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Mike Watt is one of rock's great bass players. His contribution to American Alternative Rock is immense.
Trouser Press describes Watt as "A blue-collar hero in an art-school world, bassist and working-joe conceptualist Mike Watt has been a titanic presence on the avant-rock scene since the dawn of the '80s." Its apt, Watt is a walking advertisement for substance over style. Punk rock is his music, not his fashion. His image is he has no image. He could easily be the guy that just fixed your car, rather then the guy whose bands blew up your car stereo on the way to the garage. A common thread throughout his career is the acts he has played with have been trail blazers, unafraid to push musical boundaries. He's played in some of the most important acts of the genre including the Minutemen, fIREHOSE, Ciccone Youth, Porno for Pyros, The Stooges, Dos and J.Mascis and the Fog to name but a few. He's also done studio session work with Sonic Youth, Stan Ridgeway, Juliana Hatfield and Kelly Clarkson (!?!?)
Watt was born in 1957 in Portsmouth, Virginia. His father was a sailor in the Navy who specialised in working in nuclear powered submarines. Military life meant that his family moved constantly as he was growing up. In 1967, with the Vietnam war on, Watt's dad needed to be near the Pacific. The family moved to San Pedro, California.
The Minutemen was where it all began for Watt and to this day it remains his most important contribution. The Minutemen were Watt, Guitarist/Vocalist D.Boon and drummer George Hurley.
Watt famously meet (Dennes Dale) D.Boon when a teenage Boon fell out of tree and landed on him in a suburban San Pedro park. An auspicious beginning to what would become one of the great pairings in alternative rock. The two became firm friends almost immediately. Though they claim they were musically naive they both shared a love of what they knew. Watt's mother actually taught D. to play the guitar and encouraged Watt to learn the bass.

Mike Watt points to the tree that D.Boon fell from during shooting of the Minutemen documentary 'We Jam Econo'

In 1973, as 15 year old boys they formed their first band, the 'Bright Orange Band.' Over the next 6 years Boon and Watt formed and disbanded a number of bands (Starstruck and The Reactionaries were two) before eventually settling on the Minutemen in Jan. 1980. George Hurley eventually joined them on drums. Their first gig was in July of that year supporting Black Flag.

The Minutemen quickly became one of the leading players of the American Underground punk scene. Though it can be argued that what they played wasn't punk at all (although there was elements of it). I'm sure they would dispute the title 'art rock' but it was close. They definitely skirted the boards of the avant-garde/experimental. Boon played small lightning flash guitar parts, while singing political fused lyrics. Watt's bass was flushed with jazz inspired melodies and though Hurley's long blond fringe looked conspicuously out of place his strong drum beats rounded out the trio perfectly. Boon's guitar had a high treble sound which worked off Watt's bass. The sound acknowledge Beefheart as much as did the Punk stuff that had come before it. They often refused to stick to the conventional verse/chorus rules of songwriting and rarely did a song clock in at over 90 seconds. Lyrically the band was the most politically charged of the movement and they can lay claim to having some of the funniest song titles in rock. (Political Song for Michael Jackson to Sing, God Bows to Math, Bob Dylan Wrote Propaganda Songs, Mutiny in Jonestown, The Roar of the Masses Could be Farts and Jesus and Tequila are a few).
Signed to Greg Ginn's SST label The Minutemen recorded four studio albums and numerous mini albums and singles. Few could argue their classic was 1984's double album 'Double Nickels on the Dime'.

Double Nickel is CB radio slang for a speed limit of 55mph and The Dime is the nick name for the highway running from LA to San Pedro. The album cover shows Mike Watt behind the wheel of his VW Combi van, the speedo set to 55 about to hit the San Pedro turn off.
Originally conceived and recorded as a single album, the band recorded a second disc after learning that SST label mates Husker Du were set to release the double album 'Zen Arcade', not to be out done the Minutemen returned to the studio and in an all night session recorded the 2nd album. On the inside sleeve the band have gleefully printed, "Take that, Huskers!" Its an intelligent record filled with an unshakeable conviction. Musically its expansive covering a wide genre range from punk to folk and funk to pop (via Jazz), all played in the distinctive minutemen style. Highlights include, 'It's Expected I'm Gone', 'Corona', 'This Ain't No Picnic', 'Political Song for Michael Jackson to Sing', 'Cohesion', 'Nature Without Man' and 'History Lesson Part 2'.

Mike Watt & D.Boon early, '84

Tragically on December 22, 1985, D.Boon was killed in a van accident in Tucson, Arizona. Boon sick with fever was sleeping in the back of a van being driven by his girlfriend. It ran off the road and Boon was thrown through the vans back doors breaking his neck on impact. It brought a tragic end not only to a great band band but also an endearing friendship.
The lyrics of 'History Lesson Part 2' went from a joyous celebration of Boon and Watt's friendship to its tragic eulogy.

"our band could be your life
real names'd be proof
me and mike watt played for years
punk rock changed our lives

we learned punk rock in hollywood
drove up from pedro
we were fucking corndogs
we'd go drink and pogo

mr. narrator
this is bob dylan to me
my story could be his songs
i'm his soldier child

our band is scientist rock
but i was e. bloom and richard hell,
joe strummer, and john doe
me and mike watt, playing guitar"

D.Boon obituaries can be read here.

Following Boon's death Mike Watt (and George Hurley) were understandably devastated. Both intended to give up on music. Friends encouraged Watt to reconsider. Sonic Youth involved Watt in the Ciccone Youth project as well as inviting him to play bass parts on their 1986 album 'Evol'. It was an unexpected knock on the door that was the real catalyst in motivating Watt to continue. A 22 year old Ohio native and devout Minutemen fan, Ed Crawford (Ed fROMOHIO as he would be known), found Watt's address in the phone book and successfully pleaded with him to continue. The result was fIREHOSE, Hurley continuing his role behind the drums. Watt choose the the name after watching the clip for "Subterranean Homesick Blues', specifically the line "Better stay away from those that carry around a fire hose" - Dylan holds up a card saying firehose.
In many ways fIREHOSE were an under appreciated band. Maybe it was because they differed significantly from the Minutemen. They did share common elements. Watts bass sound was still a very prominent feature for one, but they lacked the experimentation of the minutemen. Ed probably had a better voice then Boon, but his lyrics lacked the political bite. Over a five album career they did produce many great tracks and their 1987 album 'if'n' deserves to be remembered as a classic.

As with the Minutemen's Double Nickels Husker Du are again name checked on the cover, this time with a photo. The album showed the benefit of the band having played together for over 18 months and was a more cohesive recording then the debut 'Ragin' full On'. Though the songs can hardly be called traditional they do fit the mould more so then the Minutemen did. 'Anger' is a violent explosion of rage, with George Hurley's drums taking centre place. 'For the singer of REM' is a devastating parody of REM. It's a very REM sounding piece (deliberately so). Watt has since been quoted as saying that he believes REM were light weights, but its a little surprising that it was recorded as the Minutemen's last tour was supporting REM, a tour which exposed them to a far larger crowd then they had enjoyed before. Other highlights are 'Sometimes', 'Windmilling' and the beautiful tribute to the wonderful Elizabeth Cotton, 'In memory of Elizabeth Cotton'. Watt takes over vocals on a number of tracks including the hilarious 'Me & you, remembering' and Nick Cave circa Birthday Party sounding 'Thunder child'.
fIREHOSE followed 'If'n' with their third album 'fROMOHIO', like its predecessor it shows a band at their creative peak. Its highly recommended. It was followed by 'Flyin' the Flannel' and finally the disappointing 'Mr. Machinery Operator'.
fIREHOSE disbanded in 1994.
If there can be any doubt on Watt's place in the cannon of American rock a quick look at the musicians that appeared on his first solo record will dispel it. They included : Henry Rollins, Sonic Youth, Curt and Cris Kirkwood (Meat Puppets), J Mascis, Eddie Vedder, Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl (making their first recorded appearance on a record since Kurt Cobain's death), Stephen Perkins (Jane's Addiction and Porno for Pyros), Flea, Dave Pirner (Soul Asylum), Pat Smear (Germs/Nirvana), Frank Black, Evan Dando, Zander Schloss (The Circle Jerks), Nels Cline, Anna Waronker, Mike D, Adam Horowitz and Bernie Worrell (Parliament/Funkadelic). Not surprisingly 'Ball-Hog or Tugboat?' was released in 1995 to critical acclaim. Watt toured the album under the moniker of the 'Mike Watt Band'. members included Eddie Vedder on guitar and Dave Grohl on drums.
In 1996 Watt toured with Porno for Pyros before returning to the studio in '97 for a less star studded second solo outing. A 'rock opera' - 'Contemplating the Engine Room'. The record is a tribute to his deceased father (who appears on the cover) and to D.Boon. The idea of a 'rock opera' seems ludicrous but Watt pulls it it off, through in no small part to the superb guitar work of Nil Cline. Its a pleasant and moving tribute to lost loved ones.
In early 2000 Watt fell ill suffering an infection of his perineum. It is a painful and debilitating ailment. After a lay off of some three months Watt played in two Stooges covers bands in an attempt to regain his strength. The first was called Hellride, which played shows around California and the second Hellride East, who played around New York. Hellride East included J.Mascius and Dinosaur Jr drummer Murph. J Mascis ended up asking Watt to play in the fog. his first real act since Dinosaur Jr's demise. During the European tour they were joined on stage by Ron Asheton, breaking normal set lists to play Stooges tracks. Later on at a Belgium festival Scott Asheton joined them on drums. Watt had previously played on Iggy Pop's Skull record and as such his presence around the three remaining Stooges can be seen as one of the catalyst to the bands 2003 reformation. Fittingly Watt was conscripted into the vacant bass spot. In an interview at the time he spoke of playing with the Stooges - "It's trippy, because I feel so tiny," he says. "This is the fucking Stooges. They're a source. They're not derivative of anything. I'd heard them when I was 16. If D. Boon had said, 'In thirty years you're going to be playing with them'--it's just very strange."
I saw them a couple of years back and it was one of the greatest rock'n'roll shows of all time. Unfortunatly they went on to put out a rubbish record (the Weirdness - but lets not hold Mike responsible for that!).

Mike Watt with the reformed Stooges

I could go on about Mike Watt, his influence on Alternative rock is everywhere. On Sonic Youth's 'Daydream Nation' its a message that Mike Watt left on Thurston Moore's answering machine that forms the centre piece of the song, 'Providence'. The Chilli Pepper's dedicated their break through Album 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik' to Watt.
I sort of had the pleasure of meeting Mike Watt in 1996. Porno for Pyros were playing in Brisbane at a venue called The Arena (I was there to see Watt, I'm not a fan of Pornos, or Janes for that). It has a little DJ booth area that over looks the stage a great place to watch a band. You need a special pass from the venue to get in there (different to the band laminate). I had moved a chair to the front of the cage and was sitting in it with a friend while the other 8 or so people allowed in the cage stood behind us. It was the best spot in the venue. We were watching the support act. I looked behind me and saw Mike Watt standing behind the cage area straining to see the band. 'WTF that's Mike Watt' I thought. I jumped up and went over to the gate to let him into the cage area. After letting him he thanked me walked past me straight to my chair!! Mike and my friend spoke for 15 minutes while I stood at the back of the cage!! My mate said he was a lovely chap. To his credit I think he thought I was offering him my chair. Mike next time you're in Brisbane playing bass for Porno for Pyros and I let you into the DJ cage to watch the support band, remember I'm not that nice!!

There is a new Minutemen Documentary doing the film festival rounds at the moment. Its called "We Jam Econo". Here's a greatNew York Times review.

The Watt from Pedro Show is a regular radio podcast that Watt and his brother do. Well worth the listen.

For download Minutemen's - Double Nickels on the Dime, from 1984 and fIREHOSE - if'n from 1987.

Minutemen's - Double Nickels on the Dime

fIREHOSE - If'n

A viewing treat The Minutemen aboard a boat in San Pedro Harbour in late 1984. Unfortunately there are a few tracks missing from the middle and its very rough but you get the vibe. Also this funky new youtube feature allows them all to be viewed via the one screen...enjoy!