Mike Watt Releases “On and Off Bass” – A Book of Photos, Reflections and Diary Excerpts

Mike Watt, bassist for the Stooges, the Minutemen, fIREHOSE and others, has released Mike Watt: On and Off Bass, featuring photos, thoughts and diary excerpts culled from his archives over the last ten years.

Watt, who has a deep interest in photography, has had his work featured at Track 16 Gallery, in his home town of San Pedro, California. The exhibit, “Mike Watt: Eye-Gifts from Pedro,” took place in 2010.

“He has this knack for finding the early morning sweet spots when venturing out alone on his bike or kayak,” said Track 16 executive director Laurie Steelink, who curated the exhibit. ” The resulting photographs never seem to dry: light, flight, salt, rust, and tide commingle in fiery sunrises, endless heavens, roiling waves and fog.”

The book includes photographs from the exhibit, enhanced with Watt’s poetry and snippets from his diaries, spanning topics such as John Coltrane, overcoming performance fears, long tours and more.

The 112-page, full color Mike Watt: On and Off Bass is available now from the publisher.