tony rice was one of the few artists that went out of their way to thank me (the lighting guy) and the sound folk at the end of his show at our theatre.

Don't forget Tony Rice's vocals too. Putting all the guitar virtuosity to one side, he was just so incredibly musical. That's why he should be remembered as one of the greats.

Grew up a few houses down from Mr. Rice and as great of a flatpicker that he was, he was a nicer man. And had great taste in cars, can still hear his black cobra til this day

Everybody should go listen to The Pizza Tapes with Tony Rice and Jerry Garcia, it's magical.

I think its an accurate statement to say never in any genre of music has there ever been more talent assembled on one stage than this. Nobody will ever be able to replace Tony Rice. R.I.P. my friend. You will always be the GOAT in my opinion ❤

Oh my god, I'm devastated. Tony was The Man. I met him backstage in the early 90's and he actually let me play his guitar. In the late 2000's I came across some research on spasmodic dysphonia and sent it to his website. I'm sure he didn't remember me from Adam, but a few months later, as my wife and I were watching TV; the phone rings. "I'm looking for Eric Fischer, I'm Tony Rice." The voice goes. I would have thought it was a prank, but with that husky rasp he had then, I knew it must have been him. He searched me out, and called me, just to say thank you for sending off that information to him. My wife, Anne was on the couch, she was dying from cancer and I said, "Anne, you'll never guess who this is. It's Tony Rice!" She used to play bluegrass with me, so she knew who he was. I didn't know what to say; just stuff like "Tony you're the best, man. Thank you for everything." He talked for a couple minutes and then excused himself. What a gentleman. Back in the 90's, my friend was a nurse a local hospital and in one room, the TV was playing an old Andy Griffith episode. Clarence White and the White's were on. He pointed to the screen and told the patient, "My friend played that guitar!" Tony, man you'll be missed.... and revered for years to come. Thank you!

I was there. And yeah, Tony Rice, one of a kind. The master.

I have always considered this the ultimate bluegrass lineup. Their whole set is out there somewhere on KZfaq.

I'm going to start playing gigs in a suit and tie. I just don't think you can play that well without being dressed properly.

RIP Tony. I feel lucky to have lived in a time that produced Tony Rice, Bela Fleck, Mark O'Connor, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush and Mark Schatz. Every one, a once in an eternity.

The absolute best reaction you have done. Tony Rice will be remembered for a long time.👍👍👍

11:02. KZfaq couldn’t even handle the amount of heat it was being required to stream hahahah. So bad ass. Rest In Peace TR. my favorite players favorite player.

One of my all time favorite musical recordings is “The Pizza Tapes” - Garcia, Grisman and Rice playing just for the love of playing…Legendary..

This hit me hard, he is one of my all time favorite artists, and he was an artist. Not just a phenomenal groundbreaking guitarist, but also a great groundbreaking singer, bringing a while new style to bluegrass singing, and damn he was able to tell a story. He was a great songwriter as well, but didn't write lyrics. And he picked the greatest songs to cover as well, he especially loved Gordon Lightfoot and his versions of his songs really are the definitive versions. And he was a humble gentleman as well. What an exceptional human he was.

Michael--I think that the reason I am so drawn to you and your reactions is the sheer joy that escapes the screen of my laptop. You make me happy.

As a bluegrass educator myself, nothing makes me happier than watching another musician/teacher nerding out about a classic bluegrass video! :D Happy to run across this sir! Let me know if you would ever like some more obscure, but awesome bluegrass stuff to react to! :D

The look on the fiddle players face after he killed that solo. It's like he surprised himself. Thanks for making these videos, it really helps us tone deaf folks when a person says "that's an A". I'm starting to recognize notes, it's awesome.

RIP Tony Rice, you were a legend! ❤️ There is in general so much badassness on stage! Bluegrass finest!

Tony's second solo, while improved, is not really winged. He's adding jazz to bluegrass. Giving space and tension. Complete mastery over that Martin. Breathtaking.

There will never again be this much musical talent on one stage together. Each one so incredible. I glad I lived to see it. RIP Tony. You still are the master.

What an absolute joy to see you enjoying 'Freeborn Man'. You are right! The magic, the artistry, the humour and the leadership, Tony Rice had it all. Thank you for this. Once again, you are showing us another shade of what music is all about but always through the prism of passion :)

Bluegrass just makes you smile, even if the song is sad, so much fun, the foot just has to move. Great reaction too!

Literally growing up at Bluegrass festivals in the late 70's-early 80's, Tony Rice was always like some mythical beast. If he was picking, EVERYBODY stopped jamming and watched. A complete Master of his craft. From Manzanita to the New South and then the Tony Rice Unit he blazed a very wide swath of what was possible on an old Martin D-28. RIP sir. Go rest high on that mountain.

The A team "tales of the acoustic planet " series will always be some of my favorite music. R.I.P. Tony

Tony is a killer. I love this version, it gives me POWER

Sam Bush’s break is incredible.

Tony Rice changed guitar for me forever! He is my guitar idol, Rest In Peace Mr. Rice

JD Crowe, Tony Rice, Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Douglas and boby Slone. To ME, the best Bluegrass album ever. Started playing banjo in the 70's with the Earl Scrubbs book then found JD. Crowe, and COUNTLESS Banjo players. But Tony Rice just freaking stole my heart. RIP Tony, you gave us ALL some GREAT GREAT times.

In Grisman's FB tribute to Tony he mentioned that when Tony first joined the DGQ he told David that he couldn't compose music, and David told him, "Yes, you can!" The next day he brought his first composition to David, Swing 51, and it was included on their premiere album, The David Grisman Qunitet (Kaleidoscope F-5). The power of suggestion is real. RIP Tony, and thank you for this tribute, Michael.

I’ve never seen anyone else react the way I do when I watch that freeborn man video. Thank you for making me feel like I’m not the only fanatic 😂 and thanks for sharing the joy. This video of Tony rice is one of my absolutely favorites.

I’ve watched that performance more time than I can count. What an absolute masterpiece!

Thanks for this. Tony was the man, IMO the greatest bluegrass guitarist we've seen (and not just a bluegrass guitarist, he could play well in virtually any style). Such a cool cat too. RIP.

I get so much more from your reactions and analysis and joy of this great music, I love it. I got seriously into guitar in the early 1980's and played it like a mad man for 20 odd years, but have not picked it up in a couple of years. Thanks for the fun you put into these, this was hot ...

How can anyone NOT be in awe of that stage! Absolutely unreal!

Thank you for the video. I love your passion. It's nice to see someone who knows all these people and is passionate about the music as I am. I've seen this video maybe a dozen times but I still love it. I love how much fun they're having too.

I love the passion you got. I'm not that big into bluegrass and i dont even have close your music knowledge but you just catch me with that passion. Couldnt stop smiling the whole vid... you inspire me to improve my guitar playing

I love how you respect the great one! His pure driving grass and jazz influences warped the guitar in bluegrass to another level and there will truly be no other! I find this hard as what he did with the guitar is almost comparible with scruggs on the 5 string, completely rewriting the instrument and every solo you listen to in grass has a TR influence he will be greatly missed...

I'm dying at 13:00 - 13:05 Tony goes for a lick, then another, and your face as you try to interpret what he might be going for is priceless. Your hand in the air. Mouth slightly ajar. Eyes narrowed. hahahahah

Last comment - promise. Tony had a beautiful singing voice (before dysphonia took it). Go listen to him sing "Four Strong Winds", "Church Street Blues", "Urge for Going", or "Green Light on the Southern". Thank you, Michael, for the lovely tribute. You said and felt what we're all feeling.

Michael, I've been watching you for about a year, and this video single handedly got me into bluegrass when you released it. Thank you so much!!!!

Amazing, gracious musicians. So incredibly gifted. Feel so fortunate to have been able to see these guys live. I love how generous they are with each other.

Really loved this video. I have entirely new and improved appreciation for Tony Rice. I listened to him when I was much younger, he always amazed me. Great stuff! Thank you.

You missed some of the fun interplay. Bella missed his cue on the banjo break, so coming into the next verse, Tony intentionally waits an extra two beats to come in with the vocals. You can see Sam laughing because he knows it’s Tony playing around.

I've never heard of Tony...you have changed that. Thank you!

This is a favorite clip of mine, and you've added even more enjoyment from what you point out. Well done & thanks.

This is an outstanding analysis. I've seen that video probably 500 times, and you pointed out some things I had never realized. I was so fortunate to have lived in Louisville, KY when Tony and Sam were in their late teens playing with the Bluegrass Alliance, and it was already obvious that they were a force to be reckoned with.

Thank you for making this -- your joy in watching and listening to this master helps to ease the pain. A huge loss.

Great to hear you do this song. RIP Tony Rice!

Thanks for the intro to this guitar great, Tony Rice! I’m a very basic guitar player who loves all good music and I absolutely love your enthusiasm for this truly gifted performer. I’m joining you in geeking out on Tony Rice today.

I'm so glad you did this one, I have been watching it for years. Insane musicianship.

Your enthusiasm and contact with the music is infectious. That's it, I'm subbing. Any deep dive devotee of Tony Rice is a gift to the world of picking. I've been a Rice fan for 35 years at least.

Hi Michael! First of all I want to tell you that I love your channel. I went to see Tony Rice in Harrisburg, PA in the early 80's. I'm ashamed of myself for not remembering the fiddle and banjo players names but they were absolutely phenomenal. I love bluegrass and always will and watching this just sparked my interest again. I know this video is from 2 years ago so you may not even see it, but I thought I would reach out anyway. Thanks for sharing. Have a great day.

my absolute favorite of all time. I was on a roadtrip with a college buddy in 1999 a few yrs after graduation. He was a serious flatpicker, i played just my strat (blues mainly) at the time. In a hotel room in Lake Tahoe he played a beautiful rendition of Tony's version of Church Street Blues. It completely floored me. It was then immediately and is still now, one of my favorites of all time. I did the ultimate deep dive of Tony and all of bluegrass. I learned to play bluegrass guitar until my fingers bled, healed then played again, rinse repeat and didn't stop - that was 20 years ago and i've never stopped. Thanks for this video! RIP Tony. You were absolutely immense. In case you guys want to hear his last interviews with his friend Jan, here is the link - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/aKiJZst7p823YYk.html and part 2 i believe - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/o8-Ep5pnueCoiGQ.html

Michael you are such a rockstar! The look on your face when the youtube video glitches out is priceless. Thanks for, finally, doing a video on the legendary Tony Rice!

I have been obsessed with this song lately watching this Tony Rice version on KZfaq every night for about 8 nights in a row so I really enjoyed your rundown. Thank you.

Thanks for paying tribute to a legend. You are always out front doing good work for the people.

I was so blessed to see Tony at Merlefest a few times. Tony and Doc and Merle up in heaven jammin’ together again. The cosmos is very fortunate.

Thx for doing this one. Tony was the undisputed king of cool. Just in another world of his own. RIP.

5:45 When he walks from the A to the D, he does it *against* the beat. When you hear that (and it's the sh*t) that's either Tony or a Tony disciple. And it gives me chills.

Long time fan of Tony's from the days of the Dave Grisman Quintet, he never ceased to amaze me, and what a lineup on that stage in your video. Years ago, I attended a concert at the World Guitar Congress at Towson State where the Tony Rice Unit was the last act. I left Steven's Hall and walked straight to the closest bar and ran into 3 other's that had done the same. The topic of conversation, as we drank beer and sat in amazement of the awesome performances, was (jokingly) "what to do, practice a whole lot more or give up the guitar forever"! I've seen this video before but REALLY appreciate the enthusiasm in your review. Keep up the great work. And yes, i was a part of the Baltimore bluegrass scene for a while too. Losing Tony was so sad, but thankfully we have so many ways to remember him through his music. Ok, my guilty pleasure is his duets with John Carlini, River Suite for Two Guitars is wonderful.

What a glorious tribute! Thank you Michael for reminding us how and why great music is made, this time in the form of the late Tony Rice. I have such affection and respect for the man. He was my favorite guitarist in Appalachian music, second only to my very favorite, Norman Blake. Their two joint albums ensured a walk through the pearly gates, and once reunited, they will charge but a modest fee** for their heavenly performances. ** Every few days angels will be dispatched to Earth with the money to replenish strings and picks and such.

First time I’m seeing you dude...love you and your enthusiasm!

Tony's music has been with me when everything else felt insincere. I cannot put into words how incredible of an artist he was. his works with the bluegrass band and Tony Rice unit are among the best music I've heard. it just felt great seeing you loving this man and his music. great video.

Dude!!! You're speaking my language now! Although , so sad at the news, 2020 has been unreal.....

Thanks, Michael! The joy you show is something like what's going on in heaven right now. Welcome home Tony Rice!

Ah man, so great to see all this Tony Rice love, he deserves it ❤️

Oh man thanks for paying respects to the LEGEND. Can’t wait for the next one

Saw Tony duet with David Grisman in a small auditorium, completely mindblowing and joyful. Classiest guitarist I ever saw.

Thanks for this. My first trip to your channel. Lots to learn here.

thanks for this, saw tony back in the mid 80's when I went to telluride. blew me away. been a fan since

As a (now stroke-ridden) metal/rock axe maniac from the '80s I believe I have missed a lifetime of the talent and workings that were from the virtuoso that was Tony Rice. And only now after his passing am I enlightened to his magic, and the knowing that for all this time I've been a *HUGE* bluegrass fan all my life. I would have loved to have performed "Cattle in the Cane" to unexpected HM fans with all the respect that it owes him, it is *LITERALLY* among my most favourite pieces of guitar work from *any* artist or genre. Much love and respect, always Mr TR ❤️

Great tribute! I learned so much by studying his tablature, I wish I could have met him!

I was first turned on to Tony Rice from The Pizza Tapes! R.I.P. Tony , Jerry's been waiting to jam with ya! 🎸🎶🎵🌌❇

Thanks for posting this. Tony Rice was the greatest. He will certainly be missed

Rip Tony Rice💔💔💔

I know what you're unable to say. I've been in awe of Tony since '83 when I first was introduced to his music. I got to meet and chat with him a few times. He was as awesome as his playing. Bragging on everybody else.

Thank you Michael , greetings from Australia. Love your passion. Yes Tony Rice. "Native American " on Rounder has been a long time favourite of his. This performance is so mind-snappingly good it's almost surreal. Best regards.

Absolute legend & True gentleman. RIP. Nice post ✌️

I'd just watched the Tony Rice video you analyzed. You did a great job, and your enthusiastic appreciation of the musicians honored both them and you. I play classical, flamenco, and Latin styles of solo guitar. I considered myself a pretty good guitarist when I tried out for a bluegrass band years ago. I was blown away by the virtuosity of the players, and was not chosen to join them, because as you said, it takes years to master the style.

That D28 the “antique” is priceless. Some of the best to ever hold a pick have had the honor and privilege to play it. From Clarence to Tony to BMFS have all played it. I hope the family keeps it and takes care of it.

I grew up with Tony's little brother Wyatt, (who's also an amazing guitarist!!!), back In the 70s in Crystal River FL. Was always a treat when Tony came home for a visit!!! The whole family was gifted and when they got together to make music, it was like heaven on earth!!! Believe it or not, Tony was a better fisherman than guitarist... If he wasn't pickin, he was fishin 😉 You'd see him walking down to the river, barefoot, cigarette in his mouth and a fishin rod in his hand!!! I was very blessed to know that family!!! Thank you for the great video sir🙏🙏🙏

Man these guys are unbelievable. Love love love....Mahalo!

I've been hoping for sooooo long that you'd do a Tony Rice reaction video!

Jerry could play any style of American music as well or better than anyone of his generation.As King of the bluegrass pickers around the Bay Area of course he and Tony played together, water seeks its own level. Love you Mike, your the finest kind. 🖖🏽

I clicked into this just out of interest of you reacting to a Tony Rice vid that I've seen, had no idea he had passed... Like you said, he will be missed, but he left a huge legacy and tons of good music. Watching your reaction was a lot of fun, and hearing it from another person's perspective than just my own was pretty enjoyable. Rock on!

Thanks for the tribute and exploration of the music.

Michael, I thought we were through 2020 and then you hit me with this. YOU were the one from whom I heard Tony died on Christmas! Dammit, but also thank you... for paying this tribute.

I believe the Tony Rice video is from the 1992 Merlefest on Sunday. I was there. A cloudy and overcast day. That was a good year.

Nice camera quality and shots!!! Gonna use them for my videos!

One of the best reaction videos ever done in this channel... and I'm a HUGE fan of the Dead ones. So rad, so rad

I found this video on KZfaq about 8 or 9 years ago didn't know that much about bluegrass at the time,but I knew right away I was watching the best of the best.

OMG INCREDIBLE❤❤

What a performance! I’m a banjo player but love your vids! 10/10

Love this Michael...the best of the best🤩

Really glad I got to see him play 2X, once at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival with Allison Krauss and Union Station and at the tiny Stoughton Opera House in Stoughton WI back around 2011. Great memories.

I told my wife how lucky we are to have had this generation of musicians that built on the foundation's of monroe, Stanley, flat,and Scruggs and took acoustic music to a new level. Sadly Tony passed on Christmas but he set the bar for the next generation.

I first saw this performance a couple days ago and I’ve already watched it like 7 times, incredible

Love the vids keep it up

Would've love to see Clarence White and Tony on stage together, minds would've been blown!

I grew up in Wilkesboro North Carolina. Home of Merlefest. The best bluegrass fest started by Doc Watson. It’s amazing to see who comes from all around the world. Great music and great community. Awesome Rest easy Tony Rice