Gene Watson- Steel player

[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?

[Brett Day]

Mike Bourque plays steel with Gene and the Farewell Party Band. The steel in the band is the new Emmons ReSound '65

[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!

[Brad Bechtel]

https://genewatsonmusic.com/musician-sp ... el-player/

[Dustin Elmore]

I've seen Gene 2 times in the last few years, and Boo Miller was on steel.. Gettin it done too! Fantastic!!

[Lee Rider]

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

[Craig Stock]

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

[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 !!

[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]

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.

[Rick Campbell]

It feels weird that we would even have to ask if a traditional singer like Gene Watson is carrying a steel player on the road, but that's the way things are nowadays. I hope it doesn't go the way a lot of gospel groups have went and just carry their music on digital tracks. Maybe it's just me, but I find that so boring. It's the little unplanned, sometimes mistakes, that make live music so inspirational.

Glad to see that Gene is keeping it country and having steel. He's had some good ones.

RC

[Lee Rider]

Maybe it's just me, but I find that so boring. It's the little unplanned, sometimes mistakes, that make live music so inspirational.


RC

I agree Rick. Might as well just listen to the record if they play note for note. I rarely listen to studio music for this very reason...

[Richard Sinkler]

To me, playing with Gene would be the ultimate dream come true. There is/was no better singer IMO. Not only his voice, but his songs. I couldn't imagine Gene without a steel guitar in his band. Every player he had has been beyond excellent.

Sorry, feeling a little melancholy today.

[Bobby D. Jones]

Gene Watson is to be at Sagebrush Roundup, Fairmont WV Friday Nov 14, 2025
Al (Boo) Miller is to be the the Steeler for the show.

[Bobby D. Jones]

Was at show in Fairmont WV tonight, Mike Bourque from Canada was on steel.
Gene and Farewell Party band are to play a gig in Hodgenville KY Tomorrow (Saturday) night.
Mike was playing an Emmons S10 PP, Some one said it was a 1974 model.
Something to watch, Mike switching from steel to 6 string and back.

[Charlie Hansen]

Mike is from New Brunswick. He's one of the few to play with a flat pick, I played in a group in the 70s with guy that played with a flat pick. He gave up steel because he said it had too many strings to tune..

[Jerry Overstreet]

Hodgenvile Ky, the world famous Lincoln Jamboree been happening long as I can remember.

Don't keep up or make many events anymore, but should have been aware of this one. Just a few miles down the road from me.
Would have been a no brainer had I known in time for tickets.
Gene Watson always top of my list...none better....would have loved to see Mike also.

[Colin Boutilier]

Mike is from New Brunswick. He's one of the few to play with a flat pick, I played in a group in the 70s with guy that played with a flat pick. He gave up steel because he said it had too many strings to tune..

I'd love to see him play live, if he ever plays back home. I've often wondered if I could make my flatpick work on steel.

[Bobby D. Jones]

Flat pick on steel!!!! From my seat at Sagebrush. I never seen him doing any pick changing, When switching from steel to six string, Or from six string to steel.

[Lee Rider]

Flat pick on steel!!!! From my seat at Sagebrush. I never seen him doing any pick changing, When switching from steel to six string, Or from six string to steel.

I saw Sun Volt some years ago. The lead guitarist doubled on the steel (separately, not like Mike), a Fender 800, and he played with a flat pick. I know our own Brad Sarno has recorded with Son Volt...