User reviews

Mike Judge knows how to make a good show. The animation is reminiscent of King of the Hill, but better and more defined. The show is better for it.

The first episode floored me. I'm not a fan of documentaries so this means a lot coming from me. I instantly queued up the rest of the episodes. I love that the episodes are 30 minutes and no censorship. This all combines into a show that is never boring.

Thanks to Cinemax, Judge, and everyone else involved.

I'm not much for reviewing shows, but after watching the first six episodes of this one, coming here to see that it didn't have any yet, I feel like I owe it to the music enthusiasts out there to give you a heads up here. Okay, well aside from Jerry Lee Lewis, the episodes have only focused on country music stars so far (Waylon Jennings, George Jones etc (legends, really)), but you don't have to be a fan of country to enjoy them (I've never been much for it, myself). The first hand accounts of the behind-the-scenes antics will have you fascinated, riveted to your screen and often laughing your butt off. I tried the first episode on a whim, having little idea what I'd be watching and then ended up binging the next five episodes...before coming here to rave a little bit.

Its the stories, combined with top-notch story-telling...these guys, musical geniuses do the most surprisingly insane things...everything from stealing cars to engaging in heated arguments with their split personality (that speaks with a Donald Duck voice). Some of this stuff is just...you can't make it up, its hilarious, its debauchery, its just entertaining as hell.

I suppose that in the end though, they're stories about extraordinary, yet ordinary and flawed people, without the spotlights, fanfare and glitter. The retelling of them lays their humanity bare and you can be belly laughing in one moment and getting dust out of your eye in the next. That's another thing...they do a great job of giving the viewer an insight into the rambunctious nature of some of these people, but the arching narrative of their life is woven throughout, which balances the show into one that has "human interest" written all over it.

If you're 25-45, maybe older, this series is likely one that your parents would be grateful for you turning them on to, which is exactly what I plan on doing tomorrow...my Mom is going to freak.

Oh, except for the fact that its animated, which I don't quite understand. Not all of it...just the people telling the stories. For true fans of the musicians being showcased, I can see the animation being a turn-off, as they're likely much older. No problem for the Beavis and Butthead generation, except that at 44, I'd heard some of the songs, but had never heard some of these names behind them.

The animation might be necessary for the reenacted scenes, but wish they could just show the storytellers without it. It seems like an unnecessary, separating layer that distances the viewer from the speaker, detracts from the intimacy, I guess. Hence 9 stars instead of 10.

This is an excellent and extremely entertaining show. The animation really brings these stories to life in a way that watching an interview alone never could.

Whoever thought of this concept is literally a genius. I really hope there are 10 more seasons covering all the greatest country music singers.

PS. Please do one on Gary Stewart, as you'll get a great episode out of some of his stories I'm sure.

To address the two former reviews, both of which I agree with: Yes, Mike Judge is a genius. Just check his body of work for confirmation. You can't go from Beavis and Butthead (originally a student project) to Silicon Valley without some serious visionary cred.

The series is animated because that's Judge's metier. He can work outside of it with ease, but that is where his magic happens most often.

Honesty, transparency, access. Who the hell can put all that together and still make it fun? Mike Judge, that's who. The art of storytelling is alive, all you have to do is watch.

This show is So Good. Entertaining, biographic and pee your pants funny. This first season is fantastic. You should not miss it.

Listen... I don't leave reviews, but I would be at fault if I didn't take a moment to share how excited I am about this show. I literally pay (and would pay more) just to watch this show! I am a music enthusiast and am surrounded by family and friends of the same cloth. I have told every single one of them and even had a dinner so I could introduce this show to others. The first season was country music. I am not a huge fan of country music but I more than enjoyed that first season, watched it twice, and even added a couple songs to my Spotify playlist! Second season was way more my speed with it being the funk music I grew up with, I am now obsessed! Regardless of the genre, it is the story telling method of artistry and oral story telling that oddly makes you feel like you are there in the moment! I am so impressed with this show! Regardless of the genre, I need this show to continue in it's march! Thank you to all involved, I and my friends and family and their friends are thoroughly entertained!

Not a fan of country however a huge funk fan. Loved both seasons! I still love those shinny round discs and will buy these both when available.

Very tentatively, I came one episode shy of the first season, but it was much better than I could have imagined. Such a great job of animated cartoons with actual performance footage mixed in. I had to get all caught up and the thing of it was that season one was all about country music, which is way, way down on my music preference list, but the episodes were riveting. Season two is all about the evolution of funk, and it is as good as ever. Now I stay caught up every week. Good on so many levels. I hope these tales run to more seasons than Soul Train. Big up yourself Mike Judge. And keep 'em coming.

I found myself singing along to Grevious Angel and so I began to look it up. I feel the song because I did that, more or less. He didnt write it ? Who then was Annie Rich ? The story of Grand theft Parsons and after is perfect for Tales From the Tour Bus.

Haven't watched season 2 yet but season 1 was awesome.

Genius portrait and great story telling. It is my favorite series ever.

I am heartbroken that this has been cancelled. The illustrations are very Mike Judge but, the story telling is out of this world. Many questions answered and new ones brought to the surface. I googled and looked up so much.

Great series especially season 2! I've been introduced to some wonderful artists i'd never heard of before. I hope mike judge continues one day. I'd love a season on punk or folk music.

The only fault with this show is that it has ended... or maybe not. Mike Judge you leave us wanting so much more. There is so much more greatness to give. I have to believe that the punk world or the 70s rock n roll will give plenty of amazing stories. Hell, bring us the roots of bluegrass bootlegers and moonshiners. Give us the (probably) seedy world of Vatican choirs. The blues has to be loaded with stories I cannot even fathom to post here. I am sure Dave Brubeck can cover a two part early jazz series. 90s early rap and hip hop... there is probably a story to tell. Just tell them some more please.

Having missed this at the time it was first released I was lucky enough to hear a recommendation from the country singer Chris Stapleton on an old Joe Rogan podcast All I can say is I'm so pleased I found this and can only wish Mike Judge would find more Stories from the Tour Bus as in the beige , uptight world we live in now a little slice of the good & the great of 20th century music going crazy is a such a joy.

If you like your hero's to be a good ol' boy from the south or a big town guy that sings like an angel the crazy stories after the drink the drugs the rock n roll are just fantastic.

As is said by one of the "killers" Jerry Lees Lewis band mates you can't play at being Rock n Roll You have to eat it , breath it , drink it , sleep it , live it 24/7 365!

Us mere mortals may only look in to there worlds and wonder "how can a human do that?" But boy it is fun listening to the real people who stood witness to these acts!