I read somewhere that Doc said about this loss that not only did he lose a child, but also his best friend and his best touring musician, and a bit of his eyes. One of the saddest things a father can experience. :-(
Your cousin Merle was a vastly underrated guitarist. He was awesome in his own right. I like the spark plug socket he used as a slide. No pretense just talent. Thank you for posting these Stacy.
@@deanpitman3325 just about but the 5/8" spark plug socket had a rubber device in it that held the porcelain part of the plug, after removal. I remember reading something where Merle said he couldn't find a 5/8" socket in the store one time so he used a 16mm deepwell. Said it worked pretty good which it should have cuz 16mm is only 5 thousandths of an inch bigger than 5/8" !
Bittersweet. I was a fan for years, fell out if it, then by sheer strange coincidence stumbled upon a small news article out of the blue about how Merle had died. Shocking. Got to hear them once up close and personal back in the day. RIP to both. Thanks for all the great music.
Merle's playing was excellent on this song, but he had a far away look about him...So sad this was their last chance to play together. Thanks so much for sharing, Stacy
You noticed that too.. after seeing so many videos I thought at first you could tell he was suffering or feeling ill.... Then found out it was a tragic accident. He was uneasy about something
In October 1977 this line-up was playing Den Haag in The Netherlands. I was there, the show was on the radio later, I recorded it on a tape, put it over on cassette, after that on a CD and now on my i-pod. I bought the album, signed by Merle. It was a great concert, I couldn't believe that fast playing could be so nice in touch with music! I never liked the banjo-sound, but Doc played and sang 'Shady grove' Wow!!!
Doc Watson was one hell of a contribution to the Bluegrass Community and blessed to listen to it any old time rest in peace yes blind but he can see that 🎸 way better than I could ever
Merle was a very underrated guitarist forced to live in the shadow of his dad. But he was quiet and purposeful. All the natural talent in the world and his dad being a perfectionist only made things more difficult. Think of his choices; he either accompanies his dad or goes out on his own to try and make his mark. That's not a decision forced on most guitarists.
Doc spoke of trying to get Merle to handle some of the vocals, to step out and sing some tunes himself - but Merle wouldn't do it, at least not in public. That alone probably sealed his fate, so to speak, because - his enormous talents and gifts notwithstanding - good gigs for instrumentalists are even tougher to come by than jobs for acts with vocals. I didn't know either Doc or Merle personally, but know their music intimately from recordings, films and the like. I also attended several Doc Watson shows, alas well after Merle's tragic death in a farm accident. But nothing I've read, seen or heard from Merle suggests that he was dissatisfied with performing/touring with his father. Whereas other may look at it as confining, being limited to just that one thing, I look at it as a wonderful thing that they got to spend that time together as father and son. The apple sure didn't fall far from the tree. Merle was a musical genius in his own right. Doc - well, what can one say that hasn't already been said?
@@GeorgiaBoy1961 Doc talked about how he never could have achieved the career he had without Merle's help in the early years. Merle chose to be a dutiful son. At Merle's death Doc said "I Iost my son, my best friend and my music business partner, all at once." I'm sure it was difficult for him. Jack Lawrence and Richard Watson (Merle's son, RIP) fullfilled the "Merle" role for many years afterward.
@@MrMusicguyma - I saw Doc live when he was with Jack Lawrence. A parent should never have to bury a beloved child. It isn't the natural order of things. I am not a father myself, so I can't begin to imagine the pain Doc, Rose Lee and the Watson family must have suffered. Thanks for writing...
Doc tried many times to get Merle to learn to sing, which would have allowed him greater appeal and marketability to go his own way, but Merle declined. Maybe he liked where he was just fine. And also, maybe he didn't want to be in the limelight. Some folks are happier just doing their thing and making the "star" or headliner look good, which Merle did better than just about anyone. What you call Doc's "perfectionism" is nothing of the kind: It is simply a performer adhering to the high standards that got him to where he was in the first place. No one forced Merle to tour with his dad; he could have quit at any time. He was there because he wanted to be.
@@GeorgiaBoy1961 That's a ridiculous statement. If you've ever hear Doc's recording sessions, he was a stickler that everyone played to a perfect standard and always included many takes. That's a perfectionist.
It's no easy task being the bassist in a drummerless group, either. Michael Coleman's bass work was always so tasty and perfect for whatever the songs needed....
I remember hearing about Merle’s death the next day after his accident. It happened in the county where I live. If his neighbor had helped him after his accident, he might still be alive today. He wouldn’t have driven his tractor on a dangerous path for help.
This video makes me both happy and sad at the same time. This is last song that Doc and Merle ever played together. From there (T H E I R) last performance on October 20th 1985 in Atlanta Georgia at the Moonshadow Saloon.
Freaking great one to go out on
I can only imagine the heartbreak that Doc felt. Every note he ever played after Merle's death was for him. Truly heartbreaking.
I read somewhere that Doc said about this loss that not only did he lose a child, but also his best friend and his best touring musician, and a bit of his eyes. One of the saddest things a father can experience. :-(
I just finished "Blind, But Now I See" book about Doc's life. Absolutely fantastic. Thanks for this post.
I've watched this clip many times. Still gives me goosebumps and a lump in the throat. Rest in Peace gentlemen.
The angels are singing in heaven tonight. Thank you Doc and Merle for the prelude.
Your cousin Merle was a vastly underrated guitarist. He was awesome in his own right. I like the spark plug socket he used as a slide. No pretense just talent. Thank you for posting these Stacy.
5/8" Craftsman deep well. Is that the one for spark plugs?
@@deanpitman3325 just about but the 5/8" spark plug socket had a rubber device in it that held the porcelain part of the plug, after removal. I remember reading something where Merle said he couldn't find a 5/8" socket in the store one time so he used a 16mm deepwell. Said it worked pretty good which it should have cuz 16mm is only 5 thousandths of an inch bigger than 5/8" !
Tough, not to be overshadowed, when Doc is not only your Pop but, your musical partner. Most fans know how special Merle was.
@@deanpitman3325 Guaranteed for like, when used properly
Bittersweet. I was a fan for years, fell out if it, then by sheer strange coincidence stumbled upon a small news article out of the blue about how Merle had died. Shocking. Got to hear them once up close and personal back in the day. RIP to both. Thanks for all the great music.
Was at that show. very blessed.
I saw Doc and Merle in Ashland, Oregon in Feb of 1980. RIP.
Saw the two of them at the Main Point in Bryn Mawr, PA in, I think, 1972.
What a piece of history. Thanks for posting!
what a great performance ,such a shame merle passed away his playing was amazing
Merle's playing was excellent on this song, but he had a far away look about him...So sad this was their last chance to play together. Thanks so much for sharing, Stacy
You noticed that too.. after seeing so many videos I thought at first you could tell he was suffering or feeling ill.... Then found out it was a tragic accident. He was uneasy about something
Man, Merle was one hell of a slide player.
Damn sure was
2 of my favorite musicians ever. Traditional bluegrass at its finest ❤
Thank you for sharing this diamond of a play. Great video........
In October 1977 this line-up was playing Den Haag in The Netherlands. I was there, the show was on the radio later, I recorded it on a tape, put it over on cassette, after that on a CD and now on my i-pod. I bought the album, signed by Merle. It was a great concert, I couldn't believe that fast playing could be so nice in touch with music! I never liked the banjo-sound, but Doc played and sang 'Shady grove' Wow!!!
Never know when a little gem is going to fall in your lap 🙂
live everyday to the fullest! Rip Merle And Doc.
Moonshadow Saloon, Atlanta. So many memorable evenings of music thru the 80's.
I made the trip to the big A from Dahlonega, GA to catch this important show. Such a blessing!
we need be prepared, at any moment, for we can never know,when he'll call...wreck of the 1262
Ahh, the Moonshadow. Brings back memories. I saw Doc and Merle in Atlanta in 1979, but it wasn't at the Moonshadow. Thanks for posting.
I saw them in Cincinnati during this period. Front row. Amazing. 💕
That is magnificent!
Good gracious, Merle was badass!
Thank you Doc and God bless you and Merle.
Everybody on this stage is Legend
My Uncle pretty much died when Merle died. True story from WV.
I saw them the night before in Winston-Salem. It was a wonderful show.
This is just great. The amateur nature of it enhances it I believe.
Doc Watson was one hell of a contribution to the Bluegrass Community and blessed to listen to it any old time rest in peace yes blind but he can see that 🎸 way better than I could ever
Poor Merle. Great player. Died 3 days after this. His big influence was Duane Allman who die Oct 29.
Thanks Stacy
Merle was a very underrated guitarist forced to live in the shadow of his dad. But he was quiet and purposeful. All the natural talent in the world and his dad being a perfectionist only made things more difficult. Think of his choices; he either accompanies his dad or goes out on his own to try and make his mark. That's not a decision forced on most guitarists.
Doc spoke of trying to get Merle to handle some of the vocals, to step out and sing some tunes himself - but Merle wouldn't do it, at least not in public. That alone probably sealed his fate, so to speak, because - his enormous talents and gifts notwithstanding - good gigs for instrumentalists are even tougher to come by than jobs for acts with vocals. I didn't know either Doc or Merle personally, but know their music intimately from recordings, films and the like. I also attended several Doc Watson shows, alas well after Merle's tragic death in a farm accident. But nothing I've read, seen or heard from Merle suggests that he was dissatisfied with performing/touring with his father. Whereas other may look at it as confining, being limited to just that one thing, I look at it as a wonderful thing that they got to spend that time together as father and son. The apple sure didn't fall far from the tree. Merle was a musical genius in his own right. Doc - well, what can one say that hasn't already been said?
@@GeorgiaBoy1961 Doc talked about how he never could have achieved the career he had without Merle's help in the early years. Merle chose to be a dutiful son. At Merle's death Doc said "I Iost my son, my best friend and my music business partner, all at once." I'm sure it was difficult for him. Jack Lawrence and Richard Watson (Merle's son, RIP) fullfilled the "Merle" role for many years afterward.
@@MrMusicguyma - I saw Doc live when he was with Jack Lawrence. A parent should never have to bury a beloved child. It isn't the natural order of things. I am not a father myself, so I can't begin to imagine the pain Doc, Rose Lee and the Watson family must have suffered. Thanks for writing...
Doc tried many times to get Merle to learn to sing, which would have allowed him greater appeal and marketability to go his own way, but Merle declined. Maybe he liked where he was just fine. And also, maybe he didn't want to be in the limelight. Some folks are happier just doing their thing and making the "star" or headliner look good, which Merle did better than just about anyone. What you call Doc's "perfectionism" is nothing of the kind: It is simply a performer adhering to the high standards that got him to where he was in the first place. No one forced Merle to tour with his dad; he could have quit at any time. He was there because he wanted to be.
@@GeorgiaBoy1961 That's a ridiculous statement. If you've ever hear Doc's recording sessions, he was a stickler that everyone played to a perfect standard and always included many takes. That's a perfectionist.
I saw them about a week before this. Life changing experience.
Me too. Were you at The Sweetwater in Mill Valley?
i believe I was at that show. Looked for the ticket stubs and of course I've moved them to somewhere
Miss them both ,
I saw one of Waylon Jennings where Merle played guitar on it
Legendary.
👍
Amazing bass work by Michael Coleman accompanying Merle's slide. You don't notice it the first 10 times 'cause you're listening to Merle.
It's no easy task being the bassist in a drummerless group, either. Michael Coleman's bass work was always so tasty and perfect for whatever the songs needed....
I remember hearing about Merle’s death the next day after his accident. It happened in the county where I live. If his neighbor had helped him after his accident, he might still be alive today. He wouldn’t have driven his tractor on a dangerous path for help.
Wow! Merle passed 3 days after this show
I was there 😀
I never knew Derek Smalls played bass for Doc Watson
+jeffee47 Maybe you were making a joke I don't understand but that is T Michael Coleman playing bass.
its a joke
He forgot his pipe...😉
@@132jah -watch the movie, Spinal Tap.
This video makes me both happy and sad at the same time.
This is last song that Doc and Merle ever played together. From there (T H E I R) last performance on October 20th 1985 in Atlanta Georgia at the Moonshadow Saloon.
Play dela Mae by doc watson
So sadly reminds me of Billy Joe Shaver losing his son Eddie, who was allso a slide guitar player, to a heroin overdose.
that's a tasteful fucking bass solo
another great one gone way to early
This was real musicians
Whoever’s enormous wife yelled yeehaw was hit by a bus later that night And we laughed. 😂
B/ok