Billy Duffy Pursuit of Tone

Direct TV aired special about Billy Duffy of the Cult

[@StaticResurreXion]

Met him after a show in 06, he was the only band member who came out in the freezing cold and hung out with me and my friend for like 20 minutes. He was really nice, major influence

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Thats awesome to hear. Billy seems like the guy kind of guy that all of us regular guys would go drinking with.

[@mrlovegod21]

met him in a local gym. .Great guy. .him just being him. .really humble guy. .👍

[@cheshirecat5824]

I was lucky to meet him recently after a festival gig - he really is a class act and a gentleman.

[@kamanama3671]

The best understated underrated guitar player I've ever known.

[@Halberdidit]

I’m an old (50’s something) rocker at heart, and just learning guitar right now. After about 2 months and strumming “The Basic 5” chords, I’m learning She Sells Sanctuary. And, I’m about to pick up a used and in beautiful shape Gretsch Jet. Life will never be the same. Thank you Billy.🤘🏻❤️🎸🤘🏻

[@shawnawesome7770]

Bought my 1st gretsch last year at 45. Can't go wrong with them, good luck to ya.

[@GothFather.]

Same ..except for the Gretsch sadly. On my 5th Cult song from Love album now . Revolution . Proving to be the hardest so far . Hollow man is as fun as sanctuary to play . Wish you the best on your mission . Post them when your happy enough .

[@Havanacuba1985]

Nice one dude , wishing you all the best. Rain, lil devil , wildflower, peace dog are also great tracks to learn , well all cult songs are . Enjoy your gretsch. I’m quite diggin the rat rods at the moment

[@uglytuco3829]

That's a beautiful guitar. Stick with it and remember, gear won't make you a better player, but it will make the journey and sacrifice more enjoyable. Get to practicing!

[@troywalsberg4623]

Your not old, your just a Rockin roller mate. Old? What the bloody hell is that, 😅

[@squiddlesmcdiddles3850]

I could listen to this guy forever on guitar & in conversation. The Cult not getting the recognition they deserve over the year is both criminal & insane.

[@inlakesh555]

Well, there ist also Ian in the Band😉

[@gregorypower9385]

I love 💕😘 the cult Ian is the perfect leader in Duff is a hell of a guitars u-rite they don't get the recognition they should Ian doesn't mind me a lot of Jim Morrison ❤️

[@stallownedstallion825]

Billy Duffy may never come up in "greatest guitar Legend" in the history of rock however that's because most people don't know what they're talking about. Billy Duffy is a harmonic guitar player, in other words he lays down legendary anthems in the background that much like AC/DC's Malcolm keeps the rhythm, and the whole tone and feel of the tune going. however, isn't at times overly complicated. But when Billy does go off on a solo, it's very unique great phrasing voicing and none of his solos really sound the same, they're all much like Jimmy Page did, having a lot of uniqueness to them. Billy Duffy is the man end of story.

[@rodrigomussak]

Nailed it, man!

[@tigerlikeswater]

Mate - I was thinking the whole ACDC - Malcolm groove thing is very much the same place that this great band nailed for a time.

[@DavidLee-vu2bc]

I can not agree more.....I watch The Cult through a widow of a bar in Milwaukee as I was only 17 ... watching through that window changed my life to be a better guitar player! He is so humble and interviews so well that gives us listeners an insight as to how hard he worked to get his sound to be heard around the world.

[@j_freed]

Billy's a force, he's great. Although he really likes playing a major third note over a minor key in a lot of his solos and melodies. Love, Soldier Blue. I guess that's one way it sounds like him.

[@Agerskiold]

Hear, hear 👍🏼

[@harrybarton2598]

Love Billy Duffy, he's never indulged in virtuosity, favouring atmosphere and great riffs

[@Gilboy63]

Met Ian & Billy several times. Both humble guys and musical geniuses. My favourite band of all time. Seen them live 75 + times.

[@ApriliaRacer14]

They should be in the Rockin Roll Hall of Fame. Crying shame they are not.

[@j_freed]

The Cult helped pave the way for guns and roses and for some of the guitar bands that happened in the 90s. They were sort of left out of the newer trends, but it seems they made a new space for it all to happen.

[@jerryvivanco4898]

In a sense, it IS a shame they are not in the rrhf, but then again, that's just another example, out of 100's of examples, that the rrhf is a piece of fucked up shit organization. The rok and roal hawl of SHAME.....

[@jerryvivanco4898]

Thank you!!🎼🎵🎻🎺🎷🎶

[@stephenlynch5143]

There beyond the hall of fame there better than than that the hall of fame should of chased them the world knows like the fans do Great bands like the cult just keep on going I've witnessed them live since 24th November 1984 & I've never looked back Rock on billy ian *be great to see Stewart back in the fold

[@RussUlmer]

One of the coolest and down to earth guitarists anyone could ever meet. Very underrated as a musician as well.

[@robertpothier2777]

Billy Duffy rules. She Sells Sanctuary is one of the most enduring licks of the 1980s.

[@eMMjunaYschion]

I saw The Cult live two days ago. I have seen at least over a thousand bands in my whole life and of all those bands, The Cult ranks in a very, very high league. They play simple, straightforward, no big show. The only show for the eyes that they delivered is that they have their own light guy who knows the songs. No shitty projectors, no LED walls, no bullshittery. No fireworks, no stupid gadgets, nothing. Pure, absolutely great and iconic music, mixed by their great FOH guy and delivered in absolute perfection. It was a fucking pleasure for all of my senses.

[@RockAndBluesRadio]

Amen, I'll see you in October in Argentina. I always liked that about them, no big lights, just a powerful sound. I saw them in 2011 and it was incredible !!

[@aultunwhite4988]

agree with most of that except ....I wouldn't exactly call there music simple

[@danielbaugher826]

eMMjunaYschion probably the best band I've ever seen live THEY WERE AWESOME LOL🎸

[@eMMjunaYschion]

@@aultunwhite4988 I wasn't calling the music simple, their show is simple, as I said in the rest of the comment. Precisely played and no bullshit, an absolute pleasure to be part of.

[@darrenmusicwasaclassiccott6167]

Seen them Sunday 20th oct 2019 Leeds awsome

[@markcropper7069]

A great rock n roll story from an honest, hard working guy with a great sense of humour!

[@jonesy2111]

Billy Duffy has inspired me as much as any guitarist I can think of and his 'sound' is simply sublime....way cool cat

[@gilbertgilbert9030]

I've met Billy a few times. He's massively talented and hugely intelligent and articulate. Much love from the Cambridge educated philosopher x

[@mottahead6464]

The Cult's Electric = best hard rock album EVER.

[@devilineden727]

Great music to ride your motorbike to.

[@scottwaszak698]

Love it, but not even close.

[@westyw.4235]

Try to find The Manor Sessions if you REALLY want to get your sh*t rocked. I think it is the raw mix they took into the recording company before Electric was tweaked then released. That version of Outlaw is one of my fav rock songs ever!

[@thefuneralparade]

My favorite too

[@jarrodlee1506]

Heard if your in his band it's his idea or bollocks off.fuck that.

[@glennsmiley7704]

Billy is just cool as hell. One of my favorites in a criminally under rated band. Love the Cult

[@ak2112]

This kicks ass. Nobody's cooler than Billy.

[@Adipsia1]

I was born in the same year as Billy and learned guitar at the same time. What I admire most about him is his integrity; he's always been 100% grounded and honest. No airs and graces, nothing to prove... what you see is what you get. Love him and his music.

[@theknowerandtheknown]

His riffs are legendary and that black Gretch and natural SG are dream guitars

[@RhemieleBoue]

Great little film this...A real class act is Mr Duffy. Superb guitar player and song writer. No bullshit kind of guy. Love it.

[@cmdrjesters-ink2235]

I place him among the best. I love rock like life blood, but this guy, he rocks my soul through and through.

[@oldnwise8123]

Billy comes across as a solid guy

[@benlogan430]

I’m a blues man and Electric is in the van as we speak! The Cult was a much needed band in the 80’s!

[@markendicott6874]

Top man Bill! One of the most distinctive (and underrated) guitarists ever.

[@gilsky3314]

Chunkiest guitar with great tone - simple and driving - this is a band that everyone does their bit and combined create a very distinctive solid and melodic wall of sound - you always recognize the Cult on the radio easy to pick out

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

This was awesome. Loved every second. Many great and flattering comments. I enjoyed his explanations and how they made me laugh. What a lucky guy to have made such an impact. And what lucky people we are to know The Cult!

[@newwavepop]

i always love hearing stories from these guys from that time and place, because it is always a trip how much they all knew each other as kids such as Billy mentioning Morrisey and Boy George here. there were so many future stars crossing paths back then in the scene. the early Cult albums particularly are among some of my favorite albums, but man i LOVED the short lived Southern Death Cult that is one of my all time favorite albums no offence to Billy. thank you for the stories and the music Billy.

[@AZWings]

I love how Billy is so down to earth and love his sense of humor. So many rock stars just seem like weirdos. He seems like a regular guy that would be way more fun to hang out with and shoot the breeze.

[@hermanhelmich]

AZWings Isn is weird enough though

[@martygras378]

I feel REALLY thankful Billy stayed with, and got back together with Ian. They've made SO much great music over the years !!!

[@michaelehrhart9670]

One of the best guitarists...EVER. Love his sound, his tone...and that friggin' white Gretsch Falcon...a perfect mixture!

[@edanzbox]

They were first band that made me want to play guitar in early 90s. So thank you, I really enjoyed this, very cool laid back dude

[@markmorris9089]

Billy Duffy is a cool guy and a great guitar player. Loved him for years.

[@nelsonventura7374]

MR.BILLY DUFFY! This man has create some of the most amazing music ever created,and his sound is unique,and his creativity is something monstrous! His body of work is so diverse,it is unbelievable! He is a genius!

[@dont1394]

Back in 2000 when I was working in Hong Kong, after every morning meeting, I would play She Sells Sanctuary for the locals on my iPAQ (remember those?) before we dispersed to hit the streets. The sound from the device was terrible but the emotion of the song still cut through. You left the meeting feeling like a rock star ready to take on the world. Thank you Billy!

[@Heatfarmer]

Rain and Electric are two of the greatest rock albums in the 80s. Thumbs up for one of the best guitarists of the era!

[@davidreed3246]

Loved the Rain and Electric era. Brixton Academy on the Love tour was my introduction. I fell in love. Huge band transitioning the heavier rock I listened to. I took in the 5 nights at Hammersmith on the Electric tour. Sonic Temple at Wembley Arena was a mixed bag. Great first night. The second night Ian was drunk and couldn’t be bothered singing. Still - fantastic times and a band I look out for with huge love and fondness.

[@steliosposeidon6871]

Saw the Cult five times in the 80’s - a great, fun live band. Billy certainly has created his own big sound and memorable riffs. Met him and Miec Peters in ‘99 when I helped on some post-production work for their Coloursound album. Both really good guys.

Coloursound is great album!

[@lucfregosi2001]

Billy duffy: a real down to earth and very very symphatic person...as a musician never pretentiuos or on ego trip. His guitarsound is always unique and brilliant, no technical masturbation always focused on the song, never boring..for me he is one of the best guitarplayers in rock history..!

[@fonkyshit8902]

I was blown away in 1992 by their rock show at Pinkpop, Great to hear the full story of this band coming about. Ian and Billy are Ace.

[@rainydayswithdogs]

He sounds like a great bloke. Love his guitar playing.

[@HaXaW5150]

Billy has always had his own style and sound. I hate to say this about another great guitarist, but he is truly under rated. As soon as he strikes the first note you know who it is.

[@PrincePurple]

This guy Duffy cost me three thousand bucks. Because of him I had to buy a Gretsch White Falcon.

[@mlukas]

I can relate...hahahaha

[@milesc.anthony2811]

There you go.

[@dyr234]

hahahaha

[@Pchristensen20]

PrincePurple me too... just got the BD signature falcon and it’s everything I hoped it would be. Billy Duffy rules

[@bestplans9051]

Same here Prince Purple and not so much as a single regret about it either. Some of the local musicians I idolize, slober over it everytime they see it :D!

[@billknudson7895]

The first time I heard The Cult, I was in a department store with my wife during the late eighties. I don’t remember what we were looking to buy, but the area where we were shopping was near the home electronics department. Somebody popped in the “Electric” CD. My first impression was “Wow! These guys are the real deal.” The production reminded a lot of Led Zeppelin’s “Houses Of The Holy”-no fluff. Every note was right in your face. Not a weak spot anywhere. They didn’t get any airplay in my neck of the woods, so I eventually forgot about them. Fast forward to a few days ago. Something reminded me of their sound, so I made a point of acquainting myself with the band and their music. They are without a doubt a force of nature. Powerful playing and a world class rock singer make these guys one of the finest bands on the planet. This interview with Billy was a real breath of fresh. Being a guitarist myself, I enjoy spending time watching the pros talk about their approach to the instrument. Billy is one of those players who quickly figured out his role, and built a great sound that serves the song. An hour well spent.

[@valeriasoos7285]

I saw The Cult in NYC in 2000 or 2001 at the Roseland Ballroom...Boy....2 hours of exclusive , high energie rock n' roll , hits after hits...I was already half deaf from Motley Crue 's 1997 Generation Swine gig , a few years earlier at the same venue....so you can imagine i could not hear anything for weeks , but it was totally worth it..

[@TheDeLeonGarageCollection]

The Cult w/ Billy Duffy = the sound track of my youth. The cult was always playing in the background hanging out with my buddies. Still remember the New Years Eve show at the Long Beach Arena sometime in the early mid 90s. My ears still ring from that one

[@gabydersch1482]

One of my favourite guitar players. Thank you Billy. God Bless You. ❤😇❤🌷

[@frankjamieson9790]

A true master of his instrument

[@tihomiradamovic302]

Thank you God for introducing me to this group, you saved my life!!!

[@MattpGrant57]

My first concert was The Cult in Halifax December 8th or 9th 1989...I was eleven years old. Soundtrack to my life!

[@stevestarr6395]

Billy’s such a cool guy with a unique sound!

[@veegee3291]

Excellent interview. I'm not a musician but I've loved rock and all music since I was a kid. It's exciting when an artist can technically speak about their instrument w/ the clear detail and enthusiasm he has. Was also very cool to know he's been close to my home in Ventura County. PCH near Pt Mugu and the Naval Base make amazing interview backdrops! Loyal to this band since the 1st time I heard them in the early 80s on KROQ. ¤

[@gregtimpany4183]

As my long-time friend George said, this guy is a riff monster. I couldn't agree more. Looking forward to seeing them on the road this summer.

[@frankieblack1969]

Why would anyone give this a thumbs down is beyond me.....Billy Duffy is fricking badass!

[@SimonRobinson137]

This is such an interesting video for me because I was a young teen when I got into The Cult in the 80s. I was just a little too young to go to their gigs, and I don't remember any interviews. All we had were the albums, and I remember having the Dreamtime cassette which also had the live version on the second side. This is why it is so great hearing Billy speak now about the development of their music. It's a really interesting interview and so good that it is not just say 5 minutes but allows him to tell the whole story.

[@bestplans9051]

Billy isn't the reason I started playing but he IS the reason I keep on playing!

[@CBDM777]

met him in Vegas last week. cool guy. insane guitarist

[@shaunloynds5317]

Can't tell you how much I have loved this. Love the guy. Level-headed, unaffected and a brilliant, brilliant musician.

[@garmit61]

Great to hear a rock superstar talk for an hour without any hint of feeling superior. He’s a great ambassador for the art....and a bloody excellent guitarist of course. I’d be more than happy if I’d penned any song on Electric.

[@orlfane1622]

saw them on the electric tour. they opened for billy idol. blew billy idol away. sure he regretted asking them to open for him by the end of that tour. probably the best show I've seen. they were really tight and full of energy.

[@mhia4]

I started learning guitar mostly because of SRV. I learned the The Cult and others, Dire Straits, Pink Floyd, These are the bands that really defined feel. Not a shock and awe version of here's how to perform scales, but here's how I feel. Fucking amazing musicians coming out of England.

[@Lancer688]

I could listen to Billy play guitar or talk all day. Top man.

[@Chudsix]

My guitar hero. Down to earth, downright legend.

[@dyr234]

what i love most about the cult not only billy's guitar work but the fact he came up ffrom a punk rock background like most of the bands i'm into. so awesome.

[@themaddaddy9515]

cheers for this billy duffy is great always liked him totally underrated!!!!!

[@rubtub1464]

, ,

[@baldyslapnut.]

Billy, and musicians of his generation, are the last to fulfil a proper musical apprenticeship in it's truest sense. No modern act will have the time and space to do what Billy describes here. Back in the day it was just the hard graft they had to go through, now it would look indulgent. Experience = something gained just after you needed it. Interesting how KZbin puts Steve Stevens in recommended vids under this one. Duffy and Stevens are the melodic gems of their era with killer riffs to boot. \m/

[@legend71]

Love Billy Duffy. I learned to play by playing along with the Electric album. Great Summer memories for me.

[@Pulse2AM]

You hear his story and others from that era and can understand why the music was so good, it's not a corporate suit telling you to write a hit record and make a sexy video.

[@mrmetal1276]

What a great player and guy

[@nilsgarcia343]

Met him. He´s very down to earth and well mannered. Great guy.

[@j.a.949]

I Love The Cult, since day one, back in the old days.Billy and Ian Kick ass!

[@pablodebiddlybo3771]

Saw them just last week in Manchester and Johnny Marr rocked up to play rain. Some memories made right there and I have to say Billy and the cult sounded incredible

[@robertfalconer5054]

Great story, love the Cult. Pure Cult is one of the best Rock albums of all time. Just get it, you can't turn it off..

[@bestplans9051]

Bought on Vinyl to frame and on CD to listen to :)!

[@mlukas]

54:17 - 54:25 is inspiring! Thank you Billy! Truly one of the greatest guitar players of all time.

[@chrisf6216]

Thank you for sharing this! 39:47 "... get rid of all that. That's a Marshall, that's a Les Paul... off you go". Indeed. And you can hear it. The Cult Electric, like a Marshall and LP, will never go out of style, will never sound out dated, and always be one of my top favorite RnR albums. Then came Sonic Temple and its iconic album cover. Cheers!

[@raizumichin]

But like, it's so generic sounding compared to Love and Sonic Temple. That echo-y stuff, chorus and the Gretsch is such a big part of what made The Cult so distinct.

[@martygras378]

​@@raizumichin But Electric is still distinctly Cult, primarily because of Ian's raw singing on it.

[@davidadams2478]

I saw the Cult and Billy in 1986 in LA..I had heard them when they were called The Sudden Death Cult..in 1984 when I first went to record in Bath I heard them on the Annie show on BBC1 on one Sunday night..and I think it was Sanctuary..amazing..

[@jananzsky]

My Favorite guitarist, and band........grit, cool, earth, stars and magic...The Cult...following forever.

[@Matchpointification]

Thanks for uploading, great guitar player, best intros ever: Rain, SSS, Fire Woman....etc would love to see them once again in Germany or Europe. Keep on going Billy!!!!

[@Matchpoint-Textile]

@Ace Courage ja Danke weiß ich schon. Hab Tickets für Cardiff gebucht. Das passte soo gut in meine Urlaubsreise, ich freu mir ein Loch in den Bauch 😅

[@malamuteaerospace6333]

Nice to see Billy is such a nice humble man.

[@mihajlodimovski6821]

I love this guy!

[@jeffreyschnoldt5388]

Billy is a great player. I really liked his story, he seems down to earth. I have been a cult fan since the begining.. Billy is the master of the Gretch, thats a fact..

[@bestplans9051]

The Falcon God!

[@Bigger_Hammer]

1985 Tower Records LA picked up the Love album and it’s been one of my favorites ever since.

[@F95Caesar]

thanks for uploading this

[@dewar110]

I'm a bit late to the party! Saw them at the forum , Kentish Town a few years back. Absolutely brilliant. Keep going boys 👍🏻

[@vjenkins6815]

I have loved Billy's work since I bought "Love" back in 1986 on a cassette for my Sony Walkman. He's actually one of my musical inspiration. He's like all the classic Brit punks- you don't need overcomplicated compositions to make good rock n' roll. If I had a budget, I would love to produce a modern day dark comedy with Billy as a wise ass, London gangster - in the vein of "Stock, Lock, and Two Smoking Barrels" - in a war with rivals. He has a dry sense of humor that is fantastic; plus you can dress Billy up and he'd look like a proper, smart gangster

[@martygras378]

Go for it, find a financier

[@vjenkins6815]

@@martygras378 I would absolutely love to. A modern day Peaky Blinders w. Duffy as a proper gangster.

[@johndunlop72]

Excellent interview thank you .

[@RichSad45]

I've always loved the Cult. Billy and Ian have an iconic straight ahead rock sound that I find very satisfying. Great video about a great, underrated guitarist. Listened to Love and Electric in their entirety last night after watching this. Usually I prefer valve guitar amps but like the way Billy explained how he combines the amps and uses the Roland solid state amp for the clean, stereo chorus sound in songs like She Sells Sanctuary. I haven't seen the Cult live in a couple of decades so I hope to get the chance again soon.

[@Deadleg]

Thanks for the upload. Love Duffy.

[@davidwilkinson7645]

My absolute guitar hero, the image of Billy duffy with his gibson les paul custom natural is awesome 🤟🤟🤟🤟

[@Cultmetfan71]

really enjoyed that. good to hear Billy's story.

[@TomBarnesmediathink]

The JC-120 is the most underrated amp in rock history.

[@TomaisMac]

Bangkok Rain, the most perfect guitar tone evah! Great video!

[@BradleySkaggsNYC]

Geat doco. Billy's one of my favs and it great to hear his story and learn about his technique.

[@Crinkle65]

This is so great. Thanks

[@skinnykarlos710]

I love that line "and that was the first time that I played a guitar in anger" like going to war. In a way performing is a bit of a battle - you can win and come out on top or you can bomb big time and get the hand grenades of all description raining down on you.

[@nmacog]

thanks for this - really cool watch.

[@randydueck889]

I have been a huge fan of Billy Duffy's guitar playing and guitar player schtick in general - since the first time I saw him play back in the day - when music videos first came out in the early 80's as I recall. I found this interview super interesting. Thanks to BD and the people who put this together!

[@scorp4165]

great interview.Thank you Mr Duffy for some great music

[@Crinkle65]

Thanks for posting this. I Love Duffy. I’m going to watch it again right now. Cheers

[@donworley1658]

What a great interview. Non instrumentalists can even relate.

[@jamespurser2341]

Great video, this video explains why he plays the way he does. Thanks

[@iamrichrocker]

i liked that he had pulled a Thin Lizzy album out...he has a soul of a rocker..think he has been over looked and not appreciated as one of the best..Rock on Billy..