Billy Sheehan - Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction?

[@MerkRampage]

Amazing bassist! Seems very friendly too!

[@paused_tv]

+MerkRampage oi MorkRempooge

[@bassman0704]

I love Billy!

[@brandonrice9592]

He's a very nice guy. Met him in 2013 at Guitar center doing a Q&A meet and greet type deal

[@iplaypearldrums7935]

I met him when he was playing w/ TALAS in Bflo. in '85 just before he joined DLR.

[@SpaceCattttt]

He is. I met him in a music store in Uppsala, Sweden, back in the 90s. He was doing a demonstration of his gear. And he was very generous with his time and we had a chat after the show. And he even let me try his bass.

[@bushmann9272]

met Billy at a clinic what a guy, took his time to meet everyone and take pictures plus gave a personalized signed autographed photo to everybody.

[@digitaltourbus]

Definitely one of the best music based series on KZbin. Keep bringing us more of this!

[@digitaltourbus]

The Dude From experience, I know that depending on artists to be available for interviews isn't very predictable, so list videos and other types of commentary are used to keep fresh content always being uploaded. If you like rock music, you'd probably dig our videos, especially our Bus Invaders series. :)

[@edviges1]

+Digital Tour Bus you bet!! the conversations are always nice to hear.. very relaxed talks. the "wikipedia questions" are nice because they go deeper in the bio of the interviewed..

[@Icelandrobot]

Scientology or not Billy seems like a super chill guy.

[@sluwisch]

1984, I was back in Dayton Ohio (19 years old) and Talas was appearing at a bar called McGuffy's. My bassist, friend, had just turned me on to them about a month prior so we were really excited. Turned out that the layout of the stage put the sound board where people would have to step over the cables to reach the bathroom and the band was having none of that. They decided not to play, but during the negotiating Billy sat down with me and my friend. We drank Heineken and discussed bassist worship. My buddy asked about how he felt about Jaco Pastorious (sp?) & Jack Bruce. At the time, Billy claimed that he wasn't really into them, didn't have the same 'envy' , for lack of a better term. Then, we're in California, and the Guitar Player magazine with Billy and Jack back to back on the cover. My friend said "didn't he say he was not really into Cream, or Bruce back in Ohio?" ... totally the opposite, I believe even mentioned Jaco too in the article. ... anyway, before that happened, I did finally get to see Talas in Sacramento open for Ingwie Malmstein. That was awesome, and that was a great group. I still have an album or 2 of Talas. Mr Big was great live, as of course was David Lee Roth which I saw in San Francisco. Billy is the Jimi Hendrix of the bass. Period.

[@karlsalocks]

@@sluwisch I'd actually say Jaco is the Hendrix of bass. Easily.

[@hollowillusion4732]

Agree!!

[@paveantelic7876]

ehh he's just avoiding taxes with this scientology thing

[@Lysdexia]

What a likeable character Billy Sheehan is. Calm, articulate and one of my favourite bass players ever. Top man!

[@Praetoria113-zm3no]

Billy used to live in Moorpark, down the street from the Grove School of Music when it was located on Ventura Blvd and occasionally he would come into the school. Nice guy. Used to see him at Ralph's all the time buying groceries in the late 80s.

[@danablack7919]

Talented beyond belief and a really down to earth, cool dude. Glad I watched this.

[@danablack7919]

If he didn't mention it, one couldn't tell.

[@craigmack9427]

Billy Sheehan is a great guy..I had a music teacher who said "No one has a better attitude towards being a musician than Billy Sheehan" - He's a great influence for any musician looking to have a life long career in the biz

[@Law-Enduring-Citizen]

One of the nicest rockstars I’ve ever met! Met him when the Winery Dogs was just a rumor at a Kotzen show. I turned to Sheehan and asked “when is Portnoy gettin to town” he looked and smiled and said “very soon” it was a cool moment.

[@Vinylrebel72]

Billy is the man!!! Humble, a great guy, totally respectful!

[@shannonfisher2011]

Known Billy for 40+ years not like we're close just a person like u or me when it comes to music tho have to check out because there is so much professionalism there whew. But he doesn't talk above your head he's just a real guy. Great interview Billy

[@sburris65]

The guy is a huge sweetie. Hung out with him back in the day in the Mr. Big days and several times over the past few years. Very fan friendly.

[@JakeMoresea]

Such a cool guy.

[@solomon8833]

I don't really understand scientology so I won't criticize what I don't understand, but I do love the way this guy slaps the bass.

[@unklebill]

They worship an alien they call Zenu, they structure their lives around something resembling midi-chlorians from star wars, and they believe they'll become gods of their own planets when they die

[@mattskustomkreations]

@@unklebill plus they have to PAY for each bit of “knowledge” revealed to them. You can only have a shot at getting to the “top” after spending hundreds of thousands of dollars. Banned / treated as organized crime in some foreign countries.

[@sombergirl2886]

He's a great bassist & seems like he's very down to earth guy. I would love to get the chance to meet him sometime

[@WWTormentor]

I have never seen an interview with billy. However he seems like a very intelligent and articulate person. I truly enjoyed this interview.

[@BoyAditya]

what a great guy

[@liiliiliiliil]

billy sheehan very humble and nice guy

[@zw_ncfc]

Herbert .Gatchalian met him a few years ago. What you see is what you get. He couldn’t have been nicer even if he tried

[@olivermateo3109]

Watched Mr. Big in the Philippines, They F-ing rock. One of the most powerful band ever!!!!

[@AlaskanRockstar]

Man ..what a hell of a guy you are Billy!!!!..I could listen to you talk or play all day!!

[@travisguide4516]

I like how chill billy is it's no wonder he's the backbone of so much great music

[@aussiecoastie72]

I have a huge amount of respect for Billy , such a great musician , And seems like a really great down to earth guy as well

[@lizucavictoria]

I love these videos. It's just a great idea.

[@kenbroo7305]

I was working at a gas station in Lexington KY and I met Billy , gave me a autograph and talk to me for a few minutes, very cool and humble dude

[@frostystoneltd3770]

This guy was my hero as a bass player

[@SuperGeorge2112]

Billy is a wonderful person, he is a man who does what he says he will, I took photos for Billy in Glasgow uk a couple of years ago, we met after the show had a great chat he took time with fans and was so easy to talk too and oh yes he can play that bass !!!!

[@ten4goodbud2313]

Billy you are a very intelligent and wise guy never payed attention to you before this video very impressive especially not having a bad word about anyone you know shows great character world today needs more genuine people like you thanks.

[@charliehollis1486]

Sweet man! So centered and kind. Kudos to Loudwire.

[@OutlawStarkiller]

Around the time the first Winery Dogs record came out, Sheehan did a free clinic at a local music shop, Island Music. He was so down to earth and amazingly talented, I hope he comes back

[@johnvlaho7977]

I remember Billy having a Reagan/Bush sticker on the back of his bass. I've seen this dude over 50 times from Talas to now. Awesome bassist and person.

[@z_supernova]

Amazing bass player, almost took a beer with him in Japan for his birthday!

[@MrMegaFredZeppelin]

Billy Sheehan RULES!!!!!!! ROCK ON!!!!!!!

[@leifhoffman3534]

One of the best bass player I've ever heard and I've heard a bunch. On my list of musical hero's.

[@saatwikkatiha]

I love him for his music/bass playing, don't care about his personal beliefs. As long someone is not imposing his beliefs/being an a-hole about his/her personal thoughts, why should anyone have a problem with that person? Yes Scientology is toxic, but as a musician and fan, religion and music are completely disjoint in my head.

[@bassman0704]

I fully agree. Billy is one of the best bass players out there and one of my biggest influences. I really don't care what he believes in.

[@e.d.e.8137]

+saatwikkatiha I agree, except scientology IS hurting people. Just google some stuff. They are engaged in slave labor, including young children, human trafficking, forced abortion, all kinds of harmful BS. They do this while exploiting the 1st Amendment, our court system and your tax dollars.

[@saatwikkatiha]

I have read and researched extensively about Scientology and, truth be told, I wish that Billy wasn't a follower and managed to wake up to all the devilish activities Scientology is involved in. That said, I still don't see it as a reason to ignore his great music.

[@e.d.e.8137]

You don't have to ignore his music and I am not asking you to. However, you can make your voice heard by telling him you will not support him financially via buying his music or seeing his shows. Same for Beck, Chick Corea, Tom Cruise, Travoltra, Elizabeth Moss, Laura Pepron, etc, etc.

[@tammysigmon853]

My all time favorite bassist! He's a living legend!

[@cschuh4695]

I saw Billy and Talas playing at some club in Buffalo when they were still together... It was an excellent show... When they played "Sink Your Teeth Into That", I was hooked... Billy had that bass BLASTING, and his fingers were fast as lightning... GREAT BASSIST...

[@AdamAarts]

We all could learn a lesson from this guy. Even in his stories he holds no negative attitude towards people in his past. He seems so very nonjudgmental and open minded. Reading SPs book, offering conversation at a protest, etc. If everyone were like that the world would be a much better place. Oh and he rocks on the bass

[@lvalledor3440]

Loved him with David Lee Roth, Steve Vai & Gregg Bissonette

[@RajaSinhaofficial]

Very smart guy love his music

[@antigravity420]

I really liked the Skyscraper album. I didn't know people hated it.

[@mjrydsfast]

Agree. Thought it was way better than "Eat 'em...."

[@FrancisSawyer]

@@mjrydsfast LMAO

[@laineridley2143]

@@FrancisSawyer what's so funny

[@laineridley2143]

@@mjrydsfast I like Eat Em' And Smile better

[@FrancisSawyer]

@@laineridley2143 What's so funny is how anyone could possibly think that Skyscraper was a better record than Eat em and smile.

[@countroshculla]

He is one of my fav bassists/musicians of all time. He seems just so down to earth and approachable, got a couple of replies from him on email (his official email, dunno if he himself wrote but I loved the replies) and I just love his playing. Don't care if he is a scientologist as long as he is not harming anyone, he is free to follow any religion.

[@engelwyre]

Not only a fantastic bassist, and going by other commenters a super nice guy, but very diplomatic. It'd be very easy to badmouth and blame people but he takes the higher road. The only bummer is the scientologist bit, but to each his own.

[@nathanman8]

Met him once after a Mr. big show. Very accommodating and every bit as nice as he appears.

[@noname-jr1vo]

I always click on Sheehan interviews because I got to meet him when I was a little kid and he was cool.

[@patmcgroin9848]

I met Billy, he was very nice and had time for me and my buddy.

[@mr.logicpants2835]

You know, Billy believed in Scientology enough to give answers to people at an anti Scientology event. That takes some balls. Btw - I do not believe in Scientology but I do believe in others rights to believe in whatever.

[@Nick-dq8xt]

"I can't remember back to 1985... I wasn't alive" ..... I'm dead

[@SonnyGTA]

I like Billy so much more now after this interview. If that was even possible.

[@SonnyGTA]

I’ve spoken to him several times online. Class act.

[@nothingmuch8865]

I saw the video of Billy standing alone in the anti-Scientology thing and he came off as a totally laid back, honest and decent guy.

[@reesedavis3499]

I could have watched 10 hours of this, super smart guy, stellarplayer

[@edviges1]

Always amazing this 'Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction?' videos. thanks.

[@tommydades1]

.....great dynamic between te great virtuoso and the young kid ..... Sheehan has left his mark as an electric bassist on the same plane as guitarists Eddie Van Halen or Paco de Lucía ..... this is one of the best fact or fiction episodes I have seen .....! cheers from mpls mn !

[@christerrill3122]

Stand up for what you believe in indeed.

[@Lisztomania1]

Billy is superb

[@bhodiemanit6489]

his voice is also like bass...Awsome!

[@SonnyGTA]

Billy is the man!

[@logocentric9183]

I really think Billy is an exception to most Scientologists, however, I think he tries to rationalize it with a sort of “religious relativism” where it says “well there’s people for it and there’s people against it, just like politics so it’s probably just as valid as any other religious faction having disagreements”. He’s missing the mark there because Scientology has very specific crimes that it hasn’t been properly charged for and has serious cause for a “cult” label. There have been multiple people speak out after leaving the church including the father of the current “head” of the church of Scientology. All that being said, Billy is a good dude-I met him at a rock camp and talked for a bit-and though I have an issue with the rationalization for his beliefs, I’ll say that he definitely doesn’t seem to be a disingenuous person. He seems like a really good guy with a good heart, my experience with him would confirm that as well. I hope no one really judges him too harshly for getting into some new agey ideas as an idealistic teenager in the mid 70’s.

[@davidcurtis4478]

Billy is an awesome guy! Rock on Billy! 🤘🥁🤘DC

[@exitoverride1022]

The "Church" of Scientology treats their celebrities extremely different than its' regular members. Billy seems to be a very nice person that is genuinely interested in helping people, but that should not be seen as an acquittal of Scientology for decades of Human Rights abuses. He always does great interviews and his EBS Signature Drive pedal is phenomenal. He is truly "The Hendrix of Bass". kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXnFYXWQrqtohc0

[@NowakP]

So Richie Kotzen was at least partially responsible for the "Farewell Tour"? I love that Mr. Big DVD! I generally really enjoy listening to the Richie Kotzen-era of Mr. Big, great groovy-singing-songs on those two records.

[@kathandbrad]

I don't care what he belives in ,music is music and if he helped people get off drugs and have a better life then I'm good wth that Billy your a master bass player and awesome dude.

[@umpygoodness2369]

Drugs HELP people. News at 11. (Even booze is MEDICINAL in all usages.) Many of us use drugs SOLELY to escape this nazi prison we were born into against our wishes.

[@sixbladeknife44]

What a nice dude

[@MrJimbofox]

You had me up until scientology, Billy.

[@DioStreams]

+Retro Game Lounge the minute he said Scientology i wanted to hate him, but then again, cant disrespect the fact that he's a great bassist, and its his personal beliefs

[@adrianlee3497]

Suffer not the children. That's all I'm going to say.

[@6672rock]

Exactly my thoughts. As much as I think Scientology is nothing more than a glorified cult that brainwashes its followers and steals their money, I have to give Billy credit for not pushing that crap on anyone else. I still wish he would get out of that cult and stop handing his hard-earned money over to that greedy power-tripping bastard David Miscavige, but I'm sure they probably dug up some dirt on him when he was audited, so he has to keep his mouth shut if he doesn't want his career ruined. It's all about power and control over its followers. That's why I feel so bad for Billy for getting suckered into that nonsense. For such a reasonably intelligent guy, why would he fall for such horseshit?

[@OklahomaSwagMaster]

Say what you will about scientology, but his world view and the way he handles himself in every interview, he seems like a really nice guy. He seems as humble as it gets.

[@MrJimbofox]

OklahomaSwagMaster I agree with that part. It doesn't make him a bad person -- just a misguided sheep. One that's sweet and talented as fuck no less :)

[@samuelstoner1838]

I got to hang out with him and winery dogs at dog camp.great guy

[@Savoy1984]

I love the Dance guys and the Rock guys!

[@paulhaynes561]

The fact that he quotes Malcolm X is proof that he's a cool dude overall.

[@eriknilsson6640]

Phenomenal player and person 🤘

[@davidwaag3593]

I remember him from his days in "Talas" back in the 70's in Buffalo

[@Davidjon1946]

I like this guy for so long respected. Everything he's done he's starting to make me actually want to look into scientology

[@mitsay]

I wish this interview were bigger.

[@ninjatacoandnunjaburger7427]

Billy's first bass went from $85 to $85,000 in it's life

[@nyobunknown6983]

A generic vintage Hagstrom sells for $1,000 on Ebay.

[@The_Wizard_Owlin_Celestial]

I'm an ex member of the church of scientology billy actually came to my church in Nashville and did a show in the chapel he playing bass on one of my ex friend album

[@GChris-ny8fp]

Very cool Septic Flesh t-shirt. Billy seems like a supremely awesome guy.

[@ziggocip]

Had no idea he was a scientologist. Maybe I should reevaluate things; Sheehan is a gifted man whom I'd be hard pressed to find fault with.

[@umpygoodness2369]

Nope. Everyone will tell you I'm a great person who is always cool with others and down to earth, and honest, and nice... and that I'm a genius musician...... and I HATE ALL ORGANIZED RELIGION with a passion. Billy being cool is NOT due to his religious crap.

[@progmanjum]

Love Billy. \m/

[@skirchnerch6181]

They forgot his work with Glen Tipton of Judas priest on the baptism of fire album

[@brentj.peterson6070]

BS seems like a genuine nice guy.

[@alanunseld4942]

billy seems like a real good guy

[@WeesusH]

Fact: The original line up of Talas had double drummers, both my dad and uncle, David Rocco Oliverio and Dan Oliverio, respectively. Here is a link to a picture of Billy with my dad and Dave Constantino. scontent-icn1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/1151040_704498966232502_247116544_n.jpg?oh=7110f2823e4b0d3758c916265ade3451&oe=57CDF4E8

[@CAlanRobinson]

"I have a good memory... but it's short!" I heard Steve Via say that in a live show once. I wonder if there is a connection...

[@EcBaPr]

Billy's all class..

[@gustavorocha78]

hell of a guy! Mr Sheehan!

[@TheDmanMA]

i dont care whatcha do...as long as youre not hurting anybody, trying to shove your point of view/life down someones throat... just live your life , be kind to others, and try to find peace and happiness.

[@robichaux73]

Great series.....got one technical thing for y'all...Process the volume louder, please. Thanks.

[@kellyhelms1584]

I had a talis record back in the day

[@guitarded5198]

Respect.

[@gregbooth7998]

Saw him at a bar called Uncle Sam's. I think it was he in the late 70s or early 80s

[@gmotionedc5412]

Coolest dude

[@jasonjasonjasonjasonjason]

Billy Sheehan has been one of my favorite bass players for a long time until he said that he read Sarah Palin's book. WTF

[@robgreen1818]

MyGameplaying nothing wrong with reading dude.

[@jasonjasonjasonjasonjason]

LOL ^

[@Thompsongs]

In a free and open marketplace of ideas, the truly good ideas will thrive and the bad ideas will die off - if allowed to. He had nothing to lose by reading a book by someone who may see things differently than him.

[@jasonjasonjasonjasonjason]

LOL^

[@Thompsongs]

I don't see what's hilarious about my comment...I'd be happy to actually have a nice conversation and hear your thoughts if you feel like typing more than "LOL".

[@Bublerkin]

Do Kirk Hammett please

[@SonnyGTA]

Le Bublerkin yaaawwwwnnnn

[@SonnyGTA]

Le Bublerkin he’s a left wing loon. Pass.

[@DiminishingAugmentation]

I'd love to see Fact or Fiction with Alex Webster.

[@ryansheehan9462]

I get asked sometimes if I’m related to him. Funny because most of my family are musicians

[@Beiskraft]

When I saw him play I was like the bass is the real shit!

[@karlseel8620]

Vinnie vincent fact or fiction please seeing as he has reappeared

[@fevitan93]

What happend t othe sound, so low...

[@ianbarcelos]

People somehow are complaining here about his scientology beliefs. Why the f** is that? He's an awesome guy, treats everyone kindly and even though he's a legend he's still humble and still learns and teaches his craft. That is the f**** important thing to pay attention to.

[@donrowe8022]

Seen this guy play his bass with a drill once upon a time... also remember the drill accident 🤣🤣

[@rockwithjerry]

Loudwire needs a sound engineer badly. After watching many interviews with rock stars on this channel, there are times we can't hear the person asking the questions, and the rock star is too loud even though they're both wearing mics.. this can sometimes be fixed in post, but still seems to be ignored. Great idea with the news and these interviews, we just need to be able to hear everybody.

[@urbanspy2008]

very intelligent man