Steve Earle Live Acoustic Show: 1991 Live at McCabes

My favorite live acoustic show by one of my favorite singer/songwriters......Live from 1991 at McCabes. I'm not going to list the songs and times for you. I think you should watch it all!
Steve Earle is an amazing performer whether its 2014 or 1991

[@jimolson8424]

His collection of mandolin , acoustic, electric guitars, harmonicas are second to no one.

[@jimolson8424]

It used to be I was really free. I didn't need no gasoline to run.. Nobody can replace Steve. The living icon..

[@ralphbernhisel7966]

I sat in the 2nd row. Greatest music performance I ever saw.!!

[@fivecitydirttracker4776]

Nice, got to be one of your fonder recalls in this journey we call life. Steve is amazing live.

[@jimolson8424]

Steve has a unique voice, stile that sets him apart from all the others. His ability to write & perform rock, country, blues, anything in between. He is a artist at the highest level ever. I am a fan since I discovered the music in 1985. Austin city limits was one of the best. Keep on going Steve. He has never stopped making music well after the rest faded away. Still on tour 2024 for all the fans of real music .

[@l.quijano5451]

If you dig this your surely a friend of mine!

[@Daughter-of-an-outlaw]

Nice to meet you friend lol

[@grandmasbabees]

Even all messed up on drugs he gave a good show and he's (was and now) a good down to earth man... he's the best

[@douglasgay4497]

One of my favorites period. I think one of the first performances after he got clean was on Marty's Party show. Marty sang a little song for the intro called it sure is good to have Steve back around. Well worth looking up. Steve did Guitar Town then he and Marty did my old friend the blues together. Awesome performance. And yes, it sure is good to have Steve back around.!

[@nickatto9225]

Steve played a show in my hometown in Bc. Years ago now. Small enough venue that he did a signing at the end. Show was amazing, band he toured with was great! And I got to shake the man’s hand, get an autograph and photo. But I could see that he was tired and I didn’t want to waste any more of his time then I already had, but I really wish I had had the guts to tell him how profoundly moving his music has been to me and how much of an impact it’s had on my life! Alas, I didn’t bother boring him with my rant!

[@jimsanford9215]

I saw Steve @ Maxwells in Hoboken...'88-'89...it was my friends and I...we gave Steve a recording of my friend's band Trainwreck...He allowed us to attach a little microphone to his guitar mike...it was a surprisingly good recording...not too long after that we heard he was in prison...we tried to call him...I found him to be an amiable fellow and I think the greatest country singer-songwriter since Hank Williams Sr. ...I'm really glad that he's still alive!

[@smwrbd]

You should post it.

[@jimsanford9215]

@@smwrbd I gave it to a friend of mine...

[@sheilashields6386]

Before going to Ireland in 20015, I heard a Copperhead Road on the radio, which I remembered from my high school days. I thought "What ever happened to Steve Earle". He had been off my radar since 1984. I decided to check him out online. So I go to Ireland and during our trip, I heard "Galway Girl". I got back to the states and I'm in a used book store, I come across his memoir & bought it. I thought "Ok God/universe, I hear you...I went home and checked him out on the internet. BOOM mind blown ! I've now seen him several time in concert, read the book, bought the albums...LOVE Steve Earle's music.

[@brazenlilhussy5975]

Make sure check out his recently passed son, Justin Townes Earle. I'm guessing you've heard of him it's just this show always brings him to mind. Both forces of nature with just a stringbox and their voice. Slainte.

[@christinaperrigo]

In the case that you may have not come to the knowledge of Truth and Life as of yet...... God created the universe and Everything in it. God is Not the Universe. ..... ..... .... God Bless You In All Truth and Repentance. - In Christ, Christina

[@theharringtons2010]

I j get lost for hours listening to Steve singing and playing guitar..thanks for this..

[@jeaniebradley6936]

Steve Earle, you’re the best. Always, forever, For certain

[@shepp8964]

I've always loved Steve Earles music. . He's as real as it gets.

[@jessevanoy9476]

amen brother seen him twice my dad's seen him 20 times

[@Honestly__now]

Yeah- he has real talent

[@langstongrandma]

I could listen to/watch this entire video over and over - true music from the soul of a singer/songwriter. Thank God he came back to us.

[@cherylewart2932]

OMG!!....what rock have I been under for the past 30 years?? Someone put Copperhead Road on my phone. Got my attention for sure. Have been checking out any other stuff I can find. So far, there is nothing I don't like. This man shakes my bones.

[@rachel_Cochran]

Have you listened to Townes VanZandt? Will blow your socks off too

[@lavonnacasey5724]

Townes was Steve’s mentor back in the late 70s . I am from Colorado joyful to say I was one of Townes”Many A Fine Lady” He wrote Pueblo Waltz about our time .

[@bobbybobberson9349]

@@lavonnacasey5724 I love that song. Beautiful melody and lyrics!

[@davidgreggmusic]

This is absolutely amazing! I've been a fan since the 80s, and saw him around 2001 on the Transcendental Blues tour in Asheville, NC. One of the best, and loudest shows I've seen. He had cleaned up by then, and I'm glad he found a way to shed his demons, but God! No matter how messed up he was here, he was totally dialed in!

[@stevealexander5248]

omg love Steve Earle one of the greatest song writers of all time!!!!!!

[@DocSandwiches]

Bubbles, you couldn't have had a better sponsor!

[@MSJsoul]

What a venue can’t believe I missed this one. Seen so many great shows there. Steve the real deal times ten. “I’m a sinner Lord can’t you see, have mercy on me.” That ain’t manufactured in any way. National Treasure .

[@chuckswarriors5676]

some songs NEVER get old...they're timeless....thanks Steve...

[@dsmithad]

I think this is the show a friend shot. I have a couple of autographed photos that he gave me. Talked to steve at the house of blues sunset, and he gave me his business card, so I mailed the shots off and he signed them and sent them back. Killer performer and a nice guy.

[@JasonSmith-gm7gs]

k

[@leelane9929]

I've known Steve for a very long time. I seen him thru this period in his life, thank God he survived it. I've never seen this video but I've seen him perform during this time.

[@bobfells]

Saw Steve open for Hot Tuna a few years back. You can't beat a man and a guitar. Cuts right through the crowd and makes everyone shut up. He played a few Townes songs and a few of his newer stuff. He looked and sounded great I'm happy I got to see him.

[@rontalley2]

Talk about unique style and expressiveness that flows out from within his self! One of my heroes. R

[@BugsAndWombats]

Only one singer/songwriter can top Earle and that's Bob Dylan. And I'll stand on Steve Earle's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that". No knock on Steve there - that's pretty bloody incredible!

[@michevicus2987]

Townes Van Zandt Is greater than Earle.

[@Trainacomin]

Setlist: The Other Kind Have Mercy Hometown Blues Devil's Right Hand Sometimes She Forgets Johnny Come Lately So Different Blues Limousine Blues Saturday Night and Sunday Morning Regular Guy Close Your Eyes Copperhead Road CCKMP Notes: First live performance of CCKMP.

[@whitebluesky6932]

Love the Copperhead road song on this show. " Nobody could tell me I was playing it wrong, cause I wrote it". - Steve Earle. LOL Love that mandolin playing. "Close Your Eyes is a good one too. Special one for me. David Olney song is also pretty, but very sad.

[@jeffsellers3988]

dam I all ways liked his style. all ways. 💘 ya Steve

[@jimolson8424]

I respect anyone that never gives up . Live life no matter what comes I have been doing all of it I will never give up . I will never give in until it's all gone. I love every one who has been a part of my journey.

[@shadwilliams1502]

Great to put an old Steve Earle stripped back show on for us to enjoy. I'm a Brit who found him playing on the mandolin with Energy Orchard some 30 years ago I guess. I hunted him down and found Copperhead Road, Shut up and die like an Aviator and while in Germany The Hard Way. Oh Man, this mans style changed my life, and so pleased to se his passion for song crafting coming across in this footage. Thank you for sharing. I play loads of his stuff busking in the force, it's the best stuff out there for a street performer. Cheers!

[@jessicathomas3119]

Then and now. The timeline he has been through. Been a fan from day one.

[@margaretgraves5109]

Still love watching Steve❤

[@antya77]

Saw Steve in Berlin a few years ago, AMAZING and great musician. He played alone and totally rocked the show from beginning till end. Thank you for posting this great concert.

[@xkguy]

OMG the strum on the first song!!!

[@eazyrider6122]

Hes a great musician, Singer and song writer. There will only be one Steve Earle

[@scottay69]

he is loving that up strum,,great performance.

[@castanzes]

Yes, it's very effective!

[@paulmarsteller6422]

Saw him in northeast D.C. in the 1980s, any many larger venues since (including after he got out of prison at The Birchmere in D.C area). Feel very lucky to have caught him then. Came throug San Diego area a couple of times in the past couple of decades. Hopefully, he gets back out there sometime soon and stays well. The Hank Williams of our era.

[@joshmoraghan8919]

I bought one of my first guitars at McCabes in Santa Monica. About a year before this concert. Wish I had seen this show...

[@deanfougere2105]

Fantastic! As a fan who has followed SE from the beginning what a treat to find this treasure this evening! Thanks for posting

[@terribarrett9381]

I saw him in the late 80s at Rupp Arena in Lexington KY when he opened for Hank JR. I've always loved him and always will. You are bad-ass Steve Earle......!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Claudiese]

I really love him, It makes me sad seeing him at that time, when things were really rough for him, but I´m so grateful you posted this, I´ll keep it in favorites...thank you so much.

[@lindseycargill9784]

This is unbelievable! Steve is just perfect in this show, totally dialed in. This could be one of the greatest live solo performances I have ever seen. Thanks for posting this!

[@montpelier28]

Had never seen younger Steve Earl, Love his voice (and lyrics)

[@nilradem]

Seriously? This is the early 90s and there are a lot of videos from the 80s where he is younger - including most of his official videos (anything from Guitar Town or Copperhead Road albums, for instance.) Look up Heartworn Highways videos if you really want to see a young Steve.

[@whitebluesky6932]

Also, check out sosume's100 channel. Good older videos of him too.

[@nilradem]

Definitely - Sosume100 was a High School friend of Steve's and sound guy, and has some amazing early work by Earle. You can hear the nervousness in his voice.

[@whitebluesky6932]

nilradem They are good songs. From what I gather from reading some of the posts, it sounds as though his friend Charlie passed away and now his son is running it. That is too bad that he passed away. I didn't really notice nervousness in Steve's voice, but he probably was nervous.

[@nilradem]

whitebluesky Yes - I exchanged some PMs with a friend of Charlie/Sosume's after he died a couple years ago. He told me he thought Charlie's son had the tapes, but I don't think anyone took over the channel. There seemed to be some conflict in the family. When I mentioned nervousness, I was thinking of some of the very earliest demos, like "Teresa." But Steve developed confidence quickly.

[@mikereed4223]

When Steve Earle sings I want to be one of the Other Kind.

[@garyhickey4415]

This is awesome... thanks for sharing! Just like today's country music...

[@princessofhesse]

This was probably at the worst time in Steve’s life, thank God he outran his demons...

[@bowiehenrik4543]

I guess I am quite off topic but do anybody know a good place to stream new series online?

[@LikeWater425]

@@bowiehenrik4543 wtf

[@augustwest752]

Say what you’re gonna say this is one of his best performances ever

[@derekbaker915]

​llllp

[@TR-yi8up]

@@augustwest752nope. It has moments that are great, but pick about any show he did after getting out of jail (including that MTV show from the jail) and he’s better. I love the first two songs here, and a couple after, but the highs never balance out the lows on this one. He’s clearly struggling, and I have to say he’s fighting hard to get back to the music, but as long as the drugs were winning he wasn’t ever at his best.

[@iamplay797]

so cool i was a mess too at that time in history love you steve

[@andrewtaylor7484]

Thanks for posting this awesome concert!! Please pay attention people!

[@ben9161]

good shit not a big country fan or him but stumbled upon this and watched all the way through really great raw performance

[@bldallas]

Started really liking Steve, when the Exit 0 album first came out. At the time, my friends and I were mainly into “alternative” music, but a good friend got into Steve when Guitar Town dropped. We were also starting to get into alt-country (Uncle Tupelo, Jayhawks, Beat Farmers, etc.) around that time. Our whole group of friends basically became SE and the Dukes fanatics, from that point on. We saw him many times, in many places. I recall seeing virtually this same show at Door David’s in Dallas, and sitting right where this camera is positioned. He played/sounded great. Though there were rumors, we didn’t fully learn until later, how messed up he was on H at the time. You can see it, now, in this old video. Sure glad he made it thru that part of his life and is still doing his thing.

[@suziemcdonald9590]

Steve Earle's music is great, I didn't know until their concert with

[@Weasel123able]

arguably one of his best songs.....such a great writer

[@smoothbap]

Found KPIG in Watsonville and Mr. Earle at the same time in the late 80's - early 90's ..... nothing made the trip out to the racetrack more badassed than Copperhead Road blasting on the Pig ..... a most excellent performer. Thanks for posting.

[@fivecitydirttracker4776]

As a long time KPIG listener, I have been turned on to many artists I'd never been aware of if I was on main stream radio. Pismo beach native ✌️🌊⛱️

[@mobettatoon7098]

Man I Love his post I am always coming back. Thanks

[@mobettatoon7098]

still listening

[@herbertquain6875]

If anyone/thing should be tired of winning it's youtube. It's even kind of better than a time machine because you don't have to worry about altering the future and all that stuff.... Thanks so much for posting. First two songs are life changers, huge Steve Earle fan but never heard those songs acoustic.

[@juderandall703]

Hard to find early footage of Steve Earle, this is fab, thanks for posting! x

[@aadioetomo6552]

That acoustic guitar sounds sooo damn good, though!!

[@daviddawson1718]

Yes, and it pisses me off because it sounds better than mine

[@thebigmarbowski84]

Have mercy is one of, if not my favorite Steve song, This was a nice version.

[@karenmiller319]

"I'm not going to list the songs and times for you. I think you should watch it all!" Thanks Fraser, I think you did us all a favour

[@concertboppermc3521]

Steve Earle is one of the best alright, thanks Fraser. right on. watch it all! shout out to McCabe's for all singer/songwriters

[@nilradem]

Thanks for this. I had a copy, but lost it when my hard drive blew up. So many great performances here. I especially like his versions of "Close Your Eyes" and "Have Mercy," which he rarely plays now. Also love his cover of Dave Olney, who is definitely an underappreciated writer.

[@janetlopez6813]

WOW !!! is all I can say...I'm glad he made it back !!! Love Steve and his music !

[@denji7696]

He is so good

[@volmann35]

I didn't think he was gonna make it thru 'Devil's Right Hand'.......but, he bumped his way thru. Glad he survived, a Fairview, Tennessee boy when he hit it big....

[@margaretgraves5109]

Steve came to the UK last year. I seen him twice 09th & 17th June, Alone Again & Accoustic Tour 2023. Steve was amazing, I met him both times, first time he autographed my arm for me. Also we had photos took together. I showed him my tatt & i had 4 photos printed out & he signed them for me. He said they were very good The one were he is laughing & pointing was cos the guy taking the photo, took quite a few, it was more like a photo shoot. Time stood still when i was him. No wonder he has been married so many times, he as this lovely aura around him. He is such a lovely man, he had me laughing so much. Steve is in the best of health. Only thing is on the twice i met him, each time I forgot to ask him to marry me 😂😂😂 Maybe thats good cos he would of replied with a resounding NO! Hahaha. Steve will never know how his & Justin's music helps me, i didn't tell him what i had been going through, and him coming to the uk as prayers are answered when they are honest & true. God gives you what you need. Not what you want & sometimes more than what you ever dreamed of. ❤

[@lynnehayes5720]

OMG bloody hell he is just awesome!!! Have always loved your music mate. There is a young bloke on AUSSIE XFACTOR who is my favourite contestant as his style reminds me so much of a young Steve Earle. I am an youth from the late 60's, 70's and80's I don't care that much for the trash they call music today and don't watch AUSSIE XFACTOR but this kid DEAN RAY (real name Dean Pritchard) took my breath away. I have been begging XFACTOR to get Deanie to sing Copperhead Road or one of Steve Earle's great hits to no avail but ill keep trying. Thank you for the great memories mate.

[@LoneDriver42]

Was living down the street off Sepulveda, my wife took me to Mccabes to see him. I thought he had a lot of nerve coming a hot mess as he did. That must of been a hell of a bump. Was still a good show, made me glad I wasn't in that life myself any longer. Glad he finally outgrew it himself.

[@herbertquain6875]

The best living songwriter (and yeah, I'm aware of who all is still alive).

[@NealDurando]

Always plays loud and proud like he's busking.

[@brazenlilhussy5975]

That's a brilliant comparison man, I've played just like he has here (half-clucking or else just recently clean) and obviously I'm only an oul mimic when it comes to it, it's still rough af. Steve always seems to have this unshakeable confidence (I believe Justin had the same too, and the either blessing/curse to be able to play well brilliantly when they're struggling.) Feels like it's bleeding outta them. R.I.P JTE.

[@darrenaurand7138]

I'm a big fan of Steve's and also champion some young Irish Buskers....You make a excellent comparison! Saw Steve interviewed once where he said if he wasn't making records etc. he'd be a BUSKER 😁

[@josephcornelius3198]

Thank you for sharing this with me and everyone else. Steve Earle is my favorite still today.

[@michaelparker865]

Saw him at Raoul's Roadside Attraction (not sure that's correct) in Maine about this same time. This is how I recall him whenever I imagine him singing.

[@shovingwords]

thank you so much for posting this. I'm a massive Steve Earle fan, and this is brilliant. Thank you.

[@PanoramicMoments]

B Torrance Snap

[@ABC12355722]

B Torrance .

[@ByDesign333]

Seeing Rich Man's War brought me here ...his artistry sure doesn't avoid the painful...and his sound! We got something in common he and i...our sentiments for the Dick Cheney and George W. Bush cronies club.

[@xkguy]

The Guitar is a Gibson J200 Celebrity. (90) made. I finally got one. Took me a year to ID the model and another year to locate one in Japan. At David Gilmour's auction 2 of these sold for just under $250,000 each. Perfect guitar for Steve even though he is a Martin guy now.

[@michellewatson5954]

This is great! I'm happy.

[@ottomechb]

Really Great Captivating Video! Thanks for Posting.

[@lorijones5847]

I am totally in love with Steve Earle. He's beautiful no matter what.

[@andrewbowen6875]

Just two days after the tragic passing of his son he sent me a private message with his email address after I expressed my love for this performance and being sorry for his loss. I never replied but how genuine a guy is Steve Earle can be answered right there.

[@steveearle1956]

Hello lorijones How're you doing? Thanks for all your love and support, Also for being an amazing fan. It's nice meeting you here 🌹

[@lorijones5847]

@@steveearle1956 is that a doghouse rose? The tribute was good.

[@steveearle1956]

@@lorijones5847 Thank you for being an amazing fan. I decided to take out some free time and put smiles on my fans showing love and appreciation and also get to communicate with my fans better through discussion, my mailing address is written below, feel free to send me an email 🌹

[@lorijones5847]

@@steveearle1956 2 days and a wakeup til the real deal in person. I can't wait.

[@danielkarlsen3806]

you sir rock thank you for keeping mr earles music alive awesome mf show

[@vickymayo6052]

His latest album dedicated to his son JT is powerful. All proceeds go to Justin Townes Earl's daughter.

[@steveearle1956]

Hello vicky How're you doing? Thanks for all your love and support, Also for being an amazing fan, It's nice meeting you here 🌹

[@NoWay1969]

Never saw this before. Thank You for posting. This would be around the same time he did the set on the Nashville Network on Jerry Jeff Walkers (?) show. Then he went to prison and disappeared until he dropped two albums and showed up on Musician Magazines cover with Townes.

[@nilradem]

Yep - around the same time as the Nashville Now show - some of his last appearances. Looks like he's been dragged through the s%#t backwards (as my grandfather would have said), but he sounds raw and real. His disappearance was before the prison time, though. He on the streets of Nashville for a couple years, living close to the drugs. Getting arrested was a good thing (for him at least) and helped bring him back. He went to prison in Sept 94, was released after a month in rehab followed by a month in jail, then had the new album out by February 95. I have always been amazed at how quickly he turned around and got Train a Comin' out, but I am sure it was a financial necessity. Mostly old songs and covers, but still surprising..

[@NoWay1969]

I understand my opinion isn't widely shared, but The Other Kind is my favorite album of his. It's so dark it's scary at times. When he did the Nashville Network show he looked worse than he does here. He CCKMP (for the first time I had ever heard it) and he looked like a skeleton playing a mandolin. Steve's one of those rare songwriters that can do craftsmanship and passion both. Pretty amazing.

[@standstill0641]

Classic earle from the hard way period. Very rare to hear these songs now at a earle concert.

[@robertnickel7279]

Heroin's a bitch and I'm just glad he made it through the other side.

[@claudiagibsonmusic]

Yes, he was looking a little rough in this one.

[@CHolloway1290]

+Claudia Gibson He's lucky to be alive if you've read his book.

[@kandylangford5886]

For sure...

[@danozism]

I'm forced to disagree, as a recovering addict. He's making sense to me- nearly 30 years on. And the songs and performance are amazing. You can't believe everything you read. Or hear. His comments about the Iraq war sound like the thoughts of a man on the right side of history.

[@donrutter6550]

Check out the Rodney Crowell video of him Jamming with Steve in a kitchen party when the were kids.

[@jkenny7374]

Amazing!!! Thanks so much for posting this nearly long lost show.

[@janetlopez6813]

Hard to watch with his battles he was dealing with ..man oh man ..so sad to watch..and the life he wasted away ...feel for his son too ...Justin

[@z.c.6478]

Legendary

[@langstongrandma]

Thank you. I agree - watch the whole show.

[@feairs]

awesome. thanks for posting

[@62PKC]

Yep- you got that right. Thanks for posting!

[@WilFriesen]

What a treat. Thanks for the upload.

[@theAlienpirate]

The audio is not that great on this...... still better than than what we have now....30 years Steve.... and your showing us why we long for yesterday.

[@briangeller409]

Thanx Fraser- loving the show man !

[@jackknife5062]

Thanks for posting this

[@johnbrengelman1226]

Thanks for posting this. One of my favorite Steve Earle songs.

[@justinschwartz3579]

i had no idea he wrote devil's right hand. love that tune.

[@karengomes1540]

Soo darn good steven❤❤

[@karengomes1540]

You make me cry..

[@klausrain111]

We're all the better for Steve being around. His persona, his demeanor here, pretty edgy, intense, maybe feral. Probably got some decent nookie after the show.

[@volmann35]

You're spot on...saw him in Nashville the next year and he was vibrating so badly thought he was gonna explode. But...........still was able to perform, just hard to look at. He was playing at one of my buddy's super dive clubs..'Club 1000'....and yep, he was knee deep in nookie....

[@alessandrooliviero964]

GRAZIE!!!

[@xkguy]

I have watched this more than a mature adult probably should but the aspiring performer can learn a lot from Earle. He is just a better than average guitar player with a limited vocal range. His power is in song writing and using his the skills he has to the max.His chords are always simple (more complicated lately) but as seen here his strumming is unique and powerful. If you want to perform, starting with Earle songs is an excellent way to start. Copperhead Road can be learned on the mandolin in 10 minutes!

[@STEViEmando]

xkguy . Steve Earle and Copperhead Road was what got me started playin' mandolin. I've a modest career to thank him for.

[@BaronLane]

Looks rough, sounds great.

[@TheABCDEF1979]

Awesome!

[@zencabbage]

Awesome!!