Yep same. I messaged him on his birthday and he didnt only take my wish, but talked a lot and answered all my questions so humbly. He's a great person. All the loves to him❤️
Billy's work on Tony Macalpine's Edge of Insanity album is still my favorite example of his work. He's in the groove and in your face, without being over the top. Love it.
I met Billy at a Niacin show. I offered to buy him a beer, and he accepted, but then he said, "No! I'll buy you guys drinks!" and he ran back and got his wallet and bought my wife and I drinks. Amazing guy.
Billy Sheehan is such a nice person. Hello my name is Bily sheehan. I am a bass player!!!! Oh my god, yes you are!! He inspired me to practice the 3 finger technique. Its such a fun and I have been practicing this for years now and do not get tired of it. This musician is a gift for all of us on bass...
Billy sat in with my band years ago and played my bass through my rig and sounded...just like Billy. Great player and super nice guy. If I had to point to just one piece of work of his it would be “Elephant Gun”. That is just staggering.
Song “To be with you” I watch that 90’s live solo once in a while. Is like taking an espresso triple shot shot, lol. You get wire just listening to it, lol.
I had the joy of getting to spend about an hour and a half noodling around on the bass and getting pointers from Billy a couple of months ago. Worth the drive up to Nashville, and he's one of the most down to earth people I've ever met.
I've seen Billy live 4 times. Twice with Mr. Big (Opening for Rush), twice with Steve Vai. The last time I actually caught his towel that served as a bass shammy. I think a waitress mistook it as a bar towel when I was at a jam night and mixed it in with their towel laundry. The Mr. Big song was their international number 1 hit "To Be With You". Paul Gilbert did it in a similar fashion at a G3 concert. "I'm The Hell Out of Here" by Steve Vai at the Crossroads Festival/Astoria London have to be honorable mentions as both performances are equally mind blowing.
Seen him play in '86 or '87....he was clowning EVH by playing eruption and other VH licks on a bass. Never seen or heard anything like it, the entire crowd was blown away
@3:23 in this video (Billy’s mid solo, side to side head bob) actually turned my crappy day around. I discovered Billy at Bass Day 97 and he’s been an inspiration ever since; not just musically be as a human being, he’s always been a cool guy and really warm personality every time I’ve seen him.
One of the few people I would like to meet before I kick the bucket. After listening and watching his stuff I could not help myself and after too many years picked up a bass (BB-734A) and started going at it. So absolutely inspiring and as everyone says - looks to be one of the nicest people you could ever cross paths with. Thank you Billy!
meeting billy back when i was teaching myself how to play was both incredibly intimidating & completely thrilling 🎸 he could not have been cooler 👍👍 thanks again for the autograph sir !!!
Saw this when it came out, it popped out again, saw it once more! My fav Billy is with D.L.R Skyscraper and Mr Big's Bump Ahead. That M.r Gone line, and Colorado Bulldog... yeah! Cheers!
And he is super cool and down to earth and loves his fans on top of it. I got him to autograph a bass player mag from 1990 when I first heard about him. Billy is the man. 🤘🏼😎🤘🏼
I knew about Billy a long time before most did, having seen him at the Melody Inn in Busti NY. Billy has always been a beast. And he's a really down to earth nice guy on top of it.
I've seen Billy numerous times including with Talas and he is phenomenal ! Also met him a couple of times and he's a genuine nice guy. Loves to interact with the fans too.
"I'm the one who wants to be with you" frikn awesome.. Thank You for this video Scott.. I have been sayn exactlly what you said.. No One plays like Billy.. NO ONE!! i'm a Bass Player that grew up in Buffalo , NY so i have seen TALAS when i was just a kid starting out on my musical journey... Billy has been one of my Bass Heros for decades!! Great Vid!!
I've known Billy for years. I lived down the street from him in Buffalo. Great guy super bassist. I actually filled in with his original 3 piece Talas for 4 or 5 shows after Billy left for Roth. No pressure trying to learn the stuff off the first Talas albums. I've watched him since the mid 70s.
That face at 3:45. LOL Totally makes it for me. If it helps, Billy was doing a seminar at my school and me and 4 other dudes were in this tiny room. I asked Billy if he could play this riff - think it was Yankee Rose - at 1/2 speed so we could figure it out. So he does. I look around the room and we all had the same expression. That one at 3:45. I said, can you play it at 1/4 speed? I'll tell you something about Billy. Talas used to play in Boston a lot. And I never missed a show. I would be on the verge of being able to play his stuff when the next gig came along and he was better. He constantly improved every time I saw him And there's no nicer guy in the business. Dude is a sweetheart.
I follow Billy on Facebook, and not only is he an outstanding bass player, he can cook, and has great taste in fine wine. Oh, and he found a black cat that he occasionally posts videos of, all from his house in Tennessee. Also, he released what was supposed to be the next Talas album way back in the mid 80s last fall, with all of the original members called "1985" that he recorded now that sounds great.
I remember listening to DLR's new album, "Eat 'em and Smile" and playing it over and over on some tracks because I just couldn't believe that I'm hearing a bass player follow Steve's Vai's licks! I remember thinking, man... this I've got to see, which in fact happened very soon after as they came to my city and sure enough, in the middle of the concert, Sheehan and Vai went beast for over 20 minutes. It was mind numbing. Love this guy!!!!!!!!!!!!
Billy uses Rotosound Swing (G-E) 43, 65, 80 & 110 & sometimes a 115 or a 120 for his E string & a Telecaster Bass Neck which is thicker than a Regular Precision neck.
Thanks Scott. He is indeed one of the greats. Did you check him out with Steve Vai on the G3 Tour series. Mind boggling. Something worth checking out. Geddy Lee's Working Man solo live in Cleveland. I think its a "Beast Mode" moment worth featuring. Geddy has a unique playing style / flamenco. Thanks for the amazing video. Cheers.
I live near Buffalo and saw him in both versions of Talas back then. Actually shared a beer and some conversation with him one time. Very humble, kind human being an monster player.
Yes. I grew up in the suburbs of Buffalo. Talas was playing in high school gyms and bars. Billy was known all over the state. I remember seeing him doing this otherworldly stuff on the bass and thinking, “I am at a high school dance and the bass player is doing things no one has ever done. Of course he moved on to bigger things, but a really nice guy.
I saw him in 83 or 4 with talas at summerfest and when he uncorked the bass solo it blew my mind. i was clinging to the fence and at one point during the solo he let the strings ring and held it at the bottom with one hand and slowly waved it over my head once there and back and went right back into the shreddery. It was tweaked! I was thinking holy begeezer snaps does eddie van halen know about this guy?
He is amazing for sure....thanx for sharing this Scott. Q: Can you PLEASE do a video on Mark King, as you know, not only is his bass playing off the hook, but he also sings lead...VERY hard to do and he's been doing it since (before) 1979!!!
If you get a chance, check out Billy's performance at the 2004 Crossroads festival....amazing pyrotechnics and flawless skills; personally like his work with Niacin best of all...a tasteful trio and Billy shows he hasn't forgotten the basics of what it means to be a bassist. Like your 'Beast mode' series, Scott. Cheers!
Scott great MC great entertaining video inserts and love everything about your video. You outdid yourself highlighting a musical master entertainer performer bads guitarist rock supreme player. God continued blessings in your total being... Also THANKS Scott
Billy is way underestimated. Grab any transcription of his basslines and you'll see he's nailing marvellously well the bass player job: linking rhythm to melody and harmony.
This series is excellent and you should keep it up, because there's so many great bass players around the world! My two suggestions would be: John Myung (Dream Theater) and the japanese legend Mitsuru Sutoh (T-Square, the Voice of Elements)
I must say that only today 4the first time I've seen some videos from a Russian man who can play like I've ever seen, I'll go bring here to share with all of you guys and girls (I'm a woman Bassist so...) . Anyway thank you Scott for this amazing lesson as first ofcourse. Stay groovy
Billy Sheehan is a phenomenal player and by all accounts a super-nice guy, but I never really liked his bass tone until I heard him play with his all-star fusion trio Niacin. I feel like his sound was made for that combo. Check out "Slapped Silly" or "Barbarian @ the Gate" for some more crazy chops, or "I Miss You (Like I Miss the Sun)" for a slow mellow piece full of soul.
To be with you... classic. Mr Big are one of my fav bands ever, yet so many people haven't heard of them. Great collection of incredibly talented individuals.
I messaged him once, and he actually replied. I've talked a couple of times now. One of the nicest, most humble guys. I salute you Billy 🤟
yes. Me too. A great guy.
Same. Most down to earth guy out there in celeb world🙌
Yep same. I messaged him on his birthday and he didnt only take my wish, but talked a lot and answered all my questions so humbly. He's a great person. All the loves to him❤️
I send him my records all the time, he actually replies and comments. He is the nicest bassist ever I guees :)
He's the best and success never went to his head. Funny thing is, he still trying to get better...lol. You never stop learning on an instrument.
Billy's work on Tony Macalpine's Edge of Insanity album is still my favorite example of his work. He's in the groove and in your face, without being over the top. Love it.
No shit...I still have that CD.
Also Niacin with Chambers and John Novello is tremendous..
Billy went beast mode only once
When he was born
Lol, he did! ❤️
The dual solo with him and Steve Vai on the Eat em and Smile tour. As they chased each other around on stage was one for the ages.
He played with Steven on the G3 tour in (I think) 2001. They chased eachother around then too. Fantastic show.
I met Billy at a Niacin show. I offered to buy him a beer, and he accepted, but then he said, "No! I'll buy you guys drinks!" and he ran back and got his wallet and bought my wife and I drinks. Amazing guy.
Billy Sheehan is such a nice person. Hello my name is Bily sheehan. I am a bass player!!!! Oh my god, yes you are!! He inspired me to practice the 3 finger technique. Its such a fun and I have been practicing this for years now and do not get tired of it. This musician is a gift for all of us on bass...
5:45 Did I hear "I'm the one that wants to be with you" ?? LOVED that song back in the day.
TALAS in the early 80z in upstate New York, Billy Sheehan has always been a show stopping bassist.
Billy sat in with my band years ago and played my bass through my rig and sounded...just like Billy. Great player and super nice guy. If I had to point to just one piece of work of his it would be “Elephant Gun”. That is just staggering.
Billy is amazing. Super nice dude too!
Absolute DUDE!
I saw Billy Sheehan play with Steve Vai,and Tony Mcalpine was playing keyboard and guitar. It was an amazing night of music.
Song “To be with you” I watch that 90’s live solo once in a while. Is like taking an espresso triple shot shot, lol. You get wire just listening to it, lol.
"To Be With You"
Waiting on the lines of green and blue, just to be next to be with you !!!!!
Ohhhhhhhhh
I had the joy of getting to spend about an hour and a half noodling around on the bass and getting pointers from Billy a couple of months ago. Worth the drive up to Nashville, and he's one of the most down to earth people I've ever met.
what I like about Billy Sheehan is that he is, although a tremendous player, a true musician : he knows what fits the song. And he doesn't slap! :-)
I saw him live in a small club, he was so amazing!
My bass hero, is a humble guy who never rested to show the world his language. Billy is my master!
I've seen Billy live 4 times. Twice with Mr. Big (Opening for Rush), twice with Steve Vai. The last time I actually caught his towel that served as a bass shammy. I think a waitress mistook it as a bar towel when I was at a jam night and mixed it in with their towel laundry.
The Mr. Big song was their international number 1 hit "To Be With You". Paul Gilbert did it in a similar fashion at a G3 concert. "I'm The Hell Out of Here" by Steve Vai at the Crossroads Festival/Astoria London have to be honorable mentions as both performances are equally mind blowing.
Seen him play in '86 or '87....he was clowning EVH by playing eruption and other VH licks on a bass. Never seen or heard anything like it, the entire crowd was blown away
R.I.P. Eddie !
He played pieces of Van Halen licks. There’s no way he could play Eddie’s solos on his bass.
@3:23 in this video (Billy’s mid solo, side to side head bob) actually turned my crappy day around. I discovered Billy at Bass Day 97 and he’s been an inspiration ever since; not just musically be as a human being, he’s always been a cool guy and really warm personality every time I’ve seen him.
One of the few people I would like to meet before I kick the bucket. After listening and watching his stuff I could not help myself and after too many years picked up a bass (BB-734A) and started going at it. So absolutely inspiring and as everyone says - looks to be one of the nicest people you could ever cross paths with. Thank you Billy!
meeting billy back when i was teaching myself how to play was both incredibly intimidating & completely thrilling 🎸 he could not have been cooler 👍👍 thanks again for the autograph sir !!!
Billy is thee Beast, but such a lovely generous person!
Without doubt. One of the greatest ever. A true bass beast.
Saw this when it came out, it popped out again, saw it once more! My fav Billy is with D.L.R Skyscraper and Mr Big's Bump Ahead. That M.r Gone line, and Colorado Bulldog... yeah! Cheers!
And he is super cool and down to earth and loves his fans on top of it. I got him to autograph a bass player mag from 1990 when I first heard about him. Billy is the man. 🤘🏼😎🤘🏼
I have absolute reverence for Billy, and not just for his bass playing, he's also a nice human being.
his 3 finger strum technique is legendary...oft imitated never duplicated...this dudes one of a kind
Billy Sheehan is just the best bass player on earth, period!
I knew about Billy a long time before most did, having seen him at the Melody Inn in Busti NY. Billy has always been a beast. And he's a really down to earth nice guy on top of it.
I've seen Billy numerous times including with Talas and he is phenomenal ! Also met him a couple of times and he's a genuine nice guy. Loves to interact with the fans too.
He's an absolute gentleman, super nice guy along with being a monster bass player!
"I'm the one who wants to be with you" frikn awesome.. Thank You for this video Scott.. I have been sayn exactlly what you said.. No One plays like Billy.. NO ONE!! i'm a Bass Player that grew up in Buffalo , NY so i have seen TALAS when i was just a kid starting out on my musical journey... Billy has been one of my Bass Heros for decades!! Great Vid!!
5:50 of course, it's the reff section of the one and only "To be with you"🤟
I've known Billy for years. I lived down the street from him in Buffalo. Great guy super bassist. I actually filled in with his original 3 piece Talas for 4 or 5 shows after Billy left for Roth. No pressure trying to learn the stuff off the first Talas albums. I've watched him since the mid 70s.
Got to see Billy in the bars around Rochester, New York with Talas. Lucky enough to also catch the Talas reunion show a couple years ago.
I saw him with Niacin at Blues Alley in DC. Super small venue and incredible show. Hung out afterward and talked to him and he signed my CD. Awesome.
Great band. It's cool that you saw them live.
That was so enjoyable! Billy is one of the reasons that I started playing bass. He's also one of the reasons that I stopped playing bass! 😂
😂
That face at 3:45. LOL Totally makes it for me. If it helps, Billy was doing a seminar at my school and me and 4 other dudes were in this tiny room. I asked Billy if he could play this riff - think it was Yankee Rose - at 1/2 speed so we could figure it out. So he does. I look around the room and we all had the same expression. That one at 3:45. I said, can you play it at 1/4 speed? I'll tell you something about Billy. Talas used to play in Boston a lot. And I never missed a show. I would be on the verge of being able to play his stuff when the next gig came along and he was better. He constantly improved every time I saw him And there's no nicer guy in the business. Dude is a sweetheart.
🧡🧡🧡 That's awesome, those Talas shows must have been something else!!
that's amazing - the work with DLR and Steve Vai was something else too. Yep, that's To Be With You, Mr Big.
Billy was one of my childhood musical heroes
More about billy more more and more!!!!!!!!
He's the reason I play.
1992 "Lean Into It"... That album was the turning point for me.
I've played bass in bands ever since.
Absolute hero.
I follow Billy on Facebook, and not only is he an outstanding bass player, he can cook, and has great taste in fine wine. Oh, and he found a black cat that he occasionally posts videos of, all from his house in Tennessee. Also, he released what was supposed to be the next Talas album way back in the mid 80s last fall, with all of the original members called "1985" that he recorded now that sounds great.
We're not worthy "To Be With You"! Love it! 🐟🎸
Billy is an awesome human being as well as an incredible bass player. Cool dude to have a beer with and talk about basses!
The tune he references in the third one is To Be With You by Mr.Big! Always been one of my favourite players!
Billy Sheehan deserves all the accolades and well wishes!! he’s a phenomenally great talent and exceptionally cool dude 🍻
One of the Greats!!!
Billy is the perfect example of "BEAST MODE" playing 😳💪😳💪😳💪😳💪😳
I remember listening to DLR's new album, "Eat 'em and Smile" and playing it over and over on some tracks because I just couldn't believe that I'm hearing a bass player follow Steve's Vai's licks! I remember thinking, man... this I've got to see, which in fact happened very soon after as they came to my city and sure enough, in the middle of the concert, Sheehan and Vai went beast for over 20 minutes. It was mind numbing. Love this guy!!!!!!!!!!!!
Niacin is my favorite. Excellent example of how to stay in style and to be yourself as player at the same time
💯💯💯
Billy uses Rotosound Swing (G-E) 43, 65, 80 & 110 & sometimes a 115 or a 120 for his E string & a Telecaster Bass Neck which is thicker than a Regular Precision neck.
Thanks Scott. He is indeed one of the greats. Did you check him out with Steve Vai on the G3 Tour series. Mind boggling. Something worth checking out. Geddy Lee's Working Man solo live in Cleveland. I think its a "Beast Mode" moment worth featuring. Geddy has a unique playing style / flamenco. Thanks for the amazing video. Cheers.
Hey Scott,The Mr.Big Tune Is "To Be With You."
LOVE All The Clips Of Billy,Such A Killer Bass Play & True Icon! 🤘👊🔥✌❤
I saw him give a bass clinic at guitar center. Guys, the man is a magician!
He's amazing, no doubt about it!
I live near Buffalo and saw him in both versions of Talas back then. Actually shared a beer and some conversation with him one time. Very humble, kind human being an monster player.
Yes. I grew up in the suburbs of Buffalo. Talas was playing in high school gyms and bars. Billy was known all over the state. I remember seeing him doing this otherworldly stuff on the bass and thinking, “I am at a high school dance and the bass player is doing things no one has ever done. Of course he moved on to bigger things, but a really nice guy.
The quote is from to be with you . A Ballard from M.R Big.
He's something else. Bin following Him for what seems like my hole life. 👏👏🤘
Niels Henning Orsted Pedersen. Bring this talent more to light for the younger players especially.
I saw him in 83 or 4 with talas at summerfest and when he uncorked the bass solo it blew my mind. i was clinging to the fence and at one point during the solo he let the strings ring and held it at the bottom with one hand and slowly waved it over my head once there and back and went right back into the shreddery. It was tweaked! I was thinking holy begeezer snaps does eddie van halen know about this guy?
I have to be honest.
Billy is my BASS IDOL,
and you are my teacher. ( in the shed)
The vol knob before ' to be w you', was a variation of Van Helen's 'cathedral'.
He is amazing for sure....thanx for sharing this Scott. Q: Can you PLEASE do a video on Mark King, as you know, not only is his bass playing off the hook, but he also sings lead...VERY hard to do and he's been doing it since (before) 1979!!!
Incredible bass player
If you get a chance, check out Billy's performance at the 2004 Crossroads festival....amazing pyrotechnics and flawless skills; personally like his work with Niacin best of all...a tasteful trio and Billy shows he hasn't forgotten the basics of what it means to be a bassist. Like your 'Beast mode' series, Scott. Cheers!
The one man....Billy !!!!!!🤘😎
One of My Favorite bass players!
🔥🔥🔥
To Be With You....EPIC
Amazing. Now, I want to see the 7964 times Les Claypool went BEAST MODE!
I think half my face just melted.
Just to be the next to be with you 💯
be with you mr big
Scott great MC great entertaining video inserts and love everything about your video. You outdid yourself highlighting a musical master entertainer performer bads guitarist rock supreme player. God continued blessings in your total being...
Also THANKS Scott
F me this was awesome. I sae Billy in '83 at the Salty Dog. Unreal. I wanted to play just like him
I have legit never seen anything on bass like that second clip. He F*ckin RIPS! unreal.
Billy is way underestimated. Grab any transcription of his basslines and you'll see he's nailing marvellously well the bass player job: linking rhythm to melody and harmony.
There's bass players, there's great bass players, and then there's Billy Sheehan.
Billy is such a good bass player I loved this video that u made about him scott
First bass vhs video i ever owned was a Billy instructional Vhs... I wore that thing out... My middle school thought i was a bass god lol...
Absolutely insane!! I love it!!!
Billy, we salute you! 🤘🏻
He's the Best.
To Be With You (from Mr. Big's 2nd studio album Lean Into It).
🔥🔥🔥
Try listening to David Lee Roth concerts from 1986 with Billy and Steve. Unbelievable.
Billy Sheehan is always in beast mode
Yesh! Billy the maestro!
Mr big next year! Can’t wait
I had no idea.
That's crazy lead bass.
Title does not compute - he's always in beast mode.
Lol, he is! 🙌
Haha!! Truth
He is the best, hand's down !!
I’ve never even heard of this guy until now and he’s blown away all of the bassists that I thought were some of the best!
I love billy sheehan
This series is excellent and you should keep it up, because there's so many great bass players around the world! My two suggestions would be: John Myung (Dream Theater) and the japanese legend Mitsuru Sutoh (T-Square, the Voice of Elements)
Great idea dude! Will pass your suggestion on to our content team!
I must say that only today 4the first time I've seen some videos from a Russian man who can play like I've ever seen, I'll go bring here to share with all of you guys and girls (I'm a woman Bassist so...) . Anyway thank you Scott for this amazing lesson as first ofcourse. Stay groovy
My guitarest complaints that my fills are long and complex. He calls it going billy.. i consider it an honor.. and that ticks him off..lol
Always amazing!
Billy Sheehan is a phenomenal player and by all accounts a super-nice guy, but I never really liked his bass tone until I heard him play with his all-star fusion trio Niacin. I feel like his sound was made for that combo. Check out "Slapped Silly" or "Barbarian @ the Gate" for some more crazy chops, or "I Miss You (Like I Miss the Sun)" for a slow mellow piece full of soul.
Started playing bass at 10. He made me switch to guitar.... He won bass.
To be with you... classic. Mr Big are one of my fav bands ever, yet so many people haven't heard of them. Great collection of incredibly talented individuals.
Those 3 times that Mike Kerr (Royal Blood) went beast mode... He has some amazing bass breaks
YES!!! ❤️
BILLY G.O.A.T.!!!