Guitar Teacher REACTS: Justin Townes Earle "My starter won't start (Bad Gasoline)" LIVE

[@jonathanaldecoa1099]

People really don’t understand, Justin was an amazing guitar player. Musicians understand this. Justin was a complete fire bird. Truly one of the best

[@helenlizzystewart4908]

totally agree......I have been and will always swamp myself with his music

[@scottblyth5940]

Most amazing guy Iv listened to. Can’t get over his music or his death

[@ZackJGBLord]

I just found out about him a few months ago in a Panera bread, I Shazammed one of his songs ahi esta mi niña, beautiful song that tells a good story, I’m a drummer but the beats to a lot of his songs are great, gone way to young.. RIP brother, did a lot for people wether you thought so or not..🙏🏻

[@msspi764]

I just watched the tribute his father put together for him at the Ryman, and the algorithm brought me to this. Justin was loved by folks like his friend Jason Isbell, Buddy Miller, Emmy Lou was there. Like Townes he spent too much time with problems that distracted from his potential, but I don’t think either of them were destined for or would have thrived with fame. This performance is Justin even though it’s not his song. Harlem River Blues, White Gardenias, Memphis in the Rain, They Killed John Henry, those songs were his. Watch the Tribute if you can.

[@tomasosegreti9126]

I’m certainly no musician but I can tell the guy bends them like no other!

[@robineliason7850]

I have been lucky enough to see him several times over the years in small venues. He did, each time, change the room just by being there. I believe he had a sledgehammer tattooed over this right thumb from a comment that someone (i am remembering it being Guy Clark, but I could be wrong) about him having a picking thumb like a sledgehammer. It was very characteristic of his style. If you get a chance, listen to some of his original work, as well -this is a cover of an old Lightnin' Hopkins song and while he does it well, he was an incredible songwriter in his own right. Thanks for taking a listen. Rest in Peace, Justin Townes Earle.

[@awmlawoffice]

I have had some "issues" involving various substances myself. His lyrics, while not diary entries, are just heart wrenching to me. In a weird self-centered/prideful, but self-destructive, self-hating way, his songs and lyrics feel like he's reading my mail.

[@travisthornton1792]

It was Guy Clark. Was fortunate enough to see both of them live in intimate settings.

[@marquettegloves9907]

@@awmlawoffice Spot on. That's as good a description of how his music was, and why ppl like you and me could relate as I've heard. It's a great loss...

[@HughMc74]

I saw Justin when he was very young playing on stage with his father in Dublin (must have been one of his very early on-stage performances and I’m sure I heard his father introduce him saying he had a thumb like a jackhammer! I met him outside afterwards and gave him a light - Rest In Peace

[@codybruner7608]

I got the bird and sledgehammers tattooed on my hands in his honor.

[@marcwheeles8445]

Hey Michael, I've seen a few of your videos, and just ran across this one. I worked with Justin doing audio/video/stagehand work in Nashville. I considered him a friend, but only knew as much as he wanted me to know about him. We talked about sobriety mostly. He was a heroin addict, and he told me the first time he did it, he stole it from his dad when he was like 12. He was an enigma. Super sweet guy though man. Listen to Jason Isbell's "Back When We Were Close", it's about Justin. Watching your reaction to him made me cry, because he was a fascinating artist. I miss the guy.

[@davidsaya3418]

As a father to an Autistic son. I'm telling you right now JTE was Autistic. The uniqueness and trying to figure out his body language in his performance... I'll help you out. He was autistic and I promise it did take everything to do what he loved. Love and miss this man so much.

[@damotheman4196]

You think? When I play I'm lost in the music..(as trite as that sounds it's true) just with Steve's youngest has autism..

[@zbjames4194]

could very well be true... he could also be high on drugs. Or just feeling the performance. Any of them are plausible (all three could be true)

[@damotheman4196]

@@zbjames4194 Agreed.

[@MattSealey]

He also could have been higher than giraffe 🐈

[@astralman2013]

That’s the best bloody right hand I’ve ever seen. It’s mesmerising in person.

[@TheJoshA]

"Best" 🙄

[@jasonmcconnell5712]

It's called "style" guy had it for days, wrote the book... And you said it "performer" gave everything to the performance. Saw him three times and three times he wowed me. Thank You. I feel so fortunate to have been wise enough to drive all day on two occasions to make the shows.

[@Mr_Dopey]

That was the drugs, son.

[@debbiespleet6100]

I fell in love with his dad's music 40 plus years ago. When I heard Justin for the 1st time, it was like WOZA!!!! Even his dad said Justin was a much better songwriter and guitar player than I could ever think of being.

[@5yearsout]

I was fortunate enough to see him 5-6 times in a small club (300 seater), loved him from the get go. Best night was when he told someone who kept requesting songs to "shut the F up", became a legend in my mind after that. His death hurts me more than I care to admit, thanks for posting this. RIP JTE

[@Guitargate]

Right on my friend.

[@thefirebuilds]

were you at the 3TEN concert last year? Something like "I know in my head how the shows gonna go already. I'm the professional." That lady was super irritating. That show was rough though. At the time he said it was a flu, in hindsight it sure seems like dopesick.

[@genebellamy9983]

@@johndees215 Wow! Never seen that one so thank you. His message is spot on.

[@VincentVader]

You should do a deep dive into his music. Dude had a lot of demons & struggled with heroin. I love his music & listened to it a lot when I was drinking heavily & struggling myself.

[@chefone7645]

you know the fact that mike is silent for 2 minutes shows how talented this guy is

[@marymcclean4591]

I was lucky to see Justin in northern Ireland twice. A fabulous singer, songwriter and guitarist. He also spoke so candidly about his life. I've been to every Steve Earle shows in NI. I was so sad to learn of Justin's passing. I play his music constantly.

[@morningthunder]

Saw JTE in the Cabaret Tent at Shakori Hills Festival maybe a decade ago. He and one other guy ( multi -instrumentalist) came in humble and nonchalant. JTE was wearing a big ‘ol white Stetson hat and when he started to play he picked an audience member, looked them dead in the eye for 3-5 seconds, the moved his gaze to someone else. There were maybe 100 people in that tent and over the next hour he proceeded to knock my socks off with a highly intimate, extremely focused and tight performance and when he looked right in my eyes, it was if he was channeling Hank Sr........like that was his intent......to give us a performance that you could not get anymore, on any corner of the earth.....a one shot walk back in time. It was surreal and I never have forgotten that performance. Never will. Intended to see him again, though that will never happen. Me and a buddy talked with him briefly afterwards. He was extremely polite and very humble as we gushed over what we had just witnessed. Thanks, Justin Townes Earle, for the memory and may you Rest In Peace.

[@mrjasondylan]

Well said bro like the channelling Hank sr comment did he actually do any Hank songs at that show ? RIP JTE

[@willjacobsmusic]

Yeah, the other guy is Corey Younts, he's in Old Crow Medicine Show now. Also an incredible musician and singer.

[@ish474]

Michael he was a sweet sweet man. That wasn't indicative of his overall style but was indicative of how much he put into a song. Its a song about burning the candle too long so he embodied that. He was quiet and thoughtful and paid attention when you spoke to him. He had his demons but most thought they were behind him. I'm going to miss him. 💔

[@darinhill3773]

ish474 you are not the only one my friend. RIP Justin

[@lexremillard2549]

they are never behind you unless you keep one eye on them. RIP.

[@helenlizzystewart4908]

well said.....phew

[@tracycameron2580]

💔

[@nuthinfancy78]

He was awesome. Got to see him 3 times and met him last year after a show. Really cool guy and influenced me deeply. So sad we lost him. Rest In Peace Justin.

[@chaseharrison5469]

Lone Pine Hill knocked me on my ass the first time I heard it. If you decide to react to another from him you should definitely consider it as well.

[@combatkenpo66]

Just the first time? Gotta grab a handful of something solid every time you hear it.

[@daviddubinsky868]

I otherwise never would have found this. THANK YOU! That was unbelievable.

[@romuluscreative]

hes not uncomfortable.. hes lost in it . hes feeling it .. Knowing what his hands went thru id love to see you try and play this (not a challenge.. just wana hear someone play it). acoustic.. no help.. His every note is clear concise even in the bends.. during this time he was using super glue to hold his finger wounds closed. instead of holding that guitar.. pick up a taylor accoustic or something.. feel it and try playing this way.. You said something about muting or something the way he hard picked but it was precise clear and sharp as a razor.. every note every chord. those 4 fingers and his thumb sneaks in .. all spot on ..

[@CabinRidge]

Justin was simply one word . Amazing .

[@awmlawoffice]

Thanks. I'm a guitarist, but his lyrics, particularly on tunes like Who am I to Say are gut wrenching to me. Always were, but even more so in light of how he lived and died.

[@marcdunn7716]

Wow i just stumbled on this and as huge Justin fan as well as a fanatic bluegrass banjo picker...this is a great tribute to a great musician. There's sooo much more to his musicianship than what the average person has seen. Those vocals are riddled with passion and experience, and playing with so many different musos has left a mark on his playing. He had his own style and it was in your face, gut wrenching and awe inspiring. Thanks for a great video Rip beautiful man and fingers crossed if there is more than what we know in this world, we'll all get to cross paths again xxx

[@KendallClarkinDC]

This response perfectly illustrates the difference between a mere musician and an actual artist.

[@bradmacleanfishing]

100 percent, a teachert would never understand because this stuff simply isnt taught. true musician.

[@FenderBender454]

This is the comment I came here for. I've literally never watched a reaction video before and I never will again. Listening to this utter asshat sit here and judge this performance like this makes me feel dirty for even adding a view to this video. It was a moving performance even with this doofus talking.

[@silasmcallister-spooner7313]

Yeah I think that’s pretty well put. At a certain point trying to break down Justin’s “act” just ends up back at he doesn’t make sense cus it’s just him up there

[@dylanknight3246]

The notion that you can appreciate this in a way Michael can’t because… you’re unburdened by technical knowledge(??) is a hilarious take.

[@chrisgoochstuff]

Justin was a genius. A mighty songwriter, great guitar picker and heaps of soul. Watch his concerts, listen to his music. And for the record, he always walked around the stage, that was JTE. RIP pal.

[@windinwheel]

Thanks for doing this one. JTE will truly be missed and was an amazing talent. Was fortunate enough to see him several times over the years, most recently in March right before the shutdown. Rest easy, Justin.

[@robmowat4630]

His appearance on Letterman (contrasted with a small hall in a public library) is quite impressive. Dave and Paul are gushing after the tune ends. The live audience also goes nuts. Granted, there is a band and it all comes together amazingly. The tune is "Harlem River Blues" and the lyrics are striking (an uptempo song with a very dark message). With that, really enjoyed this video as well. :) I am now curious about your other videos. BTW, more recently, JTE did say he toned down his picking style because it destroyed so many strings.

[@jebusfubar4]

not to mention that Isbell was playing guitar for him that night.

[@paulfisherjr7534]

I was at that show. It was ringwood library in New Jersey, maybe 100 people. Amazing

[@suburbanhillbilly]

I was there as well that day and had the opportunity to book Justin a quite a few venues

[@andrewptob]

RIP JTE. One of the more recent artists that I really loved.

[@DaisyMae0929]

@peters uvefelt Very well said. Anyone who had the good luck to see him live was forever changed because of his special energy. I surely know I was!

[@andrewptob]

DaisyMae0929 I wanted to see him play near me a couple years ago and I decided not to after a couple friends didn’t want to go see him. I should’ve gone solo. Sigh

[@DaisyMae0929]

I went to see him with a friend who was a fan of his father, having no idea what he would be like. It was an experience I have carried with me ever since and have never been able to top though I have been to many other great concerts since. He was just simply one of a kind.

[@shawnrichardson9344]

@peters uvefelt i like the way you put that.

[@tracycameron2580]

@peters uvefelt yes, well put, the pressure on this young man must have been intense, I just discovered him today. Reading a bit about him and listening to him talk in videos, those " demons" were not all from within, as you say ...ghosts.

[@jeffbright6658]

I really enjoy your reaction videos, but I can honestly say, this is the first one that I’ve watched with tears in my eyes. Thank you for taking the time to share some of JTE’s music with new listeners and hopefully, new fans.

[@helenlizzystewart4908]

He certainly was a very unique performer and just so good at his craft. RIP Justin Townes Earle. He is not uncomfortable that is him on stage full stop. Just a damn shame he is not here now

[@camodown]

The name Townes is a blessing for us but a curse for them.

[@im-already-tired-tomorrow]

stuff that works, guy clark ? bad news from houston, white freightliner TVZ

[@lanaghetti5790]

I'm regretting naming my son Townes a little 😬

[@jordancanales4]

Wrote a song about that actually. Alcoholism, drug abuse, or whatever it may be is both a blessing a curse for artists like this

[@robbieriot]

Thank you for doing this Michael, I've been asking for you to do this in the comments for a couple months now. It sucks that it had to take his passing, but I'm still thankful for you doing this. I'd still love to see you do one on Lone Pine Hill by him.

[@crazywotsit78]

Not a great deal of sussing out the song on this one just watched in awe like everyone does. Unique.

[@project1003]

A turbulent and troubled life that ended too soon. Maybe he is finally at peace. I'm playing a lot of his stuff, his fathers' stuff, and his namesake's stuff today. Crying through a lot of it, smiling through some of it, glad to have all of it. RIP JTE

[@johnnymusc]

Thank for this . You're the best for producing all these videos

[@a7xforever10]

Dang, just heard about his death..His show at Cat's Cradle in NC in 2010 is one of my favorite live performances.

[@usualsjen]

Same. I have it playing constantly.

[@grahamwatkins3604]

The way he could touch your soul with his words are unlike anyone else! His fathers tribute album is also amazing. JT brings a tear to my eye everytime

[@stonephilips9361]

Thanks for the Tribute🙏🏼your one of the few. He was a great picker like his Pops.

[@aquaboneus]

better than his pops...;)

[@UnknownIdaho]

Mr. Earle seems like he was always in great pain but made amazing music. I never saw him play live but saw his dad in 1986. When I realized this is the one the song Go To Sleep Little Rock n Roller was about I cried.

[@Gruffas]

Loved this. Would be great to hear you thoughts on one of his other performances as well sometime in the future.

[@brettpate9644]

I suffer from Social anxiety Disorder and until I tried to get sober I found myself self-medicating, while being very effective in a sales position. As such I really connect with the felling of being there but not wanting to be there and at the same time knowing it's where you are supposed to be. It's an incredibly uncomfortable feeling but at the same time there is such a rush if you can push through the initial discomfort. The crazy thing is If you watch his Tiny Desk with NPR he seems sober and more at easy substances are such a terrible crutch and enemy rolled into one.

[@cory7876]

I've really loved watching justin over the years and have been lucky enough to seen him live a handful of times and can't get enough. rip, thanks for the review :)

[@Memphistiger02]

I remember that he had a huge callous on his thumb, something happened and it fell off and the next couple of concerts he would mess up and say his thumb is shorter now that he callous fell off. That is a cover song but some of his others are better. "Nothings gonna change the way I feel about you" Harlem River Blues" Midnight at the movies" Oh and he was once one of GQ's 25 Most Stylish Men in the World

[@MarieZ17833]

He truly FELT the music he played. JTE had soul in the 21st, a rare thing to find, incredible thing to lose.

[@Caperhere]

Once you’re that deep into drugs, you have lost touch with your feelings.

[@avavincent9481]

Sadly I not so long ago became aware of Justin, big fan of Steves. This blew me away to hear this guy saying the exact thing I took away from Justin's form of performance, thinking this kid is really uneasy, self conscious. Am so glad I've gotten to see so much of his history and to learn about his relationship with Steve.

[@noahliberman3247]

Lots of fine comments from people who understood JTE, a sweet genius. Not to get into the whole “authenticity” thing, but Justin plays blues like the older Black bluesmen. The grittiness, the jangly-ness, the discordant stuff, the varying rhythm, the sprung lines - John Lee Hooker would want Justin Townes Earle on his undercard. Rest easy, Justin. I miss you every day.

[@chrismmmckeee]

Lol, "it coulda been drugs... but there you are having a water? I don't know." Drug addicts have to drink water too, man (just ribbing ya). He was famously an addict, first trying heroin at 12 years old, and fighting addiction, depression, and anxiety his whole life. That and he was an artistic fireball- I think that's what you're seeing up there. You should watch his Tiny Desk too! He was amazing.

[@Guitargate]

I will. And for sure man - I honestly knew nothing of his issues. Wild to watch.

[@marcosluna7792]

DAMN this is on fire 🔥 🔥 Edit: RIP JTE apparently we lost him just yesterday - a true tragedy. Music never stops NFA

[@kevjmcc9861]

Brad Cooper does one movie where he's a musician and now he thinks he can teach guitar?

[@jeffstorey9147]

Haha

[@BookClubDisaster]

Thought the same. Totally his doppelgänger.

[@Kevin12321]

Well this is awkward. My name is also Kevin J McC...

[@trailerdave]

I saw him Play a few years back in a town hall in a small town outside of Melbourne, Australia. Was really hoping to see him perform agian.

[@keownfinefolders]

A reaction to Townes Van Zandt "Waitin around to die" the version from heartworn highways.

[@LeahSugarB]

That's my favorite song by Townes and the best performance of it.

[@chaseharrison5469]

Lungs is amazing

[@heathkish6901]

Leah Sampson Even though he messes up the words, it's an extremely powerful performance, for sure. My favorite tune by Townes might be "Mr. Mudd and Mr. Gold". He was the best songwriter of all-time, in my opinion. Like Justin, my son's middle name is Townes. Damn shame he went down the same path as his father's hero.

[@chaseharrison5469]

Heath Kish have you heard colters version of Mr Mudd and Mr Gold? He does such a killer job.

[@sjuicehockey]

I just got into him after his passing. This isn’t the best version I’ve seen of him. Thanks for doing this video

[@stefanlund7849]

RIP JTE Its blues...and its sooooo good to hear and to you Teacher,love youre videos and is glad that you also know your call in life.....I do belive that he may have had an autistik aura...fantastisk musicians.but not social!

[@cosmonaut9942]

You need to react to his new recordings, including his last "The Saint Of Lost Causes". You say you're into the whole song, including lyrics. Then check out the lyrics and the depth of soul in his writing. "Over Alameda" is a good example. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGW0m4JpjrqDhbc

[@dariussmith7118]

Man so sad to hear. Prayers for Steve and all of the family.

[@vonnermusic5504]

Definitely in ears, in my times of seeing him live He always had it, my friend who ran sound said he didn’t want a monitor in the way. Both big and really small venues I saw it. Just sits on his pedal board

[@vonnermusic5504]

*sat :(

[@grantcogell3150]

I had the good fortune to see Justin perform both before he got clean and married and after, and his presence on stage definitely changed but I think the takeaway here is accurate. There was so much of him in every performance wherever he happened to be in his life at the time that listening to or watching him play feels intensely personal. His was the celebrity passing that hit me the hardest in a long time. Felt like losing a distant but beloved family member.

[@usualsjen]

I feel the same. Met him a few times, his wife as well. Gutted, even now.

[@JasonMcElweenie]

I miss him. We lost him too soon. I’ve seen him live many times and they all were great

[@skinnyrogers...]

*I BEEN ASKING FOR YOU TO DO ONE OF HIS SONGS NOW, FOR LIKE A MONTH OR MORE!!* WRONG SONG TO BE INTRODUCED TO HIM THOU... lol (Best right hand in the gaaaame yo)

[@scottdenney6475]

I just really loved how UN everything he was, truly an artist and a breath of fresh air. jte was the closest thing to a true original and the genuine article as we are likely to see in our lifetime. rest in peace, if you can.

[@DaisyMae0929]

Absolutely. I miss him every day and I'm glad I had the chance to experience him before he left us.

[@afbailey82]

I saw Justin live for the first time on December 18, 2010 at Webster Hall in New York. He had an upright bass player and I believe a fiddle player with him. It remains to this day one of the best concerts I've ever seen. I was right up front and could see everything. His guitar playing was simply mesmerizing. It was one of those shows that makes you happy for days afterward because it was so, so good. Others have suggested a reaction to Townes Van Zandt's "Waitin Around to Die" from Heartworn Highways, but I'd suggest Townes' song "Mr. Mudd and Mr. Gold" instead, as the guitar part is more interesting. Townes was one of the best acoustic guitar players around.

[@usualsjen]

I saw him on that tour for the first time and had the same reaction. I drove 2 hours away to see him again the next night. Truly life-changing.

[@DaLoler1]

For the first time I found myself having the same facial expressions as Michael because this is my first time hearing this guy too

[@cartermetcalf7077]

Halfway to Jackson is jammin as well.

[@jamiemorand2627]

I just Discovered Him last week on KZbin. AWESOME TALENT !!!! I Believe He moves around like His Father. Internal Body Rythem

[@itsallaroundyou7085]

I've heard people use the expression about two guitars at once but this guy littlerally sound like two or 3 playing as the same time. There is a totally distinct melody and rhythm

[@wheelmanstan]

justin was amazing! thanks for the reaction

[@SneakyCheeseThief]

I’ve always been so moved by that driving relentless steely playing of his (he knew he was a desperately heavy picker and commented on it often) in concert with his body language, especially the times I saw him live in small settings. Like a wolf when a cage-trap closes on him. So desperate for an exit that he hurts himself trying to get away. You could see the sweat on his cheeks and the pain in his face and you could see how his fingers would hold on to the strings and almost pull them out of tune. It was like watching a train wreck - and a conductor that knew it was coming but couldn’t stop it. And that chugging chugging chugging of his guitar was a freight train on its way to someplace awful. He knew it. He would talk about John Henry - did so in every show I can recall. And not just when he played John Henry. He had absorbed that legend - of a mere man running a race as hard as he can knowing that any success is the same as death. Justin would say he had a ‘hammer hand’. And he died, like John Henry, exhausted … hammer in hand.

[@robertmillichamp7666]

Thankyou for a fitting and respectful video, I agree, he had class , have you dug any further into his music, bet you have :), respect brother...................his fingerpickin is top innit!

[@Murderball9]

I was lucky enough to see JTE live a handful of times. He was mesmerizing. Another great one, gone way too soon. Also, can we talk about the fact that he’s blowing these people away in what appears to be a little local f*cking library?!

[@Rainierbooks]

I think that Justin once said in an interview that he was himself surprised of having surviced the 2000s since he took each and every drug you could think of. Seeing hiom in Stockholm 2 years prior to his death, he said that society should ask drug addicts "what hurts so much that you have to use". He was a hurted soul and that's what made hi music and performances so strong and unforgettable. He sure had so many great albums left to write. So sad that he had a wife and little daughter and OD:ed. Thanks to you, Michael!! It was great hearing your take on this performance.

[@joevelonza8192]

Hey Michael, do you think you can do a reaction to JTE, KEXP live video he did in 2012 @ SXSW? It's titled 'Movin On' ? Thx. Justin Townes Earle 'Movin On' KEXP kzbin.info/www/bejne/bX6np5V_h9eDZrc I was so happy to see that you finally got around to a JTE video. I was like hell yeah! However, watching and reading the comments, I discovered he had moved on. He was so very special to so many and will be forever missed but not forgotten. RIP Justin Townes Earle.

[@chrisstanleymusic7436]

He was one of a kind. I actually did a cover of lone pine hill, a little tribute to him as he was one of my favorite musicians, chrisstanleymusic. I enjoy your channel, thanks for doing this video.

[@kjbtrucker2820]

Best thing about blues no matter who you are, your body always a rocks back and forth everytime.

[@christopherrobinson767]

Have you ever done a reaction video to Roy Clark's Malaguena? The one video where he does it live on a TV show is the best. The camera cannot keep up with his strumming hand. Also RIP Justin.... he was an amazing talent. I enjoyed his music. Still do.

[@Murderball9]

Michael - PLEASE do a video on his song Halfway To Jackson - Live at Paste Magazine. You can really see his hands work there. JTE had a tattoo of sledgehammers on his thumb because he was told when he was young by a friend of his dad (Steve Earle) that he “had a thumb like a sledgehammer” hitting that bass root string so hard.

[@alanbooth1281]

I saw him five times throughout his career, and saw this song preformed almost each time. Even when he had his band, this was performed solo. He did comment once that it was suggested he used a backing track, which he did not. His own version of Travis playing is very difficult to imitate, and often broke strings during a concert.

[@davidhoxit4274]

Just purchased the lifetime...thanks and I look forward to Future content!

[@Guitargate]

Yes !! I can’t tell you how much the support and faith in my lessons means to me. All the best of luck !!

[@KTMBB71]

When I discovered Justin I felt him before I heard him. He exceeded his father at a real young age.

[@itsallaroundyou7085]

Some people don't like being in the spotlight. If you can harness that the crowd eats it up. I perform cause I have something to say but I hate it and it never gets easier. I have trouble remembering my songs so I play with my notebook and it allows me a focus point but people love it.

[@mitchweber2423]

JTE was always in the shadow of his father, unintentionally. He was a great songwriter, singer and musician.

[@tfodthogtmfof7644]

I see that sort of energy sometimes from my roommate and also from my son. Both are bipolar and sometimes the mania and manic episodes present themselves with that unable to stay in one place, struggling to hold it together, and not sure if they are going to explode or crash and burn all at the same time. It can be disconcerting to watch. I had never really listened to Justin Townes Earle before. I will have to explore more of his music.

[@danmurphy9304]

I have a coworker like this. Its a really strange energy. Aspergers maybe?

[@heyguy5201]

Listen to everything he’s got. It’s all realllllly good. Definitely picked up the songwriting gene

[@Pxtwny_chill]

This entire show is just absolutely outstanding.. check out hesitation blues with the intro (gives a little insight into his past addiction). Also christ church woman and of course Harlem river blues.

[@alexwhittington4833]

JTE had a pretty vast knowledge of music. This is very Lightnin Hopkins-esque, whom was a huge influence on his namesake Townes, his father Steve, and pretty obviously, himself.

[@planetplacidmusic5678]

Rest In Peace JTE. A massive influence and incredibly unique

[@kevinmccarty4242]

Mike, check out some Tom Waits if you want to see more "completely in-his-head-vibe" that is hypnotising those he's performing for. Glad you picked up on how mesmerized the room must've been. You're watching the man's soul.

[@PurpleO-87]

it was great seeing u enjoy JTE. loved your comment “his playing is just ‘dirty’!” RIP Justin. your music lives on.

[@fattone166]

He sounds like 2 guitar players, what a great style

[@bretthardin9239]

i think if you look into him you will really be impressed. dropped outta school in the 8th grade and has earned his way. his dad told him you write about what you know. so keep that in mind. he gives credit to the drugs for a lot of his inspiration.

[@thejamnasium6447]

check the Hesitation Blues from this same show

[@chrispaulick]

The real thing . He knows how to work the stage and mic as a performer . They only come along a few times . RIP Justin Townes Earle.

[@SaintrioMike]

I'm late to the party. Going through all the JTE footage. Found him late. I believe he was a shrewd perfomer that engaged his audience by disengaging. He seemed to go into his own world at times and it was facinating. Great singer. His voice matched his songs perfectly.

[@michaelsauter2147]

Well..ya gotta check out his Look the Other Way lovely R&B w/ nice break in the middle

[@fcyspecxops]

Have always loved this performance. Such a shame that he passed away a few days ago.

[@idahoduckhunter]

Same I often went back to this video and always tried to learn from it

[@SharonMiitchell]

😂I watch a lot of Justin Towns Earle music from what I have read and seen you are spot on

[@robertmillichamp7666]

btw.....sorry if it's already been mentioned, but he used to injure himself doing that picking, bet it hurt, he licked claw hammer style but combined it with techniques developed from Rance Lipscomb, a very cool Texas Blues saint, also, JT's covering a Lightnin' Hopkins tune in this video, covering his tunes ain't for the fainted hearted, they pull you in with belief that they are basic and simple, but really are as you mentioned, sheer emotional energy which is hard to fake, I'll shut up now :)

[@DaBaseRunnerz]

He has a Stagger Lee tune called Same Old Stagolee. It’s about Stagger Lee so it’s violent, but not as buck wild as the Nick Cave song that I first heard on this channel. That video is wild, especially when the Devil appears.

[@Guitargate]

Dude. That was so nuts.

[@final-judgement91]

You went with a perfect choice with this one. I like he makes the sound of two guitars playing at once yet it just him playing r.i.p JTE

[@russelljohnson6131]

I don't know... when Steve Earle is your dad... and you are named after Townes Van Zandt..... and your mom didn't care for Townes... and your dad idolized him.... it must have been hard being Justin Townes Earle. I don't envy his life.. but sure do enjoy what he did. RIP.

[@lifetimewc]

Thanks for covering this song Michael! This is my favorite JTE video, and one of my favorite musical recordings! Extremely sad that he died way too young and he won't be able to give anymore performances like this one. For anyone that hasn't listened to JTE's debut album Yuma... do it today!

[@genebellamy9983]

Thank you for this, Michael. Justin inherited his father's remarkable songwriting ability and has always been one my favorite musicians. Steve was able to shed his demons and now talks and performs at prisons on his own dime as a way of giving back. If you have a chance check out this live performance from 2012. Family issues are the subject. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bX6np5V_h9eDZrc

[@justinbrumley1271]

I got to see Justin twice. Both at Nelsonville music festival. The first he opened for the Avett Brothers and the second he opened for John Prine. Both were two of the most transcendent live music moments of my life. John, then Justin was too much loss too close together.

[@shadeeverton2723]

Even when you only do a cursory dive into his catalogue unfortunately you aren’t surprised by his early death. Yuma seems to give you a peak behind the curtain, but I agree Lone Pine Hill, is one of the greatest, and most interesting songs that has a take on the Civil War. The Ghost of Virginia is another great song as well, and haven’t seen it mentioned in the comments.