The Steel Guitar Forum

Went to a Gatlin Bros concert last night in Tulsa, Ok.
It was good concert but disappointed that Larry didn't have a steel player.

Jim,
I am surprised that there was not a steeler on the bandstand with the Gatlin's.
One of the best steelers that worked for some years with the Gatlins was Mike Smith; I am surprised that they didn't call up Mike to come and work with them. I guess time's have changed!
I am wondering what Mike is doing these days?

Mike has been on tour with Larry earlier this year - Mike lives here in Phoenix.

He works all around the valley and seems to have lots of gigs and projects. He is in a band or two plus does a duet with Ms. T (his wife) www.mike&t.com for schedule

Great guy

Joe Naylor
www.steelseat.com

I think Mike ended up doing twenty something dates with the Gatlins this past summer on their 2012 Summer Tour. With dates up in Canada as well.

I was hoping to see Mike Smith on stage with the Gatlins. Larry said they had been in Branson and were heading back to Branson.

I'm still alive and well I'm doing some select dates with the Gatlin's when I can. The next dates I have are Laughlin, NV December 26 thru the 30th will is also supposed to be recorded for a new CD. They are working also on New Years Eve there (Riverside Casino) but T and I are performing with our band "House Of Steel" (formerly known as The Mike & T Band...we changed the name in 2011) in Yuma on NYE. We sometimes do the duo still but it's mostly the band. The site is www.houseofsteelband.com ( www.mikeandt.com will also get you there).

Merry Christmas and a wonderful new year to everyone!

Mike

In 1982 we went to a Gatlin Bros and Anne Murray Concert in Indpls In. I wanted to get some pictures(wife like murrays gown) I got no more than 10 feet down an aisle I was stopped by Indiana state police "NO ONE was allowed NEAR the stage" or go to JAIL...(Orders from Larry and Annie)OK THe Concession staff told us that Anne Murray And Larry Gatlin were 2 of the MOST conceited rear ends they ever met, he told their bosses He would not sign autographs and for them not to expect anything from them(pictures or albums they get from other performers). Ditto Anne Murray they told the concession bosses Ms Murray does not mingle with STAFF...aka "HIRED HELP"...Wonder WHO hired Her?.
I wouldn't go around the corner to see either one of these Pompous Asses. You can tell he is a rear by checking him out on Country family reunion He takes over the scenes.....Shes the same way.sorry had my fill of them.

I did an event this past fathers day, doing sound and staging, and Larry, Rudy, Steve & Miguel were the headliners. They were all extremely nice to everyone.
Larry showed up before sound check and introduced himself to everyone and thanked all of us, then after the show came back and shook hands with all the crew & staff and thanked us all again.

They put on a great show and everyone enjoyed it.

Bill Howard wrote:In 1982 we went to a Gatlin Bros and Anne Murray Concert...

1982? Thirty years ago??? Man, you don't hold a grudge or anything like that, do ya? By God, he pissed me off back in '82...

In 1982 Larry Gatlin was at the top of the mountain, and it wouldn't surprise me a bit if he was arrogant at the time. He later had some very serious personal issues, eventually hit rock bottom, and has since bounced back to salvage his life and career to the extent possible. From all accounts I hear, he learned a very hard lesson in life and is a pretty good guy today. One thing is for sure, he has a voice like few others! He can make more music with a stool and a guitar than most professional bands.

I wasn't poking at you, Bill, your post just struck me as funny. I wish you and yours a Merry Christmas!

Back in the early 90s Larry came to a tent revival to sing..Before the concert I had arranged to do a radio interviw with him AFTER the tent service..

Afterwards he met up with me..As luck would have it, my recorder stopped working seconds before the interview..Larry was very polite but told me he had to hurry and pack up as he had to catch a plane but he would come back and do the interview if I could get it working...Just then the recorder began to work and we got the interview done..

I have nothing but good experiances with him not to mention the awesome restaurant he had at the Mall of America at the time!