Gene Watson- Steel player

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Craig Stock
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Gene Watson- Steel player

Post by Craig Stock »

I just noticed that Gene was playing in Cuervo , TX this past weekend, and wondered if he had a steel player and if so, who was slicing the cheese?
Regards, Craig

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Brett Day
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Re: Gene Watson- Steel player

Post by Brett Day »

Mike Bourque plays steel with Gene and the Farewell Party Band. The steel in the band is the new Emmons ReSound '65
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Craig Stock
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Re: Gene Watson- Steel player

Post by Craig Stock »

Thanks Brett, great that he is employing a steel player.

I don’t know Mike, would like to know more about him if you or anyone can update us!
Regards, Craig

I cried because I had no shoes, then I met a man who had no feet.

Today is tomorrow's Good ol' days
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Brad Bechtel
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Re: Gene Watson- Steel player

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Brad’s Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars
Dustin Elmore
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Re: Gene Watson- Steel player

Post by Dustin Elmore »

I've seen Gene 2 times in the last few years, and Boo Miller was on steel.. Gettin it done too! Fantastic!!
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Lee Rider
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Re: Gene Watson- Steel player

Post by Lee Rider »

Craig Stock wrote: 13 Oct 2025 1:34 pm Thanks Brett, great that he is employing a steel player.

I don’t know Mike, would like to know more about him if you or anyone can update us!
Mike Bourque is an incredible musician, worth the price of admission just by himself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Batwg_mONA
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Craig Stock
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Re: Gene Watson- Steel player

Post by Craig Stock »

Thanks Lee, super cool, nice to see such great playing! Thanks for posting
Regards, Craig

I cried because I had no shoes, then I met a man who had no feet.

Today is tomorrow's Good ol' days
Karol Wainscott
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Location: Kokomo , Indiana

Re: Gene Watson- Steel player

Post by Karol Wainscott »

Mike is a fantastic steel player and plays tele around his neck at the same time , jumping back and forth . Mike does most all steel with just pedals , not sure I seen him use and knee bars . Awsome guy !!
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Barry Yasika
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Re: Gene Watson- Steel player

Post by Barry Yasika »

I saw Boo Miller playing up this way with Watson about a year ago. I was surprised that the steel parts felt a little subdued on most of the songs—more prominent in the ballad-type numbers. I’d been hoping to hear the new Resound Emmons, and I thought Mike Borgue was playing with Gene and had one. Turns out Boo Miller was playing one too, so I paid close attention to his solos. Mike Borque was there but didn't play at all. Just in the audience with some colleges.

Boo was right on the money, but it felt like he didn’t have quite enough room to stretch out. Maybe it was just the choice of material that minimized the steel’s role—I’m not sure. Either way, it was still a great show.
Paul Awalt
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Re: Gene Watson- Steel player

Post by Paul Awalt »

Gene is a great supporter of the Steel guitar, he showed up at the 2024 Texas Jamboree and did a free set with Boo for Boo's induction into the Hall of Fame. Boo was awesome commemorating Buddy Charleton's Kay Lee's Song. It was one of the first time anyone got to see the new Emmon's being played. Boo plays classically like his mentor.