Michael Hedges All Along the Watchtower Live

Michael Hedges live at Wolftrap, All Along the Watchtower.

[@SopranoPizzaJMFNJ]

I was lucky enough to have seen him perform a lifetime ago. What an amazing night it was...

[@rsrmusic]

Excellent. I had the great privilege of spending time with Michael a few weeks prior to his passing. I received him at the airport in Houston on his Oracle tour in October 1997. We spent time in his hotel room talking (& smokin' out) and he made me this fantastic apple/ginger juice (he traveled with a juicer). Around that time the G3 tour was coming through Houston featuring Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson & Adrian Legg as the acoustic opener. Michael told me he was offered the opening slot of that tour, but he turned it down because they would not let him headline. We also discussed Pat Martino’s album ‘All Sides Now’ which Michael was featured on. Michael told me he’d had Joe Satriani (also on that CD) and Pat Martino at his home studio for some recording sessions prior to the release of that album. In December 1997, I remember sitting in my office and the secretary walking up to my desk and handing me a fax from Michael’s agency SRO Artists. I was deeply saddened when I read the fax announcing Micheal’s passing. I immediately left work, went home, and played guitar to honor Michael and drown out my sorrow. I was incredibly moved by Michael during our brief meeting. I’m grateful for his presence then and now

[@Dave_the_Wave5888]

Thanks so much for sharing this account, Michael came into my head today after i'd say a good decade of not listening to his music at all or really thinking bout him. I came straight here to listen again and read your comment. Hope you are keeping well ❤

[@theloniouscoltrane3778]

Quotations about Hedges "I feel I can always hear his heart when he plays. He respected my playing too, and that simply thrills me." - Pete Townshend "Michael was unique. His music transcends genre and trend. It's truly musical, fun and enlightening." - Steve Vai "His playing has a feel and timbre all its own - technically brilliant, but always organic and true." - Joe Satriani "One of the most brilliant musicians in America." - David Crosby "I considered him to be a genius and when he died I lost a great friend." - Graham Nash "There was simply no one like him." - Bonnie Raitt "He was a real musician who remained humble even through stardom. A rare breed indeed." - Alvin Lee

[@bidyutdatta5042]

There are many hero among us He is one of them

[@THE-HammerMan]

Thank you for those wonderful quotes.

[@spielnicht00]

If Satriani gives praise to another guitarist, you know they're good.

[@christianweatherbroadcasting]

Repent and trust in Jesus. He's the only way to Heaven. We've all sinned and deserve Hell. Sins like lying, lusting, etc. Repent and trust only in Jesus, and you will be saved! You can be saved because he took the punishment for our sins on himself when he died on the cross, just like someone can pay your speeding fine in court, and you get off free. Romans 3:23 John 3:16

[@longlost8424]

back in the late 80s, I took several of my musician friends to see michael at the bottom line in nyc, explaining to them that they were in for a treat. I'd already seen michael several times at this point, and to see their reactions was pure bliss. I got to see him 2 more times after that show, once in atlanta for a halloween concert that blew the audience (including several more of my musician friends) away. what beautiful memories these videos produce for one so fond of his performances....

[@josephholden2595]

I will “like” all of these because I like all of these. Thank whatever god you pray to for Michael Hedges. You are blessed because he blessed you too.

[@Ironclad35]

Hedges version of All Along the Watchtower is my all time favorite.

[@TeamFreedom1]

Jim Babwe : It's the harmonics, thumps, rhythm, vocal treatment - can't hear it without FEELING something. I saw him at a very small venue in 1983, I think it was. Braids & all. TALENT. 🌱

[@alabamacoastie6924]

I have to go with Hendrix, but this is beautiful too..

[@MT-sk1ln]

Me too. By far!

[@lunbun1471]

U should listen to mike dawes play it

[@mattyburrows9059]

@@lunbun1471 mike dawes is great..hes like a band...hang on half of one..he dont sing..so yeah.percussive fingerstyle is super hard but singing too takes it to a whole new other level.

[@annikaluke9923]

How I miss this remarkable, beautiful man. I wish you were here with us.

[@dwchasse]

My wife and I saw him at the Palace Theater in Manchester NH many years ago. He was the opening act for Liz Story a great pianist that we there to see. An announcement was made prior to him starting his set that this was going to recorded. He came out with All Along the Watchtower and blew the house away. Every time I hear his version I can imagine us standing with the rest of the audience after he finished the song. What a treat then and what a wonderful time we had that night. We came to the theater not knowing who he was but left with someone to follow and appreciate. He is missed.

[@HotelAVJobs]

That's wonderful! I understand!

[@enricoaimone1864]

Michael Hedges was a true musical genius and an incredibly nice guy to boot. I worked in a little record store in Reno NV back in the late 80's and my boss was a personal friend of his so I got to hang out and talk with him on numerous occasions and he was such a genuine, nice and humble human being. I saw him perform at a small theatre in Reno and he received TWO standing ovations! We even had him do an in store appearance and meet some of his fans and one kid had Michael spray paint his autograph on the hood of his car! Watching this video gives me chills every time as I remember him performing this live. R.I.P. Michael!

[@kathleenm.potter1792]

I got to see him Live in a small venue in Santa Fe, NM in the ‘90’s. My visceral memory of the show can be conjured up to this day. Loved it when he played harp guitar.

[@matteobertani9447]

Michael was a gift from God. And still is.

[@papriori]

I was at that concert where he opened for some one - I can't remember who, alas, because all I could do was think about Michael Hedges. My first job out of college - was a janitor at Wolftrap. I had played classical guitar since I was kid and loved it. But when Michael started playing, I realized there was a whole universe of stuff on the guitar that I had never heard or imagined because no one had heard or imagined it before he made it happen. He was sick that night and had a very high fever. As soon as his opening was over, the manager called an ambulance to take him to the hospital. The guy wanted to play for us with everything he had. Amazing.

[@TheDivayenta]

pure talent, pure spirit, pure passion, an angel who was too briefly on this earth. Music embodied. Love.

[@uwekasten716]

great comment!!!

[@lexusmaxus]

Amen

[@deathsmilesatus]

My dad played this song for me in the car today. First time I've ever heard Michael Hedges, or any version of this song besides Hendrix's. When I heard it today, though, I thought: this is one of the greatest things I've ever listened to. I'm so glad I know who this guy is now. :)

[@7omm3h]

Such a soulful human being with indescribable talent. I will never forget this man and how he changed my ears.

[@dthebassman7999]

I saw him in Boston in 1992. He opened for Crosby, Stills and Nash. Crosby walked out on the stage and introduced him. I was thoroughly impressed. It is such a shame that he pass away in a car accident. R. I P. Mr Hedges

[@kathleenm.potter1792]

Just came across a Russian born guitarist Alexandr Misko who’s passionate guitar playing reminds me of Michael Hedges! This song is such a fav of mine!!

[@PhbBen]

One man, one guitar, one passion... and infinite pleasure for the ears and mind.

[@lanesblitz]

His guitar voice was so special ... he was such an artist. Incredible musician.

[@gwynnielsen5081]

Michael Hedges brings a new intensity to this classic. He surely makes it his own.

[@lauriecrosby2906]

Brilliant and beautiful! I still miss him

[@JamesRoberts-el8pf]

This performance is the greatest version of this song period.

[@tombstoneharrystudios584]

Never heard him sing...love his voice as much as his guitar playing

[@gabridelux453]

Magic version, rest in peace Michael

[@christenam9109]

Cheers for uploading Michael Hedges! I hope another generation will watch with awe;he was such a *Natural* talent. Rest in Peace dear Michael xo

[@KipBrockett]

Love his version of this song! What a talent! R.I.P. Michael.

[@Manofdarkdesires]

the voice, THE VOICE!!!! words fail me

[@canugrok1]

I had the extreme pleasure to see Michael live twice: first time at Carnegie Hall, with Leo Kottke opening. The second time at a much more intimate venue, The Towne Crier, in Pawling NY. He blew the roof off of both places. Being only a table away from the stage, you felt the beauty and power of his music. My claim to "fame" (jk) was when I had to go to the men's room at the Crier (during a break) and who's at the next urinal? I started laughing, said "I'm accompanying Michael Hedges" and he joined in laughing as well. Just a moment, and some will think it's gross or whatever, but it was a very human moment. (btw, before someone snarks: just peeing and laughter ensued. Peeing & Laughing would be a great band name).

[@gertnood]

I too have peed beside a legendary musician at the intermission. I said something like "well, guess that's one way to meet you in person". (Maynard Ferguson in upstate NY some years back).

[@lonelydwightfrye]

It's amazing how simple he makes it look....he's just flowing so naturally....this is really how you interpret a song.

[@cedarmountainradio1446]

It was a pleasure to walk up and chat with Michael in Dec '84 when he performed at a small venue in NorCal. He cited Chet Atkins & Tommy Emmanuel as some of those who inspired him and said he enjoyed listening to Pierre Bensusan. He was my favorite musician and like all good things in life, disappeared far too soon.

[@a2xf207]

I miss him so much.

[@matthewmiller9569]

This is my favorite version of All Along the Watchtower. It truly resonates with my soul on a level that not too much can. It was the way he sang that captivated me.

[@Tbyrnes3]

Never see his kind again on acoustic guitar! Saw him in Charlotte, 1994. just amazing......

[@brucegoodwin634]

I saw him perform this in Orono, Maine. He was vocal, percussion, strings and transcendental. I'll never forget.

[@sutats]

*Happy 2023!*

[@agerven]

Best and most intense cover (at the level of Jimi, which I thought was the original) I ever heard from this epic song.

[@jimamsden]

I was lucky enough to see him twice - at the Berkley Performance Center in Boston, and at the University of Maine. He is very missed, but alive in our hearts.

[@romansdad9]

I saw him several times in small intimate settings and he was truly a legend live -- so funny and and weird in a good way. Played so many great covers like this too. I put him in the same category as Jimi Hendrix in terms of innovation and uniqueness. RIP ... we miss him!!

[@lexusmaxus]

gosh on Xmas day I’m thinking of Michael Hedges gone too soon always here within our hearts

[@gregslow1]

absolutely beyond words; cannot adequately be expressed by anything but itself. pure soulful magic.

[@TheChaNar]

A true musical genius who was taken from us too soon. Had the privilege to have seen him and it was a memorable performance, indeed.

[@Rebecca-sl8sl]

Brilliance. Absolute brilliance. I so miss Michael Hedges.

[@Daddytang67]

I saw him open for CSN in 92. Mind blowing. I exited the CSN show after 2 songs. He delivered so much energy and passion. Fly on brother.

[@youvazok]

Real genious... No other words come up to me. The sounds of the guitar and his songs are so distinct. In present day, year of 2023, the techniques of the acoutics guitar have evolved so much since his days. But, in fact, Heges' music sounds always fresh to me. This is not only by the song's originarity but also that each of the note he plays is very much calculated to impress the listners.

[@dougvanderberg471]

Prince, The Dead, Jimi Hendrix, Dave Mathews and now Michael Hedges -- Dylan should be proud to help all these fine musicians expand on his idea.

[@jkunz27]

DMB OWNED this song with their Central Park concert though!

[@tixximmi1]

Dave Mason too he also played 12 string on Hendrix's version

[@InAtlasAtLast]

@@jkunz27oh for sure that was WILD

[@DANO9302]

I was in the audience for this astounding performance. He opened for CSN. David Crosby truly loved Michael mainly because they both were very advanced in alternate tunings of the acoustic guitar. On the CSN&Y CD Looking Forward there is a dedication to MH it simply says "Bye!" So sad to have lost such an incredible talent as this so early. As for the time period mid-90s. I left DC in 97 but attended a lot of shows in the early to mid-90s. Love it!

[@DrinkingTillDeath]

When I done acid for the first time, this was the song I played constantly!! Was a unbelievable time for me!

[@youcangetholdofjules]

Much love Michael, that was talent.

[@beaupolk]

saw him at the ark in ann arbor 25 or 26 years ago. been playing guitar all my life. felt like a little kid that night watching a true artist. amazing talent. never post but felt compelled tonight. thanks.

[@NorthernSaber]

This cat used to come to the University of Maine pretty frequently. I always said "Well, I'm busy now but I'll catch him next time." Man, was I ever dumb...

[@JTNashville]

One of my all-time favorites. Brilliant.

[@daldoc76]

Miss him more every time I watch this. Last time I saw him was on the tour with Leo Kottke. Guitar heaven.

[@understandingnothing2445]

He was so great, just in here, just alive!!!

[@katanamanatee]

Definately my favourite video of Michael's arrangement. Beautifully done with a lot of power behind it also.

[@richc3440]

Saw him perform live in 1990-91 at Musicians Institute Hollywood California.. Steve Vai came to watch the show........

[@jessicagriffiths5611]

The guitar in this is phenomenal

[@marthaworc7873]

Hedges died way before his time. He was not nearly as popular as he should have been. I am grateful I saw him 9 times over the span of about 15 years. RIP Michael

[@carpdemon99]

best version of this song i have ever heard

[@jeanettehitchcock801]

Michael is absolutely the best

[@psavelli65]

Of all artists I miss, he's the one I probably miss the most. Taken far too young. He came to Bogart's in Cincinnati every year for 7 years I think - saw hiim every time - nothing like that energy and smile. Hugely influence my guitar playing. I never get tired of hearing his version of this song. I listen to all his albums regularly - this one expecially. "Because It's There" remains one of my all time favorite songs.

[@valerieward7557]

I have seen this man. He is the best ..in my opinion.. acoustic guitar player on the planet!! He knows how to slam a guitar..I love his "harmonics". They are technically difficult to do..but he does them as smooth as butter. Go.. you Oakie!!!

[@lonetazdevil20]

Hedges is absolutely phenomenal.

[@rodcallaghan]

Brilliant , great playing , beautiful voice . Oh reading the comments i realise he has passed, but this performance lives on,. thanks to You Tube I have discovered him .

[@markj7924]

I like how he enunciates clearly so every word is understood, could partly be because he holds out syllables longer, but if a performer is emphasizing storytelling that’s the way to do it.

[@JimInNashville]

This reminds me again, if I ever need reminding, what an astounding and unique talent Michael Hedges was. Gosh what a terrible loss for him to leave us so prematurely.

[@ppierquet1]

I first saw Michael Hedges back in the 80's, on the St. Paul campus of the U of Minnesota. He played at the student center...he was a relative unknown then(tickets were just 6 bucks!). I had a date that night.....told her we were going to see a solo guitarist. I think she expected something more "upscale"...Michael came onstage with waistlength hair, bouncing on a 3-foot inflatable ball, wailing on his guitar! An amazing concert!, although it was NOT what my date expected! :)

[@crash420humboldt4]

love his music I will never forget being at a small filled concert arena at Humboldt State Univ and peole were saying he has back up music playing as he was kicking ass on his strange looking guitars and doing percussion also with his hand and fingers slapping them as he was just sounding like there really was back up music playing...We love you Michael for proving so many wrong as we cheered with laughter myself,wife and her brother.your music will forever live on and you are never forgotten Michael. >Brian Ericson...

[@jss0857]

i'll only comment because no one has for awhile. this is my favorite version of this song. i bet even bob likes it.

[@angiegrneyez]

he was truly exceptional ... passion everywhere

[@rsophiav]

I LOVE his version of this

[@Poolcat57]

Yeah... THAT'S the way you do it! By far my favorite version of that song. Thank you Michael.....

[@miketayse]

This might be my favorite version of Along the Watchtower, amazing guitar player!

[@mercifulleedickens3291]

I had the good fortune to see him play this live in Auburn, AL way back when...

[@evelskunny]

amazing talent''right there''

[@sunaJH]

Wow man the energy, even on KZbin-the live must have been amazing-he looked so cool with the dreads at this time:)

[@treybob333]

I've truly discovered this style of guitar only in the past year or so. I found Andy McKee's Drifting and started digging deeper and looking further back. I feel ashamed for not finding Hedges sooner. His style is very personal. Love it. RIP

[@alessandroformenti1010]

such an incredible Artist...

[@JesusPerez-rn8ju]

Back when he just wore his ponytail'd hair he was in San Antonio w John Prime @ the CAMEO theatre. ( early 80.s) I was doin the stagehand stuff for this show and saw this Hippe ( back when it was ok to say). It was a hot day and as I pulled him to the shade I asked if he need'd some help. And he addressed himself asking for the promoter, which I knew . So I led him into our small theatre and sat him down in the A/C so he could wait for his contact. I really thought by his appearance his was gonna be a new stagehand hire. Super nice guy I said to myself. As the setup was completed the promotion crew walked in. Immediatly they hugged and embraced my new Hippie friend. They commanded we start the PA and mic this fellow ASAP. NEVER EVER did I hear such a GRAND SOUND or Playin technique in my life !!!!!. My tenure at the local music store or radio stations never brought me this fellows name, music or craft to my ears. What a thrill to see such talent right before my eyes. There is no way to classify his artistry or music. It is truly a Gift from the GODs to OUR ears.

[@brick62345]

I love this!!

[@AttilaAndTheHunz]

Another great performance in his repertoire of great songs and covers.

[@sutats]

Happy 2024!

[@StrangebirdE]

Whoever actually felt the need to dislike this has neither ears nor a soul. Taste is one thing, inability to see talent like this... purely another.

[@jfrockon]

I was fortunate enough to witness his magic in San Diego in 85

[@MrCherrycheeks]

definitely the best version of the song

[@Thebluesmaker]

Wonderful!

[@jamesrrodgers]

thank u for introducing me to Michael Hedges. He has such a unique sound.

[@jbswcacmbc]

I wish I had been able to see him perform live, his music totally changed my life

[@iused2BAfireman]

Hedges' arrangement and performance of this tune is indeed brilliant. Whether or not it is "better" than the other brilliant performances of this simple tune is useless banter. Like trying to argue whether green or blue is the better colour, its simply a matter of taste. If one thing might be agreed upon, it is to once again acknowledge the genius of Bob Dylan as a songwriter. His work is embraced by other fine artists who take it and make it their own.

[@theflash1952shodan]

So far, there appear to be 12 people with no sense of music what-so-ever. I had the privilege of seeing Michael live, and as a guitarist myself, I can say he had a matchless talent. Without Michael, I wonder if we'd even have a Don Ross or a Andy McKee?

[@R0gue0ne]

oh man. where would this talent be by now?

[@slainteron4027]

Man I miss this guy. First saw him in Blues Alley Georgetown/DC

[@b.r.h.1038]

i lived just outside of dc for 30 years until i moved to OC, CA several years ago and am just discovering him today...he was a little before my time, i wouldve been about 13-14 when he died...but good gracious, my man is an absolute musical genius. i have family all around Northern VA and the B&W corridor that ive been emailing links to his videos asking if they'd ever heard of him and they are just now letting me know they used to watch him play small gigs wayyy back in the 80's and some in the early 90's. its a damn shame they (my family) didnt play more of his music when we were younger!?

[@bsnf-5]

I just dicovered this guy, great sense of rhythm and quite a nice voice. As a guitarist myself, I can appreciate his technique, however it is his spirit and energy that really stands out. There are many advaned technical players, but it doesn't make them even half as good... music is about a feeling.

[@gogokhan95]

extra ordinary ohhhhhhhhhhh i never heard such a good music

[@carsickclive]

wow this is why youtube rules, this is the first time i have heard of michael hedges and im sorry for that, i'm a huge fan of john martyn and throught my search for this unusuall works ive stumbled across this, thankyou so much for posting this, im now gonna spend the day being re-educated by michael hedges

[@StankPlanks]

Michael was so damn good!!

[@joaopaulodavid]

Um musico incrível!!

[@alessandro24757]

An incredible guitar man....

[@Daddytang67]

one of the greatest ever. 17 people on you tube have no soul...

[@maddierosemusic]

saw him in Baltimore - his last song was 'Holiday' , saw him at Lisner the following year - 1983 -4 ish? Gosh - he had his own sound...

[@mao5760]

this performance thrill me out, really. so sad he passed away.

[@coolboylulu]

The best acoustic cover with only a single guitar, ever!