Mike Dawes Plays "The Impossible!" WTF?

[@giantpurplebrain]

I'd never heard of this guy - now I'll never forget him. You do so much for us Rick - bless you man.

[@itinerantghost]

Word!

[@stephenpaquet]

You should check out his version of Jump. He composed it the night Eddie Van Halen died. I understand Wolfgang got in touch with him and thanked him.

[@pedronunes6099]

Me too!

[@stopfelchingtrumpx9418]

Go listen to Michael Hedges now.

[@JianLakerson]

He opened for and played with Justin Hayward. I saw them in Anacortes Washington in 2016, epic!

[@markkarpinski1460]

Whenever I hear Mike play, it makes me reminisce about seeing Michael Hedges multiple times before he passed. I like the feeling that his style has lived on and the torch is in capable hands. That’s the highest compliment I can give.

[@MonkeyGod000]

You hit the nail on the head. I have never heard Mike play before, but the first thing I thought of was Michael Hedges. I was fortunate enough to see him in concert as well before his unfortunate passing. I look forward to exploring Mike's music now. I'm so glad I saw this video.

[@autk]

Me 2

[@daldoc76]

Truth. The Leo Kottke/Michael Hedges concert was a personal highlight in '88. Wonderful to hear Mike carrying the torch.

[@ZealZaddy]

That’s who I was immediately reminded of, too. Wonder if he plays the harp guitar, also?

[@kides2979]

Spot on man, spot on

[@nitevisionimages]

Rick Beato is simply the best at this. Giving amazing artists a platform to openly discuss their talent in a different way because Rick's understanding is on their level we as the audience get an insight into the 'backroom' talk of actual musicians. I love these interviews. Artists talk differently to Rick. You can hear they truly respect him and the audience benefits from being a part of this space.

[@attilatoth1051]

Yeaaah... :)

[@stevemckennon7678]

It puts you at a loss of such beauty. His hands move, but I'm not getting the mental connection. How to do. What makes it work. I thought harmonics were just those over the fret tricks and projecting chord forms with double finger and pick. But he goes beyond. But he has a therapy going on. Not a stuffy musician.

[@tobytoxd]

Well said. Couldn't agree more.

[@Hintz6]

You captured the essence of this channel's magic perfectly. Well said.

[@justsayin3600]

I'm not a musician, but I find it interesting how technology let talented people discover new sounds and vibration.

[@1492tomato]

Brother Beato, so many who call themselves "interviewers" could go to college on this one clip. You honored your guest with great questions then silence while he answered. You were respectful, you listened. Even though it's your show you kept yourself in the background. Your musicianship is extraordinary - now I see so is your humility and humanity. SO well done!!

[@docrob029]

Mike Dawes is the real deal. Great that you had him on your show.

[@navasaband]

“Respect the crew all the time”. Truer words never said concerning live music.

[@barrettdc1]

Very kind of him to prop up Tommy as well. I put those guys with the candyrat crew, Andy Mckee... etc. Amazing. He seems like such a nice bloke i'd have to have a jam session with him.

[@alessandrorossini8704]

What a precious human being... he's carrying the torch of genuinity, of things done by heart, mind, hands, lot of commitment, lot of love, lot of beauty and... that beautifully touching music, soothing, profound, inspiring... thank you so much Mike and Rick. ❤️

[@zaphodrahja]

He's an incredible sonic craftsman.

[@mikek2218]

Mike is the epitome of a true artist and genuinely kind and humble human being. In the musical desert in which we find ourselves these days, his brilliance is enough to quench the thirst of all lovers of music and originality.

[@zebfox011]

He's the Keanu Reeves of music

[@julesbrunton1728]

I think 'musical desert' is a bit bleak..there's more great original music out today than I could ever have time to listen to..finding it is a bit random but it's out there

[@yakmartin5429]

@@julesbrunton1728 Fresh The Smile album is out.

[@STBonaccorsi]

Thank you Rick for showcasing Mike. I listened to him and just kept shaking my head saying ... "Wow". Beautiful, mesmerizing playing. What a treasure he is.

[@brucecampbellx]

Mike Dawes is a melodic genius. The dynamics are out of this world.

[@peterdorninbalance]

Absolutely!

[@devonull8784]

It is more than that though. He is using all the sounds possible. He is outside the box. Stanley Jordan is comparable to Mike Dawes, both just using everypart of the sound.

[@brucecampbellx]

@devonull8784 bruh..

[@trevorbraden5448]

Was just about to say.... he is definitely highly intelligent.... I'm a big ole dummy...... I didn't understand anything he was talking about, just appreciate the music......

[@egj1975]

When Mike plays I always think of the nature. Its like walking in a beautiful forrest and listening to the animals while a river float by and the wind makes sounds in the leaves. He is the only artist that makes me feel like this. His taste is so fluid, organic and relaxing.

[@TonBB2019]

Ditto

[@IamRaloPib]

Ethereal

[@CCave-wj6xy]

That's literally just the pharmaceutical advertising indoctrination you've had. They've used similar music to sell boner pills. I'm not taking anything from this dude's creativity & talent, tho. His music is incredible.

[@g.m.pinnere7561]

Thanx for such a beautifully descriptive and poetic comment describing the unique music of Mike Dawes in this Rick Beato's video, egj1975. "Keep on Rockin' in The Free World..."

[@Cr8z4life]

Listen to some of the new age music by Craig Chaquico. He was one of the first and it will give you similar feeling.

[@DeepintheWood_Folk-and-More]

This is art..., This is a genuine artist..., This is what a great human being looks like! Simple, humble, genius...!

[@johnjperricone7856]

Moved to tears. Some of the most beautiful guitar work I have ever heard, by a mile.

[@Goran2551]

I have never heard of Mike Dawes..but ..he blew me away with his rare talent of playing ..now I gave to buy his music …❤👍

[@KiCkFLiPKiCkFLiP]

Absolute beast of a musician. Also he has a calm, charismatic presence that instantly puts people at ease.

[@tylerpalmer8973]

He's definitely built different. Takes a special mind to come up with the gorgeous stuff he does, and then the talent to play it so beautifully.

[@gabrielbueno8079]

Exactly!!!

[@Imperialmusicfan]

People often misuse the word "genius" but in Mike's case I think it's completely justified.

[@tylerpalmer8973]

@@Imperialmusicfan, absolutely. He's most definitely a musical genius.

[@hughneutron5303]

then can still look at you and take the piss. i bet he is the most HILARIOUS drunk!

[@ScootsMcPoot]

Its called crazy amounts of practice

[@OttoIpsen]

Mike still got his soul intact, that´s why he is the amazing, heartdriven artist he is.! RESPECT!!!

[@danielbarnes547]

What?

[@neuswanger]

@@danielbarnes547 Most sell their souls for fame or fortune. Mike didn’t.

[@bobromano7548]

OMG!!! WTF! Absolutely breathtaking! Thank you Rick for exposing me to a “new artist”. I will be searching all his music out.

[@gillessaubin3582]

I feel the same. Hoping a concert in France.

[@viper5955]

Mike Dawes is one amazing musician not only a guitar player, but the total package!!👍

[@kfrederick1644]

Mike is just one of those people that is by the grace of God, should you ever get an opportunity to encounter a live performance with, that you are left totally amazed and inspired to such a degree it is truly something you will never ever forget. Just outstanding from any angle you could approach it from. Thank You Rick!

[@SpunktAlex]

Mike is not only one of the top acoustic players of all time - he's just an awesome dude you'd like to drink a beer with. Or 2. And then cry because you gave him your acoustic guitar to play and he plays stuff you wouldn't even imagine.

[@psionic6126]

Mike, you are actually the first guitarist in 35 years who makes me cry whenever i listen to you. I don't know how your brain works man, but every note feels just right. It just flows...amazing talent.

[@davidgagnon2849]

And that is exactly how I felt the first time I heard Pat Metheny back in 1982.

[@psionic6126]

@@davidgagnon2849 I was born in 1983 so i guess this is "my Metheny Moment" ;-)

[@oscarleijontoft]

I was just going to say Pat Metheny or maybe Paco De Lucia or John Mclaughlin. Sorry to say I'm not moved by this. Sounds like a nice soundscape, that's it.

[@oscarleijontoft]

But I love Max Ostro, omg what a talent

[@psionic6126]

@@oscarleijontoft Sure Max Ostro will always be one of my fav guitarists. At his age he's almost like Guthrie. Amazing guy really

[@christophercale]

Michael Hedges is smiling down from heaven. Mr. Dawes plays beautifully.

[@marcioarend1]

I thougt the same thing.

[@ski5566]

Hedges.. one of the five guitarists that made me strive to be a musician.

[@GoldRKR]

I thougt the same thing! So cool! just beautiful sounds! soothes the soul :)

[@radiosygnal1782]

I find it odd that when people interview fingerstyle guitarists that they never mention the innovator, Mr. Hedges. Or, the plethora of amazing guitarists that followed in his footsteps that deserve credit like Don Ross, Andy McKee, Michael Manring,etc. I was thinking Mr. Beato should also try to get some other innovative drummers on is show that a lot of people don't know like Akira Jimbo and Gergo Borlai.

[@kevinmosher6027]

My first thought!

[@thomasaquinas601]

This is the most amazing guitar player I've heard in many years. His compositional ability is truly extraordinary. Thank you for sharing his talent with the world, Rick. I would never have heard him without you.

[@liebengood24]

12:35 has a beautiful melodic sound I could listen to on repeat. What talent...

[@Scubasgamecorner]

I am speechless, I had never heard of Mike Dawes and now I will never forget....amazing

[@Woody-lj6jf]

Down here in the disaster that is Florida.. taking a break from the cleanup .. bless you Rick and thank you Mike Dawes for allowing me to close my eyes and go to a place of beauty for a moment.. ok, back to work

[@lukemckelvey5996]

Wow! Sending love and respect! Music can do what nothing else can!

[@jamesfulton8310]

Sorry to hear all the news about Florida, love from the UK

[@FredPriest-ud6cu]

Know exactly where your coming from, still haven't recovered from Ian ...

[@St-Perdu]

I'm sending you love from up north, Quebec

[@DimKAt21]

Don't forget to feed the alligator in the living room!

[@jamescavanaugh3682]

Mike is simply astonishing. Seeing him play live is a must for any musician!

[@MrJackal43]

We are seeing hm live… 😂😂😂😂

[@johnd9676]

saw him with tommy...both amazing...Mike is also as genuine in person as he is on video...great guy

[@brianmi40]

Brings back listening to Michael Hedges so much, such a loss, he was so young! Love Mike's guitar pickup/tone/mixing setup! Instant fan!

[@credoman64]

I found Mike Dawes a month ago on KZbin,.... When I saw notification of the interview with Rick, that guaranteed my watching,.. Such a beautiful sound,... breath-taking. Buying the CD....

[@thebitterbeginning]

Since MTV failed, your KZbin channel is the best platform where people can watch the world's most talented musicians share their stories, perspectives, etc.

[@1stofer]

It's a tragedy " music television " is nothing about music anymore whatsoever. How did that happen?

[@Spuzzmacher]

@@1stofer MTV's own success killed them. When they realized they had fully captured the 12-24yo demographic, with disposable income and no expenses, and that made MTV the most valuable advertising space in the world. They then had $$$$ to protect, and it became unthinkable to risk teens changing the channel waiting for a song they don't like to end, or worse, getting bored watching yet more endless promo videos of artist/models mugging into a camera. They needed to keep kids eyeballs engaged on the screen for longer, & the animated shows proved people would tune in for longer content, so soap operas & reality tv was the much cheaper way to do that. Plus, the labels were shifting to selling cheaper & easier hiphop acts, and MTV's clients weren't convinced that tatted up faux-gangstas in shiny clothes with strippers shaking ass all over the place really fit their desired corporate image. Since, we've lost the terrible gatekeepers that blasted us in the face with the same shlocky crap 80 times a day, but we've also lost the quality control those gatekeepers *should have* been providing, and the social cohesion & market size of a monoculture. I think MTV crashing & burning might actually be the most influential disaster in the arts of my lifetime.

[@gzahnd]

Ha, not sure MTV was ever the place for the most talented musicians; just the most popular corporate musicians.

[@Bumblebee71121]

Mike Dawes is such a humble guy. He is amazing, and his work just takes me away!

[@aardvarkusrex]

I get a kick just seeing the joy radiating from his face as he plays. Phenomenal talent!

[@mattgoodwin-king2228]

So true, he's really in the moment and loving his creations as much as we are

[@patrickvanhautem9600]

What a discovery. Beautiful guitar playing. Beautiful person ! Thank you Rick.

[@Bl4cKs0u7]

This channel is a bloody gold mine for passionate music lover, what a phenomenal talent Mike is, you can tell he puts his heart and soul into his music, finding new music seems hard to come by these days, but a new fan was created this day and I'll definitely be adding to my collection after hearing this, it's all about the music man, thank you Rick for having this guy on your channel, giving this man a platform to perform was a great idea, celebrating good music and elevating those talented musicians behind it is super cool, Mike nailed it with his playing and now the ears of many were in a state of ecstasy hearing the sound of that guitar, cheers Rick you're a bloody legend mate

[@ARTENSASS]

Rick, this is one of your best interviews yet. Letting Mike freely play and explore his intermittent explanations about what he was doing was a real treat. It gave the conversation a natural flow that made it even more engaging. This was a real treat🙏

[@anthonyreid3516]

Mike is such an amazing player. Soulful, technical, melodic, the list goes on. His music has it all!

[@ericvinson4628]

That Euclid performance was my favorite of the bunch - so much emotion and yeah listening w/ high quality headphones/earbuds is a must. Pure ear candy!

[@iliya3110]

Agree - absolutely beautiful

[@foamcow]

What a lovely man Mike is and such lovely music too. He's earned a new fan.

[@mattlech5194]

This is so impressive: Mike's father delivers the orders. I am absolutely touched and wish there were many more people with the passion and desire to make people happy like Mike. Thank you Rick for this lovely interview.

[@stazym69]

Whenever I watch Mike Dawes play the guitar.....he makes it look so effortless..... every little nuance of the way he finger picks....taps.... Really incredible....he makes it sound like he has 20 fingers playing at once..... So gifted 🙌🏼 Total EarKandy!

[@TonBB2019]

Ditto. Reminds me of someone I love picking on his guitar. I could never get enough.

[@camparton21]

Lovely!! Makes me think back on Michael Hedges. Miss him but, it's awesome to see the legacy he's left us... Mike Dawes and others.

[@j.m.demoor1156]

I thought the same thing first time I heard him. Both amazing artists.

[@sarmad5]

Felt the same!

[@LesleyD70]

Why does Mike Dawes playing always make me tear up 😢 So beautiful.

Never heard a more beautiful guitar or playing in my life.

[@hilla42]

...he hits your ❤

[@Itsnotmethistime]

Saw Mike opening and accompanying Justin Hayward last year here in London Ontario. Mike just blew us away. There's something so real about his music and the creativity and humanity shines through.

[@alwayschilld]

What I love about Rick here is his genuine respect for the skill and humanity of Mike. Mike of course is an absolute genius on the guitar,understanding that melodies, and considering the listener....are key elements of beautiful song writing.. I loved the vibe of this discussion....

[@AntonioGarcia-Unholy]

I’ve seen all kinds of guitar players in my 48 years of life. Many of them here in this channel. I’ve never seen anything like this. This guy is just out of this world. Thank you SO much for everything u do, mr. Beato

[@pierreschnehage8152]

Tommy and him together...

[@clemclemson9259]

watch some Michael Hedges....

[@lauriekelley5628]

We've seen Mike play with Justin Hayward at least four times and he is incredible. His talent is amazing, but it's his lovely demeanor, sense of humor and genuine kindness that also won us over. No wonder he is so good with Justin. We're seeing Justin again in November and hope Mike plays with him again! When you see Mike in concert, and hear his playing, you know you are watching something magical.

[@FreeFlyerUk]

Mike shouting out Tommy Emanuel is amazing. They are both wonderful crafts men.. I've seen TE live twice but not MD (yet)..... To see them both together, would be totally mind blowing. That's Rick for a brilliant interview.❤

[@Brainiac22]

It was!!!🤯🤯🤯

[@MonteSkelton]

This is exactly why I love your videos. Thank you for exposing me to another truly genuine and incredible human being and artist that just loves their craft and wants to share it with the world. My soul is happy 🙏🏾

[@swhamilton]

I've been hoping for years that you would feature some Sleep Token on your channel. More people need to know who they are. I hope seeing Mike's rendition of them makes you listen to them more and hopefully talk more about their music and production! Great job, Mike and Rick!

[@frodeleirvik]

My admiration for Beato and Dawes both just grew a little more. Absolutely marvellous.

[@Paul-qs8wu]

I always loved how Mike plays but honestly I just admire his confidence when he plays. He simply knows his instrument and knows his style so clearly he doesn't need to feel shy or intimidated playing. It's like he's always in the zone

[@peterlea1968]

Just purchased vinyl. Support genuine talent

[@The_Walrus_Was_Paul_1984]

This is the kind of guitar playing I love, pure melody & beauty.

[@overtonesnteatime198]

it's amazing how inspiring the reverb is to Mike. I feel the same but I never really exploited it like he does and I can't be more ecstatic about the feeling it provokes.

[@_left_eye]

Having had the chance to hear Mike playing in Italy as an opener to Tommy Emmanuel I can confirm, the two guys are a mind blowing blend of different approach to music. They both don’t care about virtuosity, they play tasteful music and anyone in the crowd is there for this simple, yet hard to find reason.

[@johnnyespinoza8]

Fantastic! With all due respect to Mr. Dawes, it reminds me of the late and much missed Michael Hedges! And that’s so nice! Looking forward to hear more from Mike Dawes!

[@danporuban1762]

Michael Hedges would have loved this video! Beautiful playing.

[@ssarkees]

Mystical and heavenly. Only way I can describe it.

[@bomackin]

Speechless.... His music says it all ....

[@3dnmusic]

Superb Rick and Mike. This is where its at folks, real people with enormous passion for keeping real music alive. Thank you so very much!

[@andotheandal6566]

Mike is such a unique and gifted artist with the longest fingers I think I've ever seen on a human being. He is world class, especially when he teams up with the brilliant Tommy E. Love u Mike xo

[@lifeinmexico189]

I’m embarrassed to say I had never heard of Mike until this. I stopped everything I was doing just to listen. This is gorgeous, beautiful music beyond what I was expecting. It literally brought tears to my eyes. On top of his incredible talent, he seems like a wonderful person. I’m extremely glad I stopped to watch and listen. Amazing.

[@WDXash]

I do try to keep up with who’s who in the music world but Mike Dawes is another one now on my list. Phenomenal!

[@jeffhannah1250]

Thank God for Mike Dawes! He plays some of the most beautiful music I've ever heard.

[@dhenderson195961]

Absolutely stunning, I had the pleasure of seeing this phenomenal guitarist live recently in Aberdeen Scotland, supporting and playing with Justin Hayward, Incredible.

[@arottie4097]

Curious, what size venue did you see him in?

[@dhenderson195961]

@@arottie4097 It was the Music Hall, roughly a 1,000 seat venue, he was supporting Justin Hayward, then also played in his band.

[@tesdrenga3517]

Mike: *displays virtuosity* Mike: "You wanna go?" Rick: "No ... " we feel you rick, we feel you 😂

How does one play after that...?

[@joooojo]

Was laughing out loud : )))

[@johncowie3092]

I looked for that segment after reading your comment I laughed out loud

[@rickjason215]

That was mean. What could Rick play?

[@LifeB.C]

​@rickjason215 Rick rips dude.

[@jayreynolds4556]

As amazing as Mike’s guitar abilities are, what really strikes me and sticks with me is what a beautiful and humble human he is! I could listen to these wonderful humans talk for hours!!

[@brunokogasuzuki]

What a delightful talk! I've never heard of Mike before. Now I'm a fan! Genuine, real and a fantastic musician and artist!

[@offiof]

Mike Dawes deserves truckloads of apprecation. Not only for his flawless playing on a level that very few can reach, but also for his incredible imagination and creativity in using effects and other equipment. He is miles over my understanding, but he's got to be an endless inspiration for guitar players.

[@arthurfultz8066]

Brilliant on so many levels! Dawes obviously but a host letting him play and talk is equally brilliant. Well done.

[@Frytech]

Now that’s a man who LOVES to play guitar! What a fantastic performance, absolutely lovely melodies, and his technique is immaculate! Great video, Rick, thank you so much for sharing it with us!

[@treus_xc]

Incredible. You see so many guitarists who amaze the listener. And very rarely do you see a guitar that didn't even know it could sound so beautiful.

[@tara-leedawn5509]

This is some of the most beautiful sounds I’ve ever heard in my life. It’s just so phenomenal words can’t do it justice. What a gift mike is!

[@allanrathgeber4311]

Mr Dawes has taken creativity to a whle othewr level. I'll be looking for his new recording.

[@omerokana]

i simply cannot change channel when this dude starts playing. so dreamy and beautiful

[@or9481]

same

[@Chaz406]

Thank you sooooo much Mr. Beato for bringing this phenom back again. Dawes is truly a gem.

[@dlh322]

What separates Mike from most of the guys with such a stunning technical repertoire is how musical his playing is. Love listening to him.

[@adamward1985]

This was an absolutely delightful video. Thanks Rick and Mike! Beautiful playing. Moving!! Some of the most beautiful and tasteful artists I have ever heard.

[@OneMorningSongs]

His music feels like a warm hug.

[@harveysmusicschoollizaman2290]

Mike Dawes, making people cry tears of joy ...

[@eskilseter]

Mike Dawes covering Euclid - I can die happy now. That was amazing!

[@ebruder]

I went to the comments to see if anyone picked it up. Cheers!

[@xtrafe5953]

After Music is Win, saw this. Did not disappoint.

[@josephharvey1762]

Absolutely amazing

[@laurabarnes5283]

Right?!!! So good!!!!!

[@Jwizz2000]

Mike took us back to Eden

[@markbecker8661]

I've been playing 55 years and never saw or heard a player like Mike. Amazing, Great video Rick

[@tonyvanover2253]

This Guy is really amazing. The depth of understanding he has in every slightest touch in the guitar is adding to his Sound. His playing is really Genius. Then He designed a one of a kind unique guitar Rig to be able to really maximize His particular style and every nuance of his playing. BRAVO

[@Meh-j9s]

This dude is incredibly talented.

[@LoggR84]

He has been working his ass off.

[@glowboyglow315]

No air plane pilot is talented. They practice a lot:)

[@michaelnotes8707]

This is the part most people trivialize. They think everything is just talent.​@@LoggR84

[@Intheflesh79]

Absolutely gorgeous playing, what a gift

[@p.bateman7033]

Had never heard of him before until I saw him at a show on a Ship cruise. His sound and style captivated me so much, i bought and downloaded his music right after the show. Catch him if you ever get a chance. Incredible musician.

[@jaesoncardoz3746]

Beautiful. Makes life worth living. Music can heal.🔥🔥🔥

[@Crewdog]

Even just messing around on a song and Mikes heart is beating through every touch of his guitar. Truly blessed by whatever you believe in as a higher power.

[@andrebordinhon]

Michael Hedges, Leo Kottke, Alex de Grassi, André Geraissati, among others, must be remembered!

[@markadams2907]

They had their walk in the sun and now it's time for Mike Dawes...I'm sure all those you mentioned would agree. There's room enough for all who play.

[@andrebordinhon]

​@@markadams2907 I agree, but these two things are not mutually exclusive! Cheers and let's listen to Mike Dawes!

[@SenggrangPantoMarak]

Uff...the sound & the technic melt my heart. Thank you for sharing Rick....

[@wlodell]

Extraordinary! Of the now several years I have paid attention to the Beato videos this is the first time I’ve known Rick to even get close to talking about the Moody Blues its members or associates. I am encouraged!

[@shanekolacz9576]

Yeah - despite Rick saying he was a massive Moodies fan, he has never featured them. Hey Rick! It's passed time, mate!

[@georgedomse]

The playing, the tone, the man himself, the way he explains stuff... breathtaking.

[@jasonbrooks1694]

I love how he marvels at a beautiful tone that comes from his own hands and equipment! He still respects the instrument and loves the music. He has a musicality to his work that seems to come from his own fascination with sound. A tone chaser. And the humility!

[@ParanormalResponse]

I have never teared up listening to a dude play a guitar, That happened today. I will forever be a fan of this man now.

[@sniebl]

what an absolutely real and genuine human being.

[@davidgardner7565]

Wow!….guitar playing is in very safe hands with this guy and Guthrie and Matteo too 🔥🔥👌🏻👌🏻

[@ostrovmusic]

Beautiful people like Mike and Rick make our planet a much better place to live. It's so wonderful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart 🙏

[@rob4489]

Wow, incredible talent. Thank you Rick for sharing. The world needs to know about Mike. He's amazing.

[@brucealder1642]

You can't get much better than this. Totally awesome video and content. I met Mike a few years ago and he is the REAL deal!!