I’m gonna go with “No Place To Fall,” which I sing in one of the videos on my channel. Thanks Otis. It was nice to wake up early in Alaska this morning & watch this with coffee. I’ll be home soon. I miss my daughter.
@@otisgibbs I am subbing now. Tim has a good soul. He may wish to see my comment concerning meeting Townes last manager whom I met here in Austin not long after Townes death. The man was damaged trying to help TVZ and I was affected by what he was telling me. Heck I will paste it here: Wow, this is a familiar story of Townes unfortunately. I think he had performance anxiety possibly as well as other issues. This scenario that Tim has described was something that happened even years before this timeframe. Not always, but consistently a thing even here in Austin. Townes was known for great and good shows and no shows. What I am going to relay now would have happened not long after Townes’ death so years ago now ~98 or 99. I was getting ready to play an open mic at Hanover’s in Pflugerville, TX and met a guy at the bar named Russ B. and he was telling me about being Townes’ manager on his last tour and he related some tales to me that were quite dark, heartbreaking and worse and later I ultimately had to put them out of my head. Nothing I would want to disclose to anyone and I think he was laying this stuff on me as I was a good listener. This thing has happened to me frequently over the years since high school, like I am a confessor and all I can do is just to listen. He seemed relieved and lighter afterwards and was encouraging me to hit the stage with his beautiful Gibson acoustic as he liked what I was playing at the bar on my adequate Martin. But after what he told me I was drained where as I had been raring to go beforehand. I had to beg off and apologized to him and feigned stage fright. He felt bad about this and gave me a copy of his sweet cd ‘hand on the plow’ with a sort of dedication on back: ‘Exceptionally good songs, I wish I’d written them.’ - Townes Van Zant. Russ wrote a phone number and email address on the cd. I am looking at the disc right now. He was a nice guy and I could feel that he had been damaged trying to help Townes and his demons. Just as Tim here would have been affected if he would have stepped up and done his best to help by being his manager. We can be obsessed with music, right? And you mix that up with substance abuse and mental health issues that are ongoing and untreated for years…well the limelight::: can end up being like an abusive substance. Everyone feels so sorry for the man in the spotlight, but what about those that love him? I am sorry if this is too heavy handed, but it is a heavy subject. Y’all be safe out there on the road. Much love indeed. P.S. Tim was talking about a guy hit by a car from the band Gaunt, I have a Gaunt t-shirt from a SXSW bbq at lovejoys where that band had played along with friends of mine Brown Hornet maybe from ~99. Sorry to hear about Jerry Wick. Fave Townes tunes, wow, Lungs is good and Pauncho and Lefty of course.
When I first heard a Townes song it was during a poker game in an Army barracks whiled stationed in Germany in the mid-seventies. Townes singing If I Needed You floated above the cacophony of sound from G.I.s playing cards and grabbed my attention. The words were what I had always wanted to say to every girl I had loved. If I needed you would you come to me...If you needed me I would come to you. Later, I had reason to speak those words. The other song by Townes that has been like rebar to my foundation is To Live is To Fly. Once again his words resonate. He catches the human spirit like no other poet. We all got holes to fill and them holes are all that's real. Some fall on you like a storm sometimes you dig your own. But choice is yours to make.Time is yours to take. Some dive into the sea. Some toil upon the stone. Thanks, Otis, for asking the question. And thanks to Tim Easton for sharing his memories.
Hi Tim. I was at that show. I had seen Townes several times ( with Guy Clark twice ). I took a friend who had not seen Townes before. She was quite disappointed. Anyway, I'm the woman who hugged Townes. I told him, " I love ya Townes. I know all your songs and I listen to them all the time ". He very quietly said, " Thank you ". It was a sad night but if you know Townes history. Well, it happens. Miss him very much (and Guy ) . Love to see you play again sometime ! Patty Kelley Utica, Ohio.
Townes Van Zandt led me to Otis Gibbs by way of a podcast a couple years ago. What a gift you both have given to me as your music plays in my little woodshop every day as I try to remain sane and sober!!
@@otisgibbs My love for Townes led me to you as well Otis. Over a year ago you had a story on Townes. I have now watched every single video of yours. If my health allows. I wanna see you play live one day.
Lovers lullaby is just Beaitiful. The songs just hit different when Townes sings them as opposed to covers of his songs. Would love to hear JT, or Katie Belle, or willy boy on this series. Keep the old man's memory alive. God bless him. Loved the guy. I think he played here in Glasgow about Oct 96. My 16th birthday. Always wish I made it to that show. Thanks Otis and Tim for the video 📹. Much appreciated.
Kind of a throwaway comment but I've lived my whole life named after Townes. Surprisingly, I've only started to really learn more about the name and hear his music in the past two years. Now I work in a dive bar and spend most of my time surrounded by alcoholics. Recently I've been contemplating the weight of my name much more, listening to his voice and hearing the lessons he tried to spread. I've got no real connection to him, not family and no one who knew him, but it's a very particular feeling hearing about this other guy with the same name as me. Biggest takeaway is to not drink too much, cheers for the story.
Hi Otis. I saw Townes 13 times. Once in Indy and 12 times in San Francisco and can honestly say I never saw a bad performance from him. The last couple of times he was having trouble with his hands, arthritis maybe, and he would tell stories and jokes while he was working on his hands to loosen them up. He wasn't quite the good guitar player towards the end that he had been but still good. Me and my roommates went to see him in early 1986 at the Great American Music Hall with Guy Clark opening. Usually they would play together but Townes had a band with a guitar and fiddle player. Guy played a set then Townes them Guy again and finally Townes. Townes said he had a new song he had just finished today about the American homeless called Marie. He played it and my roommate Carol broke out in tears, it was that emotional. He said in later performances that he had written Marie in SF so that might have been the first ever performance. Loved Townes and even though he had songs that could make you cry, he always mixed in funny songs and beautiful love songs to even it out. Loved Blaze's Blues too. Not the album version so much but live. Thank you for your videos. They are like a living history of people and things that could go undiscovered or unremembered otherwise.
I was fortunate enough to see Townes 5 or 6 times between 88 and 92. I always got a good show, tho the last time I saw him he was strumming the guitar way more than fingerpicking. He sang Marie that night, I don't think it was even recorded yet, and shut the whole bar down. Dead quiet. One of the most powerful things I ever witnessed. My good friends in Chicago caught one of the legendary trainwreck shows.....I believe it was the night where Townes broke down on stage and David Olney led him away and then got up himself and sang some Townes tunes. He had so many great songs but I always come back to Snowin' on Raton. That's probably my number one.
This story reminded me a little bit of the Sonny Boy Williamson story Robbie Robertson told about the Band hanging out at a liquor house with him and Sonny spitting blood into a can.
Pancho and Lefty can make me cry to this day, and I love Waiting around to Die, I was in a dark place many years ago and that song was on the record player everyday. Thanks Otis, great stories!
In my younger days I'd fantasize about being a traveling musician, gigging my way about the world, tethered to nothing but my guitar and creative spirit. And getting paid for it. Now, with creaky bones and a new pain somewhere in my body everyday, I'm sure glad I took a different road. Home is a powerful magnet, with family and friends to keep things somewhat sane. The hotel life of a musical minstrel is a prescription for roadkill, at least it would it have been for me. I tip my hat to those who can do it... and survive... and to those you did it, gave it their best, and didn't.
Ha I still fantasize and I’m 72! But I have a small circle that seem to enjoy. And family intact and well even through some adventures that might well have been avoided. Take care friend.
Yeah..as a woman ,the music biz seemed to me a sure way to be destroyed. Too many predators out there. I still kept singing for the love of music but am so glad I chose a quieter road.💯🐦💐❤️🌹
First song I heard by Townes was with Nancy Griffith. Tecumseh Valley. That was in my preteen years. Now I’d say that, Rex‘s blues, or if I needed you. Beautiful songs
you see an artist... you pay your money... they make it up on to the stage... the rest is on you... you did that... no money back... thank you for this video... I love this series!!
Great story. Thank you. I was able to meet and hang out with Townes as well. It was right after a rehab stint in '89 I think. He was on a short tour up the west coast with Guy Clark. They both had recently released albums and it was right before a European tour. My brother opened for them, I supplied the sound and lighting. I recall Townes and Guy both being somewhat cranky, I figured that was from coming fresh out of rehab and jonesing. I had no idea who either of them were at the time as they played four hour sets combined after my brother opened. I will say they were both in great musical form at the time. Townes' lyrics ripped me at time in my life that was quite dark after losing my son. Later in '92, my brother and I went to see him in NYC at his gig. That is where and when I saw how he got lost in his lyrics, would forget chords and required the audience to help him get back on track. We went out for drinks and sushi afterwards and it was exactly as Tim descibed, he was quite a different person. Both Guy and Townes have made a mark on my life as I still introduce them to people. Thanks again for sharing your story.
Hi Otis. Thanks for asking. My personal favorite TVZ song is "To Live is to Fly". Something very spiritual and optimistic is in those lyrics, the analogy of a bird's existence being for flight, our very existence is best spent living our life to the fullest and not holding back no matter what. A beautiful message and an emotional song.
Sadly reminded me of a night with Hoyt Axton, me in an alcohol world and him in something else, both of us aware enough to know it wasthe same thing. Alcohol derailed my career and all I can do now way on the other side of it,and the other side of life, is play for the same reason I started. And that's a good thing. Enjoyed the vid, cool signature.
This story is absolute gold if you love Townes and these songs. Thank you for sharing and giving us a brutally honest look at what that life leads to and how unglamorous and unfun it is (I know “Unfun” isn’t a word. Blame Jawbreaker 😉) Thanks again Otis
Highway Kind was always a deeply meditative one for me. About trying to find a more peaceful sense of self and acceptance amid the swirl and not quite being there yet. It sounds to me a little like the way it feels to open all the windows on a bracing early spring day. It’s cleansing. I was in town when this show happened and had been thinking of going ; was still a little shy around the scene. I did see a Mark Eitzel show around the same general time. In which he veered from a hilarious off the cuff remark relating Biblical Lazarus to the regional chain department store; to finding the vein of one song; to struggling with another; to struggling with another; to suddenly weeping. Most of us have had times in our twenties or even thirties where trouble and self-dissolution seemed like some personal destiny: gravitational, inevitable, tragic but romantic. That Mark Eitzel show and reading about the Townes show in the local arts papers were heavy cautionary messages that sort of loomed there but didn’t fully register unlike years later. Brilliant musical greats, if somewhat alt or cult greats, people who’ve found a way to perform their gift on stage can be caught in despair and flat miserable. Maybe we sort of tell ourselves when we’re younger: I can fuck up for a while longer. But not everyone makes it through. The Townes doc “Be Here to Love Me” is brilliant and as Tim says, it doesn’t sugarcoat the toll that kind of life can take on the dearest people around you. One thing about Tim Easton other than him being a great musician who brought a lot of talent, sincere love of roots music, and presence to any scene he was part of, was you could always tell his heart was in the right place. He looks happy and healthy and that’s no small achievement for a musician who’s been around a bit. You don’t have the let the romance of the art and surrounding lifestyle pull you under .
Tecumseh Valley is my favorite to hear - only by Townes, for me, but To Lives to Fly is the one I live to. We’ve all got holes to fill and them holes are all that’s real. So true for Townes and my sister Diane. Fortunately I’ve been able to see the holes before falling in. Just discovered you tonight. Thanks for what you’re doing. It’s important! Lynne
Painful story to hear and I'm sure worse to be there and watching someone swirling the drain. I've always loved Townes, always knew of his hits and misses, but this hit hard. I have so many favorites from him but right now, having heard this tale, Marie comes to mind. Gotta go listen to that now and reflect
It's a sad story, but one that needs to be told. I like that Tim Easton shares how his thinking about the that encounter has changed over time. That's what happens. Perspectives and recollections of past events change as we keep moving along. I believe you meet who you're supposed to meet when you're supposed to meet them, and maybe if this encounter does not' take place when it did, Mr. Easton is not here now share these great stories. The first verse of Poncho and Lefty hit me like a lightning bolt when I first heard it, and over time its' taken on a different meaning. So I guess that one would be my favorite. And, I relate to and love White Freightliner Blues as well. Thanks to Otis for posting, and thanks to Tim Easton for sharing the story.
It’s tragic of course to suffer the disease of alcohol. Genius and the disease often go hand in hand. Having lost family and friends to it it is sad. So thanks Tim. We recorded Pancho and Lefty on our album Ten From Town and I’ve always loved that song but I think my favorite is Rex’s Blues, Buckskin Stallion and Snowin on Raton. Though I think his cover of Dead Flowers is stellar. Thanks Otis as usual.
I was fortunate enough to see Tim play at the Blue Door in OKC many years ago. It was a weeknight and the crowd was few. Tim played a few songs and then asked the audience (Maybe 8 of us) if we wanted to go out on the side porch of the Blue Door and listen to him finish his set. He played campfire style for the rest of the show. One of the most memorable evenings I have ever spent. I was so blessed to see such an incredible talent outside with the crickets chirping. A bad habit of of mine is listening to music until I wear it out and can no longer enjoy their art. Not Tim, he is one that I never can get tired of. What a great singer songwriter. Thanks for sharing Otis!
So many to choose from one I always come back to is “for the sake of the song” These are real stories told by real people, this is why I keep coming back to this channel. Thank you Otis.
Pancho and Lefty never stops getting to one.My Townes story is mighty different. Saw him open for Chris Smither one Sunday afternoon in New York City at a club that I believe was called Trammps. Must have been some 30 odd years ago and the gentleman I saw was superb ly gifted and professional with a sly, self-consciously corny , sense of humor. Couldn't have been more than 15 or so people there .
Damn, I might just reach out to Tim. That was some honest reporting. I’m old but still struggle. And, Otis, I can’t tell how much these missives of yours mean to me. On many levels, I learn, I connect, I feel less alone. Thank you!
white freightliner blues, it takes me right back to a time i was livin' hard. now in the second half of my life, i thank God everyday for allowing me to survive the first. white freightliner blues puts me in the cab of one to many truck rides across the abyss. thanks again otis, for sharing, the stories you tell; they allow me to believe that, indeed, we are all in this together.
Hi Otis. ''To lives to fly '' is not only my favourite Townes song, it's one of my all-time best as far as lyrics go . when you can write something that universal, you know you're a great songwriter.
My favorite song is Snowin on Raton and Pancho and Lefty. I learned these two songs and fell in love with the people and the music 🎶 we made with a special place deep in my heart. NJAMP. Mannions Irish ☘️ Pub, New Jersey.
When we see addiction it is the tip of the iceberg and in the main body are the issues and problems that are unique to the individual. The real problem is whatever the addiction is sprouting from along with the problems that come with it. With genius comes madness and unfortunately sometimes the madness can become too much. Townes continues to touch many lives and that's powerful. I'm sure he's writing and playing for the love of the art, and at peace. Thanks for the video.
Every time I pass by the "Down Home" in Johnson City that's what I think every time, Townes played there! Wow, friend of mine was there and hung out with him for a couple hours. My favorite would be "I'll be here in the morning ".
As someone who loves to write, Townes offers so many lessons to be learned. And thankfully to stories like these and channels like yours, we can begin to understand the man better. I’ll be here in the morning! I love that one.
So many great songs but I can easily pick the one for me - 'A Song For'. His voice on this song, on that album is truly extraordinary. By that time he was waiting around to die.
Hi Otis. what a great story. I remember hearing ''To lives to fly'' many years ago and it's not only one of my favourites, I think its poignancy in the words says so much. Thanks for these great stories.Thank you
Throughout my life in the music industry, I’ve been so privileged to experience some of the most amazing artist ever. Some would consider the most famous of these to be the best memories, but thats not necessarily true. Heres one of my most memorable experiences of all. If you truly love raw talent, real musical genius, take a few minutes and watch his amazing story. My experience with him was short, only one day in both our lives, but one to remember forever. “Be Here To Love Me”: is a Film About Townes Van Zandt (2004) …. the greatest singer songwriter you never knew! While working at my first record industry job at United Artist Records in promotion in 1968, in Atlanta, the label Signed Townes as an artist. They sent him out on the road to set up the release of the album. One of the cities they sent him to was Atlanta. My market. I spent a whole day and part of the night with him. The day ended with us visiting a friends house with several of my friends who loved to play guitar and sing original as well as copy material they loved. We called this a guitar pull because usually there was only one guitar and everyone wanted to perform in our circle, sitting on the floor. So the guitar was passed around along with a beer and a joint. If I remember correctly, there were maybe eight of us including Townes. We all took turns, me included, and did our songs and waited eagerly for our next turn. That is, until Townes took a turn. After that no one wanted to take the guitar from him. We all wanted to hear more and more from this music magician. He was astounding. Everyone remained mesmerized until the night came to an end. I helped him to his old van where his bed was still un made inside and bid my new friend good bye. I never saw him again but I know he remembered that night till the day he died. That was his favorite stage where ever he went. He loved playing his music for those who appreciated it and him for what it was. He was unbelievable. No way could I ever forget that day. I have no idea why his first album was not released on United Artists, I only had that one experience with him, but his legacy continued to build throughout his life until he died at only 52 years old. Some of his biggest fans were, Kris Kristofferson, Emmy Lou Harris, Bob Dylan, Guy Clark, Steve Earle, Merle Haggard, and Willie Nelson. I’m still waiting on the movie of his life by a major Hollywood studio.
The cost of being a drunk of all types of addictions is that you’re constantly in need of being saved . It takes a Lot of physical work snd physical Pain to be a black out drunk . The pain of just waking up is astounding . Been there. Didn’t wanna go out like that though
That is a sad tale. I last saw Townes about 1 1/2 years before he passed. I think I saw him 6 time over the years and he could be hit or miss and the last show was a miss. I bought tickets (Cactus Cafe in Austin) probably fall of 98) and took my future inlaws. I did a lot of preselling on his genius. Poor Townes-not a good show-the mumbling and stumbling tour--anyways my future father in law was a psychiatrist who co-founded an early substance abuse hospital. He was not amused Too many favorite songs but my favorite CD is "Rain on a Conga Drum" recorded in Berlin in 89. A live greatest hits but impeccable finger picking (he was underrated in that skill set) and a wonderful delivery
It’s hard to pick just one favorite Townes song, but for me maybe it’s Only Him or Me, the lyrics of which keep revealing new layers of meaning to me after several years of listening. Thanks for this video, Otis. It was through Townes that I discovered that I actually *do* love folk and country music, and I listen to it to refill the inspirational well, even though my own work is in a very different sphere. It’s hard to listen to some of these stories about TVZ and the high price he and his loved ones paid for his art, but I hope it’s some consolation to his family and others who cared for him that we listeners are forever grateful.
Great story. Great as in poignant and wonderfully detailed. And for Tim, both inspiring and instructive. Townes praised Tom from the stage, as broken down as Townes was that night,
Otis...I think anyone who loves Townes only knows vaguely about his downfall and last days. This was tough to watch. Townes' music was my soundtrack thru tough times I was struggling myself. The takeaway, and I think Townes would agree, is take the beauty of what I did and balance it with the sorrow. Nobody makes it out alive, but I think Townes would challenge us to face the demons he couldn't and live happily. Peace brother.
Hi Otis, Your wide and varied group of friends give a really authentic insight into the lives of our musical heroes. Townes was a genius, rightfully regarded as “The Poet”. His music lives on in others. I spend a lot of my time searching out covers of songs. Any musician worth their salt has covered Townes. Recently I came across a really great rendition of “Snowin on Raton” by Town Mountain - well worth checking out. Keep up the good work of keeping us hardcore music fans entertained and educated.
Pancho and lefty...my high school friend and teammate wrote the words and chords down for me while we was at football camp...this was when Willie and merle did the song..Townes was in the video..I still have it..great memories
Wonderful story. Thank you so much for having such a humble heart. It helps me to hear stories that are honest and balanced. Yes you’re right artists tend to have lives that are somewhat extreme and unbalanced, but hearing your story helps me hang on to staying away from the craziness that I deal with.
i respect folks who cant r dnt imbibe and i also appreciate these kinds of commns that are honest real but not judgemenal.....i know some simply don't like being altered and some cannot keep a balance of ding stuff and still living a decent life....wish more esp in creative worlds and younger cats culd find that balance.....whatever works anyway glad thrs ccasionally stll some otis vids i don fully rcall and on rare ccasions sme i missed....thanks !
Thanks that was great as always Otis. And I really enjoyed listening to Time Easton's reflections. To me Townes Van Zandt seems to somehow capture a state of mind in many of his songs. Like many great artists its reductive to say a favourite, but Ill mention two: To Live is to Fly and The Hole. I can't always deal with TVZ, but at times I find his music just what the doctor ordered.
Amazing and yes tragic story. So many artists seem to give up everything as they are pulled along a path by a gift, a calling. We are lucky to have the music to remember them artist by. Thank you for recording these stories while the tellers are able to recall them for us. Favorite songs is hard. Tecumseh Valley and To Live is to Fly are among my favs.
I had the chance to see Townes at Poor David's in Dallas not long before he left us. I was afraid to go. I didn't. It's like ... well, it is what it is. I'll take romance over tragedy every time.
Wow, I bet that really did get under his skin. Awesome story. Please tell Tim thank you for sharing it with us all. And Thank you Otis for all the hard work you put into bringing us all these great videos.
What's your favorite Townes Van Zandt song?
To Live's to Fly. A masterpiece of songwriting.
White Freightliner and Miss Carousel.
Thanks Otis! A pleasure to watch, as always.
St John The Gambler - But Their are so Many Great Townes tunes , not easy to pick 1
Usually White Freightliner Blues but it can change at anytime.
Hard to pick one but I played I'll Be Here in the Morning during my wedding so that is probably the one that has the most impact on my life.
I’m gonna go with “No Place To Fall,” which I sing in one of the videos on my channel. Thanks Otis. It was nice to wake up early in Alaska this morning & watch this with coffee. I’ll be home soon. I miss my daughter.
Safe travels and much love to ya, Tim!
Anyone reading this should go subscribe to Tim's channel right now!
@@otisgibbs I am subbing now. Tim has a good soul. He may wish to see my comment concerning meeting Townes last manager whom I met here in Austin not long after Townes death. The man was damaged trying to help TVZ and I was affected by what he was telling me. Heck I will paste it here: Wow, this is a familiar story of Townes unfortunately. I think he had performance anxiety possibly as well as other issues. This scenario that Tim has described was something that happened even years before this timeframe. Not always, but consistently a thing even here in Austin. Townes was known for great and good shows and no shows. What I am going to relay now would have happened not long after Townes’ death so years ago now ~98 or 99. I was getting ready to play an open mic at Hanover’s in Pflugerville, TX and met a guy at the bar named Russ B. and he was telling me about being Townes’ manager on his last tour and he related some tales to me that were quite dark, heartbreaking and worse and later I ultimately had to put them out of my head. Nothing I would want to disclose to anyone and I think he was laying this stuff on me as I was a good listener. This thing has happened to me frequently over the years since high school, like I am a confessor and all I can do is just to listen. He seemed relieved and lighter afterwards and was encouraging me to hit the stage with his beautiful Gibson acoustic as he liked what I was playing at the bar on my adequate Martin. But after what he told me I was drained where as I had been raring to go beforehand. I had to beg off and apologized to him and feigned stage fright. He felt bad about this and gave me a copy of his sweet cd ‘hand on the plow’ with a sort of dedication on back: ‘Exceptionally good songs, I wish I’d written them.’ - Townes Van Zant. Russ wrote a phone number and email address on the cd. I am looking at the disc right now. He was a nice guy and I could feel that he had been damaged trying to help Townes and his demons. Just as Tim here would have been affected if he would have stepped up and done his best to help by being his manager. We can be obsessed with music, right? And you mix that up with substance abuse and mental health issues that are ongoing and untreated for years…well the limelight::: can end up being like an abusive substance. Everyone feels so sorry for the man in the spotlight, but what about those that love him? I am sorry if this is too heavy handed, but it is a heavy subject. Y’all be safe out there on the road. Much love indeed. P.S. Tim was talking about a guy hit by a car from the band Gaunt, I have a Gaunt t-shirt from a SXSW bbq at lovejoys where that band had played along with friends of mine Brown Hornet maybe from ~99. Sorry to hear about Jerry Wick. Fave Townes tunes, wow, Lungs is good and Pauncho and Lefty of course.
Hello Tim, thank you so much for sharing. I posted my own story here in the comments. Gonna check you out. Peace!
Tecumseh Valley.. Tim might reach out to ya...struggles ..
The River of Deceit
Hey Tim! This is Rob from Southgate House. Hope the guitar is still behaving itself, friend. Was a pleasure meeting you!
Wise words regarding addiction.
When I first heard a Townes song it was during a poker game in an Army barracks whiled stationed in Germany in the mid-seventies. Townes singing If I Needed You floated above the cacophony of sound from G.I.s playing cards and grabbed my attention. The words were what I had always wanted to say to every girl I had loved. If I needed you would you come to me...If you needed me I would come to you. Later, I had reason to speak those words.
The other song by Townes that has been like rebar to my foundation is To Live is To Fly. Once again his words resonate. He catches the human spirit like no other poet.
We all got holes to fill and them holes are all that's real. Some fall on you like a storm sometimes you dig your own. But choice is yours to make.Time is yours to take. Some dive into the sea. Some toil upon the stone.
Thanks, Otis, for asking the question. And thanks to Tim Easton for sharing his memories.
the world needs as many Tim Eastons as we can get right now
Definitely!
You got that right! And Otis….. and you!
Hi Tim. I was at that show. I had seen Townes several times ( with Guy Clark twice ). I took a friend who had not seen Townes before. She was quite disappointed. Anyway, I'm the woman who hugged Townes. I told him, " I love ya Townes. I know all your songs and I listen to them all the time ". He very quietly said, " Thank you ". It was a sad night but if you know Townes history. Well, it happens. Miss him very much (and Guy ) . Love to see you play again sometime ! Patty Kelley Utica, Ohio.
Townes Van Zandt led me to Otis Gibbs by way of a podcast a couple years ago.
What a gift you both have given to me as your music plays in my little woodshop every day as I try to remain sane and sober!!
Much love to ya! : )
Same!😎
@@otisgibbs My love for Townes led me to you as well Otis. Over a year ago you had a story on Townes. I have now watched every single video of yours. If my health allows. I wanna see you play live one day.
Lovers lullaby is just Beaitiful. The songs just hit different when Townes sings them as opposed to covers of his songs. Would love to hear JT, or Katie Belle, or willy boy on this series. Keep the old man's memory alive. God bless him. Loved the guy. I think he played here in Glasgow about Oct 96. My 16th birthday. Always wish I made it to that show. Thanks Otis and Tim for the video 📹. Much appreciated.
Kind of a throwaway comment but I've lived my whole life named after Townes. Surprisingly, I've only started to really learn more about the name and hear his music in the past two years. Now I work in a dive bar and spend most of my time surrounded by alcoholics. Recently I've been contemplating the weight of my name much more, listening to his voice and hearing the lessons he tried to spread. I've got no real connection to him, not family and no one who knew him, but it's a very particular feeling hearing about this other guy with the same name as me. Biggest takeaway is to not drink too much, cheers for the story.
At My Window...thank you Otis for posting these memories.
Hi Otis. I saw Townes 13 times. Once in Indy and 12 times in San Francisco and can honestly say I never saw a bad performance from him. The last couple of times he was having trouble with his hands, arthritis maybe, and he would tell stories and jokes while he was working on his hands to loosen them up. He wasn't quite the good guitar player towards the end that he had been but still good.
Me and my roommates went to see him in early 1986 at the Great American Music Hall with Guy Clark opening. Usually they would play together but Townes had a band with a guitar and fiddle player. Guy played a set then Townes them Guy again and finally Townes. Townes said he had a new song he had just finished today about the American homeless called Marie. He played it and my roommate Carol broke out in tears, it was that emotional. He said in later performances that he had written Marie in SF so that might have been the first ever performance.
Loved Townes and even though he had songs that could make you cry, he always mixed in funny songs and beautiful love songs to even it out.
Loved Blaze's Blues too. Not the album version so much but live.
Thank you for your videos. They are like a living history of people and things that could go undiscovered or unremembered otherwise.
I was fortunate enough to see Townes 5 or 6 times between 88 and 92. I always got a good show, tho the last time I saw him he was strumming the guitar way more than fingerpicking. He sang Marie that night, I don't think it was even recorded yet, and shut the whole bar down. Dead quiet. One of the most powerful things I ever witnessed. My good friends in Chicago caught one of the legendary trainwreck shows.....I believe it was the night where Townes broke down on stage and David Olney led him away and then got up himself and sang some Townes tunes. He had so many great songs but I always come back to Snowin' on Raton. That's probably my number one.
Heart wrenching story. Favorite song, Tecumseh Valley .
Rake, Pancho and Lefty, Rex's Blues, Loretta. Really hard to just pick one. Townes will always be a hero of mine.
This story reminded me a little bit of the Sonny Boy Williamson story Robbie Robertson told about the Band hanging out at a liquor house with him and Sonny spitting blood into a can.
Pancho and Lefty can make me cry to this day, and I love Waiting around to Die, I was in a dark place many years ago and that song was on the record player everyday. Thanks Otis, great stories!
Gosh…what a wonderful memory of Townes ❤️
Thank you Tim.
In my younger days I'd fantasize about being a traveling musician, gigging my way about the world, tethered to nothing but my guitar and creative spirit. And getting paid for it. Now, with creaky bones and a new pain somewhere in my body everyday, I'm sure glad I took a different road. Home is a powerful magnet, with family and friends to keep things somewhat sane. The hotel life of a musical minstrel is a prescription for roadkill, at least it would it have been for me. I tip my hat to those who can do it... and survive... and to those you did it, gave it their best, and didn't.
Ha I still fantasize and I’m 72! But I have a small circle that seem to enjoy. And family intact and well even through some adventures that might well have been avoided. Take care friend.
Yeah..as a woman ,the music biz seemed to me a sure way to be destroyed.
Too many predators out there.
I still kept singing for the love of music but am so glad I chose a quieter road.💯🐦💐❤️🌹
First song I heard by Townes was with Nancy Griffith. Tecumseh Valley. That was in my preteen years. Now I’d say that, Rex‘s blues, or if I needed you. Beautiful songs
Such a great interview with Tim Easton...thank you Otis for sharing your friends with us.
Thanks, Bob!
Really enjoyed that Otis... Tim Easton is a helluva guy.
he has a lot. Buckskin stallion blues is a great song.
Fair play, Tim Easton, for trying to help others find a new path from your experiences.👍
you see an artist... you pay your money... they make it up on to the stage... the rest is on you... you did that... no money back... thank you for this video... I love this series!!
No place to fall or flying shoes or I’ll be here in the morning, all brutally beautiful
Great story. Thank you. I was able to meet and hang out with Townes as well. It was right after a rehab stint in '89 I think. He was on a short tour up the west coast with Guy Clark. They both had recently released albums and it was right before a European tour. My brother opened for them, I supplied the sound and lighting. I recall Townes and Guy both being somewhat cranky, I figured that was from coming fresh out of rehab and jonesing. I had no idea who either of them were at the time as they played four hour sets combined after my brother opened. I will say they were both in great musical form at the time. Townes' lyrics ripped me at time in my life that was quite dark after losing my son.
Later in '92, my brother and I went to see him in NYC at his gig. That is where and when I saw how he got lost in his lyrics, would forget chords and required the audience to help him get back on track. We went out for drinks and sushi afterwards and it was exactly as Tim descibed, he was quite a different person.
Both Guy and Townes have made a mark on my life as I still introduce them to people.
Thanks again for sharing your story.
"Snowin on Raton", "If I needed you"...
Thanks for sharing these stories.
Highway Kind hands down
Hi Otis. Thanks for asking.
My personal favorite TVZ song is "To Live is to Fly". Something very spiritual and optimistic is in those lyrics, the analogy of a bird's existence being for flight, our very existence is best spent living our life to the fullest and not holding back no matter what. A beautiful message and an emotional song.
Sadly reminded me of a night with Hoyt Axton, me in an alcohol world and him in something else, both of us aware enough to know it wasthe same thing. Alcohol derailed my career and all I can do now way on the other side of it,and the other side of life, is play for the same reason I started. And that's a good thing.
Enjoyed the vid, cool signature.
I LOVE Gypsy Moth by Hoyt
@@TimEastonSongwriter subbed!
This story is absolute gold if you love Townes and these songs. Thank you for sharing and giving us a brutally honest look at what that life leads to and how unglamorous and unfun it is (I know “Unfun” isn’t a word. Blame Jawbreaker 😉) Thanks again Otis
Thank you, Thomas!
Highway Kind was always a deeply meditative one for me. About trying to find a more peaceful sense of self and acceptance amid the swirl and not quite being there yet. It sounds to me a little like the way it feels to open all the windows on a bracing early spring day. It’s cleansing. I was in town when this show happened and had been thinking of going ; was still a little shy around the scene. I did see a Mark Eitzel show around the same general time. In which he veered from a hilarious off the cuff remark relating Biblical Lazarus to the regional chain department store; to finding the vein of one song; to struggling with another; to struggling with another; to suddenly weeping. Most of us have had times in our twenties or even thirties where trouble and self-dissolution seemed like some personal destiny: gravitational, inevitable, tragic but romantic. That Mark Eitzel show and reading about the Townes show in the local arts papers were heavy cautionary messages that sort of loomed there but didn’t fully register unlike years later. Brilliant musical greats, if somewhat alt or cult greats, people who’ve found a way to perform their gift on stage can be caught in despair and flat miserable. Maybe we sort of tell ourselves when we’re younger: I can fuck up for a while longer. But not everyone makes it through. The Townes doc “Be Here to Love Me” is brilliant and as Tim says, it doesn’t sugarcoat the toll that kind of life can take on the dearest people around you. One thing about Tim Easton other than him being a great musician who brought a lot of talent, sincere love of roots music, and presence to any scene he was part of, was you could always tell his heart was in the right place. He looks happy and healthy and that’s no small achievement for a musician who’s been around a bit. You don’t have the let the romance of the art and surrounding lifestyle pull you under .
Tecumseh Valley is my favorite to hear - only by Townes, for me, but To Lives to Fly is the one I live to. We’ve all got holes to fill and them holes are all that’s real. So true for Townes and my sister Diane. Fortunately I’ve been able to see the holes before falling in.
Just discovered you tonight. Thanks for what you’re doing. It’s important! Lynne
Those last years will break your heart. There were some ugly train wrecks, I'd have been crying.
Painful story to hear and I'm sure worse to be there and watching someone swirling the drain. I've always loved Townes, always knew of his hits and misses, but this hit hard.
I have so many favorites from him but right now, having heard this tale, Marie comes to mind. Gotta go listen to that now and reflect
It's a sad story, but one that needs to be told. I like that Tim Easton shares how his thinking about the that encounter has changed over time. That's what happens. Perspectives and recollections of past events change as we keep moving along. I believe you meet who you're supposed to meet when you're supposed to meet them, and maybe if this encounter does not' take place when it did, Mr. Easton is not here now share these great stories. The first verse of Poncho and Lefty hit me like a lightning bolt when I first heard it, and over time its' taken on a different meaning. So I guess that one would be my favorite. And, I relate to and love White Freightliner Blues as well. Thanks to Otis for posting, and thanks to Tim Easton for sharing the story.
Thank you!
“Rex’s Blues” has always been one of my favorites. I also love “Tower Song”
Me, too!! Nanci Griffith's version of "Tower Song" is great on the "Poet" tribute album.
Thanks for sharing the story.
Tecumseh Valley tears me up, and our great Nanci Griffith sang it in a way…. Well no words really.
What an Awesome Man, Tim is! That was Real Cutting Talk. Good Friends, are still around, long after you're gone. 🙏🏻
It’s tragic of course to suffer the disease of alcohol. Genius and the disease often go hand in hand. Having lost family and friends to it it is sad. So thanks Tim.
We recorded Pancho and Lefty on our album Ten From Town and I’ve always loved that song but I think my favorite is Rex’s Blues, Buckskin Stallion and Snowin on Raton. Though I think his cover of Dead Flowers is stellar. Thanks Otis as usual.
Story about Townes and his horse Amigo and they're travels is epic...
Steve Earle talks about them in an intro I saw on CZcams..
👋😎👍🎶
I was fortunate enough to see Tim play at the Blue Door in OKC many years ago. It was a weeknight and the crowd was few. Tim played a few songs and then asked the audience (Maybe 8 of us) if we wanted to go out on the side porch of the Blue Door and listen to him finish his set. He played campfire style for the rest of the show. One of the most memorable evenings I have ever spent. I was so blessed to see such an incredible talent outside with the crickets chirping. A bad habit of of mine is listening to music until I wear it out and can no longer enjoy their art. Not Tim, he is one that I never can get tired of. What a great singer songwriter. Thanks for sharing Otis!
So many to choose from one I always come back to is “for the sake of the song”
These are real stories told by real people, this is why I keep coming back to this channel. Thank you Otis.
Thank you!
Hi Otis ! I just told about seeing Townes in Columbus. Very sad. Addressed to Tim but meant to say hi to you also thanks for your column. Very cool !
Pancho and Lefty never stops getting to one.My Townes story is mighty different. Saw him open for Chris Smither one Sunday afternoon in New York City at a club that I believe was called Trammps. Must have been some 30 odd years ago and the gentleman I saw was superb ly gifted and professional with a sly, self-consciously corny , sense of humor. Couldn't have been more than 15 or so people there .
Damn, I might just reach out to Tim. That was some honest reporting. I’m old but still struggle. And, Otis, I can’t tell how much these missives of yours mean to me. On many levels, I learn, I connect, I feel less alone. Thank you!
Thank you for the kind words, Jim! I feel like we've built a nice little neighborhood here. : )
@@otisgibbs good luck jim, we are not alone
“Never Swear Under a Roof” sounds like the makings for a great song.
In "Heartworn Highways" he also imparts the wisdom "Never point a gun at a caged animal"..... wow
I love this so much
white freightliner blues, it takes me right back to a time i was livin' hard. now in the second half of my life, i thank God everyday for allowing me to survive the first. white freightliner blues puts me in the cab of one to many truck rides across the abyss. thanks again otis, for sharing, the stories you tell; they allow me to believe that, indeed, we are all in this together.
Hi Otis. ''To lives to fly '' is not only my favourite Townes song, it's one of my all-time best as far as lyrics go . when you can write something that universal, you know you're a great songwriter.
Tecumseh Valley, Pancho n Lefty, Waiting Around to Die, Snowin on Raton..... RIP TVZ! And good on Tim Easton! :)
My favorite song is Snowin on Raton and Pancho and Lefty. I learned these two songs and fell in love with the people and the music 🎶 we made with a special place deep in my heart. NJAMP. Mannions Irish ☘️
Pub, New Jersey.
This is fantastic.
When we see addiction it is the tip of the iceberg and in the main body are the issues and problems that are unique to the individual. The real problem is whatever the addiction is sprouting from along with the problems that come with it. With genius comes madness and unfortunately sometimes the madness can become too much. Townes continues to touch many lives and that's powerful. I'm sure he's writing and playing for the love of the art, and at peace. Thanks for the video.
Thank you for this. Very profound, something to ponder.
Every time I pass by the "Down Home" in Johnson City that's what I think every time, Townes played there! Wow, friend of mine was there and hung out with him for a couple hours. My favorite would be "I'll be here in the morning ".
Miss you Tim, great story telling
Thanks for this.
Great account.
As someone who loves to write, Townes offers so many lessons to be learned. And thankfully to stories like these and channels like yours, we can begin to understand the man better.
I’ll be here in the morning! I love that one.
Good afternoon!!
Poncho and lefty has a special meaning to me . Many may not know Towns is also in the video.
Thank you, Otis and Tim Easton. There's a lot of gold nuggets and dust here. One for sure, "Never swear under a roof!"
So many great songs but I can easily pick the one for me - 'A Song For'. His voice on this song, on that album is truly extraordinary. By that time he was waiting around to die.
Great Job as always Mr. Gibbs
Thanks, James!
Great way to tell the truth about the reality of being great. Thanks Ottis
Hi Otis. what a great story. I remember hearing ''To lives to fly'' many years ago and it's not only one of my favourites, I think its poignancy in the words says so much. Thanks for these great stories.Thank you
Great interview!
Waitin´ Around to Die...prophetic if it was really the first song he wrote.
Otis I just wanna say thank you for continuing along with the stories. The oral tradition that you keep alive on your channel is priceless.
Throughout my life in the music industry, I’ve been so privileged to experience some of the most amazing artist ever. Some would consider the most famous of these to be the best memories, but thats not necessarily true. Heres one of my most memorable experiences of all. If you truly love raw talent, real musical genius, take a few minutes and watch his amazing story. My experience with him was short, only one day in both our lives, but one to remember forever. “Be Here To Love Me”: is a Film About Townes Van Zandt (2004) …. the greatest singer songwriter you never knew! While working at my first record industry job at United Artist Records in promotion in 1968, in Atlanta, the label Signed Townes as an artist. They sent him out on the road to set up the release of the album. One of the cities they sent him to was Atlanta. My market. I spent a whole day and part of the night with him. The day ended with us visiting a friends house with several of my friends who loved to play guitar and sing original as well as copy material they loved. We called this a guitar pull because usually there was only one guitar and everyone wanted to perform in our circle, sitting on the floor. So the guitar was passed around along with a beer and a joint. If I remember correctly, there were maybe eight of us including Townes. We all took turns, me included, and did our songs and waited eagerly for our next turn. That is, until Townes took a turn. After that no one wanted to take the guitar from him. We all wanted to hear more and more from this music magician. He was astounding. Everyone remained mesmerized until the night came to an end. I helped him to his old van where his bed was still un made inside and bid my new friend good bye. I never saw him again but I know he remembered that night till the day he died. That was his favorite stage where ever he went. He loved playing his music for those who appreciated it and him for what it was. He was unbelievable. No way could I ever forget that day. I have no idea why his first album was not released on United Artists, I only had that one experience with him, but his legacy continued to build throughout his life until he died at only 52 years old. Some of his biggest fans were, Kris Kristofferson, Emmy Lou Harris, Bob Dylan, Guy Clark, Steve Earle, Merle Haggard, and Willie Nelson. I’m still waiting on the movie of his life by a major Hollywood studio.
Another beautiful clip - thanks so much Otis. Gonna go check out Tim’s music now 🖤
Thank you, James!
@@otisgibbs love from England Otis! Y’know your beautiful clips are actually important pieces of cultural history! Love these shared stories. ✌️🖤✨🎸
The cost of being a drunk of all types of addictions is that you’re constantly in need of being saved . It takes a Lot of physical work snd physical Pain to be a black out drunk . The pain of just waking up is astounding . Been there. Didn’t wanna go out like that though
That is a sad tale. I last saw Townes about 1 1/2 years before he passed. I think I saw him 6 time over the years and he could be hit or miss and the last show was a miss. I bought tickets (Cactus Cafe in Austin) probably fall of 98) and took my future inlaws. I did a lot of preselling on his genius. Poor Townes-not a good show-the mumbling and stumbling tour--anyways my future father in law was a psychiatrist who co-founded an early substance abuse hospital. He was not amused
Too many favorite songs but my favorite CD is "Rain on a Conga Drum" recorded in Berlin in 89. A live greatest hits but impeccable finger picking (he was underrated in that skill set) and a wonderful delivery
Tim tells a great story, whether he's talking or singing it. Thanks for posting, Otis.
It’s hard to pick just one favorite Townes song, but for me maybe it’s Only Him or Me, the lyrics of which keep revealing new layers of meaning to me after several years of listening. Thanks for this video, Otis. It was through Townes that I discovered that I actually *do* love folk and country music, and I listen to it to refill the inspirational well, even though my own work is in a very different sphere. It’s hard to listen to some of these stories about TVZ and the high price he and his loved ones paid for his art, but I hope it’s some consolation to his family and others who cared for him that we listeners are forever grateful.
You get some great stories from people, this one is just one of the best but I say that all the time. Tim Easton has some real insight.
Thank you!
Fav, that is tough. "Nothin", "Waiting Around to die", "Highway Kind"...this is impossible. I love Townes.
Tim is releasing a new album on August 27th, 2021 and y'all should give it a listen. www.timeaston.com/
Great story. Great as in poignant and wonderfully detailed.
And for Tim, both inspiring and instructive. Townes praised Tom from the stage, as broken down as Townes was that night,
Thanks again Otis. This was a great video to watch with coffee this morning.
High low and in between is one. Townes wrote so many amazing songs it's hard to pick just one! Thanks for posting Otis.
Real powerful, thank you.
Feel so fortunate to have found this channel and its endless riches.
good hard learned lessons..well spoken truth. good interview thanks Tim and Otis
Otis...I think anyone who loves Townes only knows vaguely about his downfall and last days. This was tough to watch. Townes' music was my soundtrack thru tough times I was struggling myself. The takeaway, and I think Townes would agree, is take the beauty of what I did and balance it with the sorrow. Nobody makes it out alive, but I think Townes would challenge us to face the demons he couldn't and live happily. Peace brother.
I’m actually a fan of your music and found this by chance. Your channel is really cool and your music is killer thanks man
Hi Otis,
Your wide and varied group of friends give a really authentic insight into the lives of our musical heroes. Townes was a genius, rightfully regarded as “The Poet”. His music lives on in others. I spend a lot of my time searching out covers of songs. Any musician worth their salt has covered Townes. Recently I came across a really great rendition of “Snowin on Raton” by Town Mountain - well worth checking out.
Keep up the good work of keeping us hardcore music fans entertained and educated.
Thank you, David!
Rex’s Blues still gets me. Thanks
Pancho and lefty...my high school friend and teammate wrote the words and chords down for me while we was at football camp...this was when Willie and merle did the song..Townes was in the video..I still have it..great memories
Wonderful story. Thank you so much for having such a humble heart. It helps me to hear stories that are honest and balanced. Yes you’re right artists tend to have lives that are somewhat extreme and unbalanced, but hearing your story helps me hang on to staying away from the craziness that I deal with.
I really enjoy your talks with Tim…thanks as always,Otis!
Thanks, Doug!
What a genuine storyteller. I felt like I was in the room with you guys. Where I Lead Me is a great upbeat Townes tune.
i respect folks who cant r dnt imbibe and i also appreciate these kinds of commns that are honest real but not judgemenal.....i know some simply don't like being altered and some cannot keep a balance of ding stuff and still living a decent life....wish more esp in creative worlds and younger cats culd find that balance.....whatever works anyway glad thrs ccasionally stll some otis vids i don fully rcall and on rare ccasions sme i missed....thanks !
Silver Ships of Andilar, an entire world shrouded in a song
Thank you so much for these stories about music & life Otis...Young musicians like myself need them.
Wonderful Content Sir
Thank you, Anthony!
Thanks that was great as always Otis. And I really enjoyed listening to Time Easton's reflections. To me Townes Van Zandt seems to somehow capture a state of mind in many of his songs. Like many great artists its reductive to say a favourite, but Ill mention two: To Live is to Fly and The Hole. I can't always deal with TVZ, but at times I find his music just what the doctor ordered.
Amazing and yes tragic story. So many artists seem to give up everything as they are pulled along a path by a gift, a calling. We are lucky to have the music to remember them artist by. Thank you for recording these stories while the tellers are able to recall them for us.
Favorite songs is hard. Tecumseh Valley and To Live is to Fly are among my favs.
Thank you!
Rex’s Blues. My first and always favorite Townes Van Zant song
I had the chance to see Townes at Poor David's in Dallas not long before he left us. I was afraid to go. I didn't. It's like ... well, it is what it is. I'll take romance over tragedy every time.
Wow, I bet that really did get under his skin. Awesome story. Please tell Tim thank you for sharing it with us all. And Thank you Otis for all the hard work you put into bringing us all these great videos.
Thank you, Tony!