Missoula Music History Oral History Project
Interviewer
Kristin Gates
Files
Description
Michael Purington discusses his experiences as a musician with the Lost Highway Band in the 1970s and 1980s. He describes the exhilarating, yet exhausting, nature of touring with the band, and tells a story about playing at a bar with Bruce Springsteen. Purington also talks about the Missoula music scene and the sense of community that existed during this era, specifically what it was like to both perform and serve as a booking agent at the Top Hat. He frankly discusses his battle with alcoholism and details his recovery. Purington talks about writing songs about his recovery and cutting several albums which have been well-received by individuals also struggling with substance abuse and addiction.
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Document Type
Oral History
Subjects
Subjects: Music; Music—History and criticism; Music—Montana—Missoula; Rock music—Montana; Country music—Montana; Country-rock music; Bars (drinking establishments); Music festivals—Montana—History; Music festivals; Concerts; Musical establishments; Music culture; Lost Highway Band; Drinking; Drinking of alcoholic beverages; Alcoholism—Prevention; Alcoholism—Treatment; Music—Economic aspects; Sound recordings; Compact discs Personal Names: Purington, Michael; Springsteen, Bruce Corporate Names: The Top Hat Geographical Names: Missoula (Mont.) Occupations: Musicians—Montana
Original Date
10-17-2019
Time Period
Twentieth century; Twenty-first century
Geographic Coverage
Montana; Texas
Language
eng
Original Collection
Missoula Music History Oral History Project, OH 473
Holding Institution
University of Montana. Mansfield Library. Archives and Special Collections
Digital Publisher
University of Montana--Missoula. Mansfield Library
Rights Statement
In Copyright
Rights Holder
Copyright to this collection is held by the interview participants and by the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, University of Montana-Missoula. Permission may be required for use. For further information please contact Archives and Special Collections at the University of Montana, Mansfield Library.
Oral History Number
OH 473-011
Media Type
Sound; Text
Original Format
1 MP3 file (01:09:37): digital + 1 transcript (18 pp.: 28 cm.)
Digital Format
audio/mp3; application/pdf
Run Time
01:09:37 minutes
Local Filename
OH_473_011.mp3; OH_473_011.pdf
Citation
Purington, Michael, "Michael Purington Interview, October 17, 2019" (2019). Missoula Music History Oral History Project. 12.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/missoulamusic_oralhistory/12