Talas used to play at our high school dances around western New York back in the 70's, as well as the clubs in & around Buffalo. It was always such a treat to watch them - Billy Sheehan was a monster on the bass back then, and he's only gotten better over the years. It's great to see a local boy become so successful and to get the recognition he deserves.
Met him in 85 when he was with Talas, touring in a van. saw him the next year with DLR band,MrBig opening for Rush,..fast foreward to this year. I messaged him something to that effect. told him I had tix to see Mr Big, he got back to me in under 10 min, got me another ticket and 2 passes to aftershow meet. NICEST band!!!! Had him sign my #1 bass(not wall hanger, I'm in an original band) again nicest guys!!Eric, Paul! yeah!
Billy has become a dear friend and we talk on Instagram, sometimes weekly, even when he was on tour. His Signature Rotosound strings per his suggestion has become my choice. There's a history with Pat Torpey and my 9yr old son back in 1993.... he's an absolute sweetheart!!!
@@leemark63 do you remember what year(s) that was? I also grew up in Buffalo but I was too young to see them.i remember a club on Niagara St & Hertel Ave, long gone, where Talas seemed to be the house band. By the time I turned 18 Talas was done for and Billy was becoming a star.
Must have been McVans, everybody played there in the 70’s. Hendrix played there in the early 60’s with Curtis Knight, pretty sure I saw a very early Rush show there before Neil joined, they sounded like Sabbath. I think there’s a 7-11 there now.
I knew he could play with the Portnoys and the Vais of the world., especially that he was with PG in Mr. Big., but still a shocker to find out that he could keep up playing with liquid tension experiment 🤯🤯
@@johnnyfreeman1018 How does that effect you? Is he hurting you by giving his hard earned money to a pseudo-intellectual by the name of Tom Cruise? He’s lucky he found something in life that provided him some existential comfort and a community.
Never cared for his playing. At all. Sure he can twiddle his fingers at speed on some scale, but that seems to be it. An 80’s style guitar shredder, just on bass. And not in a good way.
Talas used to play at our high school dances around western New York back in the 70's, as well as the clubs in & around Buffalo. It was always such a treat to watch them - Billy Sheehan was a monster on the bass back then, and he's only gotten better over the years. It's great to see a local boy become so successful and to get the recognition he deserves.
Met him in 85 when he was with Talas, touring in a van. saw him the next year with DLR band,MrBig opening for Rush,..fast foreward to this year. I messaged him something to that effect. told him I had tix to see Mr Big, he got back to me in under 10 min, got me another ticket and 2 passes to aftershow meet. NICEST band!!!! Had him sign my #1 bass(not wall hanger, I'm in an original band) again nicest guys!!Eric, Paul! yeah!
The real deal, musician and human being. No ego, just good for the sake of being good at his instrument and as a person. We can all learn from this!
Billy Sheehan has played many types of music, rock and jazz, and mastered everything 👌.
Met Billy in 2013 at Rock N Roll Fantasy Camp, really nice person.
The first track on the first album from Mr. Big hooked me. Addicted to that rush. Daaamn
I love Billy. From DLR to Mr big and all the other stuff it is great. I’d like to see is him play with Niacin again.
I really enjoyed this! Billy is so immensely talented, down to earth, and a great storyteller. Two thumbs up! 👍🏻👍🏻
Excellent interview Billy and John!! Wow.
Seen MR BIG few months ago, was blown away by how much of a great performer, singing as well
A musician dedicated to his craft ,.
I saw Billy in Scotia, NY at Allen’s when he played with Talas. He was amazing then also.
Billy has become a dear friend and we talk on Instagram, sometimes weekly, even when he was on tour. His Signature Rotosound strings per his suggestion has become my choice. There's a history with Pat Torpey and my 9yr old son back in 1993.... he's an absolute sweetheart!!!
cool guy
billy sheenen cool bassist.
I grew up in Buffalo during the birth of Talas. To think you could see them play sometimes 3x a week!🤟
@@leemark63 do you remember what year(s) that was? I also grew up in Buffalo but I was too young to see them.i remember a club on Niagara St & Hertel Ave, long gone, where Talas seemed to be the house band. By the time I turned 18 Talas was done for and Billy was becoming a star.
Must have been McVans, everybody played there in the 70’s. Hendrix played there in the early 60’s with Curtis Knight, pretty sure I saw a very early Rush show there before Neil joined, they sounded like Sabbath. I think there’s a 7-11 there now.
I knew he could play with the Portnoys and the Vais of the world., especially that he was with PG in Mr. Big., but still a shocker to find out that he could keep up playing with liquid tension experiment 🤯🤯
BRANDY is by LOOKING GLASS that later turned into STARZ.
Love Billy but not sure I agree with, 'In Van Halen, the bass is the loudest thing'!? Which mix is he listening too? @10:35
The "best" bassplayer doesn't exist. Many are excellent and bring their own style to the table. It's a matter of personal taste.
That's an opinion...
This is the best reply.
With all these years playing bass...just what's left to practice?
Music is a never ending universe - there's always more.
Problem with Billy is he's a Scientologist....he seems to be a pretty good guy.....🤷♂️
@@johnnyfreeman1018 How does that effect you? Is he hurting you by giving his hard earned money to a pseudo-intellectual by the name of Tom Cruise? He’s lucky he found something in life that provided him some existential comfort and a community.
Never cared for his playing. At all. Sure he can twiddle his fingers at speed on some scale, but that seems to be it. An 80’s style guitar shredder, just on bass. And not in a good way.