BILLY SHEEHAN - Bassist, Singer, Songwriter (David Lee Roth, Mr. Big, Niacin, Steve Vai)

BILLY SHEEHAN shares an incredible list of mentors who helped his successful career as a bassist, singer & songwriter and can help yours as well with his biz tips like "the essential element of all music -
Communication..." Be inspired & KNOW artists who came before you!
The Sessions Panel & our Artist Series interviews with Dom Famularo share music industry knowledge to musicians worldwide!! The panel events include Entertainment Law, Marketing, Networking, Artist Relations & Motivational skills and experiences from professionals and experts who have been "on the road" and are successful in the industry. The interviews share tips, exclusive background information from Artists in the music industry and the importance of knowing music history.

[@augustalaurentbiehly3277]

I met Billy a few times and he is a great clinician. I love what he said about not being too old to start. I bought my first ever bass 2 years ago for my 50th.

[@MeatSteeple]

Back in the mid-70's, chatting with Billy just after he'd finished a gig at The Orange Monkey in Rochester, NY, he told us that after gigs, he goes home, puts on his headphones and plays for another 2 hours. Incredible dedication.

[@davidfiori9727]

This is absolutely true he used to tell me the same thing we grew up near each other

[@rockhard2654]

growing up in buffalo in the seventies you could not go out WITHOUT seeing this guy play they played everywhere the barrel head,uncle sams, bullwinkles,stage one,salty dog,the high school dance, the local drive in, various parking lots, you just kinda grew up with him. he was like the wall paper.this is back in the days when RUSH would come down from toronto once in a while too, the whole town was totally spoiled as far as bass playing went then you'd go out to see the famous bands at the aud and say to yourself "this is supposed to impress me?" you could tell the bass players in famous bands would be looking out at the audience and be thinking "nobody seems to be amazed" they think im the shit in new york city these people must be rubes" then they would be told the guy around the corner in the local dive blows you away. then the next time they where in town you could see the sadness in their eyes "buffalo, these people cant be impressed" i remember one time, a VERY HIGHLY RESPECTED bass player who was playing with pat metheny, came to the end of his bass solo at the salty dog to be met with.........CRICKETS!.... literally ZERO applause, painful to watch....he was clearly shaken, the same thing happened to Scott Thunes, with zappa, i can mention his name because he was clearly NOT shaken... he simply steped to the mic and said.. "i know, i know" that was a cool move this went on for what seemed like years and years and you'd think "why isn't he world famous yet?"it really got to the point of total ridiculousness but he got to where he belonged eventually

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Thanks for sharing!

[@sowelldon]

Billy Sheehan and my Dad are why I play bass. Great interview!

[@ligamentpull1]

Never get bored of listening to interviews like this. Especially with such an iconic figure in the music industry!

[@AccuracySpeaks]

Billy and Dom are both class acts and Masters of their craft!!

[@stonersteve6325]

I saw Talas open for Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force in '85, San Jose. The entire show Including Billy's solo was unforgettable to say the least.

[@davehill9951]

I saw Talas in a bar in Kitchener Ontario back in those days. Amazing

[@SteveBello]

Awesome interview! Met Billy a few times, always a gentleman, and he was extremely gracious to my daughter who was a bass player at the time.

[@derrickbadenhorst7329]

Thank you for all that you do Dom. Besides enjoying all the interviews you have done, besides that you're a great drummers drummer, you're an inspiration to many generations. This was a great interview with Billy. He is also a true innovator and inspire me, as a drummer. I love watching him perform and also own a few of his instructional dvds. It is so true what he said about music being the greatest expressive art form. Thank you again for all your interviews. Drumming regards Derrick Badenhorst DDRUMS DRUMMING ACADEMY Port Elizabeth South Africa

[@auddoc99]

I recall driving as a young teen with my musician buddies, across the Niagara river from Canada to go see Talus, one of the local bands that Billy played in, typically at some dodgy rock club in Buffalo, NY. He was a bass phenomenon even then, and had the biggest bass rig of the day- larger than some PA systems of the time, and a killer sound... and could play like a MOFO back even then. What a pleasure to hear such articulate, informative and heartfelt discussion about the music itself, playing, inspirations, perceptions, learning, listening...all the important stuff. Great series, Dom. Do more please. A fan....and guitarist/ musician.

[@jfo3000]

auddoc99 Yeah! Saw Talas in Cleveland back then, Billy was already legendary.

[@sabre0461]

I saw Billy in Talas in the late 70's in a small club called Popeye's (Binghamton, NY) and I never heard of him before that. Caught my attention immediately then and he still kills it now. What a nice articulate dude, great interview!

[@arickuntz8406]

What a great discussion. RIP Dom, a truly special musician

[@malditobajista]

i met him in uruguay last year. he signed my fender bass pickguard. and enchanted me with his personality. is an amazing person. my superhero since i was a child

[@brucwtfrd1]

My guitar learning story started will Gloria, local music store lessons, playing by ear, garage bands and going to see bands in the local clubs (such as Talas) and then going home to try and play what I watched. Your interview brought back my memories. THANKS Billy !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@petebjerkelund5088]

Always such a pleasure sitting in on whatever Billy has to say.

[@dedietriono]

Billy Sheehan is my inspiration...🤟🤟🤟🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@legacyShredder1]

Billy Sheehan! Killin' Willy. He's 1/2 of my favorite duo of all time.

[@jtf9670]

the amazing Billy Sheehan. love his bass voice and bass guitar playing.

[@jodyhendrix5876]

Billy, you are one of he greatest bass players of all time...in case you didn't know. :). Dom, I love these interviews you are a true class act. Thanks!

[@Timothy_Jones]

Great interview Dom!!!!! Billy is and has always been a beast!

[@NeilRaouf]

Billy is a true force!

[@luvz2bseen]

Love this man! He’s so positive and a great teacher. Very charming!

[@image30p]

I love Dom's energy. Great interview! Always inspirational and entertaining to listen to Billy speak or play. Thanks so much!

[@phenbuz]

Billy Sheehan is an amazing guy. Great interview.

[@matwashington2784]

I am fortunate to have seen these two amazing people in clinics many years ago, I missed my bus home after watching Dom as I didn't want to miss a second, I had to walk 2 hours home but it was totally worth it, I managed to spend some time with Billy after one of his clinics and he was convinced he knew me from somewhere, I'm pretty sure it wasn't me as I'm from the UK but it was still really cool to hang out with him - I'll remember both of these gentlemen for the rest of my life, such wonderful people.

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Thanks for sharing...yes, wonderful people!

[@chrisb48907]

Billy is just so humble..and cool...and inspires us old guys to play too...!!

[@martymyers7703]

I have to start playing again after his interview,fantastic

[@davidcurtis4478]

Hey Billy! Awesome dude! Rock 2018! Am watching this now, David 👍🎶😎

[@misslindacjones2392]

Billy is best!!!!

[@Cantstandtherock]

Billy is a great dude, love him so much!

[@Pwalnutz]

I first saw Billy with Talas at Island Park when they were covering some Beatles songs. Even then I knew I was watching a very special musician.

[@AnnemarieOshelda]

I've only just come across him via a video by Scott's... I feel he's talking so much sense ad he's a lovely earthy amazing person. I taught myself to play bass and play by ear, that's years after my brother despaired with teaching me guitar, but me learning piano...etc I feel at home with the bass. What Bill is saying speaks from my heart. I'm still learning. Thank you Billy Sheehan!

[@robserica]

He is such a kind and inspirational man.I don't listen to much of his music except Winery Dogs but I love watching his interviews,really a top notch guy.

[@zolazingo]

Genius ...Inspiring ...a most genuine human being ...thank you Billy & of course, Dom !

[@Romans219]

Saw him in Talas opening for Yngwie Malmsteen and never saw a bass player like him. Huge Mr. Big fan

[@wilscott5955]

Billy is one of the most gracious and humble gentlemen I've ever seen. Not to mention, one heck of a bass player!!!

[@denisepelletier5332]

This is my favorite Billy Sheehan Interview. I love watching it. Great stories and great questions. I feel like everyone asks him the same questions every time he gets interviewed, but not this interview! ❤🤘🏻

[@CarolinaVeryGesslish]

Wonderful... wonderful interview... Was shared with the "WILD BILL" BILLY SHEEHAN FANS CLUB... priceless video..

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Thank you for sharing Billy's words & our mission to help musicians!!

[@igorotbass]

very nice talk of you two, billy is my hero

[@abhijitlamsoge]

This is golden

[@anthonyfelker1712]

Love Billy since Talas! He’s a very musical Bass Player!

[@orlandocantu7221]

Love Billy Sheehan awesome bassist and awesome person l have learned so much from him

[@tomfrauenhofer6158]

Yeah I love Billy his intellect is musicianship and his ability to communicate with the masses and just play unbelievable original music on on his instrument he's one of a kind Legend

[@rocketpost1]

What a wonderful interview. Billy is just so enthusiastic and inspiring. Everything he said I totally agreed with especially listening to the greats from the past and breaking down what made them great. I've always had a wide appreciation of music whereas some people only listen to a narrow range. Like Billy said, it's having that passion for music and that's something I've always had and always will.

Great interview, always getting wisdom from these guys

[@htmurph]

Great interview! Herbie Flowers is my new old bass discovery. Maybe the first I remember tuning down as well?

[@glenfair5272]

Billy Sheehan is just a cool dude.

[@alanvaughan2937]

Billy and Pat ..best rhythm section in R&R ..saw Billy many times in Niagara Falls Canada "Uncle Sam's" he was frightening so good and so driven ..I had no idea he was so nice ,he's worked so hard for everything he has Thanx for years of great music

[@andre3444]

Another wonderful interview Dom. I just discovered these interviews and wish i would have found these sooner but i'm catching up. Billy is a phenomenal player and i've been a fan of his since the Talas days up in Buffalo

[@GlobalDrumming]

Thanks!

[@robertcurrie8510]

Very well done. I enjoyed this immensely!

[@5chevin5]

Towards the end Dom says "what would you say to the kids watching this?" I really hope that is true, that younger musicians don't glean over this because its not a flashy interview on the surface. Dom asks great questions and Billys answers dive much deeper then the instrument he plays. Im off to watch a few more of Dom's interviews, I like his style.

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Excellent! We appreciate you subscribing & sharing our channels to other Artists!

[@rhythmicbeast]

Billy is a phenomenal bassist and a great human!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@FalconBushcraft]

Great interview! I found learning some drums made me a much better bass player.

[@alwilliams1997]

This is great

[@yohanaji8765]

Great musician, great interviewer, great place, great interview 😀👏

[@nelsono4315]

Another great interview! I have had the pleasure of seeing Billy with the original Talas and Talas V2, with Niacin about 5 times, with Sons of Apollo, and of course with Mr. Big a couple of times. Monster musician! I've also had the pleasure of meeting him and he's a great guy. And he's still going strong!

[@edsphone6952]

I met BS just before he joined DLR, saw TALAS @ a middle school, by UB.....go figure

[@Bill2226]

Awesome, deep, intense interview....

[@vaneipontes3279]

Great Bassist 🎸🎵🎼🎶😎👊

[@Alienadin]

Thanks for that. Great perspective and very inspired.

[@jamesfelizardo9515]

You forgot to mention he plays for the Winery Dogs. playing since 2012 :-)

[@yohanaji8765]

I play guitar.. Billy is amazing both musician and a man

[@HouseOfMcLoughlin]

Lovely, Lovely, Lovely !🙏 a wonderful insight. Music is the greatest art form..

[@SeanClarkeMusic]

Super interview (and series), inspirational!

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Thanks Sean! That's our mission for www.thesessions.org and the Artist Series!!

[@VUVR]

Thank you so much for this interview, what a jewel

[@GlobalDrumming]

Thanks!

[@anatoly_trifonov]

Awesome interview!

[@marcusvan]

Beast & best bass player on the planet

[@roseoris297]

It's kind a funny things. Last night i dreamed interviewing my hero billy sheehan. 😅 and i just search on youtube "billy sheehan interview" I never met this guy. But i love what his doing with his music.

[@2007christian]

Thanks!

[@zaio15_DarioMannu_DM-DrumCover]

Billy is very great! I mean, really GREAT!

[@BenjiBartlett]

Superb! Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful wisdom. Sincere gratitude. ;o)

[@JudgeFredd]

Deep voice

The bass king

[@BledsoeBluvd]

Great interview, inspiring stuff.

[@mrpugi3894]

Anonther brilliant interview.

[@darrenlee1938]

Legend

[@ThomasMetal75]

Joe Satriani is one of those players that really does branch the theory and reading with the great ears.

[@benwillard6751]

I met Dom about 40 years ago through a close friend of both of ours. Strange to see him in the role he has now. He was a funny goofy amazing drummer back then, something he obviously still is. Looks like the goofiness is gone. Our mutual buddy recently passed, so watching this video reminds me of much younger days.

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Dom still is a funny, goofy, amazing drummer & also an educator, inspirational motivator and terrific person & interviewer of Artists for the Artist Series! Sorry about your mutual buddy & glad this brought back some good memories Ben. Thanks for sharing!

[@christianscazzieri]

Billy, what a fantastic dude.

[@tose917]

Excellent interview!!!!

[@GlobalDrumming]

Thanks!

[@giovannilovo7567]

# 1

[@DarioImaz]

🤩🤩🎸🎸

[@marianoguitar2881]

El mejor bajista de rock del mundo

[@diddymercs]

I'll say it here because Billy likely won't see it... although I've told him before. The best thing about Billy isn't his bass playing, it's HIM. He is literally the nicest guy. Him and Paul Gilbert are Gods, and they treat their fans as well as their fans treat them. Paul Gilbert was as interested in my guitar rig as I was in his! Billy Boy if you see this, are you getting any sleep?! Catch you soon bud!

[@nicksm7980]

You haven't met Steve Morse yet.

[@JB-jf3ke]

If you are on Instagram follow him because he is very active and communicates frequently on there

[@seanlheeger]

I never played bass. But over the years, I drew a lot from Billy Sheehans musicianship and ideologies. He and Tony MacAlpine are two people that I have always looked to for any from of guidance.

[@keeponkeepinonstudio]

Listen to Tony Macalpines “Edge of Insanity” and the song “Agrigonia.” Billy played on that song all those years ago. You will enjoy it and probably already know it. Check out the fade out and his bass on that!

[@timeforachange12]

Smart men.

[@kristischbein3485]

Great interview!

[@GlobalDrumming]

Thanks!

[@thomasmartinscott]

One of the WORST things they did to music was pigeon holing everything! I remember hearing Frank Zappa, Frank Sinatra, Peter, Paul and Mary, George Jones, Liberace, Sonny & Cher, Percy Faith and his Orchestra, The Four Tops, Percy Sledge, The Grateful Dead, Donovan, The Rolling Stones, B.B. King, The Beatles, Buddy Holly, Patsy Cline and Buck Owen's all on the SAME STATION!!! They have TAUGHT people to ONLY like a VERY Narrow slice of life in music! As a working Musician, all of my life, my LOVE for ALL genre's of music guaranteed me work. I could play it ALL, and sincerely ENJOYED it ALL. Today, alot of young players only KNOW about one style, never HEARD much of what's there to be enjoyed. Imagine if Movie Theaters only showed ONE kind of Movie.....nothing but War Movies, or NOTHING but Horror Movies. What a narrow minded bunch of people that would develop and then cater to. If you are a victim of the musical pigeon-holing, do yourself a HUGE favor and PURPOSELY look into and listen to EVERYTHING you possibly can! You'll be very glad you did, as what you can enjoy increases EXPONENTIALLY!

[@HFSswfl]

Just doesn’t get better than Billy

[@JudgeFredd]

Educated and smart

[@walterkersting9922]

This guy knows his business…

[@RH-xs8gz]

$2 for a lesson! That was certainly money well-spent! I used to pay $20 a lesson and I still suck.

[@McFly-guitars-n-stuff]

He played in Talos l o n g ago in Buffalo.

[@Leadfootkurtis]

Paul Gilbert is a part of his resumé

[@sira.scottascot8865]

There might be some folks on here that aren't aware that Dom Famularo is an amazing and unique musician, himself. Just sayin'.

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Yes, we agree & glad to have Dom on our team! Check out his interview by team members & musicians Liberty DeVitto & Paul Quin! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGTTZaKFhb9roLc

[@cudaus1]

Billy mentioned many great Bass players, but he did not mention arguably the father of the electric Bass James Jamerson.

[@keeponkeepinonstudio]

Billy has mentioned the importance of Jamerson in his life in other interviews many times. In he talks about how people focus on his 3 finger technique too often. He believes there’s many ways to achieve your goals and mentions how Jamerson was a huge bassist in bass players worlds and he used one finger.

[@alfianbanjaransari4096]

Hey guys, what's the name of the classical music Billy mentions around the 28 minute mark? I'd like to know. Thanks!

[@qdaveq6597]

Clair De Lune by Debussy.

[@jtbb888]

比利以前也干场子哈哈哈

[@km6334]

Is Billy in free masonry illumanti he is using the triangle eye of providence hand symbol throughout entire interview. Most famous musicians are in the craft I wondered why he was selected and not other members of Talas. He is talented but he had some help and was promoted groomed. I enjoy his music but I'm getting more turned off with all these musicians because of the hidden agenda and cult