Tommy Emmanuel Interview "I Rarely Have People at Soundcheck" (2 of 2)

Tommy Emmanuel drops by the Acoustic Letter studio to talk with Tony Polecastro about sound check and his Maton guitars. This is part 2 of 2.
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[@hamishwatts226]

When I was a boy, Tommy lived a few doors up from me for a while in Sydney. He was so nice. He signed my brothers drum skin and played at a local church where I was properly blown away and helped charge my love for music. A true bloody legend.

[@capoman1]

Doesn't get any better than talking with Tommy. Nobody else is quite so "real."

[@minenu11]

I first saw Tommy play at one of his early “pub” gigs at a The Station resort in Australia in the 80’s. It was exactly as he said, he played in a way that had the place mesmerised within seconds of him introducing himself and being largely ignored. Boy we got a show that night!!! I’ve seen him four more times over the years and it will never get old. Whenever I get the opportunity I go to see him play.

[@willistaylor4077]

God, I enjoy hearing Tommy in interviews. ❤️❤️🎸🎸💕

[@georgelincoln5041]

"My whole body is a metronome" This is my new mantra.

[@dennisneo1608]

It was seeing Tommy on the Good Morning Australia show (or something like that) in the late 80s, that inspired me to take up guitar. Unlike Tommy, I started on acoustic, then discovered Knopfler and Gilmour and quickly moved to electric. But now, I'm 50 and getting into pingerpicking, thanks to Tommy. By the way, for those who don't know, Tommy's brother Phil (RIP) was a phemominal guitarist as well.

[@nathanielbrice8725]

He’s the true definition of a legend, not just as a guitarist but as a humble person

[@Pinoysoundmachine74]

Tommy E you’re amazing! There’s no doubt you’re the greatest guitar player and a humble person as well. Love you man! You’ve inspired me to play guitar.

[@leterroir]

I was on my way for an urgent task when i started watching this interview . Watched both parts. Got late on my duties. Didn't care . This interview is like a glass of ice cold water in a desert. Thanks AL !

[@bernardhull]

Thanks for this interview. Very entertaining and informative. Some excellent advice from Tommy too (not to mention great playing). What an awesome individual he is (no slouch on the guitar or percussion either). Compared to him I'm a pretend guitarist (but I do what I can). My guitar playing hasn't taken me around the world but my voice has. I had the pleasure of being one of the other solo artists (vocalist) in an outdoor Christmas concert in my hometown in Australia many years ago and Tommy was the headline act. He was awesome and stole the show (of course). I had a brief chat with him during the evening. He is always down to earth and genuine. I asked him, "How did you get to play like that?" "Practice" he replied. Then Tommy asked me "How did you get to sing like that?" "Practice," I replied. I may have to get him to sign my Maton ukulele if we ever cross paths again.

[@chreshcat]

Anyone else in shear aww during the whole interview? What a legend!

[@adityanemlekar]

I pretty much threw out my guitars when i heard Tommy do the brushes/bass/singing bit. We are truly in the presence of a higher life-form.

[@john-ob7bv]

Ive met tommy hes so enthusiastic about guitar. I fking love it. It made me learn his new song scarletts world. I shook hands with a god wow. Love this guy 🎉

[@Meymeygwis]

Tommy Emmanuel is such a class act. Tony is a gifted, knowledgeable, charismatic guy. Amazing how TE could consistently blow Tony away with his humble, joyful, simple wisdom, the mark of true genius. That one lick he shared on the previous video I had to play over and over.

[@Snakefinger1000]

I remember when Tommy used to play drums in Goldrush the band that he and his brother Phil had sadly Phil passed in 2018 at the age 65 from an asthma attack. We used to see them play at the Newport Arms in Sydney's northern beaches. This is back in the 1970s when I was in my twenties.

[@williamdodge8314]

Tommy Emmanuel is just an amazing artist, and SOOOOo gracious. FINALLY got to see him in concert 2 weeks ago, I am just in AWE. It is so obvious when he is playing that he has a total connection to his instrument. They are one. He FEELS every note and nuance. HIs rendition of Somewhere Over The Rainbow is one of my favorite guitar pieces, so much so that I used it for my Mothers funeral last Spring. She always sang it when I was growing up. Thanks for this video, I could watch and listen all day.

[@mytubeworldmayhem]

This is one heck of a video. Tony is totally starstuck just like any true guitar nerd would in Tommy's presence. Thanks for this video Tony.

[@jack1234356]

Great interview & advice from TE, I got a Maton EM325C which I purchased 22 years ago & it still sounds great!!!

[@Dennisvandersanden]

Where's part 3&4&5 and the rest of the thousand! we need moar!

[@Dennisvandersanden]

And could youguys make a video about a taylor 912 or 812ce, i'm thinking of buying it. But I dont know how the smaller bodysizes of these guitars sound, also with the other bracing in the 812. Thanks for readin! :)

[@guitarist2oo8]

Dennis van der Sanden Did you buy one? :)

[@festushaggen2563]

I stumbled across Tommy playing on PBS awhile ago and I had to watch till the end. Super talented, entertaining and likable guy.

[@DavidMJanes]

Tommy/Tony, exceptional interview. Loved it... The greatest thing I heard was Tommy, you are 59. I am 45 and started guitar 3 years ago, so I have 14 more years to judge my progress to your lifetime of playing. What I really expect is that at 59, I will be playing, and singing and entertaining and hearing people say, "Hey, when are you playing here again?", and that will make all the difference. Cheers you two!

[@Kenoath002]

I've been lucky enough to see Tommy many times and see and hear his sound checks in pubs I worked in many years ago. Legend .

[@FuzzFace80]

Great interview! I could watch this all day.

[@robertlennox3607]

Great insight from my favourite acoustic player ever. I play Matons too but have my own sound and my own voice. Each guitarist is different - love what you do. Peace everyone :-)

[@user-kk4pz4wx6h]

best man on earth who plays the guitar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tommy is so real to the audience and for all guitar player in the world remember !!! choose the best one that fits you not the price:)))))))

[@Jamler3]

Good interview... Tommy is so REAL... Never be another like him

[@olekristianfollstad5913]

TE is the most inspiering guy alive. keep it up

[@LudwikKonopkoMusic]

God bless you,Mr.Tommy!!!!!

[@craigjohnson4302]

OUTSTANDING! Now why can't I get that word out of my mind?!

[@slash2jimi]

I know that feeling of being in the presence of someone so good and being dazzled and only being able to chuckle at how happy and amazed you are.

[@ron980]

That was a great interview. Outstanding.

[@BigFiveJack]

Hits his head on the mike to add to his total sound collection - CREATIVITY - Pouring forth From Tommy Emmanuel !!!

[@davidkennedy1271]

Thanks for the interview. Tommy is one of my favorite performers.....period. And it's not just about how and what he plays. He's like a good, raging infection.

[@lonestrat]

Great interview! I was lucky enough to have a meet n greet with Tommy a few weeks ago in MA. I still cant believe it!

[@TommyLane]

Excellent interview. Tony, you're a very good interviewer. Tommy, besides being such a great guitar player, you have an entertaining, honest and forthcoming personality. You are both seemingly down to earth.

[@lukeb1751]

Tommy is completely correct when I got my hofner and harmony people kept telling me they were junk but I loved them and the sound they made now we are inseperable

[@mikeoakley7470]

One of the more rare artists who is probably as stoked to play as the crowd is to hear. I've seen him a few times and he is always entertaining, always great and always honest and exciting. Love TM.

[@KloderTX]

What a great artist (and human being). His playing is always joyful. Thanks Acoustic Letter & Tony for bringing this to us.

[@AbbieHoffmansGhost]

Not just talented but a real musician who understands music and can pass that on to the listener. And you can't miss the fact that he loves what he plays and that happiness is infectious.

[@lloydbowen557]

Priceless information from years of experience. Nice one Tommy ❤

[@billkirkeby2881]

A great interview Tony. What a great practical musician! Such great advice for all aspiring acoustic geeks!

[@AnthonyBurnsSydney]

One of the great joys of my life was to hear Tommy in the 1980's, Tommy was on drums in a band called Goldrush, his brother Phil (the Wiz) was on guitar. Then they would play the same guitar, one stummed one picked.

[@jasoncavitt2043]

His enthusiasm is constant, and it makes me want to practice. I _knew_ he had to be a drummer, too.

[@mjallenuk]

Fantastic... what an education and an honour to get such wonderful insights... thank you ... :o)

[@Xminor79]

Tommy Emmanuel is my hero! I can't get enough of these types of vids! I could literally watch them all day, everyday (when I'm not playing guitar)

[@evvignes]

Outstanding!

[@stevanz1]

Awesome vid!!

[@cliffordgwekwe9853]

Great lesson Tommy, "find one that works for you" Absolutely true

[@shreddiestreams]

That last bit Tommy said was so true, so real and so eye opening. I loved it. There's so much to learn from everything he said during this interview.

[@ukemaniak]

great interview! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@RayCassidy]

Fantastic Tommy! I'll never forget seeing you for the first time at Brampton Live in the tent that afternoon! Initiation just made the hairs on the back of my neck jump to attention! You entertained!

[@bradcarroll3719]

Wonderful choice of thoughtful questions Tony! Your interviews truly are a pleasure to watch, and I'm usually thinking " quit talking and play," not so with you.

[@trisinogy]

The man is a powerhouse! Amazing skills, outstanding musicality and a great, kind human being!

[@gmee123]

Tommy is such a treasure. What a wonderful insight into the musical genius that is Tommy Emmanuel

[@sseltrek1a2b]

say it again- the most amazing musicians out there also seem to have the most humility...what a great interview...Tommy just being "Tommy"...

[@Riiinzo.mp3]

one of the best interviews!

[@leckyman2010]

Great interview

[@geetarwanabe]

Outstanding. Outstanding. Outstanding. Outstanding. Outstanding. Outstanding. His reply to every answer lol.

[@stephenwright5562]

Ya Gotta Love Tommy.

[@bobkaufman9263]

This is an outstanding interview. Would love to see Tommy in concert in NYC

[@HowardFrischer]

one word - AMAZING!!!

[@jocalvo]

that's so cool!

[@bluegrasspointofview5191]

Tony, you are so star-struck! I would be too :)

[@tobortine]

Excellent interview. I would have liked to hear a little more of you two playing but hey, next time maybe ;-)

[@markrogers7546]

What a legend.

[@joehorton5048]

Great interviewer! This was ace.

[@kaldesjarlais375]

tommy-- the KING, dude can do it all

[@RockNRollerGR1994]

oustanding is the word people, spread it!

[@Azulnote]

Tommy Emmanuel "the underlying innocence" This guy knowith the path. The path is into your fears. Destroy your illusions.

[@mrm4xim4m]

What a guy...😄😄😄💪🏼

[@s2seltaeb]

Great interview.

[@abadam111]

That guy is a national treasure!

[@Inboundbogie]

You will and always will be Tommy my God of the guitar, followed by Hank Marvin haha. Cheers to you! ! come back home soon. From Brisbane Australia.

[@Keithphotorama]

Awesome talent 👍👍👍

[@mikehayes3418]

You're a ripper, Tommy !!! See you in Hamilton, New Zealand August 2015 . Mike Hayes, Paeroa, New Zealand

[@coldenhaulfield3921]

I hope acoustic letter can do demos on Maton, Tkamine and Ibanez guitars. :D

[@ST4RCLOUD]

Sweet guy.

[@briandesjardins728]

7 years ago already, I hope tommy lives to 90s....

[@kevc-69-]

brilliant

[@gauthamrao6725]

Dear tony and all the other staff at music villa I love your brilliant articulate reviews but please could you test out some collings and santa cruz's Cheers

[@turbonbc]

Master

[@pagolusamuel5222]

Wow, right on money 💰

[@EquinoxParadox91]

Tommy's such a clever guy.

[@WysteriaGuitar]

Tommy has a really good voice, he should sing more.

[@Lupocide]

I want to know where he gets his shirts, awesome.

[@marcussegura395]

man tommy's outfit on point

[@bjrnespeseth8515]

He's a fun guitarist

[@rumbleish]

THE GUITARIST OF THE GUITARISTS'

[@lancefforfun8864]

Thank you Marc .Regats. I don't agree that Mark K. "sucks" on acoustic, even compared- or not- to Tommy. Arguably, Tommy is among the top acoustic players in the world- I absolutely love his virtuosity. He does tend to be busy, and my initial thought would be for a collaboration of him and Mark K. (who plays incredibly tastefully, both on acoustic and especially on the electric guitar), kind of as a balance of tastes. I love to listen to both of them, though...

[@charliev337]

please do a review of a maton guitar

[@robharris6874]

TE....... Mr Enthusiasm !!!

[@reamus9102]

Awesome stuff! ... so when is the Acoustic letter going to start carrying Maton guitars? :D

[@francescolonghini5854]

i like more the spirit of tommy emmanuel than his talent

[@Buster842842]

The Maton guitars seem fantastic. I’d love to try one out a d would seriously consider buying one given what I know about them. Too bad they’re so hard to find in the U.S.A. Maton needs to improve their American distribution net work. Martin, Taylor, Fender are abundant. Maton not so. 😩

[@robharris6874]

Don`t worry they have been hard to get in Australia as the Maton factory was closed for most of 2021 due to covid restrictions, there about 6 months behind but up & running again !!

[@lancefforfun8864]

I would love to hear Tommy get together with Mark Knopfler someday if he hasn't already. How cool would that be?

[@kaldesjarlais375]

knopler sucks on acoustic compared to tony

[@00big_chungus00]

Theyve done a handful of albums

[@dennisneo1608]

He has.

[@slowhand500]

Tony, are you referring to his "Asking him back"?

[@DavidPsalm23]

Maybe we can have Tony McManus next? :D

[@scanspeak00]

Whoever said "Never meet your heroes" didn't know about Tommy Emmanuel.

[@philhellmuth2771]

What is the name of the jazz song he plays?

[@theharvardyard2356]

Lol "I'm a geek, too." Tommy's more like an anti-geek, honestly. All his answers are less focused on details and more on the big picture; having fun, giving the crowd a good time, and keeping it exciting. Not getting bogged down in geekery. Part of how he got where he is, I'm sure!