran-gonzalez8060]

Lawd!!!! This gives the original justice yet keeps the original feeling of this song. Thank you for giving me and others a chance to LIVE through this and it’s giving all of us LIFE!!!! Bravo to all the musicians playing in this video. Bravo 👏🏽

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

This was a ton of fun to make. Thank you!

[@barmaley_freeman]

Damn, that awesome

[@LeeHarveyGriswold]

I'll say it again for those in the back..Jon Skibic is beastly on this song....dude is so fukn good...

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

he really is a great guitarist. here on this song and everywhere his fingers touch a guitar.

[@chadmanfredo9174]

Thank you guys! We all needed this.

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

WE are no exception! We needed it too! And, there's more and more to come! Stay tuned.....

[@scottludwig5768]

Great song to bring back. A++

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

Scott Ludwig I thought so, too!

[@scottludwig5768]

@@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires Rod Stewart is almost impossible to cover, his vocals are so unique. They killed it. Absolutely murdered it. Liked, subscribed and shared. Thank you.

[@lucianogomez8899]

Chulada de cover voz potente y musicos exelentes

[@SullyGuitars]

DUDE. YES.

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

So fun to make this one and there’s a BUNCH of cool stuff in the works at the moment. I’ve been busy!

[@jasonrosie2873]

William for president 2024! Beautiful and powerful voice with control and confidence.

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

William is a badass!

[@basshumper1]

Strange Song selection, probably why it turned out so damn well. Impressive Results!

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

basshumper1 thank you! And, if you think THIS is a strange song selection just wait for what’s coming! Hahahahaaaaaaa!

[@FloridaRaider]

that was great!

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

Thank you!

[@budogden]

Bravo!

[@juanpablososa5220]

What an amazing cover!! My heart is full!!❤

[@WickedKingLycoan]

This is...INCREDIBLY AWESOME!!!!

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

THANK YOU!

[@ryukjoga]

So gooood, nice job

[@teeray]

Awesome!!!

[@LeeHarveyGriswold]

Fukn masterpiece...❤️❤️❤️

[@pinktacoluvr]

Epic! Go Fluff! 👍🏻

[@philipbaderguitarplayer3246]

This one is great

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

thanks, bud!

[@zigymac]

EXCELLENT COVER

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

thank you so much!

[@cressaturner7374]

Fabulous!! 🖤🖤

[@coachwags87]

Wow!! That was incredibly impressive

[@leocadioleite1351]

PERFEITO

[@bigbigsquid]

Excellent! ❤🙏😃

[@jesuspachecoramirez8748]

Excelente interpretación wow !!

[@eric_r_asmussen]

This is the best thing on the internet! I watch and listen at least once daily.

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

oh, man. thank you! This was a blast to put together, for sure.

[@mariajaramillo2712]

That was fkn AWESOME 😎... ya gotta do more "couch riff w me "..

[@neobozeman7580]

q obra prima mds da vontade de chorar

[@johnvikk]

Whooooa great Voice 😯

[@jeffjohnson2624]

This is awesome. What a cool bunch having a blast together. Puts a smile on the face!

[@COUCHRIFFSwithMikeSquires]

Jeff Johnson glad you enjoyed it! This was a blast to make.

[@misterjasongore]

Hell yes.

[@franjamison77]

Outstanding

[@floresmatias6344]

Hoy puedo decir que e escuchado un cover de rop stewart

[@user-ok2xb6qq8m]

nice!