Started as a neon sign glass bender at 15 years old. It's a lost art. I got to do a stint at Carolina Neon , the American Pickers guys have featured a few times, while I lived outside Columbia in 98/99. Every time I've pushed the momentary switch on the bombarder when first lighting/processing each tube I hear the words, "let there be light", sand, electricity, fire, metal, and it outlasts any other forms of man-made lighting I've ever heard of. It's humbling.
@mikeellis9919
Жыл бұрын
Outstanding! I love the way Mike celebrates the craftsmen while promoting the traditional methods of making art come to life. Great song by the way - Somebody's got to do it.
@bluue6952
Жыл бұрын
Without episodes like this, none of us would have any idea how these signs are even made. No wonder they're so expensive. there's so much work put into making each and every one of them.
@BUZZKILLJRJR
Жыл бұрын
I'm so happy Mike Rowe is doing shows again, I absolutely love this guy, brilliant funny and a voice like a baritone song bird.
@warplanner8852
Жыл бұрын
Halfway through this and not aware of his daughter and I cry for him. But, my God, is he articulate! What a wonderful person!
@rknissel
Жыл бұрын
GOTTA LOVE MIKE, always enteretained and usually learn something.... MIKE ROWE FOR PRESIDENT ! ! !
@fancynecromancy
Жыл бұрын
Not only is Mike Rowe a true......not only national but dare I say .....human treasure! Seeing these two men doing what they love they way they love it just makes my heart sing. When that man said ,"they're gonna like it." 🖤💚💜👌🏻 I've lived in tx for 20+ years & in the Hill Country for 8+.....you know that means a lot. Don't ever stop being curious & handsome af Mr Rowe.
@rhetorical1488
Жыл бұрын
Mike is an American institution. keep up the good work sir.
@littlejackalo5326
Жыл бұрын
@@O_Canada Awwww are you one of the beta alphabet losers that he offended? Bwahahah. You don't have to be a loser your whole life.
@JFP69
Жыл бұрын
What I LOVE about Mike is he is the champion of all champions of people. I once stopped him in the street (he was on the phone by the way) and asked him if he would do something for me and he agreed on the spot. The nicest guy you will ever meet and a talent beyond. I LIKE MIKE for POTUS!
@jtcustomknives
Жыл бұрын
Thank you thank you for bringing the tradesmen to light. I’m a machinist and love what I do but feel like it’s a job that’s very under appreciated.
@freeanimals594
Жыл бұрын
It's not to me. My Dad worked for a machine shop for almost 40 years.
@45CaliberCure
Жыл бұрын
My brother dropped out of college, joined the Marines and ultimately became a welder. He's my fucking hero. I went to college, drank way too much and ended up in IT. IT sucks, but it pays the bills. But man, if i could do it again, I'd go into the trades. Although, I've gotten to the point where my belief that i could always fall back on hard labor, skilled or otherwise, is not likely to happen. I stupidly believed that anything that didn't kill me made me stronger. The body now disagrees vehemently. Anyway, I'm in awe of good machinists. It's damn near magic for me to see what you guys can do with raw materials. P.S. I made some knives back in the day, too. No longer have a workshop, but it was a fun time. Keep on trucking. :)
@noregrets1855
Жыл бұрын
It's crazy, I worked at a sign company for several years, and there was different departments for each part of the sign being made. For this man to be building every sign, including the designs, on his own, I'm very impressed. Much respect to this man.
@cousinreinz2
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Mike, always a pleasure watching and listening to an American icon.
@waynetaylor420
Жыл бұрын
Mr..Rowe please don't stop making videos. I always am entertained and it never fails I learn something. One day I will see my true calling in business life. I learned a trade because of you ,instead of a college degree that would be almost useless today.
@bad77dragtruck
Жыл бұрын
kzitem.info/news/bejne/pXyEs218cl-qo6Q I've never felt a more powerful place to put this link.
@bad77dragtruck
Жыл бұрын
@Repent and believe in Jesus Christ tell Jesus to start giving bad people cancer instead of kids and helpful people. Until then, stay crucified.
@noregrets1855
Жыл бұрын
@@bad77dragtruck savage. 😂
@SavageWhiteBread
Жыл бұрын
@@bad77dragtruck Felt that.
@quantumenergy4991
Жыл бұрын
Not unless you combine your trade with a business degree. I managed to become a cost estimator eventually by becoming a machinist first and then getting my BS in Business Administration. The degree doubled my income.
@bennyboogenheimer4553
Жыл бұрын
How the Hell did I go from watching a show about signs, to balling my eyes out because of the Greatest Dad maybe ever? All that keeps playing in my head is Long and Winding Road. Just an amazing story, and group of humans. Thanks, Mike!
@jay-rus4437
Жыл бұрын
That “bar” is the coolest work place ive ever seen. I dont even drink regularly, but the comfort level and creativity of that space is awesome
@sabrinastroud9776
Жыл бұрын
What a great segment! Loved it.
@webdev217
Жыл бұрын
Mike is the type of guy we need as our political leaders. He truly understands how America works. We need saving! and soon.
@NaterAnderson
Жыл бұрын
"Somebody's Gotta Do It," I would pay for this album. for real
@BubblyTeatime
Жыл бұрын
Omg I loved your Dirty Jobs series and I'm so glad you're continuing it in a similar format while expanding the jobs you cover to one's where you're not getting covered in mud or human/animal excrements lol
@PamelaAnderson-bw9hs
4 ай бұрын
It's beautiful to watch someone re create past talents n knowledge n bring it into the now .what it known now what science is known now n create.to use imagination n past..n present n created that is a beautiful gift. Hopefully some one n 50. 60 70. Yrs will come along n use his knowledge n creations to re create new. Blessings to all
@jameswyatt2739
Жыл бұрын
Mike you continue to amaze me. I thank you for that.
@joshwarner3926
Жыл бұрын
Dude is a legend. Mike rowe for president
@isaaacc1
Жыл бұрын
I'm pretty sure.. what you sang at the end was the best country music I have heard in years. I love your respect, thank you
@Rogerswoodworkx
Жыл бұрын
This is really cool to see especially with yu doing it! I love watching your videos. We just never know what kinda video yu will come out with next
@Scraggledust
Жыл бұрын
Always intriguing and always top notch entertainment! Beyond fascinating to see the ins and outs of so many professions❤ Stay vigilant and safe out there! Much💕
@scottcallahan1
Жыл бұрын
Yes please! And thank you
@markissboi3583
Жыл бұрын
old art making a comeback someone has to do it
@ejcejc4113
Жыл бұрын
Truly a lost art, neon signs are amazing works of art. I have one lol.
@bambie7376
Жыл бұрын
I LOVE those old neon signs, I wish they were still popular.
@Dr.Cosmar
Жыл бұрын
I grew up watching Dirty Jobs. I feel that show helped me have a good work ethic. I had lacked a father figure to instill those values, so I just wanted to tell you that I really appreciated that programming.
@kai-uwefranck6076
Ай бұрын
You have an awesome singing voice Mike.
@kenhurley4441
Жыл бұрын
Mike Rowe for President! Okay!
@brooklyn7722
Жыл бұрын
I had no idea what went into making neon signs. This is absolutely remarkable
@davidleebohrer5549
Жыл бұрын
Great Aus-Tex Neon Episode Mike ! Evan Has Made Several Iconic Neon Signage Around Austin For Years & Kirk Has Probably Bent Several Miles Of Neon Tubage In The Past 30 Years & His Neon Shop Is In Lockhart. , So I Hope They Took Ya For Bar-B-Que While Ya Were Visiting Big Dog Neon !
@tinaknight9143
Жыл бұрын
We have 2 neon sign factories in the city I live in. A woman I graduated high school with has worked for both companies for decades, even at the same time if a special order needs to be done. She is gifted, extremally hard worker and she's a wonderful person to be around. It's not even her main employment anymore. Her main job is in health care. She does it to help the owners or for Christmas money for her family. If it was made at Fallon, there's a good chance she bent the glass for each piece of glass on each design at least once. The man who trained me told me it's a talent you have and improve with experience or you just can't do it and likely never will.
@WastelandFirebird
Жыл бұрын
Glorious!
@tck9362
Жыл бұрын
Kirk is an awesome guy. He let my band come into the shop and record some songs/videos live with all the neon on. It was awesome. And he didn’t charge us a dime.
@MarceloVolcato
Жыл бұрын
Mike is a legend!
@scotttodd3506
28 күн бұрын
There was the old Rose Drive-In Theatre a little over a mile from my house growing up. I remember when they pulled the screen down to build office buildings. I was hoping to get the small rose bud part off of it but getting it off the rusty steel superstructure underneath was beyond what I had for tools and frankly, skills. I would have needed to have new tubing bent for it if I wanted it to fully light up again, as it pretty much all shattered when the thing hit the ground.
@MikeyTwoCrows
Жыл бұрын
Love it when you sing
@ypaulbrown
Жыл бұрын
Many do not know, do not know if mentioned....but rear lite signs with plexiglas many times have neon tubes....... Red is the color of neon.....other colors are created by different inert gas.......hope this helps....
@RubSomefastOnIt
11 ай бұрын
i worked for a small neon sign shop after school in the 90s, I was salvaging old glass from old broken signs to be reused.
@ladytitanic5180
Жыл бұрын
My jaw hit the fuckin floor hearing Mike sing. He sounds so damn close to Tennessee Ernie Ford and it's spectacular
@atomicmartini2922
Жыл бұрын
Best one yet. ❤
@gizard4117
Жыл бұрын
This was the best one so far Mike! I used to know a neon sign maker a long time ago, its incredible what they can do.
@MarleeWild
Жыл бұрын
As a designer for a new age neon sign company I appreciate this video more than you 🥰 I would love to blow old school neon one day!!!
@Davett53
Жыл бұрын
In larger cities across the USA, there is always neon shops, or sign companies that do neon repair, certainly Las Vegas, has them. There is a large neon sign museum in Las Vegas.
@luism.raposo5138
Жыл бұрын
He's amazing.
@caryglennchristensen9037
Жыл бұрын
Mr. Rowe you are an American Icon. You get it, with everything going on. You should consider moving to Rumble, as this platform has demonstrated it's contempt for free speech. God Bless!
@funforall9741
Жыл бұрын
Zelda is such a nice name, i like this guy he's honest to himself and his art
@MarkDelaney67
Жыл бұрын
Magnifico !
@jas57264
Жыл бұрын
MIKE.....THE CROONER!!!!!! :)
@dannydaugherty527
Жыл бұрын
there are all kinds of lost arts one is stick welding most people I worked with had no idea what stick welding was and what it is good for, we need to go back at least 50-60 years to bring back some lost arts
@dr.leonardhofstadtersavage6413
Жыл бұрын
Hello Mike Rowe I'm a big fan of dirty jobs, I just found your channel. It is excellent 👍👍👍
@DustinPlatt
Жыл бұрын
6:47 I own an Optometrist Practice and I should change our name to this and get this sign.
@lysanderlysandrou5715
Жыл бұрын
My dad was a glass blower making scientific apparatus. He used to have a setup in the basement and I remember him making stuff at home.
@MrDkusa
Жыл бұрын
This is the man! Been watching you since a kid Mike. I also loved you on the Theo Von podcast. What a character! You also know what's good for America 💪 keep it up my friend 🇺🇸
@kerbygator
Жыл бұрын
There's a guy on Pier 60 in Clearwater, Florida who makes animals out of glass. He has a lil spot there, amongst the other vendors on the pier.
@robertbrouillette6767
11 ай бұрын
Neon signs are still the top form of advertising.
@ThundercatDarklion
Жыл бұрын
This is Awesome!!!! I love Neon. I also remember seeing the old buildings in the Chicago Suburbs and in the city with neon signs. Now there are LED Light Strips that are made to look like Neon Tubes and there are people who makes custom signs using the LED Light Tube strips. I am also in Second Life and an creator called Real in Second Life made Real Neon and sells their own Neon Signs or you can buy an machine they made to make your own Neon Signs for your own designs they are scripted to flash, stay steady lit, spell out the word, also to look like old worn out neon that is dim and flickering.
@LaurenJeanArt
Жыл бұрын
I thought Mike was going to cry when Kirk told him that they were going to be happy and he made part of that letter right. 💗
@jillcochran9794
Жыл бұрын
❤️it!
@ehrenloudermilk1053
Жыл бұрын
How the hell am I just now stumbling onto this channel
@MissDarlaDeville
Жыл бұрын
You can tell Mike ain’t used to that Texas heat 🔥 😓
@KA4UPW
Жыл бұрын
Two thumbs up because of the somg at the end !😅
@Davett53
Жыл бұрын
Unless it has changed, I remember in the 1980s, many fine arts, glass blowing departments, at colleges and art institutes had neon tube bending classes.
@megamike420
7 ай бұрын
Mike row and the wunderboner, nice lol!
@shable1436
Жыл бұрын
Lots of us want to visit or move there to live that lifestyle, run their own businesses, and enjoy Texas freedoms.
@Snaerffer
Жыл бұрын
Fascinating…. Your old haircut, not the neon. Hahahahaha nah only kidding this was a great video
@chrisk7626
Жыл бұрын
I grew up in the seventies were neon signs were everywhere for everything and then that's when they took them out because they used a whole lot of electricity for the record I think they're too cool I miss them
@terryqueen3233
Жыл бұрын
If I'm not mistaken I'm pretty sure that fear-the-walking-dead is filmed in and around Austin but I could be wrong.
@tedburton8490
Жыл бұрын
Tell us it's hot as hell in this shop without say it's hot as hell in this shop!!
@GotrekGurninsson
Жыл бұрын
The neon tube benders have become water cooling pc builders
@StragglerTx
Жыл бұрын
I've met a neon guy and he looked just like this hippie lol , anyway I put a 69 VW van on top of a big hill at my bosses property and the hippie asked my boss if was ok to go up and fill the inside with neon boss said ok if was for free lol , anyway when done was pretty neat can be seen for miles , only part is I had to go back and cover the broken windows with chicken wire because birds was snapping the neon .
@zoftigbeatnik
Жыл бұрын
Every time I see a cool neon sign I stop and take a picture. It's Americana....
@doubleoddbs4357
Жыл бұрын
I love the trades, but unfortunately this one isn’t often shown, I’ve always liked the craftsmanship and artistry of neon signs but never knew where to go to learn it it’s a lost art for sure but I still see neon signs everywhere
@mak450
Жыл бұрын
I didn't know Mike Rowe had a youtube channel! Awesome. I'd love to see Evan start one, but I imagine it wouldn't be his thing. Still though, amazing, I never considered how much work(or danger) goes into making these...
@paulward1205
Жыл бұрын
To this day I still say... "safety third"
@bentonedwards8689
Жыл бұрын
Far out man 😊
@dozer69643
Жыл бұрын
I work for a sign company that does the same exact stuff
@jeffsowers1290
Жыл бұрын
WOW I think I have found my twin brother from another mother looks like my neon shop
@strongmermaid4651
Жыл бұрын
Fun
@kennethellison9713
Жыл бұрын
"Introducing the Wonder Boner" said no one about me. Sadly, ever.
@alexmcmurtrieSits
Жыл бұрын
Where would we be without neon? In the dark and bored.
@leothemaskedgiraffe
Жыл бұрын
The bad kid in Breakfast Club found himself a niche 😂
@danielsamonte1586
Жыл бұрын
They really missed an opportunity for the phrase “FADING art of blowing neon glass”
@sheilaathay2034
Жыл бұрын
❤🎉
@Lt.ShinySides
Жыл бұрын
Wait, Mike Rowe is still alive?!? 🤯
@MrCgford1
Жыл бұрын
Guys where can I watch the full episodes
@djfacebones8621
Жыл бұрын
Mike has to do joe Rogan's . We can have a double feature
@roseanneroseannadanna9651
Жыл бұрын
Mike's mom is still waiting for him to hold onto a job for more than a week!
@mattgaming8717
Жыл бұрын
Hey sign guy. Never give up that truck. Worse case. Convert it to electric or a mod conversion. Just keep the style.
@zenriyakaruvyin8273
Жыл бұрын
say it right , blowing PYREX GLASS
@carolynbarney1265
Жыл бұрын
If I didn't know any better...I might let myself think , seeing that old 66 Chevy,...and seeing that one sign the old blue Stella? One might think that someone may be trying to tell me something. Austin seems too Stand steal in a place if her own. I did enjoy the old relics , why when we first came to Tucson Oracle strip was nothing but flashing neon , I don't know but I think there may be a couple left , that has not been bought out by the forienors...MY thoughts were , use too be ...IT'D be nice if whom evers buying these , would be nice if they'd refurbish them ...but mist of them and the strip are just well , some of US folks like too reminisce some of US.🇺🇲 Thank you Mr.Mike Rowe for giving Me a moment. 🇺🇲🗽⚖ 🫒🕊❤🕊
@TnT_F0X
Жыл бұрын
You know I was a fan of Dirty Jobs growing up, but I only subbed just now because Mike Rowe is the voice of the Wonder Boner.
@Papazipper9436
Жыл бұрын
When he mentioned the sign for his blind daughter, you could see the personal meaning it had in the artists face .heartening ❤
@erwinmoreno23
Жыл бұрын
That was surprisingly touching. Not the fact itself, I just didnt expect it
@hrbbdhdbdn2993
Жыл бұрын
And her name is zelda!
@ThisZombieBitesEverything
Жыл бұрын
Sorry I was still stumped over the visual light for someone blind… then I seen him say she can touch it. That makes a lot of sense now…. But the way you worded your comment just made me do a double take 😂
@terrificbabe60
Жыл бұрын
@Repent and believe in Jesus Christ by
@JB-yr4vd
Жыл бұрын
O thats nice. Reminds me of when i bought an ipod for my deaf child....
@jaybradley9083
Жыл бұрын
This just about brought a tear to my eye. My dad made neon signs in a small shop attached to the house I grew up in. I used to watch him turn straight pieces of glass tubing into letters and shapes of all sizes. He also constructed the signs from scratch using sheet metal and welded angle iron. I grew up and learned to hand letter and spray paint signs, but never mastered the art of neon. My dad has been gone for sixteen years now. One of my most prized possessions is a twelve-inch piece of glass tubing that I successfully welded together under my dad's patient and watchful eye. Thank you for showcasing these two men who are keeping this art form alive, and bringing back so many fond memories of my childhood.
@Davett53
Жыл бұрын
Nice story. I wanted to become a neon tube bender when I was in grad school in Fine Art., In the 1970s. I was a print maker, and was skilled in silk screen printer and etching, and I also built sculptures in mixed media. I'd taken jewelry classes, and foundry classes. I began visiting the local sign shops in my town, during the late 1970s, and neon was still very popular. Even if sometimes the tubes were under vacuum formed plastic letters. Neon put out enough brilliant light, beneath the plastic and was long lasting, and unlike incandescent bulbs, it didn't burn out. The shops I visited were very excited some "young person wanted to learn this skill". I watched the old timers bend neon tube, they explained the whole process while working on some jobs, they had before them. The only problem was,....and it was my problem,.....I didn't like waking up before dawn to get to a job. These neon shops were old time factories,.....And my life style as an artist, .....was very laid back. I preferred to get up late and work into the evenings. I continued to build my sculptures, and considered incorporating neon into them. I discovered there were young people like myself who were equally "laid back", who had small neon tube bending shops. I visited them often to watch the "magic". I should have asked if I could join them,...even without pay,....they were nice folks, I never did. When I wanted to have a light source that resembled neon, coming from my sculptures, I found unique incandescent bulbs, that sort of simulated that kind of light. As a hobby, I would salvage old neon tubes from signs on buildings that were slated for demolition. I still have this one, 3 foot radius, glowing orange, arc shaped tube, that I have on the wall in my art studio. I have a step-down transformer, to power it. And some partial letters from other old signs.
@ashenmoonclash
Жыл бұрын
Wonderful life story and thank you for sharing it.
@Praise___YaH
Жыл бұрын
Guys, Here is The Savior YaH The Heavenly FATHER HIMSELF was Who they Crucified/Pierced for our sins and “HERE IS THE PROOF” From the Ancient Egyptian Semitic: "Yad He Vav He" is what Moshe (Moses) wrote, when Moses asked YaH His Name (Exodus 3) Ancient Egyptian Semitic Direct Translation Yad - "Behold The Hand" He - "Behold the Breath" Vav - "Behold The NAIL"
@WARHAMMER-j5c
6 ай бұрын
God Bless your Dads Soul and may he Rest In Peace. And thanks to your father and others in the field of his work American people and America had signs across the area of where he worked thank you to your father for his efforts in building America for what the Glass Blowing Neon Community does for us.
@flowsocoldgaming305
Жыл бұрын
Mike is one of our last treasures! He hasn't aged at all!!!! Protect this man at all costs!!!!!!!!!
@Basstractorgirl
Жыл бұрын
Yes, Please!
@PEST1776
Жыл бұрын
100%
@christianheichel
Жыл бұрын
Him and Morgan Freeman. Morgan looked the same 30 years ago like he does today. I think Morgan and Mike were born middle aged lol
@uptoolate2793
Жыл бұрын
Right?
@CameronSalazar2113
Жыл бұрын
I love how much this show doesn't feel like a tv show at all it feel more like a friend telling you about something interesting and trying it out, Plus I enjoy how much Mike sings in these videos. Mike you are truly a jack of all trades and no one else can take that from you!
@tedquaker954
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Mike, loved the video.... Always enjoyed the nostalgia of Neon Signs. Frankly, I hope they make a comeback in small towns across the country!! Reminds me of better days alot of us are yearning for...
@BeingLifted
Жыл бұрын
Ditto that!
@squeakyb.7709
Жыл бұрын
I second that thought as well!
@Nuttyirishman85
Жыл бұрын
I’ve lived in towns where signs that were illuminated weren’t allowed, of any kind. The people were 6th grade simple too, I wonder if there’s a correlation?
@quantumenergy4991
Жыл бұрын
Same, I would 'neon spot' around my town as a kid and memorize the various designs, colors and locations of signs at night with my friends. Plasma fascinates us for a reason! It is the very future, just awaiting its time under the auspices of art.
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