I've seen a lot of great shows (Muddy Waters, Freddie King, Coco Montoya, Johnny Clyde Copeland, Warren Haynes and may many more). Michael Burks played in Springfield MA, I took my older brother. What a show. He encased and moved the entire club like no other. The best guitarist I've ever seen live. Simply amazing.
just my two cents over evaluation, great guitar player i used to go see him at a small club in southern california, he was also very down to earth, no ego whatsoever , my buddy aand i got to talk to him a couple times , before he would go on stage, sad day for the blues fans when he passed away
I just recently discovered his music and have not heard very many of his songs yet but I can definitely already see that Iron Man was a very smart and talented musician for sure with a damn good voice too. He may or may not have had songs do well on the "charts" and gotten recognition by the so called "music industry" but his song called Empty Promises is one of the absolute very best that I've ever heard. What r some of ur favorite songs of his?
I had not heard of Michael Burks before stumbling onto this video. First reaction - this man is good. The I saw your "RIP" post and damn. Second that. Man could play.
Michael. Sad to hear about your passing. I will always remember how nice you were to me and my family at the Dallas Guitar Show around 2005. We miss you and your awesome playing. RIP.
R.I.P. my friend. Mike was one of the most gracious and kindest folks you ever would meet. His friendship with me was short lived due to his passing, but his influence has been immeasurable. He lives with me through all the great music (and videos) we have of him. Strat, LP, Flying V, Teisco, Cigar Box, BroomStick - no matter what he has in his hands, the resulting music was magical and wonderful.
So true,I got to see him twice in '05&'06 at a small club in Salem Oregon,he hung out after the show for an hour talking to me and my friend,telling us great stories of the road. Great guy and I sure miss him.
What a moving performance! The most moving version of Hey Joe I've ever seen. He has really made this song his own, and with his deep groove and monster playing, the result is epic. I'm speechless. Thank you.
Hands down this is the one i love the most. The tone and his playing to the way he sings and how he carries himself. Those 3 or 4 chords he varies the way he plucks them, going one way then adding here and there til it is maximum guitar beauty. He just puts his name right on this great song. Thanks so much for leaving this behind for me to watch 100s of times Big Man Michael R. I. P.
If the words "holy shit!" do not sprout involuntarily from your mouth immediately after watching this rush immediately to the hospital! ...... Magical stuff from the big guy......Such a shame he's gone.
Being from Arkansas where M.B. called home and having the pleasure of hearing him play at events like the King Biscuit in Helena Ar. and even at small venues like a local watering hole. He was always approachable and remembered you as a fan! I still cannot believe that he was taken so early on in life! He will never be forgotten, we miss you Iron Man!
Timeless this man put the it on his addition on hey Joe it was great an epic moment being there he knew artistry was sealed in the videos and spirit we keep knowing this blues artist Rest in PEACE
I have over 400 versions of this tune. This is absolutely one of the best ever. Right up there with Gary Moore and Guitar Shorty. you got soul? Then you know what I mean.
The RU-vid AI must have developed a liking for the blues. This weekend I discovered a few great guitar players that I never knew existed. For some reason the guys in Europe are way ahead of us here in the States. You rock RU-vid AI!
You my instant friend, just touched my soul so deep but in a very unexplainable way! Keep your dream going because its going its already yours!!!! WOW.
I came back to this today, on Michael's birthday, and got whammied by all the same emotions that hit me the first time I heard this exquisite, stunning version of this classic song. This easily ranks in the top 3 all time for me, and I've heard hundreds of versions. RIP Iron Man, never forgotten.
I was lucky enough to meet Michael Burkes at Helena Blue's Festival, at the campground area where Helena Fire department was renting out spots, you know how folks walk around.. being friendly... that's how it is at King Biscuit Blue's Festival If you get there like on Wednesday you get maybe better spot and just hang out....we would stay a few days and watch more folks come to camping area till she's packed. Anyway Michael came to where we were....not far at all from his spot. He played Saturday, met him and his family like on a Thursday, he invited us to his campsite and he had a bunch of food grilling. It was some mighty fine grub!!! He was just like a regular guy...very friendly and sociable.2004 I believe. Gotta Blue's shirt with his signature on the back. That was 2005. He could play that guitar and sing with all his heart and soul.
He is definitely one of the greatest to ever hold a guitar! Frfr it’s so many great artist that our young people should know about. Not just in our culture but it would definitely help our young black men if they knew how many people that look like them are loved by everybody!
I bought Michael Burks' album "Iron Man" when I was in high school, he was my favorite contemporary guitar player, my favorite working musician. I still love going back and listening to all these amazing live recordings. amazing performance. On a guitarist note, I can't believe he made those emg pickups sound so good. Michael just takes control of that instrument. the sound is all in his hands and the way he processes the signal with his amp and effects.
Thank you Sir,Christone Kingfish Ingram, for letting me know once this guy was on earth, never heard of him, until I listened to empty promises cover by you, forever grateful to you Sir
t'oublies les principales aussi :guitar shorty , Vai-Satriani, slash, roy buchanan, gary moore, deep purple, Gilmour, etc...etc, et 100 autre toutes plus brillantes les une que les autres , même chez nous t'as Bertignac et bashung qui en joué des versions super top ! et j'en oublie les 3 quarts...
You know that feeling that makes you want to SCREAM THIS GUY CAN ^*£$(! /!%&! PLAY! Only heard him for the first time tonight, but so glad I did. Truly amazing. Such a shame he isn't here anymore.
Incredible playing and a gorgeous Strat. A good guitar is like a good woman, once you find one that feels " right " , it's hard to take your hands off it/her.
So true, most the vids i see show him playing a l.p., seems to he his go to axe. I was under the impression that this was borrowed gear at a festival of some sort. Not his usual band either. Point being, one of the best "hey joes" ever, goes to show Michael's talent. Another comment said he could make magic playing a broomstick. I believe that's true. R.I.P Mr Burke, truly regret discovering your music after your passing. I found out trying to find a place to see u live. :0(
