British guitarist analyses Stevie Ray Vaughan's mental state live in 1989! 

I was 13 years old, in Austin for a journalism class trip (we spent a week there going to different conferences). My journalism teacher had taken us to 6th street and other places around the city...we had been walking around for awhile and heard different music from different clubs..anyway we were walking by a club and I heard this guitar....a guitar sound like I had never ever heard before...I immediately stopped outside of the club to listen..I guess the bouncer noticed me standing there eyes closed just feeling the music.. He said "do you like that" and I told him I'd never heard anything like it before and yes I liked it!!...he took me to the side door and let me watch the set from the door..it was of course.. Stevie Ray Vaughan. I was a SRV fan from that moment on.. Thanks Fil for bringing back an amazing memory...

I love seeing Stevie Ray sounding so great and looking so healthy and happy. There still hasn't been anyone like Stevie Ray Vaughn. I admire that everyone in the band received the same pay, including SRV. Sounds like a good human to me.

Pretty much Clapton said the same: " I have to tell this story: We played on the same bill on his last two gigs. On the first night, I watched his set for about half an hour and then I had to leave because I couldn't handle it!. I knew enough to know that his playing was just going to get better and better. His set had started, he was like two or three songs in, and I suddenly got this flash that I'd experienced before so many times whenever I'd seen him play, which was that he was like a channel. One of the purest channels I've ever seen, where everything he sang and played flowed straight down from heaven. Almost like one of those mystic Sufi guys with one finger pointing up and one finger down. That's what it was like to listen to. And I had to leave just to preserve some kind of sanity or confidence in myself."

I was at Stevie's last concert at Alpine Valley on August 27,1990. It's 30 years later and his music can still bring me to tears. Stevie just had it.

A bartender I knew told me he and some buddies got to go to a concert and were pretty close to the stage. He said grown men were crying tears, they were so moved by his talent.

On his worst day Stevie was better than most guitarists on their best.

There’s nothing like the Blues , and no one could play like SRV !!!♥️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎶🎵🎵🎶🎶🎶🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸Gone too soon😔, Rest In Peace, Stevie ⭐️

The best thing about him was that he conveyed so much emotion in the simplest of his riffs. He could do some crazy complicated things, but for example, in a single slide note in the intro to Texas Flood at 0:53 you can hear and feel an entire story in a single note. THAT, is a real gift! The real tragedy is that he had final gotten to a place where he loved his life and more importantly, himself. What a loss!

Got to have my daily dose of SRV. A day without Stevie is a day without sunshine....Could sit and watch him play for hours. He's simply BRILLIANT. Thanks for doing a SRV....

Stevie gives me the chills. When I hear him play i feel like he’s changed my molecular structure

I knew him in early to mid '70's he was a very SINCERE CARING human being. His playing is so much like his real personality!

One of the best concerts I ever saw was Stevie in the early 80's. It was an outdoor concert and at the end of the show they had a fireworks display. Instead of leaving the stage he played along to the fireworks. It was so great! The next day in the newspaper I read that Stevie said it was one of his best concerts and that the good lord must have been with him!

If you are learning guitar or have been playing for years. You need to listen to what Stevie brought to the table. I promise you, you won't be disappointed. I wasn't really into the blues fully but you can't ignore the foundation of any music out there. Thanks for sharing and an awesome analysis Fil as always. Rock on dude!!!

When ever I listen to Stevie I hear something new and my brain melts and runs out my ears.

Damn. After all these years - still blows my mind every time.

Bravo on this excellent analysis of SRV's voice and playing! He was one with his instrument.

I first saw him at a Polish Legion Hall in Houston about 1973...he was about nineteen - sitting in with Freddie or Albert King or Gatemouth Brown, or somebody. Years later we opened for him around Texas. He was an otherworldly force in person...you really had to see him live! A Prodigy of Prodigies!

What a great description of Stevie!!! He was truly one with his guitar at all times. A technical master for sure and he had so much natural soul expressed in blues!!!! Truly one of a kind and I miss him so much. Thank God we have all these masterful videos to savour forever. And he's so smooth and makes it sound so easy and fluid. And plus, John Mayer said that Stevie kept the blues alive through the 80s when it wasn't necessarily in the mainstream, at a time when there was a lot of heavy metal rock bands. I never liked the 80s rockstars...but Stevie held his spot above the rest because his blues playing is timeless. We always had Clapton and BB King, and then Jeff Healey and Robert Cray in the 80s....but Stevie was on top then and still is!! Thank God for Clapton and John Mayer today, who continue to keep the blues alive with phenomenal playing. But no one can ever take the place of Stevie Ray Vaughan. And he was a wonderful human being too.

Thanks for the vid. I got to see SRV twice. First time was at a small auditorium. I'd never heard of him. He gave a speech about how he'd overcome his self-destructive addictions. Second time was right after he'd hit the big time in the early nineties. It was a duel bill with Jeff Beck, who had Terry Bozzio on drums. Carlos Santana joined SRV on stage for the encore. What a show!

Good one Fil. Rest easy Stevie, you're mightily missed.

its always amazing to me how much noise 3 guys with instruments can make. How they fill all that audio space without a rythm guitar or keys. One of the tightest bass/drums ive heard. amazing

Love SRV! My late husband used to sing Pride & Joy to me weekly! He & I along with friends went to Memphis, Tennessee 6 days b4 my cancer surgery. The first night there we cabbed it to the famous Beale St Blues Clubs. The BEST blues live music I’ve ever heard & danced to a 1 man band with only his amp & guitar! He was fantastic & we danced to his slowed bluesy rendition of Purple Rain! A trip I’ll never forget!!!

I also love when he shuffles back, like a happy dance. You also forgot to mention the sensuality. That’s the relationship they have with that guitar. Beautiful

Wow. Your best review ever! I learned so much about playing guitar through this review!! Thanks again.

Saw Stevie live at red rocks amphitheater in the late 80's, he was phenomenal, I cant think of any concert that I ever attended my whole life that left me more mesmerized than that night, literally goosebumps the whole show!

OHMYGOD! One of my absolute favorite songs....loved SRV! I still miss him 💔😢

Best Guitar Player ever! The sweat Falling dripping from his face were pure Soul drops! Miss Him Greatly!

Another great reaction! Love the joy in your face while you watch guitarists.

One of the most in depth “psychological “ analyses I’ve ever seen you do. Excellent job relating musical consciousness and technical ability. 👍

I truly appreciate your analysis. It is not only educational to musicians, but to non-musician music enthusiasts. It definitely enhances the experience with your insights. Well done

Stevie was special, once in awhile we get a guitarist like no other. Stevie played the guitar like it was an extension of himself. His natural ability was just exceptional. Stevie just had that unique expressiveness that few guitarists can capture live. He really enjoyed playing and you can really tell in this video. He wanted to take you to a place where only he could go.

Just found this video. Excellent analysis, glad to see you loved him so much too. He was brilliant...aggressive yet tender, those heavy strings, singing, sound...never will be anyone close🔥🔥and had hilarious videos too😆 Thanks Fil 😊🎸🎶🎼

I have seen SRV in concert over a dozen times in the 80s,still my fav shows of my lifetime...RIP Stevie

That is probably the best breakdown of a guitarist that I have ever heard ,excellent job !

You usually keep your emotions close to your vest....its clear how much you love SRV. Your joy comes through and in turn...we appreciate even more. Thanks Fil...for another great segment and for sharing a little piece of yourself!

Having so much fun going through your older videos. You are such a fantastic communicator Fil ✌🏼

One of my favorite videos by Stevie ray nice job Fil! 😎 it’s far as I’m concerned a great loss one of the best bluesman of my generation♥️

This show that he did back in 89’ never fails to blow me away - and I’ve watched it umteen million times.

"It took me years to learn how to play like myself." - Miles Davis

What a talent and taken too soon. Love you Stevie. And Fil just love your smiling during the video🙏🏼

Still gives me goosebumps watching any Stevie. IMHO, the greatest person to ever pick up an electric guitar. Guy had chops too.

Number One is a “ragged American Stratocaster with 1959 pickups, a ’62 neck, and a ’63 body, reveals upon inspection a brutally worn finish, upside-down tremolo bar, cigarette-burnt headstock”. Vaughan acquired this instrument in 1974 from Ray Hennig’s Heart of Texas Music. When Vaughan took possession of Number One, it was already well worn. What is not as well known is that its previous owner was was another celebrated Texas musician,Christopher Cross. Hennig tells quite a story. As I’ve heard the tale, Cross wanted something “beefier” and traded the Stratocaster for a Les Paul. Stevie had already had a loaner guitar from Hennig, who was pleased to trade it for Cross’ guitar since it was in much better condition.

I can't imagine a more difficult musical thesis to expound upon than that of "How Stevie Ray Vaughan Plays What He Feels". Yet You, Fil, have done just that with this video. Amazing insights. Thank you.

Great analysis of Stevie Ray Vaughn who I not listened to enough. Just the idea of playing on heavier gauge strings is awe-inspiring!

I always try to watch Stevies hands play guitar but watching his facial expressions are just as interesting. He definitely feels what he plays and plays what he feels. I also agree with you. I can get a song in my head and hear every part of it without singing out loud. Great analysis video Fil! As always. ❤️🤘🏼

Love SRV! Great fun video and analysis! Thank you!

S.R.V. was so insanely gifted and you can easily see he felt the music with every ounce of his soul. His music came from a place most of us can only imagine. He was beyond dynamic..love how he closes his eyes when he sings, just going off on his own. He crammed more into his 35 years than most people do in 80. Great analysis Fil. Thank you for this one.🎼🖤

One thing I have always loved about Stevie is out every video I’ve ever watched he never played a song the same way. It’s always different which to me it shows just how much of his playing was how he was feeling at that moment. To me he is my best ever

Miss him everyday as musicians, especially a fellow Texan who like so many others left us tragically and way to soon. Grew up listening to him and will continue til I’m gone. I’ve seen a lot of guitarist live & Stevie is and will always be the best to me.no one can do the things he could. Using the heaviest strings & could break a neck with ease showed just how strong his hands were for a really small man.

such a bad ass.... that's all I really say in every way... love it and thanks Fil what a tragic loss

Thank you, Fil. I can’t get over the love Stevie is receiving after all these years, thanks to folks like you.❤️ I think you May have already checked out Stevie’s Tin Pan Alley, with Johnny Copeland, but if you haven’t, listening to that version, then listening to the version from Tokyo (SRV is wearing the red pants, jacket and hat) will absolutely floor you. He does a completely different version in Tokyo that is stunning, almost jarring. Turn the lights down and the volume up. I miss the friendship he and I had just begun, and seeing people like you show your love is very comforting.❤️ Donna G

Saw him twice - left me thrilled on both occasions. ...... as a guitar player, seeing him again here, Vaughn continues to leave me speechless.

SRV is my favorite guitarist-it still amazes me today after watching his videos, what a talented musician he was- you are right , he does not have to think about what he will do next-it just comes out of him-- he makes it look so easy, has his eyes closed, very seldom looks at the fretboard-- he put in many, many years of practice and hard work to get where he was as a guitarist so it is not as easy as he makes it look-RIP Stevie Ray

I was in Greece back in mid 80's and was at US military base BX and was looking thru the record section and couldn't find anything I liked then I saw the bargain bin and saw this album Texas Flood by SRV I actually never heard of him at the time and I bought it because it was on 50 cents. I got home and played it and WOW it floored me and I became a huge SRV fan and now I live in the Philippines and still have that same album along with many more of his and still listen to it and dream what he would have done if he had not died and I am still sad and I am 70 years young hahaha

Stevie is a musical artist just like any celebrated opera singer and great classical musician. He was pure genius.

This is such a great channel. I'm so glad I found it!

Fil, what a great message to not only musicians but anyone trying to master a craft. I find it fascinating that you put into words why we are admirers of SRV.

Great analysis Fil. Loved this video, just an overall perfect composition. 👏👏👏👏👏

SRV was the greatest guitar player to walk the planet bar none.

This is how Stevie Ray Vaughan communiicates..through his legendary music he saids it all and his strumming on those strings relieves his trauma of any kind that could be happening in his life..Always a great performance and Stevie closed his eyes to really concentrate on what he is saying to you and keep his thoughts in process..Stevie expresses everything through his music and will tell you pretty much what is going on in his life....great band ..Great in blue's and rock..RIP Stevie

Phil your face tells the story of the music your hearing.... I have never seen such honesty in an intelligent grown up...Matter of fact your honesty has spilled over, brought honesty into places I’d never thought it would see... Your a special guy, as a lifelong musician the appreciation I fell being drawn in to so artist work, places I honestly never would have thought to look, a may not could see without your help

I really appreciate the video and what you think about his guitar style. I was fortunate enough to see him numerous times here in ATX. thank you.

Stevie's playing and the sound he creates is one of a kind! Excellent take on the mental side of musicality, Thanks Fil for putting this expression of music theory to the masses!

Good evening Phil and all I can say is that Stevie Ray Vaughan was the man🎸🎤🙌

Thank you Fil for this great analysis of the late, GREAT Stevie Ray Vaughan. I never got the chance to see him perform live. The closest I got was the tribute band Texas Flood and they do a decent job. Of course growing up in Texas, listening to the blues and such artists as Stevie was essential. My late brother made sure I was exposed to this music with the mixed tapes he given me. Once again thank you for this video. 🤘🏻❤️✌🏻

New to channel, but Stevie Ray 💙 Nothing like the Texas blues. Brings me back to nights in San Antonio & Austin Texas. What a guitar genius! He is so missed.

Stevie Ray will forever retain GOAT status. The guy just never messed up. Stevie could break a string, which I've heard he did often, and never miss a beat. His vocal abilities were also topnotch.

Thank you Fil for a very very good analysis of SRV..especially about people's opinion stating that well he's playing too much he doesn't sound like ______ , I have heard this many times over .And personally I think because they don't want to admit how good he is compared to their favorite person. And yes to Al's bring up his band is not to be ignored. So sad he left all to soon.I saw him on tour with Jeff Beck group right before his passing. Probably one of thee best concerts I have ever been to..his encode number Carlos Santana came out which was a wild finale..out of this world 🌎...thanks again for keeping SRV legacy alive and well.He may be gone but certainly not forgotten.

Phenomenal..with all things added together Stevi Ray Vaughan could bring on the best performance and entertainment that was ever performed..Stevie was exceptional on a stage and entertain his fans..RIP

One of the things that really stood out to me with Stevie was his use of the pickup switch. He'd pull so many unique tones in a solo just by going through those 5 positions, I don't really recall too many other players doing that to the level he did it.

Phil, you described exactly why your analysis videos are so engaging and effective - you’ve mastered connecting with your audience.

I have a video I recorded from Iowa Public Broadcasting during one of the fundraising weeks in 2013 and it's In Session - Albert King with Stevie Ray Vaughan (December 6 1983) and it's just amazing to watch those two playing off each other. Another thing that made it interesting was Albert played with Open Tunings which means Stevie couldn't really improvise by watching what Albert was playing but had to hear the notes because it was the first time they had ever played together and none of it was rehearsed

I’ve played the trumpet for 35 years. I think everything you said applies to any instrumentalist/performer. You are spot on! I’ve played in front of hundreds of people regularly and my beat playing was always when I was “in the zone.” That zone is so accurately described by you.

Just subscribed to your channel . I was scrolling thru different videos and came across your analyzing of Stevie Ray Vaughns mental state while playing. I was so impressed by your knowledge and detailed explanation of not only his technique , but of how he was so in tune with his guitar that he was relaying his feelings through it. I will be looking forward to many more of your videos. There was one artist who said that Stevie was the blackest white man he ever knew! LOL

FiL , thank you for expressing so eloquently the realism of music being played is being processed and shows in their facial movements ; so many people just don’t understand... I have noticed in your live presentations and your Analysis of people in the music, you express things so completely and so deeply that it’s just amazing ; you are so wise and gifted With such wonderful insight.. ! 👍🏼🤗⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎶🎵🎵🎶🎵

Excellent video.. what a fantastic explanation of the mental approach and expression in ones own playing style..

I loved all the lessons in this one, especially the old Shakespearean wisdom, "To thine own self be true." Great encouragement for anyone.

You are spot on, Fil . He is singing through the guitar! Watching SRV is seeing his soul and voice ,vocally in those guitar riffs. Watching live, I could not sit still. It amazed me that anyone could just sit there.

Stevie Ray never cease to amaze me. Never forgot the day we lost him. Working at a record store, we had been playing his album, as he was touring at the time, we had a display with Stevie and his brother Jimmie. We were all so sad.

I can feel his music from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. Not a lot of musicians or singers do that for me. He’s #1 on the guitar for me.

You've done it again, Fil! Excellent analysis and comments - it was very deep - which is quite impressive to those of us who get it! Thank you for getting SRV! Was so fortunate to experience this force of nature 3 times in the 80's in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Can still see, hear, and feel all those experiences to this very day! Gives me chills!

It was in December of 1989 at Toronto's Skydome that I got to see Stevie Ray play. On the bill that night were The Jeff Healey Band followed by Jeff Beck and the best act of the evening Double Trouble.I will never forget that concert as Stevie was so on fire and electrifying.Sadly by August 1990 he was gone.

Excellent stuff, Fil! I'll never forget where I was when I learned that he'd died after his 1989 Wisconsin performance. Truly an amazing guitar player. One of my all-time favorites. Love how easily his soloing flows without hesitation with his hand flying up and down the fretboard providing so much intense expression, aggression, and sensitivity.

Wow! It’s hard to pay attention to what you’re saying on this one. And I know you’re doing a great job analyzing SRV. But he grabs me by my very being and I feel good. I’m feeling real good. He lifts you up and keeps you there. Right now I’m listening to SRV. I know you’re talking. But all I’m thinking is Stevie’s playing. Thank you Fil. Needed this tonight.

He was clean an sober right around this time....super clean and sharp his he was healthy and just getting ready to take over the world again.....I saw him rt around this time and to this day few could touch him if any .....

It might be bc I'm a player and guitar is in my blood, but I just LOVE this video and hope you do more like this. You just really nail so many details about the thought process and muscle memory we experience, plus the live factor and showcasing your talent to the crowd, etc. I just seriously loved this video. 🤟💙🙏👍👍👍

in the classical piano world it's common to compare pianists playing the same piece. Each pianist plays the same concerto differently. also you can listen to a pianist at the beginning of their career playing a certain piece and then when they're much older. The expression can be totally different because they have matured. Some pianists are very mechanical while others blow you away. Stevie is a true musician in that he has the technical side mastered and he is then able to interpret the musical language to reflect his inner landscape. This is what all the great musicians allow us to hear. Their inner landscape. It is tragic that we can not hear a mature Stevie play. Can you just imagine what he would of shown us?

Thanks Fil, I really like the psychological aspects that you highlight in this! Love SRV!

I was driving home from work when I heard what happened to Stevie Ray Vaughn. Thank God I didn't live far because I couldn't see through my tears.....you Fil once again have expressed in your analysis exactly how I feel about Stevie. At least we have his music to listen to forever 🤘🎸

You're 100% right about pre rehearsed lines vs consciously expressing yourself through the guitar.

Can never EVER go wrong with SRV! Great analysis as always. Thanks, Fil! You are the best at this whole RU-vid thing...

Thx again for your insights into the world of SRV. He is one of a kind and thankful every time to just hear and see him! I would be so interested to see your take on the top 20 guitarists in your opinion. As you can clearly see from the number of subscribers, we do value your opinion. That would be a great video for us to watch! Thanks again. 🎸

In 1987, we all worked in hospitality so we'd work until midnight and go out for a few drinks when we were finished. I remember I would come home late, slip on my headphones and play SRV records, cranked, and dance around the living room for hours. Those were the days =) Thanks Fil 💓

So Fil, one hour up and already 1,800 views and 112 comments!! You and SRV are an unbeatable pair!

Stevie is channeling. He is so adept at playing the guitar that I imagine his mind is all around making each passage and phrase just a little bit better. Amazing talent.

So cool, I was there! This was 1989 at Austin City Limits. The sound quality and atmosphere that night was amazing.

Such a soulful , gifted guitar and singer! I can’t think of anyone today that can play as well as Stevie. He’s playing for the Angels now. 💙🤟🏻🤟🏻😇

I like how you explain things Fil, you make it easy to understand. Singing through their instruments for example. You are a good teacher and it seems to me that you have pacience which is important for some of us who over think.

You are doing good life coaching, not just for guitar and music, but life in general. Tennis players call it playing "In the Zone" , they are not thinking about it, they are doing it. Great observations sir! When it comes to taste and preference no one can tell you what to like. Thank you for your perceptive explanations and respect for individuality and artistic expression.

Oh yes ! Excellent analysis Fil 👍👍👍