Mike Watt: Ring Spiel Tour ‘95

Minuteman bassist Mike Watt’s plaid-shirted affability brought good vibes to Southern California punk rock’s surly disposition. Which partially explains why the alt-rock pantheon turned out for Watt’s all-hands solo debut, Ball-Hog or Tugboat? Joined by Dave Grohl (drums), Eddie Vedder (guitar), Pat Smear (guitar) and William Goldsmith (drums), Watt took his solo act on the road with “ring spiel” tour ‘95, documenting a rambunctious night in Chicago. Watt’s working-man grumble and trampolining bass focus a set consisting of Minutemen and fIREHOSE gems along with nifty covers like Daniel Johnston’s “Walking the Cow.”