Touring with Tony Rice

[@U_ever]

I saw Tony at the DAR Constitution Hall in DC and he was like a hired gunslinger, his thin frame supporting a nicely tailored Yves St. Laurent suit a designer silk tie, and a killer pair lizard Lucchese boots, with "The Antique" over his shoulder effortlessly and routinely blowing everyone in the venue totally away. What a player!

[@JosiahWhitley]

Saw him by himself at the Ohio State Fairgrounds in the late spring of 2004. There were over a dozen acts that day. It was bizarre hearing him on his own, but it was great. Peter Rowan joined him later for a couple of songs. Tony said, “why don’t we play Greenlight On The Southern?” Rowan says, “you got it baby!” I’ll never forget Tony looked at him super confused and he said surprised in his gruff voice, “BABY?!” The whole audience cracked up. Later in the night he jammed on stage with JD Crowe and The New South. It was a highlight for sure.

[@Mandoslicer]

I miss Tony. I drove over the BR parkway just today with my 8 year old girl from Weaverville to Asheville where we live. Tony Rice was on the playlist. All the hits. I told her about him and how much being around him meant to me. She said “is that why you named our kitty Tiny Rice?” Chokes me up. What an honor being anywhere near him over the years.

[@Mandoslicer]

This is so sweet to hear from Mr. Bub. Chokes me up. My Dad had an Accutron as far back as I can remember. I can’t wear it. Our heroes…never forget.

[@travism1974]

I first saw Tony Rice play in 1972 at a Holiday Inn lounge in Lexington, Ky. J.D. Crowe and The New South had a regular gig there and the place was packed every night. The band members were J.D., Tony, Larry Rice and Bobby Slone. Tony was just 21 and his playing and singing were out of this world. One night Stephen Stills and Chris Hillman sat in with the band for 2 or 3 songs. Tony sat a table as Stills played fingerstyle slide on Tony's guitar. Tony didn't seem very enthusiastic about Stills playing bottleneck on his guitar. Twice he asked him "Do you want a pick?" Tony and J. D. Crowe and The New South moved to the lounge at The Sheraton in 1974 with new members Ricky Skaggs on mandolin and Jerry Douglas on dobro. I saw them there several times and they were absolutely phenomenal.

[@ridgerunner9072]

Woweeeee

[@architypeone8646]

Saw Tony Rice live at the Red Mile Racecourse in Lexington, KY around 1992 or '93. Meticulous is the word to describe everything about Tony. I was just blown away at how cleanly he played. He also stood stock still the whole show and just played and sang....nothing flashy, just pure perfection.

[@jammininthepast]

Thanks Otis. You're appreciated brother.

[@ridgerunner9072]

Thanks Otis

[@Tom-ub7ti]

I got to see the Tony Rice unit a few times as well as a couple of shows with Tony and Norman Blake. The records those two put out together are phenomenal. Oh, and also the pizza tapes with Jerry Garcia and David Grisman is a must listen.

[@bluegrassboy]

Was fortunate to see Tony numerous times from the late 80s on. Thanks for posting.

[@rogerwilliams2629]

I'm sorry i never saw Tony. He was incredible. Mike is a fantastic guest, more if possible!

[@waynemiracle8928]

Thanks for this Otis! I really love hearing Mike talk about Tony. He will always remain my all time favorite guitarist! I love hearing stories about his life. Thank you!

[@RandySchartiger]

thank you for this video! I met Mike back around the early 80's and we've been friends ever since. he played banjo back the and was about to move on when I was hired too take his place. great guy and friend! I never heard him say why he moved from banjo to bass, he was wicked good banjo player!

[@kevincoyner1200]

Thanks so much for doing this one!! We don’t get to hear much about Tony outside the bluegrass circle.

[@amygallatin5196]

Mike Bubb is such a great raconteur--the ultimate storyteller, sound effects and all. He played bass on an album I made down in Nashville in 2007. After the sessions he would regale us with stories, just hanging out. Love you Bubby!

[@ClintonCaraway]

Being allowed to tag along with the Burleson family to see Tony at places The Downhome in the late 80's is some of the best live music I've ever seen. Years later after Jason was playing banjo with Blue Highway they did a show in Bristol with Tony where Shawn Lane sung all Tony's parts. It was the second to last time I ever saw him but a show I'll never forget. I still listen to Tony Rice every day and will until I'm gone.

[@jeffmcguire5701]

I saw Tony in 1994 at IBMA. He had just had vocal cord surgery and couldn’t talk. Sam Bush and Tim O’Brien did the lead vocals. Whoever did the singing played mandolin and the other would play fiddle. Bela Fleck played banjo, Jerry Douglas played dobro and Todd Phillips played bass. Rice stood still and just tore it up. It was amazing.

[@maxmcgloin]

We are so blessed that Peter Rowan is still touring. Make sure you go see him.

[@basicsforbaroqueimprovisation]

Thank you Mike & Otis for sharing these memories. Great to hear. I met Tony Rice briefly in 1985 at the Kentucky Fried Bluegrass Festival and brought him some photos I had taken of Philip Catherine and Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen ( Both were musicians who I know he admired ). Tony happily took the photos and I asked him about the old Martin D-28 which had belonged to Clarence White. I had referred to it as Clarence White's D-28. He bristled slightly and very quickly said, "It's my guitar. Clarence is dead." There was a stretch of time where all I listened to were Tony Rice records. A Brilliant Musician. Thanks again - Gratefully - John

[@beatriceperrier8699]

Funny to read you were at the KFC festival in Louisville in 1985...as I was there too in 84 and 85 with a french bluegrass tour. I've got some great pictures of Tony, Larry, Jimmy Gaudreau (don't remember the bassist name ) Really great festival and free ! Seldom scene, Johnson Mountain boys, Doc Watson, Peter Rowan, NewGrassRevival, Dan Crary, Doyle Lawson....what a blessed time ! Never forget it Nice to share this with you

[@basicsforbaroqueimprovisation]

@@beatriceperrier8699 It was a great time indeed !!

[@otisgibbs]

Did you ever see Tony Rice live? Did you see him with Mike and Peter?

[@riceflatpicking4954]

I saw Tony about 50 times. I have a great picture of he and I together at a festival that I cherish. I saw different configurations of the unit saw him with Peter several times and I can’t remember if I ever saw them with Mike but I’ve seen Mike with all kinds of bands and the last time that IBMA was in Louisville, I sat and listened to Mike at a bass workshop and it was great.

[@Kan-o-tex]

My old band opened for Tony Rice and Peter Rowan but Bryn Davies was still on bass. Peter Rowan borrowed a guitar strap from me. It was always a privilege to see Tony Rice play. These Mike Bub interviews are great; thank you for sharing them, Otis.

[@3340steve]

That is a beautiful story from Mr.Mike Bubb.

[@zachbevill4814]

Mike, that band was The Farewell Drifters! I could tell it was on the tip of your tongue 🙂 That show in Clayton NY is one we'll never forget for a number of reasons.

[@olebubby]

Yes!! Sorry it slipped my mind, Zach.

[@zachbevill4814]

@@olebubby no worries man! Hope you're well.

[@MrPorter7]

I worked a Bluegrass Festival in Va Beach around 1985. Tony drove up in a Continental. His wife/fiance told me he always drives. She said he played jazz at home for fun.

[@mitchmatthews6713]

Mike has the best stories!

[@tanana3000]

Mike is the man. Saw him with Peter this last summer in Telluride.

[@ish474]

always great to hear Mike's voice

[@flowerfarmerscott]

Another great one, Otis. Mike's a hoot. Almost as funny and entertaining as Kenny Vaughn.

[@bendingb]

Enjoyed this! The Bluegrass Album Band recordings will always be the gold standard of Bluegrass to my ears. Musical perfection in every way. It just doesn't get any better!

[@cliftonkester3006]

Mike Bub can tell a good story.

[@cousinjesse4450]

Just can’t get enough of these road stories. Great stuff.

[@reaganwiles_art]

I never saw him play live but he lived not too far from here where I live in North Carolina, my hometown has some great Bluegrass musicians. It's just a tiny little enclave who play I don't know where frankly. Local bars, cafes, churches, I imagine at each other's homes, barns, etc. There is a world-class guitar room in the pawn shop here.

[@artemisXsidecross]

Well done Otis, and another great piece of reporting and documentation of American Music. ☮

[@hypnocracy6102]

It was Midnight Jam at Merlefest…can’t recall who was on the stage with him…do remember the Clarence White guitar…an Tony falling down while holding it…seems like it got passed around after Tony left stage right🤣

[@Deadtuna3]

I was there Tony and Peter were slightly smashed.

[@ianlearningcom]

Very cool interview.

[@funwithFred]

You know, I love how you have you and your guests look at the camera in the beginning, moving back and forth.........I love this.......I get a chuckle about it, and it is perfect how you do that. Just sayin'. Got my cuppa.

[@craigwhitfield1898]

Thanks Otis! Boy, Bub's lived a charmed life!! I can honestly say I listen to Tony Rice every day. I can listen to a tune and know that's Tony on the guitar. Tony was an artist in the truest sense and created all these beautiful licks for us mere mortals to copy and spend a lifetime attempting to emulate. Man o man Bub, I'm thoroughly jealous!!!

[@jerrymullin2058]

I opened for Peter Rowan at Courevilles in Beaumont. He was a hoot! The crowd got an introduction to Bluegrass royalty. I discovered Tony's music about 10 years before his passing. I still watch him with my morning coffee. Thanks for the insight.

[@jamesm5547]

Blue grass wasn't part of my growing up. Around the house I heard late 50's rock (courtesy of Mum - she was an Elvis fan), Dad loved jazz (Ela Fitzgerald, Louie Armstrong, etc.) and classical. The extended family played a lot of 1960's country and when the "corknwas pulled" celtic music. It wasn't until I was in my 30's and at a music event in Ontario that I heard blue grass ~ wow! Jazz meets country, meets "magic". Thr speed of the guitar, mando, dobro, bass - just blew me away. I never saw Tony R but listened to him with amazement. Thanks to you and Mike for the stories and education. I've added many "new to me" artists to me CD collection from your podcast (Thanks for giving a Damn) and your videos. Keep up the good work. Cheers!

[@otisgibbs]

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[@drumsleuth]

I Gold Leafed many Chris Craft wooden boats around Lake Placid and the Lakes around it.

[@Ybor-ld6uq]

Man Otis y’all kill these interviews every time. Kudos to Mike. Never saw Tony. Wish I did.

[@phil36135]

I remember being at a bluegrass festivile here in NC and Tony was late by just a minute or two and he pulls in driving an old black cadilac it was a great show as all his shows were.

[@frogmorepipester7490]

Great story. Thank y’all very much.

[@stephenhenion8304]

Great insight into a real Musical Legend. Enjoyed every second of this one Otis!

[@tinman8518]

Great interview!! More Mike Bub if you can-- please and thank you.

[@stefanconradsson]

I had no idea Tony Rice was a horologist. Entertaining stories, thanks man! Cheers 🍺

[@fredschmitt3731]

had to look that one up!

[@kirkcasey]

Peter just played the Sweetwater last night! Full house..

[@martymcpeak4748]

i was in a forum and mentioned something about Billy Strings and his band buying themselves Accutron Space View watches and how i heard that Tony repaired them and Tony's wife Pamela answered me and said he not only loved working on the but was OCD about it. and how after tony"s passing there were a few of the watches he had finished, one went to Zac Brown with a nice note and one to David Grisman and one to Davids Son.... the rest of what she said i'll keep quiet about.... Cheers

[@Mandoslicer]

Love!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TN-D18]

Nice one, Mr. Gibbs.

[@NTKHZN]

I saw Tony with Mountain Heart years ago towards the very end of his playing days.

[@bobdennison207]

hey brother , know how invaluable your record of history from the participants is for posterity and me .

[@mandograssable]

Interesting. I knew he loved Accutrons . I have 2 of the space watches from 1966.

[@leonziglar3583]

Huge fan of Tomy Rice. Never got to see him live. I wish someone would write a biography on his career.

[@olebubby]

There is one. It’s called Still Inside.

[@r.b..tweetypops7269]

Also, "Discovering Tony Rice" , written by Bill Amatneek, 2024.

[@BST501]

❤

[@dhix2388]

never heard the story on the space views. interesting have a 63 and a 71 these watches were worn to the first flight to the moon. thanks

[@catheryndenton1766]

Saw Mike with Del & the crew at Bonnaroo 2004. He served up Boy who Wouldn’t Hoe Corn. Unbelievably good stuff.

[@olebubby]

That wasn’t a song that we performed. Dan Tyminski with AKUS sang that one. The song was written by my friend Patrick Brayer of Fontana, CA..

[@catheryndenton1766]

TY for reply - what song did you sing then?! I vividly remember your voice being showcased in that performance. And I was really impressed and I was heartbroken when you left DMB -

[@catheryndenton1766]

Luckiest Man ‘Twas Born???

[@mikekemsley1531]

I went to 3 or 4 Rowan and Rice shows over the years and I don't believe I ever actually saw the man. Peter covered for him extremely well. I did get to see Norman Blake a few times so I guess makes up for it.

[@julesotis13]

when ya love some bleep YOU love some bleep and thats why com WE love YOU brother otis - SJOCR

[@Mandoslicer]

He’d drive up in his Mustang. Right up to the loading dock.

[@Deadtuna3]

he'd leave it running in the street while he carried the antique into the venue.

[@Deadtuna3]

Raliegh Pour House 2002

[@user-nu3dg4cx9m]

Mike is an awesome bass player