Steve Earle and Del McCoury -Making The Mountain

Mike Bub tells the behind the scenes story of Steve Earle and Del McCoury's classic album, The Mountain.
Mike Bub spent thirteen years playing bass as a member of the Del McCoury Band. He's won multiple awards including 5 IBMA “Bass Player of the Year” awards, a Grammy and he's a damn good hang.
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[@haint7709]

Train A Coming and The Mountain. 2 of my all time favorites.

[@kendalljamesmusic]

We had Bub play on our bluegrass album a long time ago- when he joined in, everything was immediately raised to higher level. He’d slap those strings like a jockey on a horse, and we tried to hang on. We all loved having him on board- he helped us relative amateurs relax, and inspired us to play our best.

[@otisgibbs]

The Mountain is a great and influential record. Do you own a copy? Did you see any of the shows when Steve and Del toured together? I'll be honest, this is one of my favorite episodes I've done. I hope y'all enjoy it.

[@daddydothang8635]

Man..... I was never into Steve Earle or bluegrass. Then someone turned me on to The Mountain. Then someone else turned me on to The Steeldrivers first album. Before you know it I had box sets of Bill Monroe, Flatt and Scruggs, and The Stanley Brothers. Played in a bluegrass band for 4 years. Kept Tony Rice Plays and Sings Bluegrass in the CD player of my car for almost 18 months. Now I'm back to the pseudo R&B I do best, but you can still hear Tony mixed in with the BB and Albert. It's amazing how one album can take your life down a different path. Thanks, Otis. I should send you a CD. 😂😂👍

[@Kan-o-tex]

Saw them in Olathe, KS, so that meant Iris Dement was there to sing. That part was awesome. Steve Earle berating people hollering requests wasn’t. I got the impression Del wasn’t happy about Steve Earle’s salty language. But the Del McCoury band was top notch, as usual.

[@jeffb2456]

One of my favorites too Otis. When I listen to the Steve Earle and The Del McCurry Band play it goes together like peas and carrots! This interview really ties it all together.

[@ardenevox]

This interview is fantastic.

[@ClintonCaraway]

I've owned at least tree copies of The Mountain on CD. Regardless of my best intentions the next new one always ended up scratched. I now have every song on my phone (KZbin Premium is great because it includes KZbin Music) and listen to it very regularly.

[@T-roy33]

I think have every Steve Earle record available. Had tickets to see Steve in Bloomington once, but ended up having to work and couldn’t go….my wife and I just went and seen The Del McCoury band down in little Nashville IN on the 4th of this month. Del played all the rythm guitar and sang almost every song and he’s 84 !!!

[@jl5464]

If you ever find yourself in that situation again, I recommend you find another job.

[@ronwarnick5248]

I saw one of those 3 1/2-hour shows at the now-closed Mississippi Nights venue in St. Louis. It drew a huge crowd, and I spotted Jay Farrar from Son Volt watching the show closely.

[@open-minded-oldie]

What a happy matter of fact, bloke. Love the way he was able to just tell his candid stories in such a relaxed way.

[@TheOldYellers]

Mike is a great player and guy. How cool.

[@zem1272]

The Mountain is one of my absolute favorite albums of all time… I always thought that they should have made a follow-up album called “The Valley”. It could have been a concept album with songs about the farming life as opposed to mountain/mining life.

[@blackrainbowfiresword177]

Great storytelling!!

[@doughill8475]

Loved this interview -- what a great guy! I've been a major Steve Earle fan since Guitar Town and bluegrass has never been my passion, but The Mountain is in the running (with Guitar Town and Train A Comin') as my favorite Steve album. The songwriting is just so great, especially the title cut. I know, you can say that about a lot of Steve's records. He's one of the very best songwriters of our generation, for sure.

[@MarkusRill]

Tremendously interesting to finally hear all about their collaboration and eventual falling out. We need more Steve Earle-related content. 😊 Drove six hours from Southern Germany to see Steve with the McCoury band at the Paradiso in Amsterdam. Was sitting in a street cafe before the show and saw Steve walking by eating ice cream. Very cool, great gig, too.

[@ClintonCaraway]

Thank you for having Mike on for another episode. He's bluegrass royalty!!

[@stonephilips9361]

V Roy’s live we’re awesome. Saw them open for Steve at the Coach House. Great Show!

[@johndunganmusic]

Absolutely one of my favorite records of all time!

[@allenmckinney2082]

I caught this tour when they played Dallas. The choreography around the mic was pretty entertaining. Probably the most respectful Steve Earle audience I was ever part of. It was great.

[@Gandharvasauls]

I saw them play at a Barnes and Noble bookstore in the Garden State Plaza mall in Paramus, NJ! It was like a weird dream.

[@karlbischoff947]

36 minutes of solid gold. Great episode! Yes, I have The Mountain and it was a big album to me when it came out. I had both McCoury and Earle albums (CDs) in my collection, so this was a no-brainer. And it is a GREAT album. No Depression is still around . . . interestingly mostly in print, not so much online. Thanks Otis!!!

[@stevemoody13]

Yeah, I had the album, and I was lucky enough to catch their show in Durham, NC. What a great night! Thanks for your part in that, Mike. And thanks for having Mike on your channel, Otis and giving us the opportunity to hear his stories and thoughts on that time. I love watching your videos and at some point realizing I've got a huge grin on my face.

[@ronhochhalter3491]

I was at that show in Durham also. That was one of my favorite performances at the Carolina theater have ever witnessed. Maybe only second to Emmylou Harris and Spyboy.

[@callmelenny]

I was there as well. An amazing show.

[@ardenevox]

Absolutely fantastic erudite interview. I played that Del/Steve album on my college radio show. I wouldn't have known Del if not for Steve Earle, whom I'm a huge fan of. Very bright guy.

[@bbq-blues8664]

I was just thinking the exact opposite… Had it not been for Del, I wouldn’t know Steve… Probably, my favorite album, from any genre 💯

[@billlawrence9594]

I’ve seen Steve 3 times, always puts on a good show. Saw him solo acoustic at his residency at City Winery in NYC I think it was in 14 or 15. Absolutely amazing.

[@Freakster1970]

We have a DJ in the UK called Bob Harris and he played a song or two on his radio show every week before the album was officially released ! That's how I heard the album one or two song's per week with a cassette ready to record from the radio. The good old day's 25 years ago before I was online. Train' a Comin was the first SE album I bought and is still my fav too.

[@LewisBurnerPugh]

I had the great pleasure of meeting Mr Bub very briefly at Nashville airport after seeing him a couple of nights before at The Station Inn. Great episode, as always. Much love from UK. ❤

[@JimmyT995]

Someday is a great song Makes me wanna get out of here someday

[@bobk9753]

That was awesome. Mike is a great storyteller.

[@artemisXsidecross]

Thank you again Otis for the continued excellence of your channel ☮

[@HalfFastForward]

Very cool perspective from Mr. Bub. He seems like a good hang.

[@mtslawyer]

The V-Roys session Mr Bub was referring to was for "Virginia Way" from their final studio album, which was called "All About Town"

[@JonathanCurry-rs4kh]

Seen Steve and Mcoury band in Lexington around 2000. Amazing show

[@kimberleyelephant]

I saw the Mountain tour at a small venue (city hall?) in Cheltenham, England. Loved it!

[@chuckskarsaune3149]

Great interview. Big Steve Earle fan, and Train a'Comin is my favorite too. Also big Del fan!

[@lexx6450]

Brilliant interview. Thanks!

[@RBZ3]

Great album as is Train a Comin

[@chadkeltner1779]

Always entertaining

[@Kan-o-tex]

That explains why that album sounds as good as it does. That little sheen of reverb that Rounder tended to put on early '90s bluegrass records wasn't no part of nothing.

[@markfogleman8438]

I saw Mike with Del in Asheville at Be Here Now right after he and Jason joined the band.

[@paullavallee1631]

Great interview Otis !

[@jl5464]

I was always curious about the "m-i-c-k-e-y" intro on the record... and now I know! Definitely worth the wait. My goal for 2024 is to see Steve Earle live in concert. Thank you for sharing the stories, Otis... much ❤️ from Detroit

[@buck13horn]

Fantastic!

[@gregmock6808]

I am a huge fan of Steve Earle and last saw him in Eugene Oregon on his Never Get Out of this World Alive tour. First time I saw him was way back in the late 70s or early 80s at the San Francisco Blues festival. I have "the Mountain and most of Steve's solo recordings...My favorite is probably Washington Square

[@JonathanCurry-rs4kh]

“Train a Comin” is in my top ten albums of all time

[@1coopjsn]

I think that is one of my favorite collaboration type albums ever made. Just beautiful music. I think even the listener can tell the wheels where going to fall off, but what a ride while they held! Steve Earl is something else, especially when wrangled into the halls of genius of Del and gang. Love the perspective from Bub. Thank you!

[@bglrj]

Absolutely riveting.

[@jimholloway9949]

Thanks for this! I saw them at the Birchmere in DC. Great songs, performances and sound. The choreography around that single mic was a show in itself...including a few close calls.

[@scotthilberg8894]

This album is phenomenal. Steve Earle and Del two very iconic musicians who equally stubborn. Its a shame because I would love to see them make another album.

[@JonathanCurry-rs4kh]

Never forget how you guys took turn stepping up to one mic. Really cool seeing that it was like watching aa show from the 50’s

[@johnnystevens6116]

I'll say it again: I could hang out with Mike Bub. He's a great interview, knowledgeable and personable. I love stories like these, as a long-time musician and bluegrasser, I could listen all day. I know a few people he knows, so it makes it more personal for me.

[@IquanaMaster]

I love these interviews. I also love the fact they are usually recorded in the same serial killer motel.

[@Caperhere]

Mike Bub sounds so knowledgeable, and he is a lovely storyteller. Thank you both.

[@OldBanjer]

Thanks for having Bub on again. He’s gotta have all the stories!

[@forestyogin2218]

I listen to at least one song off of that album every day. When I heard "Pilgram", I just assumed that it was a hundred old bluegrass song until I looked it up. I play "Pilgram" before most of the Yoga Practices and Meditation Retreats that I guide. I perform the song myself as the swan song at the end of music events. So yeah . . . I am not hating that album. .:) "I expect to touch his hand" is the goal of all Yoga and Dharma and any path of awakening. >:)

[@aztex5194]

Never saw the tour but I recall finding a promotional copy of the cd in a used record store like a month before it was released! Still one of the best bluegrass albums ever made! Thanks Otis!

[@olebubby]

A small clarification, the group Steve was associated with during our tour was Families of Murder Victims Against The Death Penalty… I left the Family part out.

[@doughill8475]

Thanks for your great stories and for the music!

[@keenosaabi4530]

most excellent Otis!!! i have been a fan of Mike's since he played with del. he is every where sitting in with many groups. he tours with a "local" band called "the Caleb Caulder country band" up here in washington state. mighty fine tunes when mike sits in with anyone. my first copy was on lp and when i joined the 21st century and got a cd player i bought my second copy. thanks Otis, this interview was the highlight of my day.

[@MrSwampFox2U]

Thank you. This is one of my very favorite albums.

[@josephbaca6372]

Absolutely outstanding interview. What a nice guy.

[@landontesar3070]

Great conversation, Mike, Otis, thank you.

[@dddsqd]

Great interview! I loved The Mountain when it came out!!

[@joyceb.sachsesachse1242]

Otis , out of the park again, great history. I followed the California Blue grass fest , up and down the coast since the 60s and they were great , you were able to camp at most of them for a week and make money cleaning up the private camp grounds after the best. Followed them along with Dead concerts at the same time. Good times.

[@peacock74]

Thank you so much for this one, great stories. Saw the show in Oslo, amazing with the one mike thing, easily one of my favourite Steve gigs through the years 😊

[@otisgibbs]

Ways to support this channel. www.patreon.com/otisgibbs kzbin.info/door/YX2MTovE0vYjD8touqRH7Qjoin Tip jar for anyone who wants to help support this channel. paypal.me/otisgibbs?locale.x=... www.venmo.com/OtisGibbs Paypal: @otisgibbs Venmo: @OtisGibbs

[@mikelawrence4849]

Wow these interviews or one act plays are absolutely great. Thanks!

[@jeffsmith1945]

Great stories! Thanks Otis and Mike! You made my day! Merry Christmas!❤❤❤

[@catheryndenton1766]

A very diplomatic delivery of what could have been pretty contentious run of gigs.

[@MinglewoodSlim]

"Put yer hat on, If you want to be in the band you got to put your hat on"

[@clyde1279]

Mike Bub is a great story teller. Hope there's more installments. "The Mountain" is a gem. Saw a Del show and several Steve shows. Big Steve Earle fan. He is a prolific song writer. Thanks, Otis for this great interview. May be one day you'll have a guest tell some Bottle Rocket stories.

[@johnrosier1686]

I was actually at that Farmaid and it was 1998 as best as I can remember. I still have the T-shirt somewhere. I thought it was a strange pairing because I thought at the time that Steve Earle was more of a rock musician so why did he have a bluegrass band playing with him? It worked out ok but I wasn’t sure what to expect when I went to the show that day. On another note- I wasn’t sure if I had ever seen Mike Bub play live but now I know that I have.

[@Rico-je4yy]

One of your best ones, Otis. Answered a lot my curiosities about the great album and the aftermath. Bub is cool. Thanks.

[@MrFrogman54]

Another very informative interview Otis! Thanks

[@JKlasen]

Otis, great great interview. Lots of good info. Steve autographed my copy of The Mountain when he played at Penns Landing in Philly. Del and band not with him then, in fact he may have been solo. But I loved that record and had this book or something with me.

[@jschwam1307]

This is such a fantastic interview. So informative and enjoyable to listen to. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@forrestcowan448]

Awsome story thanks

[@PeterKeaneMusic]

excellent interview!

[@HonkyTonkHellraiser]

It's the attitude of guys like Del McCoury why Bluegrass music is where it is in American popular music. Del had a chance that no other Bluegrass group would ever get and jos stubbornness and attitude to change with the times.

[@johnny85er]

Wait a minute! I worked Farmaid this year at deer creek. At one point backstage I was talking with a guy about the unannounced special artist. It was TOTALLY THIS GUY! He gave me nod & wink when I said my two guesses… one being Dylan What a small world

[@GIBKEL]

Killer record and was lucky to have seen them at the Guinness Fleadh Festival in Chicago. Miserable soggy hot festival with great music.

[@m.clarren6220]

Just wow..

[@ish474]

It's such a weird coincidence but I live close enough to Dell Fest that local radio advertisers it every year. So while I'm not the biggest bluegrass fan I've always known about Dell. And, I was in New York City the night they played Conan. I was with other people so it wasn't up to me if we went or not but I remember thinking how cool it would have been to have seen them in New York City

[@aprillemons3922]

Just curious. I'm sure you've probably answered this before but I've missed it... What is your favourite autobiography? Also.. Love your content! Thank you

[@HonkyTonkHellraiser]

Is Room & Board Ray Kennedy's studio?

[@danielstephens9748]

Heard Steve wants to do another bluegrass album...great Idea!

[@loosieclocker]

Bub!

[@lindseywalker6925]

Back then, I bought the collaboration album. Too much Steve. Not enough Del.

[@thomasfarmer8686]

What type of talent one would need to deal with large personalities like steve and del. I bet he was thinking just how to get out of that pickle.

[@mikemulligan1798]

I miss Mike Bubb’s Bill Monroe impression.

[@BulldoggerJK]

I love a lot of Steve Earle songs. I love Del McCoury. The Mountain is the worst thing musically Del was ever a part of. I’m a bluegrass bigot. That album collects dust. Cold Hard Facts, The Family, every other album is so much better. I’d love to hear the story about Mike and Jason getting fired and only Jason being hired back. Seemed so strange.

[@scottchenoweth4937]

I love Steve Earle, but I do not like him. Thank you for all the insight. Do you know what I mean?

[@artemisXsidecross]

Like Vincent Van Gough who was said to ingest his favorite colored oil paints, you might not want to share a dinner with him but could still enjoy his work and art.

[@user-kx9jn5le6z]

Best writing of any album of original bluegrass ever!

[@WillyPDX94]

I never liked Steve Earle. Not one bit. Mostly because every time I saw him interviewed he came across as a total narcissist. When he told the story about standing on Bob Dylan's coffee table and shouting that Townes Van Zandt was the greatest songwriter that ever lived seemed more about Earle bragging about how he bought Dylan's apartment than an homage to Townes. And pretty much every interview with Earle seemed to turn into an ego-fest. He was very full of himself. But hearing what Mike Bub had to say made me appreciate another side of Earle. His generosity was something I never knew about. So I'm done hating on Earle no matter how narcissistic he may be. Nobody's perfect, least of all me.

[@artemisXsidecross]

There is two sides to every coin ☮

[@doughooper9918]

I lost a lot of respect for Del after listening to this interview.