British guitarist analyses Unknown Hinson taking on Jimi Hendrix!!! 

A local North Carolina legend, Unknown Hinson is a fantastic player and a gracious person who always has a meet and greet after his live shows for autographs and pics with his fans.

As a fan of Unknown Hinson, I thank you for giving him some much-needed exposure. He is not as well known here in the US as you might think. And as a fan of Rickenbacker guitars, I must point out that his guitar is not a semi-hollow model 360 but is a neck-through, solid-body model 620, in Jetglo as you stated.

"goes off down a different path" was actually a riff from Led Zep's Dazed and Confused. So he's playing Jimi and Jimmy in one cover song. Good player.

I can't believe you have ever heard of Unknown Hinson. hahahaha!! I am from Charlotte and found him in the 90s on a local public access channel. He made this character up and put himself on a public access channel. It was completely insane and I loved it. He is hilarious. My personal favorite is "I Ain't Afraid of Your Husband".

Extremely underrated guitarist plus he's funny as hell.

I saw Unknown Hinson open for Buckethead about 8 years ago in a club in BIRMINGHAM, Alabama. What a great show that was! He used to dress like a vampire while performing. Big fan of your channel, keep up the fantastic work!

I always thought of Unknown Hinson as a very underrated guitarists. From what I gather he is often overlooked or unheard of. I was lucky enough to purchase five of his albums on eBay, they were pretty hard to get ahold of in the past until last month. I heard about him because of Squidbillies on Adult Swim when I was younger. He is a great guitarist and I hope to watch him play live someday after all this virus stuff goes down. Since he is in his 60's he's not taking any chances with this virus and his health. Wise man and he had a very comedic character. Great reaction!

This man is a monster guitar player period. Seen him live in 2010 he was incredible

the dazed and confused break in the middle of hendrix KILLS

Hey Fil...I appreciate your show. I've been watching your episodes for a couple months, and I was pleasantly surprised to see you critique Unknown Hinson. I play bass in the band. This vid is almost 9 years old now...so check out a more recent clip where he's playing his Reverend signature model thru a Fender Supersonic amp.. thanks again for checking it out.

Fil, the future is UNKNOWN baby!

He is a "Guitar God", and all around talented man. Too bad he has been "Non Personed" 1984 style because he had an honest opinion about modern life in what used to be America.

I've seen 16 of his live shows. They are always great. Check him out if you get a chance.

he is an outstanding artist. really hilarious original composer. hello from the Mississippi Delta

I have seen him live 5 times and never a disappointment. He has a great live show

The "Unknown" thing was created because his musicianship alone wasn't getting any attention. He is a great songwriter and writes some very funny stuff. "Rock and Roll is Straight from Hell" or "Hippie Girl" are good examples. He totally rocks his shows, tickets are reasonable and he always hangs around after the show, selling and signing stuff. I have a couple of nice videos of him posted on my channel from the Visulite Theatre, here in Charlotte.

Unknown Hinson's father was my guitar teacher from 1978-83. I crushed my left hand in an accident in 1983 and didn't play much afterwards. I knew Danny way back when, he's an excellent musician, and cartoon character, and just a great person. He tours sometimes with AntiSeen and Hank Williams III. Maybe if you're lucky he will tour the UK and you can go see him in a bar or Hammersmith :)

Words won’t describe his talent

It’s so badass that he’s playing this on a Rick. Nobody plays like that on a damn 620. I’m a bass player and I only use my 4003 so this is incredible

Fil you really blow me away with your choice of guitarists! I thought I was pretty much the only person this side of the Pond who really appreciates UH! I love his wit and astonishing musicianship. Just hope he had his teeth in for this gig! Starting to find your channel quite addictive...

Dude is a serious rock star in the south he is a gog

One of the best guitarist I've seen play live, caught his pickwhen he threwit at the end!!

Have seen UNKNOWN live twice and am looking forward to seeing him again. In case you weren't aware, he is actually left handed. He plays right handed because his Dad taught him that way.

Yes, I think I recall someone in comments yesterday asking for this one. I have never heard of him. Outstanding cover. Another great analysis Fil :)

I've seen him live, great guitar player and a great show! For 3 piece band, they really fill up the sound and stage. You were right to point out that the recording is a bit muddy/distorted, Hinson is a pretty clean guitar player and his sound really stands out and cut's through. I'm glad to see him get some interest in the UK. Thanks!

The Kang of the Country & Wessern Troubadors rules. Hinson can tear it up with the best of them, great tone and feel. His live album Live & Undead is awesome.

I only recently discovered Unknown Hinson and he's an absolute star with chops and licks for miles . A true Hellman .

I've never heard of him before; good performance and great analysis. I love the background information on each analysis you do! /m\

Great stuff, I’ve never heard a Rick played like this. Early Cuyler can jam🤘🏻. RIP Ted McKenna😔

The Dazed and Confused thing he throws in there towards the end is very nice indeed!

The king of country western troubadours baby!!! Woooo!

All the womern love Unknown Hinson. Squidbillies is where I first heard of him.

He’s hilarious and just happens to be a really good player. I’m quite a fan of “Put Down the phone, you ain’t calling the Law on me!” Lol

Fil thank u I respect ur answering questions with all u receive..

Named after his father...Unknown.

Agreed, Fil. Very authentic. And how cool it would be to go to his shows to hear him live. Alas, I guess he’s had a couple of strokes and controversy, too.

Damn, how did I not see this earlier?! Thanks for the excellent review, Fil, I've been pestering you for awhile to check out Unknown Hinson!

Lol at the "Dazed and Confused" quote he repeated. It added a tortured feel. The drummer was on it. All in all, much better than I expected for "Voodoo Chile"

Seen him live twice. Loved it. Stayed in character the entire time while on stage. He is a very kind person off stage. Very cool. Sucks the new generation has no sense of humor.

His character Early in squidbillies has some of my most favorite quotable lines ever. My most favourite being "Books? Whad'ya want books for? Readin' never done nonebody none good!"

Hinson isn't really well known in the the states, but those who know him love him! Great choice Fil! Could you please do a video on Jim Croce & his "band" Maury Muelheisen? The two of them live are a testiment to what can be done with two acoustic guitars and a great song.

I've seen him twice I'm a big fan he is definitely quite the entertainer and he treats his fans great and signs every autograph until the last person leaves.

Whoever had Fil reacting to Unknown Hinson @ 5,697,345 to 1, hit me up for your winnings.

The 70's side burns take me back to my childhood. Those would get more stares today than tats, piercings and long hair combined even though everyone had them in the 70's.

I'm a big Unknown Hinson fan. Thank you for reacting to my suggestion. He is a fellow North Carolinian and great entertainer/comedian. He is also hilarious as the voice of Early Cuyler on Squidbillies.

Seen him play a few times, incredible live show. Stuart is definitely a guitar god.

Wow, I never heard of the guy and I'm from the USA. Thanks for t turning me onto this guy. Rock on Fil!

I'm from the USA and I've never heard of this guy .. so he is aptly named. It was a nice and unexpected touch throwing a bit of Dazed and Confused in there.

He is from the town beside mine! I got to see him live and was one of the best concerts ever.

GREAT choice of someone interesting from the U.S. to spotlight in the U.K. Thanks!

Thank you Fil. You absolutely evolve to a historian of guitarists. I love you don't only judge the technical abilities of the performers. You show the whole package. Thumbs up for Unknown Hinson! Well for a Rick the sound ain't that bad i think. He nailed the spirit of the song with his own twist. After your story i watched some vids with Unknown Henson. I absolutely love his weird and twisted character. He is a kind of Psychobilly. It's sad such characters you won't see often here in Germany.

Just found this guy last Thursday! Quite entertaining!

While Hinson is not really unknown, what I didn’t know is that You can tear up a Rickenbacker and get Hendrix tones out of it. I am blown away! Thank You for the video and expert analysis. Good work, Fil. You are the BEST at what You do.

I’ve seen him live about six times. It’s so unfortunate he’s stopped touring because I’d love to force my dad along to a show. His original songs are good but holy crap he can shred.

Talented player with a great character. Very entertaining. He does some work with Wildwood....as does GREG KOCH. Hint, hint. Rick Miller from Southern Culture on the Skids would be another fun review.

Not familiar with him but I like his playing. Very interesting choice of guitar and he's rockin that Rickenbacker. I'm going to be listening to more from him. Liked this analysis Fil!

I've always thought the unknown Hinson was a 5 star guitarist ❤

Unknown Hinson is a troubadour. he roams from place to place causing joy and celebration.

Fil, it's like you said about Buckethead, if your going to be different you have to have the talent to back it up. Unknown is a real character! Rawk!

Fascinating alter ego character stuff. I must learn more about this guy. Starting on Wikipedia. Fil, you keep setting me up with homework it's a pleasure to research!

I'm glad you featured him Phil. He is a fantastic guitarist, and so funny. I could listen to him play lead all day. I love to hear improv on guitar, and he is just a master at it. I saw an interview of him, and wouldn't have even recognized him as the same person. I'm thinking he said that all of his effects are from one multi effects processor, may have been a Boss processor. Anyway, I always loved his sound. It is not real clear in this venue. Looks like he is playing through a Vox here, but in several videos he is using a Super Sonic. Sound is pretty similar through either given the effects pedal.

I saw him in Austin years ago .. he was fantastic live

Glad he's recognized across the pond.. he's that good.

Super review, thanks.

He also played in Billy Bob Thornton's band .

out at the played intro but like the little black Ric. Back when i was a budding picker of 15 in '73, i stopped by a local shop and 'played' 3 guitars i'll never forget,,a Hofner Violin guitar (whiteblonde over maple), a CBS Fender SB Jag and a little wavecrest solidbody Ric in Fireglow (csb). I look back with fondness, needless to say.

Nice to hear you give a nod to the rhythm section, Phil. My band has opened for Hinson several times, and Roger "Tiny" Kohrs (bass) and Bill Scott (drums) are friends. Both are exceptional players and really good guys. They don't get nearly enough appreciation in the shadow of the decidedly quirky, multi-part personality theatre of the absurd that is Stuart Daniel Baker. He can play. So can a lot of people.

Thank you Fil. Nailed it!!!

Unknown Hinson is one of the biggest stars who ever played at the Double Door Inn in Charlotte ( RIP) which only held around 80 people full capacity. Link Wray, Willie Dixon, Stevie Vaughn and Double Trouble, Pine Top Perkins, Gatemouth Brown, players from Little Feat, and Frank Zappa's band, and almost every blues and rock player you can think of who was still alive in the 80's 90's...Eric Clapton sat in with The Legendary Blues Band. Hinson went to prison for a few years because he was barred from playing anywhere near Charlotte for pulling his gun on a few club owners who didn't pay him in cash money up front before the gig. " Cash money up front, baby" was his mantra. Peoples say he's a decent guitar player, and one of the best rockabilly stars, besides his past which includes a lot of women and liquor. I've never seen him in person, but they say he's pretty good.

He's a badd ass man. I saw him at my local venue. This video here he's covering Hendrix and then goes off into some Zeppelin then back again. Sounds really good live. He was with Rev. Horton Heat when I saw him. That's a whole different trio of badd assness (is that a word) right there. Like your videos BTW.

He also covers "Manic Depression".

Best guitar player I've ever heard.I'm lucky to be related to Stuart.

Reverend has an Unknown Hinson model guitar.

Yeah! Yeah! That's what's ya call some southern style boy!

Unknown Hinson *will* sit on the iron throne

I love him. He is kind of obscure among my friends. I'm usually the only one who knows who he is whenever his name is mentioned and I have to show them some videos to educate them.

took you a while .well done.

Seen him Nashville he pulled out a fake gun went shooting.......what a night what a wild man.....GREAT SHOW

He was playing a Rick 600 series guitar, not a 360. The 360 is a semi hollow.

Yes,finally, thank you Fil!

Good video bro, thanks!!!

Listen to the studio version of Venus Bound. He can definitely play ANY style music. Badass

Interesting guy, great to hear your thoughts on him!

"Wet" = *Saturated.* 👍 But SDB/Unknown is The JIZZ!🤘

Brother, you gotta see him live!

Never thought a RIC could sound like that!

Good video reviews, Unknown has some really great original songs

Wicked side burns!! This guy is really good! First time I’ve ever seen him.... brilliant version of an all time classic song! Thanks Fil really enjoyed this! Cheers Mario!😀🤘🤘🤘

Unknown Hinson is just him. I love this performance because he's showing that he has the skill to keep up with the greats. It's original enough to know what it is, it's unique enough to know its not jimmy, but they can hold their own.

THE KANG!!!!

he's big in the south....he's all musician bro

Never heard of him, but like what he's putting down. 👍

I don't mess with that mess anymore, party liquor

This is surreal. It's like Open University on LSD.

There's a ton of great guitar pickers put there. The vampire look really adds a great visual to pretty good guitar playing. But again, there's soo many guys that can play Little Wing note for bent G note. This is fun listen to and watch

Can't believe you all fans,I've been waiting for this one!

Pride of Charlotte, NC

Fil, it is great that you heard about this guy, he is well known in Nashville, he has 21 top selling hits, he normally plays country, but he can play different styles of music, as we see here, He reminds me of a mix of Alice Cooper, And a Male Elvira, Ect He does not have on his usual makeup here, . he puts on a comedy act as he plays venues ,But he is a Serious Guitar Player, You Must check out the act he does with Ed King from Lynyrd Skynyrd, it is Great, it is on the Tube, this will make laugh your ass off, R.I.P. to Ed King, Keep on Rockin Fil, Cousin Figel

The character aside his approach to this song is fresh and tasty and he's got great chops. I think he got known in the US from the Squidbillies, Fil.

Unknown Hinson is new to me. very cool performance here. always enjoy the vast ray of artist You feature on your channel. great analysis Fil. thanks