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Billy Sheehan Fan Tribute
An extraordinary bass player, solo artist, and band
member in Niacin, Mr. Big, David Lee Roth, Talas and others.
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ClassicBuffalo.com Music - Local Entertainment and the Music scene, including Bands, Clubs, Magazines, Gear, Productions, Resources, Retailers and Studios.
A Classic Buffalo Marketplace - Billy Sheehan music and other products at our aStore.
NEWS
2008 - For the latest visit
MySpace Billy Sheehan.
Friday, February 23rd, 2007 - BX3 at
Club Infinity.
Saturday,
April 15th, 2006 -
BX3 Tour featuring Billy Sheehan.
Tuesday,
August 1st, 2006 -
New CD Prime Cuts.
Monday, April 4th, 2005 - Steve Vai and Billy Sheehan tour the USA in support of the "Real Illusions" CD. They perform together at the UB Center for the Arts in Buffalo, New York, plus on the G3 tour in Japan and Europe.
Friday, March 4th, 2005 - Billy was kind enough to take the time between gigs, in the USA, to answer some questions about his latest musical news. Read below what he said in this exclusive conversation with Rob at ClassicBuffalo.com.
INTERVIEW with Billy Sheehan
Rob: You are currently in Steve Vai's band and touring (started March 1st in Phoenix) in support of his "Real Illusions" CD. How are the shows going so far and what material can fans expect to hear?
Billy: Going great, thanks! Most shows are sold out way in advance. We're doing a lot of new things from Real Illusions, as well as some of Steve's older stuff & a few surprises. Its an exciting and challenging show---we're having a blast every night!
Rob: Steve Vai is a great guitarist, John Novello is a B3 master. Does your bass playing interaction adjust when performing between these two different players styles?
Billy: I try to adapt to
whatever situation I'm in, do what's required, then take a bit of inspiration
from the moment or other players & fly with it. I've been very lucky
to have played with so many wonderful players--its all been a positive influence
on my playing and approach.
Rob: Your current home is in Sherman Oaks, LA. Your
hometown is Buffalo, NY and the "Real Illusions" tour will be at UB April 4th.
Is it still special to return here and is there anything unique you enjoy about
Buffalo?
Billy: There sure is! Almost everything I found to be of value in my life & career came from my early years in Buffalo. Not only so much musical discovery, but the people had a big positive effect on me. I learned most everything I know (or the basics of it) on stages all around town. It was a priceless education that I cherish. Plus, so many great memories! The stories I could tell! Ha! I'm glad I'm still in touch with so many great friends back there too. But, weather-wise, you can't beat LA! I think I've shoveled enough snow for this lifetime!
Rob: You have just
released your second solo project, "Cosmic Troubadour" and wrote all the songs.
Can we expect to hear any of those tunes on your current tour and what did you
like the most about creating it?
Billy: Yes, "Cosmic Troubadour" was a great adventure. Very
very happy with it.
I'l be doing an adaptation of one song "The Suspense Is Killing Me" on Steve's
tour, as I had done another song from my first solo CD "Compression" on a tour
with him 2 years ago. (That's all on the "Live at the Astoria--London" DVD).
Making a record is always a challenge, but a solo disc is different in many
ways. I wrote, sang & played everything but the drums & some extra guitar parts.
It was a blast! It seems to be going over very well too! Great reviews & emails
from all over about it. I'm very thankful to be in a position to do a record
like this.
Rob: Your band Niacin has recorded 6 albums, with that unique B3 style. What are the future plans for the band in the studio and on the road?
Billy: We just finished
our newest CD "ORGANIK"---out soon. If I get a break, I
wouldn't hesitate one second to do some shows. Niacin live is a total blast.
Playing with Dennis Chambers changed my life!
Rob: There was a fallout with Mr. Big, and you were a founding member. Is the band officially finished or are you open to a future reunion?
Billy: Officially finished. We had 12 great years together, made some awesome records (in my humble opinion) and had incredible success. I wish all the Mr. Big guys the absolute best. Amazing band.
Rob: You still find time with your hectic schedule to do clinics, seminars, instructional videos and books. After 30 years in the music industry, what would you tell starters in the business today?
Billy: Start! Go! Get on stage & start playing. Any stage. Anywhere. I did. If you wait till you're "good enough" you'll never get anywhere. Take it all on yourself too. Learn how to promote your show. Write some songs. Start writing now! You'll throw away more songs than you'll keep, so get to it. YOU are in charge of your destiny. Grab hold and get to work. Don't wait to "get signed" or to get a "deal", or an "investor" (why anyone would invest in a band is beyond me. Put your money in a pile & light it on fire---at least you can get warm!). You'll be told "no" a thousand times---don't worry about it. It only takes one "yes". It can be done!
Rob: You have played with many great musicians over the years. Who would you maybe like to record or perform with in the future?
Billy: Paco DeLucia. I'd love to do a tour with Slipknot! I'd have a mask on, so nobody would know. That would be a blast. I've been very lucky, as I said to work with some supreme talent in the past.
Rob: Is there anything that attracts you musically to learn, techniques, new gear, other artists songs? If so, what are they?
Billy: I'm still excited & enthused to play. That's after almost 4 decades of being at this. I'm still excited to hear something new, or a re-combination of elements that came before. Its hard to say just what it is that attracts me--my tastes are all over the map, but I still hear something every once in a while that draws me in.
Rob: March and this year is a busy time for you with new CDs, tour and Happy Birthday too! What can we expect from you later this year, will you go on the G3 tour with Steve?
Billy: Its March 19th, but I won't tell the year--ha! Yes, its a busy time for me, but I'm so lucky to do the thing I love for a living. I wish everyone could have that. I'll be on tour, headlining w/ Steve till May, then a short G3 in Japan, I work on several projects in LA till August, then off with Steve to headline Europe, Australia, South America, & South East Asia. Right up until the end of the year. Then there's more! I just had 2 new instructional DVD's come out as well, the new Niacin is coming & lots more. No rest for the wicked!
Rob: Thanks for your time, answers and great music! Where can fans get the latest merchandise and news updates?
Billy: For my CD
on-line: www.favorednations.com ,
my site: www.billysheehan.com
Looking forward to being back in good 'ol Buffalo! I hope I see you there!
Thanks Rob!
LINKS
Billy Sheehan - The official site.
Steve Vai - The official site.
Ticketmaster
UB
Center for the Arts - University at Buffalo.
Magna Carta
Records
Mr. Big
Niacin
International Institute of Bassists
Ray Luzier.com -
Drummer on "Cosmic Troubadour", DLRB and Army of Anyone.
PICS
- Click a thumbnail pic to enlarge
image.
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