Rest In Peace William J Tsamis of Warlord 1961-2021
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 พ.ค. 2021
- This raw and unedited video is me talking about the band Warlord and a thumbnail version of their history. Rest in Peace William J Tsamis. Thank you for the wonderful albums of music you have blessed us with.
#Warlord #BillTsamis #DeliverUs - บันเทิง
Bill Tsamis was someone who had sth. to say, a true leader. And I'm not only talking about all his wonderful music here which he created with Warlord, Lordian Guard and Lordian Winds. He also inspired many people with things outside of music. He helped without preaching, just by talking about things. Hi music, his lyrics, his thoughts have and will always help, guide and shape me. Rest in peace, Destroyer....
Bill and I were very good friends. Back in the early 80s we used to go club hopping a few nights a week. I also hung out with them in the studio when they were recording Deliver Us. But the one thing that really stands out is how he led me to my Christian faith. At the time, I was an atheist and we used to have intense discussions about it. Ultimately his passionate faith prompted me to research the issue and I evcentually came, through logic and reason, to a firm belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ as an actual fact of history. I hadn't seen him in years, but I will miss him greatly. Rest in Peace my dear friend.
Now another cool memory I have is of the filming of Cannons. If you notice during Black Mass there are cowled figures with candles on either side of Mark, the drummer, passing the flame from the inside to outside. I'm the one to Mark's immediate right, so that was fun.
I think it's interesting that although Warlord never became a household word, they influenced were very popular in certain circles, and influenced a lot of bands that came after them. I know they had a heavy influence on HammerFall, and when Bill heard their cover of Child of the Damned, he contacted them to let them know he liked it, and they all became good friends. In fact HammerFall invited him to play on one of their tracks. That's Bill playing the solo on At the End of Rainbow, I think it's called - God it's been so long I'm trying to remember this stuff. When Warlord released Rising Out of the Ashes in about 2000 or 2001, Joacim Cans sang on it, and that's how he became Warlord's singer for a time. And his name is actually pronounced Joe-ah-keem. It's Swedish, not Spanish. I thought it was the other pronunciation as well until I saw them live and one of the other band members introduced him. Which makes me think of Edguy. I used to think 'Hey, this Ed guy is pretty good'. then Bill told me it was a German pronunciation that was actually Edge-ewee. But then I saw them live and at the end of their set the lead singer said, 'We're Edgy and we'll see you next year'. And he pronounced it the way I thought it was. So I was right. So I can still say, hey, this Ed guy is pretty good.
I can tell you why they didn't stay together. I was with Bill at one of our favorite clubs, Sasch, in Studio City, when this woman walked in that turned every head. Physically perfect in every sense of the word. She immediately took a shine to Bill and they started dating. It wasn't long until he was living at her house instead of with the whole band in a sort of warehouse type place that they rented in North Hollywood. That woman was Vidonne Sayre Lynne, whom he would eventually marry and move to Florida after his father passed. When he moved in with her, he sort of lost interest in the band. At least that was the start of it - there could have been other factors. As an aside, to make money, they would advertise and sublet corners of their warehouse out very cheaply, and there was a guy who rented such a corner who had come from England to buy an American made Harley Davidson. He asked me once if I would mind if he asked my sister out - which I thought was quite respectful. I said of course. They are still married now.
It's interesting also the you mentioned War in Heaven and Winds of Thor in the same sentence, as I remember when I used to sometimes watch them rehearse in their warehouse setting, that the song that eventually became War in Heaven was initially called Winds of Thor. Bill rewrote the lyrics and changed it to War in Heaven, and wrote a new song called Winds of Thor. In Peace He Comes Again was originally an instrumental acoustic guitar solo that he wrote for his wife but later wrote lyrics for. And now as I think on it, the song that is now War in Heaven may not have been Winds of Thor, it may have been Achilles Revenge; it's been so long I'm not sure anymore. But it was one of those.
And speaking of Zonder, he used to sit up there in the warehouse for up to 12 hours a day with a metronome in headphones and just practice. I think he's one of the greatest drummers in the world. He has played with not only Warlord, Fates Warning, and Slavior, but he has also played with Chroma Key, Ten, and one of my favorites, At War with Self. Also, after the warehouse era ended, Mark bought a house right down the street from the house I grew up in where I now live having inherited it from my parents.
Also, I know what you mean about not getting rid of that cassette. After Deliver Us they came out with an EP that had Aliens and Lost and Lonely Days on it. the cover was all black with that big W in red on the front. Like an idiot I let someone borrow it one day and of course never got it back. Wish I still had it. That's when I learned not to lend anything out that you don't want to lose forever. Likewise I had a cassette of a demo that Yngwie Malmsteen had made on a four track in his basement - I'd never heard anything like it - that actually Bill had given me. Warlord's keyboard player at the time - a girl name Diane - had a brother who knew the founder of Metal Blade records, and he had gotten a copy which he gave Bill, who made a copy for me. Again, like an idiot I let someone borrow it, and never got it back. But I did discover years later that a mutual friend had a copy and so he made me a new copy. However, there is one part during Dark Star, or is it Black Star, can't remember, where it suddenly cuts out, and you have a few seconds of Bill trying to play a part of it. What happened was Bill was playing Yngwie on one tape deck, and recording himself trying to imitate it on another, and he accidentally hit record on the wrong deck. It sucks and is yet kind of cool at the same time.
And by the way, the last name is pronounced with both the T and the S and rhymes with Thomas. And it's funny that his name on his birth certificate is Billy Tsamis. He adopted William J himself. One article I read about his passing mentioned an interview he did in 2017 where he mentioned a disease that was not going to go away. Maybe that's why he wasn't heard from recently. I do know that back in those days when we used to hang out, he had a heart condition that would ocassionally cause an irregular heartbeat, but apparently wasn't real serious. Perhaps as we grew older, it eventually became something. Don't know as the cause of his death is listed as unknown at this point.
One last thing, Lordian Guard was originally called Lordian Winds, then he changed the name.
Thank you John, for helping me remember and have a good cry.
Oh my goodness! What a treasure trove of memories you have! I can’t thank you enough for sharing them here! I knew I was missing a ton of details and mispronounced names but I really wanted to share just what those albums meant to me. I, too, have no doubt that we will see him again.
Again brother, thank you for sharing!!!
@@markzonder3771 Hey Mark. It's Kenny. Remember me? The last time I saw you was when Fates Warning played at the Avalon in Hollywood. Yeah it's a sad day and I will be in mourning for some time I think. So many of my favorites have passed in the last few years: Chris Squire, John Wetton, Keith Emerson, Greg Lake, John Hinch, Neil Peart, Allan Holdsworth - who I actually got to know quite well as he used play at the Baked Potato often. But Bill is a total shock as he was just too young. Do you know what the cause was? And how are you taking it? It's like the end of an era as you and he were Warlord and he's just not replaceable. As for Neil Peart, I heard a rumor, as yet unverified, that Mike Portnoy might join Alex and Geddy for a Rush tour, and he could do the job, but it still wouldn't be the same as their lineup never changed in all their years except for a different drummer on their first album, Rutsy I think was his name. But I would still go see them with Portnoy as it would be pure virtuosity. Anyway, let me know how you're doing. I'd look for you on Facebook but my account is so old based on a very old email address that I can't find a way to get back in and I'm not much for social media in general, but I did want to try to contact Mariah, but again, couldn't get logged in.
Oh, yeah Mark, one other thing I just remembered, was when the three of us, you and Bill and I, used to go to Little Tony's and get a small cheese pizza with extra sauce for like 3.99 and a pitcher of coke for about 1.75 and for about 2 bucks apiece would feast. You don't get prices like that anymore. I got a medium pizza with two toppings yesterday from Barone's and it was 21.00 and change.
Kenny - I think I might have met you once. Did you go to see Iron Maiden at a festival in San Bernardino back in 2013? I was wearing a Warlord shirt that you were shocked to see (as were a few other people that day). I seem to recall the name was Kenny and that you were friends with Bill. We started talking, and I was telling you (?) that I had just returned from touring with Warlord over in Europe as their photographer. So, was that you?
@@chrisdg100 Yes that was me. At Ozzfest I think it was.
William J Tsamis was one of the best songwriter and Guitar player ever. Rest in Peace. I will miss you!
Awesome band that deserved a bigger following.
I still listen to 'em all the time.
R.I.P. Bill....thanks for the music.
Thanks for this tribute. R.I.P. William Tsamis. At last reunited with lady Vidonne in the presence of our Father.
Correction: 1984-85 period. Given to me by the bassist from that era. Again, thanks Dave. Cherished memories of William
R.I.P. Destroyer! :(
I also own that 1984 vinyl record (Metal Blade Records), my best friend bought it for me since he knew I was looking for it for a long time (because it's a bit harder to get here in Germany) and then I was happy to buy that DVD some 15 years ago via Amazon. Despite its poor video and sound quality and its cheesiness it's still enjoyable to watch, the music itself is what counts! The first song I've ever heard from Warlord was "Aliens" and I immediately fell in love with it, that guitar riff and the solo are just awesome!
Thanks for this video, KidJohnnyC! \m/
ΕΠΙΚΗ η μουσική 🎶✊ Warlord
Hello to all, and to all who knew William, and or Warlord. First met Bill back in 1980 while he worked at the Upstart Crow at the Pruneyard, Campbell, Ca., in the Santa Clara Valley. We hung out quite a bit, going to local clubs. Y&T was a band we would check out. They were local, from Hayward, Ca., and played frequently throughout the area. U F O/RUSH in 1977, Winterland, San Francisco, Ca., was an unforgettable show, although I did not yet know Bill. At some point in 1983, I contacted Bill in Los Angeles, and out of the blue he invited me to come stay with the band in N. Hollywood. It was one of the best experiences, of my many experiences in Life. Remember he and I taking skateboards over to the cement flood plain, where they filmed many a chase scene, including Terminator 2. We were like two kids, yet past the age of innocence. Visited with him and Vidonne in Tarpon Springs in 2003 while going through a sad time of my life. Vidonne, his wife suffered from serious health maladies for many years, indeed, until her death. It was not an easy road for Bill and family. I like to think he endured as well as one can with the many health issues he faced. His faith was his sword, his armor, and his shield against the rigors of Life. On a last note, when he died, I suddenly, and surprisingly, broke down and tears flowed. I still have in my articles, the Bible, he inscribed to me. This was the King James(Open Bible), he studied diligently. I will treasure it all the more, now that he is in a Heavenly plane. "To James, the best gift I can give to a friend, is the Word of God". Joyfully & with Joy do we carry on. Until such a time as we are reunited, the Children of God, of Jesus. Shimmering still ~ James Velmoth
Hi. warlord 's blood brother! I ve watched your comments and i'm so happy to hear someone that loves and feels the warlord's music and magic... its just so powerfull .. so good.. its dificult to explain how perfect is every song.. some incredible are : 70.000 sorrows.. lucyfer s hammer.. night of the fury.. winds of thor.. . R.i.p William.
Thank you so much Nicolas! 🙏
@@MyMusicCorner theres a live concert in Greece 2014 that is best than the dvd.. is the same singer on the " the hunt for Damien" realeased on 2015
@@MyMusicCorner i recommend you the live version of night of the fury 2014
@@MyMusicCorner i m from Argentina
R.I.P. Bill
Συλλυπητήρια
Nice video man, similar tastes........only found out about Warlord two years ago myself, cause i love Zonders drumming with Fates and decided to check out what else he had done....and for the last 2 years i've been obsessed with this band i and Bills guitaring, that i never knew about for so long, (been into metal since the mid 80's)......So shocked and still saddened from when i heard the terrible news yesterday......RIP Bill Tsamis, your amazing music will always live on !!!
Ross, if you like Zonder, check out Slavior, Chroma-Key, Ten, and At War With Self. If he's done anything else, I'm not aware of it. I really like those last two. I also recently learned that Ten's keyboardist, Don Airey, replaced Jon Lord in Deep Purple. Airey also played for Colosseum II with the late great Gary Moore, who I think came from Thin Lizzy. So much great stuff out there.
William John Tsamis
Por siempre en el corazón y en el espirtu William J Tsamis.... mi admiración para su obra y su música.
Btw, have a rehearsal CD of Warlord given me many years back. Believe it is from the 2004-2005 period. Thanks Dave
Working on Hollywood Blvd, at that time, I met many interesting personalities. One meeting I cherish was, Mark Reale, Lead guitarist and main songwriter for the New York based band. Who does not recall "Fire Down Under", including Bill, fondly. The album was nothing like Warlord, not that it mattered. Riot was progressive without being Prog, which is actually not my favorite genre. I was raised on U F O, Thin Lizzy, Riot, Rush, and then later on Kamelot w/original vocalist. Actually saw Kamelot twice in San Francisco. I know Kenny was a fan. But more importantly, seeing U F O on the Obsession tour w/Rush, at Winterland, S.F., Ca. circa 1977. Thin Lizzy on the Bad Reputation Tour w/classic line-up of, Lynott, Downey, Robertson, Gorham. The best of times, musically speaking. Believe it was Farewell To Kings Tour w/Rush. Even saw Led Zeppelin, as they were falling apart, w/Judas Priest opening in 1978. Priest & Derringer, stole the show from the once might Zeppelin. Bill loved the tune, Immigrant Song. Rory Gallagher, the Irish blues/rock guitarist, was another moment. For evidence, check out either Shadowplay or Overnight Bag. Rush toured with Gallagher on, and Lifeson was inspired by his technique and emotional delivery. Technique is not everything. Also have bootleg of U F O, w/Schenker on last performance as original U F O, at Maples Pavilion@Stanford University, in 1978(Thank you Alex Bargelt). Was at that show with brother Frank, and buddy Cliff Bishop. Pete Way(RIP), literally gave me his own backstage pass, and was then denied reentry into the venue by security. All in all, an amazing time to be young and innocent. Joyfully ~ James V.
Looking for you.
So called, Warlord Manor, was the worst of living conditions. If not for my friendship with Bill, it would have been untenable. Alas, God works in mysterious ways, and as a result of my time in the "Manor", I learned a lot about, and of Life. James
James I gotta say, thank you for sharing your memories with me! I had no idea that me sharing about a band and more specifically a person would bring such a blessing of history. Absolutely wonderful!
I remember calling it Warlord Manor. In fact I think it was me that came up with that name. I also helped Bill name the 2001 release. One name I came up with was Thunder and Destruction, thinking of Thunderchild and Destroyer, but he didn't really like that. Then I was listening to Out of the Ashes by Symphony X and it occurred to me that after close to 20 years, Warlord was like the phoenix rising, but I didn't like the idea of using the same name verbatim, so I suggested Up From the Ashes. Bill liked that one but in combination with the Symphony X song, modified it to Rising Out of the Ashes. Also, I believe he gave me a special thanks on the album cover. It's my name, Kenny with my last name, which I'll keep private here, followed by the line, The Express Will Get You There, because I used to get the good weed in those days. And Rush had song that had a line about the Thailand Express, but also included visiting Bogota, Colombia, which were the places in the world that grew the good weed in those days. In fact I think I still have a T-shirt in a drawer somewhere that says Express on it. If I still have it, it will be over 35 years old.
Yeah, the days are becoming more lost and lonely. I saw UFO a few years ago with Vinnie Moore on guitar, and I remember the last two songs of the regular set were Love to Love and Rock Bottom, two of my favorites. Then they did what I called the double talk encore, Doctor Doctor and Shoot Shoot. And save for the bass player, the rest were original. But yes, RIP Pete Way. They're all passing man, makes me feel old. Just last week, the 17th I think, Robbie Steinhardt, original Kansas violinist passed, and just yesterday, Mike Howe from Metal Church died. Another great act I had seen a few times.
And speaking of Thin Lizzy, I saw them back in the day with Lynnot. Great show and an excellent performer. I also saw them a few years ago, I think they opened for Iron Maiden at that show in San Bernadino where I met Chris the photographer wearing his Warlord T-shirt. Even without Lynnot, I was impressed, they were good and tight, and the singer had the right voice for it. Another cool thing I remember about that show was that they actually played Angel Witch over the PA system between sets. The only other times I ever heard them was listening to them in the car with Bill, who actually turned me on to them in the first place.
Thanks Johnny for the heart. It's cool to converse with another Warlord fan. I feel like we've become friends via Bill who has become the common connection here. Also noticed that James mentioned Dave who was the bass player Archangel on the ...Cannons... album. I remember when he first came here to L.A. to audition and it was obvious he really didn't know what he was doing. Bill was trying to teach him a song and he kept playing F instead of F#, and I remember Bill and Mark and I were glancing at each other sideways and realizing this won't work and they told him so. But having stayed with them at the Manor for a week or two, he saw their dedication and after returning to San Jose for a time, decided he wanted to come back and rent a room from them and sign up at the Bass Institute of Technology in Hollywood. Now this guy was the true starving musician, living quite often on potato chips that his aunt would send him boxes of, and would give him headaches because he needed real food. But he became dedicated and would practice so much that he had bits of skin hanging off his strings. But as a result he became damn good and eventually got the job. When they broke up, he moved back up north and started his own newspaper to advertise for musicians to play with. If I remember correctly, the paper was free and he made money by charging advertisers instead of readers. I'm surprised I haven't heard from him in this thread, but maybe he hasn't seen it. Dave, if you're out there, chime in.
James, I got your Lord of the Rings package, but I can't listen yet, as both of my blue ray players are broken. I guess this is a good excuse to get a new one, or I might be able to rip the content and put it on a flash drive that I can plug into my sound system.
And by the way, I think it's interesting that the gift you sent me is by Rick Wakeman. He has a TH-cam channel called Rick Wakeman's World that includes a great video about Vivaldi's Four Seasons. But I've also seen a video of a concert of his on another channel that is called A Musical Interpretation of the Gospels, or something like that. Along with the music, it's narrated by Robert Powell. That name kept nagging at me and then I realized he was in the TV miniseries Shaka Zulu. He was one of the English guys that went to South Africa to find Shaka, but something about the shape of his mouth also kept nagging at me, then it hit me. Although with the hair and beard and such, he looked different, I realized that he played Jesus, to perfection, in the TV miniseries, Jesus of Nazareth, from 1976, which Bill also turned me on to. 6 hours and 18 minutes, and simply stellar. I also recommend a movie from a few years ago called Risen. It's the one Christ movie I know of that starts, rather than ends at the resurrection. A Roman soldier is given the task of finding Jesus body to prove that he's dead, because Pilate is convinced that the disciples stole it, and the emperor Tiberius is coming to Jerusalem in a few weeks and Pilate wants him to see that all is peaceful. Now this Roman soldier was at the crucifixion and knows that Jesus was dead on that cross. And he does in fact find the disciples and the body, but not dead, and he's amazed. Jesus then addresses him by name and asks him why he marvels. He ends up becoming a follower, but not before sending Pilate a letter that he's found the body and where. When Pilate arrives, he finds a note the soldier left that basically says it all, and this is the basis of the truth or falsity of Christianity. The note says simply, I have seen a thing I cannot reconcile. I have seen a man who was dead without question, and then that same man alive again. Excellent film.
@@batfang5583 The history that you bring along is absolutely fascinating! I really had no idea what doing my little video would bring but the responses and history has been such an emotional kick in the pants for me. Thank you so much brother!
Rip
Rest In Peace Bill♥️🌹
For me, Faith was not a matter of logic, and or cold science, but rather, Faith itself. Selah