How This Guitar Hero Became an Airline Pilot (and Other Flying Stories)

[@RickBeato]

Hey Ward, this is so well done and fascinating!! Thanks for adding to Steve’s story🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 The ending is really profound “Got to end sometime” Wow.

[@WardCarroll]

Thanks so much, Rick! This is a nice companion episode to your interview with Steve!

[@kurtkensson2059]

It was Rick Beato's channel where I found out about Ward Carroll's.

[@rztricky]

@RickBeato right? I’m floored and happy to be pilot guitarist myself but not like Steve or Chris DeGarmo of Queensryche. Thank you also for the Jay and Dean segment with Tim! That was interesting and certainly we could tell who was pumped with his own material ;) You YT cats are keeping me entertained for the one hour of screen time I allow myself before practicing or tracking. Cheers mates.

[@LRRPFco52]

This interview and story is absolutely bonkers. You can't make up stories like this.

[@loudguitar]

Ward, I love this. Dregs fan since the 70s. Actually met Allen Sloan back in the 90s when he was practicing pain management medicine here. He would come play with our band almost every gig and was a GREAT guy! Steve, you are the greatest ever.

[@cirrus4string]

This is the best conversation video! I was. PR in VF-14 on CV62 in 82-84. Kansas didn’t make it to us. But we had Bob Hope and Loretta Lynn onboard. Steve’s music really made 20 years of developments easier. I had a guitar with me every where I traveled. I was deployed so much that I didn’t get to see Steve until last year in Cleveland. Unbelievable show, Thank you Ward and Steve😎

[@ChrisNystrom]

This video is a wonderful testimony to how great a thing USO tours are.

[@gcrauwels941]

Awesome!!! I've been a Steve Morse fan since around '80, when my friends gave me the Dixie Dregs album 'What if'. Awesome music. It wasn't until recently that I found out he was so into aviation as well. Two of my favorite things, guitar and aviation. I also didn't realize you were a Dregs fan either Ward. Cool.

[@AlanToon-fy4hg]

Had the same album....my percussion major cousin gave it to me.

[@maxjpind]

I’ll never forget my guitar teacher, whom I greatly respect to my his day. He never had any music memorabilia, autographs, or even posters in his house. However, his main number 1 guitar, a beat-to-hell telecaster, had a Steve Morse autograph in between the pickups where the pickguard used to be. He still has it and plays to this day

[@EL_DUDERIN0]

Man, what a humble genius Steve Morse is. Great inspiring interview, thanks!

[@SandraPhillips-cb5og]

Dude, your videos are awesome, keep it real

[@williammrdeza9445]

Outstanding interview, Ward! I have said it before and this is just another example: you know the most interesting people! I thoroughly enjoyed the episode and also enjoyed the opportunity to have a peek at your life outside of aviation and your military service. Thank you for bringing us along for the ride.

[@BobbySox123]

I saw Steve Morse with Al Di Meola in 1984 or 1985 in Dallas, TX. I was a senior in high school. It was a great show. As I recall, one of the songs they played was a guitar duel between the two. Morse was able to maneuver the jam to a dixie type song which Di Meola couldn't compete. Great to hear Steve's story.

[@j3dwin]

I love Steve's instrumental _Battle Lines_ so much that I told myself I couldn't listen to it until I completed my EE degree. As soon as I graduated, I cranked it up to 11.

[@daxdadog]

A sit down with the GOAT! It doesn't get any better than this.

[@srubel59]

"I'm a huge Dregs fan. I saw you in 81 at the Bayou"... Me too! I was there as well. What a great interview.

[@timtrant3706]

This was an awesome interview with Steve!!! Thanks, Mooch!!! 🇺🇲⚓️🎸

[@bobmckenna5511]

Fabulous Mooch! Steve, when you warmed up for Al, Paco, and John at the DAR Constitution Hall in DC in around 1983, a scruffy haired 19-20 year old in the fourth row asked you what was the name of what you just played. You responded "I haven't named it yet". That was myself! I was extremely proud when you joined DP!! Before I saw this video I was unaware you were an aviator also. Peace.

[@bobmckenna5511]

I had assumed it was a piece from classical repertoire, really amazing it was of your own composition.

[@jchoward6451]

Wow, what a super interview! Steve Morse is a guitar GOD. How awesome that you know him personally, I really enjoyed this presentation. Thanks!

[@WardCarroll]

Thanks so much for your generous support!

[@tperki2322]

That is so excellent. I have met several of my guitar heroes, and it wasn't pleasant. What a refreshing breath of fresh air this video is - Morse is such a nice guy!!! Thanks.

[@JoelWelter]

This is such a cool story. What a combination of flying and rock and roll.

[@raymondlieurance5124]

That was great. And thank you for all your great videos.

[@schism6600]

From a guitar fanatic to aircraft Nutt thank you sooo much for this interview

[@dandewar4874]

What an amazing life story to listen to. Great interview and friendship, thanks guys

[@YouAmperex]

I’ve seen countless interviews with Steve, over the years, and you took him deeper down avenues that most of those conversations barely touch upon. Very refreshing, and -as ever- completely inspiring. Thanks❗️

[@skullduggery1616]

Well. No shit. Long before I became a USMC CH-53A (yes, A models) crew chief, I was an aspiring young drummer working in a record store listening to mostly prog rock (we called it classical rock, or if jazz was involved, "fusion"), and I heard the first D Dreggs record, then saw them in concert in Dallas. Blown away! I enlisted late (21 years old), but continued to follow the Dreggs to the present. By the way my older brother was a FAW on P3 Orions, and my dad served at Ship Repair Base 7 Phillipines during WWII.

[@andrzejmikolajczyk9561]

I love Steve Morse. I'm so glad you have him on your channel!

[@russtuff]

That was super cool, thanks for sharing!

[@jamesprentice5503]

Very good time listening watching that history,outstanding! Thanka!

[@Moises-hj9ho]

I find this video gives those steel bar-b-q’s the shot in the arm: that sailors, military personnel have impulses to be on stage and perform music melodies, and crafts.

[@1919champ]

Outstanding!

[@turnagec]

Wow! Great interview! Guitars and Airplanes!

[@turnagec]

🎸🛩

[@mittenguitars]

Awesome Ward! Thank you!!!

[@darrencorrigan8505]

Thanks, Ward.

[@RoadOdyssey]

Steve Morse has been one of my top guitar hero's. Met him a few times. Guitar clinics, etc. Got to TOUCH his old Telecaster LONG time ago!!! I still have one of the original Steve Morse Music Man guitars. My favorite guitar. That should say enough...

[@seansako]

What an incredible story..

[@Jedizen07]

I. ADORE. Steve Morse. My hero. Thanks for the video!

[@lexedwards3576]

Really love this channel. Thanks Mooch. 🎸

[@themoonman-4]

Well that was one of the neatest interviews ever, Steve is on h top of my list too!, Bravo Ward and Thank You! Steve!

[@Becker333]

Dregs fan since day one….Genius melodic composer and player

[@genearbogast7525]

Awesome ! One of my favorite WC videos. Thank you and Steve for this......

[@colinsfasah]

Love Steve - I remember seeing him back in the late 80s on a Wednesday, and he played about 4 songs and then thanked the audience for coming to the show., how it was a work day and he knew how we all had to run out from work, scarf down some food, run around to find parking, queue up to get into the Theater of the Living Arts in Philly...he really meant it and I still mention that today!!

[@andimachovec2719]

Thanks for this great interview. Steve is one of my all-time guitar heroes. Seen him live several times with Deep Purple, once with Flying Colors (also a fantastic band) and even managed to see him once with the Steve Morse Band (which very seldom played anywhere in Europe) as part of the G3 tour.

[@monstrok]

The best of both worlds, talking guitars and airplanes!

[@nsmith440A]

What a great bunch of stories and my respect for Steve just soared!

[@julianolivas5812]

Musician / Pilot ... A balanced man ... thoughtful ... pleasant ... and rides a Ducati too ? Thank you Ward & Steve ...

[@KilleansRowMusic]

Having a few Dregs / Steve & Dave stories over the years has definitely made jumping in and out of music for survival purposes more tolerable. This chapter though is full of surprises. Huge fun factor. Keep it going

[@Simon_L_2328]

What a fantastic video....loved it, loved it....loved it

[@wesc6755]

How cool is it to see him on this channel? Holy crap, I saw the Steve Morse Band open for Rush back in '86. To see Rod Morgenstein and Peart in the same show was amazing.

[@usaturnuranus]

Seriously cool. Still have my "Freefall" on original vinyl, hauled it around for what, 47 or 48 years now, and it sounds great. Dude looks like he's in his 40's!

[@j3dwin]

I saw that line-up in the Atlanta Omni that tour.

[@curtisphilumalee1447]

Wow….. I was a huge DD fan back in the early eighties. Saw them in NC when I was stationed in Norfolk back in 80 I believe. Maybe 81. Thanks for uploading this vid. Really enjoyed it. Retired Seabee 79-99

[@wesworach7441]

My Guitar Guru since 1980 !!! Best guitarist - composer on the Planet !!!

[@conradjelinger2120]

This is one of the best shows ever!!!!!

[@HectorLopez-km7vh]

DUUUUUUUUUUDE!! WOW!!! ABSOLUTE FAN!! For Steve MANY years and some now for Ward!! EXCELLENT!!!

[@johnnalty5150]

Wow! Ward that was awesome! Didn’t know you had so much history with Steve Morse. As I mentioned before he is incredibly under appreciated as a top tier guitarist. Loved the interview 👍

[@samp3413]

Thanks so much for this. I’m a big fan of the Steve Morse Band and Dixie Dregs. I first stumbled upon Steve Morse’s music by chance at a thrift store, where I found The Introduction for just $5. The cover with the "Frankentele" immediately caught my eye, and I knew I had found something special. When I got home and played the record, it exceeded all my expectations. I've had the pleasure of meeting him twice.

[@truecapitalist4718]

Excellent interview. I saw Steve open for The Trio back in the day and he was phenomenal. A buddy of mine flew F-16s at Luke and invited Steve to come fly the sim. He accepted and did rather well from what I gathered.

[@Nghilifa]

Thanks for this Mr. Carroll! Steve is an awesome musician, so skilled, yet so humble at the same time.

[@djd8305]

WOW, amazing to hear such connection Ward. I'm jealous of this sort of deep connection:)

[@testpilotrowdy]

Really good, Mooch!

[@BenBreeg1138]

Steve is my favorite guitarist! Saw SMB at Gilly’s in Dayton almost 30 years ago. When the show ended the band just jumped off the front of the stage and started mingling. I remember waiting to talk to Steve because he and a bunch of fans were talking about flying!

[@ResponseAudio]

Great interview! As a long time Morse fan, it was great to hear details that were new to me! Thanks!

[@mamulcahy]

Thanks for the interview Steve and Ward!

[@spikymikie]

Ward, Im in shock, and so full of envy its not funny. Steve and Dixie Dreggs were a huge part of my teenage and young adult years. At 66 now, I still have never seen them in concert. I was going through some medical stuff this year when they were in Nashville (the closest place they performed at), and unfortunately I couldn't attend. I missed the USO tour they did in Korea by one year. That man is a wizard on the guitar (as you know). That you guys have that history is incredible! This was a wonderful interview. I was USAF from 1980-1989. Still a bucket list item for me. I just hope I have time left to make that happen. Again, thank you.

[@daveboatman4024]

Sky King! Love it, everybody loved Penny!❤

[@robzilla60]

Wow. Great story and the intermingling of aviation and flying and just jammin music, different years and bands, and really meeting and interacting with a guitar legend. Great stuff.

[@riggodrill]

Note how his right hand always looks like it's ready to pick a guitar and left hand is one that moves most of the time... like it's on the neck of a guitar.

[@thomaskennedy7842]

That was just super cool. You have had the most interesting life, Ward. Appreciate the channel.

[@Rick_Dunaway]

How F-n Cool was that, all of it ! And those guys…Epic. Thanks for sharing the story of y’all’s friendship with us. “Lucky in life” Some are lucky to live it, other are lucky to see or hear it. Me, I’m just lucky enough to FEEL the luck inherent in any of us who gets the chance to Dance

[@bobp3738]

You never cease to amaze and impress, Ward. Loved it!

[@fisch723]

Just when you think Steve can’t be any cooler… He’s the man.

[@BoulevardRecording]

Too cool Ward! Never knew any of this about Steve. We love him, and you ! ❤

[@bluetopguitar1104]

Thanks for a very cool video. It's great to see the connection between music and aviation and your friendship with Steve. I have some fond memories of the bayou, too!

[@coreycolvin459]

Thanks for sharing!

[@fritz4345]

This was fun listening too, thanks.

[@thezirons]

Another great interview!! Thanks for doing this! Really cool!

[@luzspitifire]

What a great guy! Thanks for the interview

[@mrdddeeezzzweldor5039]

Just wow! I've got 2 DREGS cd's and enjoy the improvisational vibe of their compilations. Before this segment, I did not know Steve Morse but I heard and loved his input in iconic bands. What a storied life you have to have made these connections of commonality.

[@andrewpinner3181]

Thanks Ward, thanks Steve, lovely interview !

[@gregorlandini4328]

Caught Steve in Collingswood NJ with his band and the Dregs. They never disappoint

[@rodneywhitfield5754]

Steve Morse!! Awesome Guitar God!

[@afterburner666]

Wow, two of my passions rolled into one video. Excellent.

[@FusionMonkey847]

I always wondered if Flight of the Osprey was centered around that aircraft. But I would never have guessed that Mooch was involved! Very cool that you guys have a connection. One of my favorite guitarists of all time for a long time!

[@George-Edwards]

Spent 4 yrs in the USAF, never had any ambition of flying as my eyes were too bad. I just enlisted to avoid the draft which at the time I got my draft notice (Feb 1969) was putting people in the Army and Marines then. It all worked out good, about a year in school and three years sitting on a Mt top in OR watching for SLBMs with our AN/Fss-7 radar. I loved my job but my career field would have sent my to places like Clear Alaska or Thule Greenland so I got out after my 4 yrs were over. If I'd been single it might have been different but I'd been married for four years already.

[@Rad_Pug]

His Music Man is iconic. Very cool!

[@JoeRockstar]

Nothing beats the lead singer Bruce Dickinson of iron maiden, flying his band around on tour in a 747 lol

[@lancomedic]

That’s who I thought was going to be in the video. I’m not familiar with Steve Morse.

[@j3dwin]

@@lancomedic Bruce Dickinson Guitar Hero???

[@ChristinanathanWesterfie-pr4jj]

Bruce may not be a "Guitar Hero" but is certainly a Hero in every sense of the word. Cruise has his Mustang, Travolta has his Jumbo...Mr. Dickinson has Maiden's "Ed Force One". Absolute Hero/ Legend/ GAWD!!

[@BoulevardRecording]

That’s just as rock and roll as it gets

[@ashleytadhillin7651]

Very cool!! Thanks for putting this out there!!🔥🎸

[@evilhomer2112]

Ward, this was such a gift to see. I have always wondered about Steve's aviation career and you documented it wonderfully. Like @RickBeato said, "wow" indeed.

[@martyviehweg4001]

Holy Cow!!! The Dixie Dregs are still around!? Loved their music and saw them in the early 80s

[@jameshisself9324]

Great video. Condolences to Steve.

[@scottpickett9779]

Another Dregs fan here. Great interview. Thanks. PS I have friend that worked with Steve in the Dregs on keys Steve Davidowski.

[@briancampbell4587]

Saw Steve open for Rush sometime in the mid to late 80's in Oakland, CA. Great performance.

[@johngeorgegately7402]

You keep putting out great stuff! Thank you

[@jacoleroy]

Wow, how cool, did not know this! Great interview!

[@terrygrady7683]

This is so good on so many levels. Wow!

[@chiefcoonsie]

As a Georgia boy... This is one of my favorite interviews. Dixie Dregs!

[@buddystewart2020]

Very cool Ward. I've been a Dregs fan since I bought their Freefall album many moons ago. I didn't know about his aviation stuff, or that you knew him. That was super cool. Peace brother.

[@CisnerosGuitar]

Great job Ward! You really captured Steve's personality, intellect, and showcased the renaissance man he is. Keep up the great channel! Sure enjoy it 🤘🎸

[@robertw.bauesjr9190]

Ward another great video! Learning more about your background and adding Steve into it as well was a real kick. Have videos of Kansas and Deep Purple concerts when Steve was playing with those bands, he is fantastic musician. Thanks again!!😎

[@Gus_R]

Steve Morse is great. Perhaps my most favorite guitarist when I got hooked with the Dregs/Dixie Dregs around 1980 and saw them in 5 different concerts. There's a lot of similarities to music and aviation. Especially with guitarists. A lot of coordination and spacial aspects. You have to feel the keyboard like you have to feel the flight controls. I only got as far as Flight Simulator although my brother who is also a Morse fan got instrument rated. I watched The Blue Angels Imax film on Amazon the other night and it hit me how the Commanding Officer for the Blue Angels is like a conductor for a symphony orchestra.

[@2b4america]

Awesome interview!!!

[@tripflycfi]

You and Rick B have delivered the best entertainment I have experienced in years. Keep up the awesome work

[@daveh4893]

Surreal comment at 19 minutes says it all. Excellent interview and story!

[@jackshittle]

I play bass & fly. For those wondering, Dave LaRue who appears a few times in this video is a legendary bassist and is one of the owners of Bass Central in FL - which is a bass guitar only store which means just what it says - no guitars, no drums, no guitar amps etc. Just bass stuff.