Joseph Michael Hassell

It's been years since I talked to Mike, but I'm yet another of the musically hungry that was fed by him in the early days of Gov't Mule. At one time I believe that I was the only person left on the analog Mule Trane, but Mike still kept making those analog dubs. He was very generous with the music and the time it took him to distribute it. It goes without saying for anyone who is familiar with his work, but he was a good taper. A very good taper. And a very dedicated one.

We...

I remember the first and only time I went to Bonaroo - to take my daughter and my god-daughter. They laughed the whole way up b/c they just knew that no one my age would be there - let alone anyone I knew. However, sweet Mike came to my rescue when, after only having arrived about 10 minutes earlier, I heard this loud yell "Prisca" and turned around to find Mike. He and I got to laugh at the girls the rest of the weekend for him coming to my rescue (not for the 1st time and hopefully not...

Mike, the daddy of our child, Kelley. We met in 1968 and thankfully remained friends throughout all these years and there was always a place in my heart for you that no one could ever replace. We had so many great years together. How many concerts do you think we actually went to see together...I could not even begin to count. Do you remember when Kelley was born and I was walking out the door to go to the hospital because my contractions were 5 minutes apart and you wanted to make a pot of...

Daddy, I love you more than life itself and don't know what I will do without hearing your voice everyday and without your wise words. You have taught me so much about appreciation for life, music and how to make the best out of what you have been given in this life. I think of you constantly and I will do everything in my power to keep your memory alive in the kids and I can not wait to see you and Mammaw in Heaven. I hope you are resting peacefully now daddy, I love you...

i never had the pleasure of meeting Mike but i surely have lots of old school shows so Mike had a hand in at least one show i have. i brought a show into work on Thursday and played it loud and proud. my deepest sympathy goes out to your family Mike. i will meet you in the afterlife until then RIP. George

Uncle Mike sorry about not being able to make it to the memorial. I know it has been awhile since I last spoke with you at Lucky's but I still keep thinking I will run into you there as I have so many other times. I still remember all the times during the summers growing up and coming down to stay at the cabin and just going to Mahan Creek and floating down the creek on the tubes. Feeding the chickens and the horses. Those are memories that will always be there. Thanks. RIP

Bright memories of a wonderful man with a big heart & an inspiring love of music.

Fare thee well...and play_it_loud.

Mike was a good friend who will be greatly missed. It is funny how over the years you realize that who you consider your friends to be & who you really love and respect over time isn’t always related to how much time you actually end up spending with them. I have been thinking about Mike a lot these last few days, and every memory makes me smile.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mike in Spring '97 while on Mule tour, we shared a room together for a few nights. I was overwhelmed by his sincere generousity and pleasant disposition - truly one of the "good guys" out there, you'll be missed more than words can tell. Anyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting Mike will be saddend by this loss. My condolences to his family. RIP.