Ricky Skaggs with Tony Rice Bluegrass Breakdown

[@michaelensley7503]

Notice that Tony Rice appears to comment here. He died Christmas morning in the Old North State. Things like this video are never possible again. There will never be a replacement for Tony Rice, picking or singing.

[@Jomor44]

Just read your comment found out he died. Awful news added to a horrible horrible year.

[@rvanats9652]

Where did Tony appear to comment? I missed it.

[@stiffiron]

He had a damn good voice, too, didn't he? Sharp dresser, too! Incredibly musical guy! I was lucky enough to get to meet him, and listen to him from only a few feet away! Transformative experience!

[@timflynn2136]

Tony was an amazing man. RIP Tony Rice you were the Best!!!

[@henrywilliams4781]

Can’t replace Tony Rice the band leader, either. He’s Joe Cool up there… plus top notch comps

[@michaelscheller6884]

At 4:51 you can finally see the entire ensemble. From left to right: Pete Wernick-banjo, David Grisman-mandolin, Del McCoury-guitar, Ronnie Simpkins-bass, Ricky Skaggs-mandolin, Jerry Douglass-resophonic guitar, Tony Rice-guitar, Mark O'Connor-fiddle, Ricky Simpkins-fiddle.

[@mf5202]

That is All-Pro, All-Star, All Everything!

[@gamete4375]

Dr Banjo just tore into Relix Magazine for their memoriam of Tony. I have to agree with his assessment, they went ahead and fixed it...

[@nateldredge9538]

I appreciate the list you provided.

[@Trollificusv2]

Truly a supergroup to rival "Strength in Numbers". Edgar Myers' absence is offset by not ONE, but TWO mandolin masters.

[@michaelmullins1290]

Every time I was blessed to speak to Tony, he was a gentleman, and bragged on someone else. I'll never play all his notes, but I'll hit a few. Prayers for his family.

[@colebarnett199]

For the aspiring rhythm guitarists in the room, slow down the tempo of this track around 4:26 and check out how Tony plays between the beat here while still staying in perfect time. Most people will never notice it because it isn’t intrusive to what the soloist is doing, yet it adds a unique “bump” of acceleration or groove to accentuate the progression. You can tell by the smile on his face it was something he just threw in there for fun. What a master this man was and I’m so thankful he has given us more to think about and study than we could fully cover in several lifetimes.

[@loge10]

Seeing Tony in his suit and tie, a true gentleman genius. RIP...

[@francoispetit8687]

Deep in my French countryside, I am so sad to learn of the death of Tony, so elegant in his playing and his attitude. RIP

[@johnfeatherstone7299]

I wish politicians could be replaced with musicians. The world would be a happier place.

[@francoispetit8687]

@@johnfeatherstone7299Oh yes you are right! It would undoubtedly be a more reasonable and happy world.

[@drewby613]

A true Virginia squire, he was. He will be missed.

[@Sheila-cm4jy]

@@drewby613 Raised in Los Angeles, I always thought LA was probably not the right setting for Tony. His persona belonged in the hills of Virginia for sure! His suits were always quite dapper! :)

[@drewby613]

@@Sheila-cm4jy It always seemed like Virginia was where his soul was. Too much a gentleman for El Lay.

[@ursafan40]

That's a stage full of "nobody better than this" on every instrument!

[@stevepick9527]

So true... Tony’s solo was last because I’m sure he didn’t want to upstage anyone before they played.

[@wanderingweederspapa7878]

Tony's flat picking lead technique is unmatched..what a fantastic group

[@richardperkins5046]

He can play that fast and still bend strings. Wow.

[@kingkongdingdonggaming4638]

@@richardperkins5046 i saw that too. wild

[@russellcarleton5602]

Everyone else: *plays insane Hall of Fame level break*
Tony Rice: Well, that's really sweet of all of you, but... here, let me show you how it's done.

[@marcatkinson75]

Great comment

[@brettsmeltzer2447]

Never seen this video until now! Awesome breaks from all of them! You can really see Tony bending those strings during his break! Thanks For Sharing! Rest In Peace, Tony Rice. THANK YOU for the many years of Great Music !

[@swvacollings290]

Tony’s absolute delight at Fiddle Break #1 and the audience response to it is priceless. Real masters never have an ego around others blessed with true talent. They celebrate and thrive with it.
Hope he’s doing well these days.

[@m.c.master4622]

I was thinking while watching it, it would be great even to watch it while muted JUST for the smiles and nods from this incredible group of dearly loved musicians. A treasure for sure. So much joy for them and thankfully US!

[@0066keith]

Rice laughed, turned to Douglas, and said "Follow THAT." Which Jerry proceeded to do. This is a stage full of Masters, no doubt. :-)

[@jamesbowen8960]

Excellent analysis and spot on insight!

[@TokudenInc]

Unfortunately Tony passed a few days ago....

[@danarzechula3769]

He's doing great with the Lord on high

[@stevepennington7879]

I’ll never forget the first time I heard Tony Rice play. It changed me forever. Thanks Tony for the years of outstanding music. RIP

[@ztahs]

Marc O'Connor is from another planet.

[@jackd.ripper7613]

No kidding. At age 13, he was the youngest person ever to win the Grand Master Fiddler Championships competing against all ages, amateur and professional. is still the only person to ever win national titles (open to all ages) on fiddle, bluegrass guitar and mandolin. At age 14, he won the National Flatpicking Championship (which is a blind competition where the judges never see the performers and only know them by a number) by playing "Orange Blossom Special" on the guitar. Dudley Murphy was the first to play it in competition (it's considered one of the hardest pieces of bluegrass to play on guitar) the year before and came in third, I believe. O'Connor won it twice. He may be one of the finest pure musicians to ever grace the planet.

[@Robin18us]

Mark is from another galaxy...

[@tydouglas3013]

@@jackd.ripper7613 damn son you know your shit.

[@agalligani]

The greatest bluegrass instrumentalist of all time.

[@brandonbentley4677]

Mark is unreal

[@MAGAMANPATRIOT]

Tony could lay it down vocally too .. I could listen to him , JD and Skaggs harmonize all day..

[@stevepennington7879]

Quite possibly the most natural talent assembled on stage at one time. These guys are having a blast and are totally amazing.

[@jong0000]

missing Bela, but the Freeborn Man and NIne Pound Hammer videos from early Merlefest take care of that...

[@waynesworldofmandolin3616]

Love these Merlefest jams! Thx for uploading this great archive. I was blessed to see Tony play a lot during this era of his career. The BEST!!

[@jeffd8597]

amazing when Marc O'connor plays those chromatic runs in bluegrass!

[@berachtdorian6191]

The era of bluegrass that's showcased here was an amazing one. It's not been quite like this for a while.

[@peacetrain3320]

Tony was incredible. Pure tone. Solid notes. We saw him at the IBMA when he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement. He played onstage with some of these guys but he was in pain. I cried for him. Loved me some Tony.

[@jaysoneubanks579]

We lost a bluegrass legend. Hopefully the last kick in the nuts for me in 2020. We love you Tony RIP

[@davidhopkins1786]

Every one of those guys are just about the best in the business.

[@johnrose5380]

They play well, too.

[@iiWNMii]

Rest in peace Tony Rice!

[@leepope4061]

The best is just not adequate to describe these guys. The greatest group since the original masters!

[@aliwhitwell]

What an amazing lineup of the most incredible musicians.

[@MarcusGoodwyn]

Jerry is so young! RIP Tony.

[@elliotportner8020]

When great artists get together this is what we can expect

[@zeerakkhan7140]

Watching this stuff in todays day and age is like meditation. Everything in it's purest form.

[@waynemiracle8928]

To y looked great there and was having fun! This comforts me in the grief of his passing! TR will ALWAYS be the best!

[@hawaiiandobroblues]

Jerry Douglas, Pete Wernick, Ricky Simpkins, possibly Ronnie Simpkins on bass.

[@davidhopkins1786]

And David "Dawg" Grisman, one of the premier mandolin pickers in the country.

[@maine420247]

David Hopkins I'm of the opinion that he is the greatest mandolin player ever! I say that lightly but his mastery of many styles that he is amazing at. I recommend that you listen the David Grisman Quintet featuring Tony Rice mid to late 70's live show are my favorite. Hands down some of the finest music ever played.

[@jnholland006]

Will Molina I couldn’t said it better myself ! He’s mastered Monroe style as well as Gypsie jazz and his own Dawg Music!!!

[@bcp5296d]

Almost all of the greatest at that time on the stage at once. This is my dream lineup..almost.

[@walterlippmann6292]

I love seeing Tony Ricky and Jerry on stage

[@jbkibs]

all legends...

[@mf5202]

Throwing the gauntlet at Mark O'Connor is respectfully asking for it. Tony and Sammy, awesome as usual

[@guibox3]

And Mark O'Connor takes that gauntlet and smacks everyone in the face twice with it. ha ha. What an amazing player.

[@kurtzwar729]

America's best bluegrass players. Just burning the house down. Love to hear such terrific talent on one stage. Lots of respect for each lead. I have been lucky enough to see David Grisman, Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Douglas, Tony Rice and Mark O'Conner thru the years. But never in such a brilliant stage. God bless American Bluegrass.

[@Timbo777LR]

Wow, that was awesome, and what a great cast of characters! To see them all playing together like that is fantastic! Thanks for posting and Tony, Rest In Peace, you know Heaven has a hell of a band!

[@jarodreddig63]

Absolutely shredding!! Wow!!

[@andrissoa]

All these musicians are simply amazing !

[@MichaelFath]

So fabulous...every player!!!

[@jscordoba3]

I had this on VHS in Highschool. Love it more now than ever

[@drender19]

I will miss Tony immensely.

[@jonathonroiko7474]

1year ago today we lost Tony, didn't get any easier

[@dlagrua]

You can't find much better than these guys in bluegrass.

[@slvdgeinthesnow8165]

That first fiddle solo is probably one the meanest I've ever heard.

[@spitzmanndm]

I've never see Tony Rice with that smile with Jerry Douglas on Stage!!! Who the Hell KNOWS what was going on??!!...

[@luckydog22001]

pascal spitz hes happy picking with his old buddies, they go back to his teen years.

[@rockinredneck57]

Tony, Jerry and Ricky all played with JD Crowe and New South. Jerry was about 18 Ricky 21 and Tony 26. Tony played before that with Sam Bush in Bluegrass Alliance. Might have been while Tony was still with them that Doyle Lawson came to the group.

[@jmlsongs]

Good lord. best musicians ever in this song.. Rice and Mark O Connor and RIcky and Jerry Douglass wow

[@OrphanAnnieTrNb90]

THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST REQUESTED VIDEO-HITS FROM SKAGGS & RICE FOR ALL MY PAGES: Tony Rice Friendsnfans, Clarence White Fotos, DocnMerle Watson, and Larry Prentis Rice.

[@guibox3]

Mark O'Connor...jeez. What a fiddle player.

[@JoeGavito]

Damn....That was a real treat...

[@laurentfarsy3722]

rip tony , one of the best or the best ..............

[@jeremyswoodenlures2228]

im a Ricky Skaggs and Tony Rice super fan

[@isaacmiller530]

Thumbs down need to come with a mandatory explanation. Wtf...?

[@joshclark1047]

David "Dawg" Grisman on mandolin!

[@angelmatos9143]

Bluegrass is synonymous with magic.

[@roblinxweiler9951]

All these guys deserve to live forever...

[@ryanperry5408]

RIP Tony Rice we love miss you💖💖💖

[@rvanats9652]

Lots of great moments, but my favorite might be right when Pete Wernick finishes his solo and appears to gasp with relief that he didn't embarrass himself in front of the virtuosos on stage with him.

[@Paul-pp2hp]

Lmao what? 😂 in all seriousness that 0:46-0:58 was so bad ass I had to go back a couple times. Love tony’s Afterwards too

[@roblinxweiler9951]

Holy crap... what an all-star lineup!!

[@jamesbowen8960]

@TokudenInc I didn't know that. I'm very saddened to hear that. I loved him. His playing spoke to me and took me to places that I love. RIP Tony Rice. See you in Heaven!

[@xmeangreenx1]

Tony rice really doesnt get enough credit

[@jackd.ripper7613]

The finest flatpicker alive.

[@skullduggery3377]

his volume is too low.

[@rexzens]

hes a god

[@craycraybros513]

Him and Ricky just inducted into ibma

[@m.c.master4622]

@@craycraybros513, nope; Ricky was a couple of years behind him.

[@unico_pelos_parados_1]

These Guys are like a broken drum: THEY CAN'T BE BEAT!

[@champtree]

Just WOW! Nice seeing Pete! (Dr. Banjo)

[@Mrsournotes]

There’s some serious talent, wow!

[@TheBladepolisher]

And God sat somewhere in that audience and said " I'm here boys, make me proud. "

[@michaelbaldwin6543]

Del in the background.

[@OldMusicGuy]

RIP Tony!

[@bushwacker3292]

For sure they always have gave there best.

[@ToneOfWig]

This makes me smile - awesome!

[@angelmatos9143]

Imagine Paco de Lucia & Tony Rice.

[@goodwintrent2989]

Cream of the crop here, folks... Music monsters, all!

[@ahwien]

Bluegrass giants Grisman & Douglas can be in the title; pleasant surprise

[@tylerwilliamson2855]

I like how the title just says ricky skaggs and tony rice. Must of forgot the rest of them like they are all just peons lol. Had me cracking up. Good video and even better music

[@edsyphan3425]

There will never be another.
I have to agree with all of the other commenters, thank you as well.

[@Hollis6503]

Never another Tony Rice

[@rugbyslug]

DAMN - that Dobro player is freakin' amazing!!

[@telboy1966manu]

Jerry Douglas and yes he's superb

[@strokerace14bp]

Del jamming and chilling in the background!!

[@steve20118]

I finally came up with a good explanation of what Bluegrass music is. It's Jazz for Hillbillies.

[@chrisdaw25]

Thank you Roy! This is a gem!

[@NeyaTobish]

Great people! The bluegrass elite!

[@zerobertoballestra]

RIP...

[@scottstewart9584]

Goddamnit that feels pretty good.

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

Wow... Just, fricken... WOW!

[@russellcarleton5602]

Gotta appreciate the moment at 3:32 where Ricky Skaggs looks back as if to say "Yeah, this Grisman guy can play a little bit. He's OK."

[@WildRiceRDMC]

Awesomeness

[@Roostersmusic]

nobodies gonna talk about will ferrell playing the banjo?

[@mcoram3486]

LMFAO!

[@phatthand]

Peter Wernick is playing banjo

[@CleanHead]

@@phatthand no thats will ferrell

[@sawbilly2]

Reckon Jerry Douglas is having a good time? Not to mention everybody else crushing it on stage! AMEN!

[@peterclarke7014]

Rickie Simpkins kills it

[@08grampa]

Amazing!

[@jasonking5560]

The goat!

[@lunarmist428]

Rice & Dawg !

[@lindanewell341]

Watch all those young fingers fly.

[@JanJohanssonmusic]

Mighty fine

[@cholly853]

All star cast.

[@phildirt3]

Saw mark david and stephane grappeli. It was ridiculous

[@leftypick4854]

Just look at those nine or ten folks having fun playing music. That's it.

[@angelmatos9143]

Mr Rice laid down the law.

[@summerbreezeau]

Same 34 nit wits gave a thumb down on another Tony vid I just watched, amazing that they went and watched a second one!

[@jamesbowen8960]

What? I hope they all get diarrhea on Thanksgiving!!😤

[@brandonbentley4677]

Roy flockhart are from NC I picked with a named Roy flockhart he was great guitar picker

[@jasonslayton2970]

Fantastic

[@saintloup0006]

If Mark O'Connor was a mathematician, he will demontrate Riemann's Hypothesis....