Mike Auldridge

Ben Lawson · Post by **Ben Lawson** » 29 Dec 2012 7:31 am

I was just informed by my brother that Mike passed away last night. The information came from a resonator forum that I don't frequent so we can only hope it is incorrect. In any case we extend prayers to the Auldridge family.

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 29 Dec 2012 7:35 am

Totally, completely tragic. This is the loss of a true pioneer. I'm sad beyond words.

Chuck S. Lettes · Post by **Chuck S. Lettes** » 29 Dec 2012 7:40 am

A sad loss. I loved his playing. My condolences to the Auldridge family.
Chuck

Bob Blair · Post by **Bob Blair** » 29 Dec 2012 7:49 am

I have nothing to add to what Chuck and Herb said. Thanks Mike.

Chris Boyd · Post by **Chris Boyd** » 29 Dec 2012 7:54 am

Ohh no...this is sad beyond words...

Rick Barnhart · Post by **Rick Barnhart** » 29 Dec 2012 7:55 am

As a long time admirer, our world was a better place because of Mike Auldridge. Godspeed to his family and friends.

Brian Christiano · Post by **Brian Christiano** » 29 Dec 2012 7:57 am

I first started listening to the Seldom Scene with Mike Auldridge. He and Josh Graves were my model players for learning to play Reso. I went to ResoSummit 2011 and was so disappointed to learn that he was ill and would not attend. However I met his good friend and fellow player, Jimmy Heffernan. I understand from Jimmy that Mike was an accomplished pedal steel player as well. He will be missed in the music circles.

Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » 29 Dec 2012 7:58 am

Ah...this is tragic news to read.

I took lessons from Mike at his home and he was one of the nicest people I've ever met. He picked out the MA 8 I purchased which was a killer dobro.

My heart goes out to his family and friends.

Drew Howard · Post by **Drew Howard** » 29 Dec 2012 8:00 am

RIP Mike. Lovd his playing.

Mickey Adams · Post by **Mickey Adams** » 29 Dec 2012 8:09 am

Oh my......I just talked to my friend Leslie in NYC...He just told me....Mike left us this morning...Im so saddened...
Ive known about Mike and his accomplishments for years...And 5 years ago at the Dallas show, I walked into a room where he was playing and teaching, and sat in the back of the room to listen...Mike stopped playing, leaned over and looked down between the rows, and said.."Is that Mickey Adams?'...I was overwhelmed...Mike knew MY name....And a very personable relationship grew from that point...I feel lucky to have known the man, and I will surely miss him...

Mark Eaton · Post by **Mark Eaton** » 29 Dec 2012 8:17 am

It's difficult to find words...

I'll always cherish the time I was able to spend with him at ResoSummit 2010 in Nashville. The classes, sharing a table at lunch, and his final "official" public performance one night at the Station Inn.

He had been a hero of mine for decades, and then to find that he was the real deal, and actually met the qualifications - rest in peace Mike.

David Graves · Post by **David Graves** » 29 Dec 2012 8:17 am

A nicer person I've never met. And "original, heartfelt" talent. I would have short talks with Mike in passing over the years at Merlefest in NC. Such a true gentleman. My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 29 Dec 2012 8:21 am

He taught me how to play Dobro, and pedal steel. I grew up around him just about every weekend (my dad was his bassman and Tom believed in taking us to the festivals).
Also, along with Ben Eldridge (and Sonny Osborne and the late John Duffey, who were unabashedly goofy), taught me the importance of letting your personality show in what you play.
And was a helluva nice guy, always happy to share his music.
Prayers to his family (Fo'Bro Tommy is his brother).
He is now free, he was in really poor health for quite some time.
Cancer sucks.

Tom Wolverton · Post by **Tom Wolverton** » 29 Dec 2012 8:21 am

Very sad news indeed. Mike was a major influence on me. No one had his touch. Our prayers go out to his family this day.

Bob Taillefer · Post by **Bob Taillefer** » 29 Dec 2012 8:28 am

Very sad news. He was a true artist. One of the greats!
Bob and Debra

Jim R. Harrison · Post by **Jim R. Harrison** » 29 Dec 2012 8:59 am

I can't believe that this has happened!! My condolences to Mike's family. I feel very fortunate to have sat next to Mike at the TSGA Jam almost 2 years ago & was lucky enough to have got this photo of him. Jim H.

Tommy Auldridge · Post by **Tommy Auldridge** » 29 Dec 2012 9:14 am

Yes. Sorry to say. Mike died last night. I can post more later. Tommy.....

Ray Harrison · Post by **Ray Harrison** » 29 Dec 2012 9:25 am

This is so difficult to accept.
Mike was one of the reasons I enjoy going to steel shows. I always found him and visited with him.
Such and interesting and friendly person, a very down to earth individual who loved his instrument.
I will surely miss Mike and our visits.
I send my deepest condolances to his family and friends.

Walter Stettner · Post by **Walter Stettner** » 29 Dec 2012 10:32 am

Unbelievably sad, even more because I had no idea that he had health problems. He was always my favorite dobro player.

My condolences go out to his family.

RIP, Mike

Walter Stettner
Vienna, Austria

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 29 Dec 2012 11:03 am

So very saddened to hear this. I had only met Mike one time but he made me feel like we were friends for a very long time.

Thanks for sharing your gift with us Mike..

Sincere condolences to the Auldridge family.

tony

Pete Finney · Post by **Pete Finney** » 29 Dec 2012 11:33 am

What a sad day... I'm sure I'm one of many who can say he went from being a musical hero to also being a treasured friend.

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 29 Dec 2012 11:51 am

This is a sad day indeed........some 34 years ago I placed the phongraph needle on a record that I thought was blues.......and I couldn't believe what I heard......from that day on my roundneck dobro was designated to my lap and Mike Auldridge was my hero...... to this day and without a doubt, the rest of my life.

I followed his music through out the years and it was really something for me to finally meet Mike in person in 2002....a selfless sweetheart of a gentleman who treated everybody with respect and friendliness......

RIP MIke......never forgotten......

Paul E Vendemmia · Post by **Paul E Vendemmia** » 29 Dec 2012 11:51 am

sorry to hear the bad news.
But I will always remember the great playing times and laughs we had at my house. Mike was a wonderful person and a great player. Tommy please give my best to the family.

Mike Cass · Post by **Mike Cass** » 29 Dec 2012 12:10 pm

I just recieved a call informing me of the sad news of Mike's passing

I saw him this past spring when we played the Birchmere w/Ray...Mike always made a special effort to come and hear The Chief. Im so grateful that we got to spend some time BS'ing out back while things got wrapped up, and I remember thinking that he seemed like his old self and how great he looked.
I'll always treasure the great times we had sitting around my house jamming when he'd visit Nashville and the shows we played on together over the years. It was always a highlight to see him and hear him play. A nicer, more genuine and humble fellow you'll never meet, not to mention a Past-Master of his chosen instrument, and my friend.

My condolences to Tommy and the family and the many, many friends of this finest example of a human being.
I'll miss you Mike, and may you rest in peace.

MC

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 29 Dec 2012 12:36 pm

How awful. Truly a great in the music world. RIP Mike.

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Mike Auldridge

Mike Auldridge

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