Jon Gomm - Wukan Motorcycle Kid

[@jongomm]

For those who don't know what Wukan Motorcycle is about, I wanted to share it with you now, cos it's important to me. Jon Gomm - Wukan Motorcycle Kid I wrote it for playing on tour in China earlier this year. I needed something to bridge the musical gap between what I do and what most people over there are used to hearing. And also I wanted to have something with some relevant purpose. So this tune is about the Wukan Uprising of 2011. Wukan is a village in rural China. The government seized some farmland, owned by local families, and sold it off to developers. The local people weren't too happy about that, so they held a peaceful sit-in protest. Sadly the government sent in the scary secret police guys, who arrested one of the protest leaders (a local craftsman and father), and he died the next day in police custody from "a heart attack". (His name was Xue Jinbo, and he died 2 years ago to the day the video was released, last week.) After that the protests got more vigorous and the police were rounding people up off the streets at night. When I saw it on the TV news, they were interviewing this kid who'd been riding round the village at night on his little motorbike, looking out for secret police down back alleys. And if he saw one, he'd shout a warning to the other villagers through his megaphone, then speed off, with bullets whistling past his ears. Which is represented in the last minute or so of the song. So this song is for that courageous kid, wherever he is. This event was all over the news around the world, everywhere except China. So I told this story on stage every night on tour there. Which resulted in all manner of sh*t happening to me. For example, you might remember this: facebook.com/jongommofficial/posts/611829432162260 Thanks for reading, I hope a little light was shed. Jon x

[@RobSmithSporty]

Very beautiful! It is a quite fitting tribute.

[@1Ma9iN8tive]

Stunning - one day you come to New Zealand and play together with Paul Ubana Jones ... that would be my dream concert (amongst many others ha ha ha)

[@alexissteele1689]

you are truly fantastic i love the sound..telepathy also just wow! ..thank you for sharing :D

[@allanbahati1942]

***** I love this! Beautiful & heart felt. Jon, I'm new to the guitar and find you so inspiring! And what is the chord progression you play between 1:55-1:57 then again @3:49? It took me to another planet.

[@illdisposedme]

so this is what 5 mins inside your head feels like huh, thanks for sharing !

[@jongomm]

Just wanna say a public thankyou to Randy from Lamb Of God for bigging up my new album to his fans. I quote: "DONT BE AN A**HOLE, BUY THE DAMN RECORD." I concur. :D instagram.com/p/h1ZvcPIsoC/

[@01234567897982]

randy is such an amazing person !

[@kevinwaithe2876]

gotta love LOG

[@TheMrDudeWTF]

The way he ingeniously uses his pick to mute the middle strings to create a cool mysterious oriental sound is the best thing about this video, and the pinky, let's not forget the pinky

[@jongomm]

PINKY POWER

[@HussainAhmed-YT]

@@jongomm Legend.! 🔥👍

[@AlexandrMisko]

Awesome piece and an incredible example of very melodical and thoughtful tapping.I think it will be very hard to cover, though maybe I will try to do it :)

[@GurkanKrkgoz]

DO IT!

[@gogolljon8280]

love you

[@dboxlessons]

i dont care what anybody says.. this guy is real game... i been watchin him for a couple of years. worth every minute.

[@TylerEffinFuller]

My favorite part is when Jon slips his pick between the strings and slides it back to the bridge as subtly as humanly possible. Then I realized the pick was there almost the entire song and I didn't notice because he dazzled me with his musical genius. I noticed this after watching it about 8 times start-to-finish.

[@shootsbraw]

tapping sounds like hang drum....amazing!

[@rickenbacker40011]

i feel like this song doesnt have enough recognition as it should. its a beaaaaaautiful melody

[@jessicabeverage7214]

Jon Gomm, You are a God that walks among us. You are my hero, it is apparent that with every stroke you make what a genus you truly are. thank you so much for sharing your amazing gift with the world.

[@phoenixsplash135]

That last minute was absolutely insane

[@jongomm]

Thanks, it's awesome fun to play. :)

[@kathryn4735]

Everyone do themselves a favour and buy tickets to see Jon live. Absolutely amazing show.

[@RaineCarosin]

My mouth hangs open and then I have to think of Victoria Emmanuel (Shawn Phillips' song - btw he's a great musician, too!)...

[@doylecarver1498]

Jan of 2020 and Im still listening to this work of art.

[@zeegfajutaum8571]

2021 here

[@bluxpretion]

@@zeegfajutaum8571 y e s

[@zeegfajutaum8571]

And still trying to play it as smooth as Jon

[@bluxpretion]

@@zeegfajutaum8571 It be like that

[@jongomm]

My brand new video/single Wukan Motorcycle Kid is out today. Jon Gomm - Wukan Motorcycle Kid Please share it if you like it. This is the second single from the new album Secrets Nobody Keeps. The song, album, Guitar Tab, signed CDs and gift packs are available now from jongomm.com/store Order now for Xmas delivery! Album also on iTunes: bit.ly/iT-Gomm and Amazon UK: bit.ly/gomm-UK and pretty much every other online music store. The song is about the Wukan Uprising of 2011, and today marks 2 years since the death of Xue Jinbo. To find out more, read the youtube video description or websearch "Siege Of Wukan".

[@JanErikHansen-music]

Wonderful, filled with excitements

[@jongomm]

***** Thanks Penguinz. :)

[@jongomm]

Thanks to everyone who's watched/shared the video. 10,000 views in 24 hours! Awsum.

[@giampaoloferranti2925]

No comment. Fantastic guitar player!!!!!

[@DoctorU613]

***** Your sound, style and aesthetic is so great Jon, thanks for doing what you do :)

[@LamaMakesMusic]

Everytime you think he's done with certain patterns, he brings another one, which just blends so perfectly into the song.. just awesome!

[@theguitarpoet]

This is a masterpiece - Jon Gomm is truly his own musical idiom. - Brian Gore

[@PinaCoco]

2:08-2:17 just... can't... describe in words this powerful, emotional and beautiful part.

[@kalvarim]

The 'outro' to this is one of the best things I've ever heard. Dramatic, urgent and haunting. The whole piece is off the scale, thanks Jon.

[@thoughtless117]

I was 14 when I first saw this video. Still listening at 24. Thank you for your excellent music Jon.

[@kaiviti88]

The story behind this piece makes it that much more amazing. Thanks Jon

[@shawnwhinnery1831]

Spent most of a day working on a problem in a particular piece of software and I couldn't figure it out for the life of me. I put this on to help me think and the answer hit me 1:19 minutes later EXACTLY on the rest. Thanks man!

[@thetrav2100]

now there is a man who puts his voice and soul into his music.. i can see how every note moves him.. as well as me

[@unstabilizer]

Jon Gomm...You are absolutely brilliant...absolutely inspiring...

[@SubSonicEctomorph]

Beautiful things can happen when you combine an obsessive personality with an outlet ❤

[@seanolejar3055]

I love how Jon never feels the need to play blazingly fast or overly showy, just whatever the song needs.

[@necrocago]

Beautiful song played by one of the greatest guitar player around. Jon, you never stop amazing me.

[@paulschell2712]

Man those poly melodies are such an eargasm!

[@michaelaking8858]

Please come to the U.S. I would love to witness your beautiful performances in person!

[@LukeJackandWill]

huge fan of Jon and finally had the opportunity of seeing him play last night. he played this absolutely beautifully and was a stand out in the set. cheers Jon. it was great. cheers for signing my album also. it'll be proudly put on my wall.

[@purpleperplexer]

This is a man who has a very intimate relationship with his guitar. I love it so much

[@AnaCarolinaGiollo]

it's amazing how he uses his pinky to tap as if it were so easy haha really incredible I have never thought of that

[@LinjaFlu]

I don't think his fingers are real...

[@jongomm]

Competition! As a thankyou to everyone who's watched/shared my new videos or bought my new album Live In The Acoustic Asylum, I have a unique capo engraved with my Passionflower logo, courtesy of G7th The Capo Company, to give away. Plus 6 runner-up prizes of regular G7th Performance 2 capos, exactly as I used in this video. To win, just go here ⇒ j.mp/GomComp

[@jaddoaddo]

+Jon Gomm Hey Jon! (Super nerd fan here btw haha) Can I be a default winner of a capo as well for being the first person to point out a very subtle editing flaw in this vid? (Your pick is sometimes front facing with the monkey and sometimes back facing with the words :P )

[@TonyToledo22]

+jaddoaddo Well he DOES take it out of the strings for a little while and puts it back. Now can I be the default winner? lol

[@Augustwind52]

You, Jon, are exactly who i want to be as a performer. I'm a percussionist, but the musicality is global. This song has entirely inspired me to become genuinely amazing.

[@geekdice]

Fight the power, Jon! Huge fan for years. Love and happiness to you.

[@KokokTolentino]

I keep on hitting the replay at the end of this vid. The music is just moving.

[@ronanpage]

The more creative acoustic guitar player ever!!! The true Hendrix of Acoustic Guitar. I love Jon Gomm work. Please, show in Brazil!!!

[@atc200xfanatic3]

Jon,Thank you so much for your wonderful craft. My heart bleeds for everything that you do. I know you are doubtful about compliments so I will just say thank you once more. Don't stop. Your biggest fan in southern Louisiana.

[@SteveElliottAGW]

Truly mind-blowing guitar playing, totally originally and totally compelling.

[@jestersbro1]

I could watch and listen to this all day and never be bored. Wonderful.

[@bastianzumelzu5004]

i have just discovered this guy... AWESOME

[@RussGetsIt]

Easily the most accessible tune featuring prepared strings that I've heard. Fantastic!

[@LaObraDeMarteLODM]

I can hear all the multi-harmonics and colours in the first bass note of the first two arpeggious this guitar and Master Jon are awesome

[@JaZZ4Hezz123]

Mr.Gomm, you are exactly the type of guitarist I would like to be like one day. I've been playing guitar for 3 years now (teaching myself through KZbin and listening to songs because I can't afford lessons) and I first heard your song Passionflower last year. you are mesmerizing. you deserve so much more recognicion. thank you for your inspiration, and please keep playing. @JonGomm

[@justynakolowrotna9614]

What a powerful story behind this song Jon!! Truly moving.

[@tommasopelliccia]

Fantastic Jon!!! Your music is always original...one hug From Italy!

[@AntonyKein]

I have no words to describe the beauty of this composition !!!

[@marcorampolla6814]

One of the most underrated composers probably. This one is really beautiful and very nice melody. I remember when I saw this video first time, 7 years ago and I just Learned G chord on those days. I was dreamin' playing like this.

[@SimonMalcolmProductn]

Amazing again Jon - thanks so much for creating and sharing such incredible music and musicianship.

[@tinysurvivor4663]

I truly admire the way you crafted that motif with the left hand, it was such a simple one, but became so mesmerizing beneath the right hand melody and lower bass notes

[@burrowesstephen]

Splendid gig last night at the Glee Club in Birmingham, Jon, thanks and please come back soon!

[@DallasGreen123]

This one blew me away, it's so dense and atmospheric, this could be a film score... you replace a whole orchestra man

[@LunarLionheart]

The use of the plectrum muting to get that sound of something close to rain falling on sheets of steel is so innovative

[@VinWeathermon]

Mesmerizing to watch you perform. Would love to see you live....

[@Door333]

I hit subscribe right @ 0:14 when he slaps the low note. Made for my best subscription yet : )

[@tsaumit]

Cannot imagine how much thought has been put into making this piece.

[@BrighamBartol]

Beautiful song. And everyone listening should read the story of it in the video description!

[@temmonschellenberg7763]

Absolutely, ridiculously amazing. This song stands out from the others. It's got a totally different feel.

[@bilbotibbatts]

Really heart warming to read about this song.. and as a piece it's so deep and delicate. Love it.

[@harryhaywardguitar3013]

The middle section without the pick under the strings really reminds me of pat metheny, such beautiful harmony

[@HurpleMonkey]

Those "prepared" strings really nail the sound of traditional Chinese music. Quite ingenious, and a beautifully composed piece of music as usual. :)

[@chequerslanegarage]

This, for me, was the highlight of your gig last night at Balham. Hauntingly beautiful.

[@NewfieMan98]

I remember seeing you preform this live at your second appearance at the LSPU hall, and I'll never forget the story behind this song as long as I live.

[@iamscottb]

I love this ..very nice use of the pinky on the trill taps....wow man

[@robertolsen1633]

I've been playing the drums for 24 years and the guitar for 19 years. I am classically trained on the former and self-taught on the latter. And yet there's something about the sigh that begins at 1:40 that is somehow transmuted into anger and frustration at 1:41 only to be followed by some semblance of relief at 1:43 that makes me think I know absolutely nothing about what it means to be passionate about music.

[@BamThwok76]

Long live Wilma. She really is something special. Oh, and you're pretty good too Mr. Gomm :)

[@SuperPancakeNinja]

In the strumming parts, the tone is absolutely absurd (I mean that in the best way possible) and the harmonies are so beautiful. Very well done.

[@C333J]

Excellent song Jon!! LOve to see hear new songs from you!!

[@p4u1sc0tt]

Truly masterful guitar playing. The essence of musical talent IMO.

[@Fretless99]

Absolutely gorgeous, Mr. Gomm, nothing more can be said...I will share with my FB friends. Thank you for sharing!

[@davidroe7125]

Beautiful, and very moving... Asides from the great playing and sounds that you achieve...So thank you Jon..

[@FinalFantasyGuide]

This song is top of my chilled playlist right now, such wonderful work, absolutely out of this world! more more more!!

[@jongomm]

Jon Gomm Tour dates 2015 - UK and Germany - tickets at jongomm.com January 24 - GROßKARLBACH, Germany January 25 - KARLSRUHE, Germany January 26 - MÜNCHEN, Germany January 29 - DRESDEN, Germany January 30 - SEIDENROTH, Germany January 31 - KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany February 1 - VIERSEN, Germany February 3 - KÖLNE, Germany February 4 - MÜNSTER, Germany February 5 - BREMEN, Germany February 6 - BERLIN, Germany February 7 - HAMBURG, Germany March 2 - WORCESTER - UK March 3 - CHESTER - UK March 4 - NOTTINGHAM - UK March 6 - BIRMINGHAM - UK March 7 - SITTINGBOURNE - UK March 8 - NORWICH - UK March 9 - WAKEFIELD - UK March 10 - YORK - UK March 12 - HUDDERSFIELD - UK March 13 - EBBW VALE - UK March 15 - CARDIFF - UK March 16 - BRISTOL - UK March 17 - SOUTHAMPTON - UK March 18 - LONDON - UK March 19 - MILTON KEYNES - UK March 21 - DEVIZES - UK March 22 - DEVON - UK March 23 - CAMBRIDGE - UK March 24 - BRIGHTON - UK March 26 - LIVERPOOL - UK March 27 - MANCHESTER - UK March 28 - NEWCASTLE - UK March 30 - SHEFFIELD - UK April 4 - LEEDS - UK

[@breadngravy3860]

Come back up to Airdrie, man! It was incredible seeing you in such a wee venue. I'll never forget it. I realise it might have been a bit shit for you, haha, but damn it I loved it!

[@saoirsebelmour6858]

***** come to ireland please thanks

[@BoTXefolyN]

***** Australia loves great artists like you, please honor us with your presence.

[@alejandrorivera2712]

I've been diligently playing guitar for ten years and it isn't so often that I run across someone playing that totally redefines the instruments and takes it to levels I hadn't that possible. While it's nice to know the background of some of your songs, I often create my own stories while I listen to them. It's like the music is so deep that the it can speak for itself. Keep making videos and great work!

[@drewpaine1778]

Think secretly this might be the best Jon Gomm song... 👀 Very clever melodies and love the chorus so much!

[@everettcollins]

I would love to see this song with an animated silent film. So much feeling in this song

[@dragan-gagapantic4402]

You are Awesome! Bravo JON! Your style is incredible! I wish you well!

[@LoscarRJ]

Beautiful, Jon. Tnks for sharing this feeling with us.

[@jamescombridgeart]

This has to be me favourite tracks and one of your strongest in my opinion. Very strong storytelling conceptually & musically.

[@almageist]

Jon, I just hear you play this song in Toronto and I can honestly say it was one of the most surreal experiences I've ever had. Absolutely amazing; you're an inspiration. Oh and sorry about some of the people in the crowd tonight. They were a little obnoxious.

[@okaduzera]

Man.. I have no words to describe your music... It´s fantastic! Thanks to bring that to us!

[@RobertCampbellMusic]

Great video Jon and we're glad you took the chance to spread the word when in China. Those kinds of messages need a messenger.

[@AceholeNinja]

fcking brilliant. period. one of the most innovative musicians in existance. much love, many likes.

[@TheRandomShow52]

I saw you live last month and this song brought a tear to my eye it's so beautiful.

[@jongomm]

England & Ireland Gigs Incoming! I'm taking a break from international jetsetting to play a few intimate shows on home soil. It'll be a nice change to have English speaking audiences! I'll be playing all the hits, obvs. Here's the dates... It starts in 2 weeks! O, M and indeed G. May 16: London, UK - 100 Club May 17: Leeds, UK - Holy Trinity Church May 21: Galway, Ireland - Roisin Dubh May 23: Dublin, Ireland - Button Factory May 24: Cork, Ireland - The Pavillion May 27: Chester, UK - Telfords Warehouse May 28: Redditch, UK - Queens Head May 29: Clitheroe, UK - The Grand May 31: The Acoustic Festival of Britain, UK June 3: Brighton, UK - Sticky Mike's Frog Bar June 4: Milton Keynes, UK - The Crauford Arms, Wolverton June 5: Maidstone, UK - The Rafters June 6: London Folk Fest - The Bedford, Balham All information and tickets at: jongomm.com/live-dates

[@irena7777777]

No gigs in Scotland, Jon? Edinburgh by any chance?

[@Tamara_clarysse]

Belgium Jon ? Nice songs !

[@pablovargas859]

***** This song really hits my heart, Thanks!! From Dominican Republic

[@saoirsebelmour6858]

***** you already played in ireland :'(

[@MyNameIsDraven]

I don't know how i hadn't come across any of your music before. But thank you for making it. Wow!

[@DWD-XD]

What an amazing piece of music... It's breathtaking in every single way. And the ending... Intense! You are an inspiring artist, Jon Gomm!

[@jonnihard1090]

Dude your acoustic playing is out of this world, I would like to see you play an electric just so I can feel better about myself but I am sure you would still continue to amaze me. You truly have a gift my friend. especially on the acoustic. I wish I could talk more about what you use and gear talk and just music talk but I know you are busy. Keep up the good work, you truly have a gift my friend

[@piperdraconi1034]

Thank you Jon for creating such a beautiful piece! An auditory ticket to Wukan!

[@josh.ryan.]

You are amazing. I've listened to your music almost every day now. You bring such a unique talent and push the guitar past its limits musically and still produce absolutely original and amazing work. Thank you for everything you've done. You've helped one guy greatly.

[@snarfergarfer]

Mind blown away...fantastic playing and tune!

[@mr1pearl]

Xue Jinbo gone but not forgotten and that Motorcycle Kid respect !

[@tastygrpes]

6 years later and I'm still listening to this masterpiece

[@keen2b]

Beautifull work jon, It makes a nice change to see some/one playing and thinking outside the box, Love your music.

[@DanaMarieUlbrich]

Sie sind großartig, fantastisch und einmalig, Ihre Musik ist was ganz besonderes, Respekt !! Liebe Grüße Marie

[@percakutuk]

woahw ! pure merveille ! je vous découvre et vous me rendez aux pouvoirs magique de la musique ...! merci merci merci

[@MrWright10280]

Thank you for your music! You are clearly very dedicated to your craft.

[@GehirnfaschingDD]

Still love it. Hopefully you‘ll visit Dresden again some day. :-)

[@LoLiTRiNX]

Thanks for your music, perfect for hours of meditation.

[@renegademax]

Joe, your music is so beautifully soothing; a beacon in a world gone mad.

[@taliarosemusic]

Fantastic! I remember first seeing this in Autria, I still love it :)