We would like to introduce you to the newest member of the Farewell Party Band, Mike Bourque (Pedal Steel Player)
Here are a few questions we had for Mike! Click the question to reveal the answer!
Where were you born/raised?
Moncton New Brunswick, CANADA
(I’m a Canadian from the French part of Eastern Canada, we’re the same people as the Cajuns from Louisiana)
Where do you live now ?
Nashville TN since 2013
How and when did you first get started in the music business?
I actually played drums in the school band mostly since I knew how to read that and didn’t know how to read music (and still don’t ).
I also played in a Beatles cover band at the age of 13. Then I discovered country music and never looked back.
When did you join Gene’s Farewell Party Band?
I started in May of 2021 (I’m the new guy ).
Who are your musical influences?
When it comes to artists and country music, Gene has always been one of my very favorites, alongside of Ray Price and Merle Haggard.
As far as musicians go Lloyd Green and Buddy Emmons are my biggest influence with steel guitar. With the telecaster style, I’d have to say Redd Volkaert and Ray Flacke as well as Brent Mason, but the one guy that has had the biggest influence on me is my mentor and guitar hero from Eastern Canada, Ti-John LeBlanc. He had a way of making the telecaster sound like a steel guitar like no one else I’ve ever heard and to this day he is my all- time
guitar hero.
If you weren’t in the music business, what job do you think you’d have or would LIKE to have ?
No idea
Other than GENE’s music, name a couple of your all -time favorite songs?
That’s always been a tough question that I’ve never been able to answer. Steel guitar wise I’d have to say “Farewell Party” and “Touch My Heart (by Ray Price ) are at the top of the list though.
Do you have a favorite Gene tune you like to play?
“Pick the Wildwood Flower”. . .Mostly, since when he’s singing it, it’s pretty much a true story which I also can relate with having left home at a young age to pursue the music career.
As the pedal steel player for Gene Watson, how does it feel playing one of the greatest steel parts ever in his “Farewell Party” song night after night. Do other steel players tell you they are jealous : )
It’s pretty incredible to have that honor and it really is a steel guitar dream gig and everyone has been very supportive of me having that job.
Since you are an incredible guitar player as well as a steel player, which instrument have you played most often in other bands?
It’s been mostly guitar. However, since entering the steel world back in 2010, it’s been what I’ve done the most.
Do you play any other instruments besides pedal steel and guitar?
Bass and I can be found playing drums at your local Gene Watson soundcheck :-).