Billy Strings & Don Julin - Full Performance (Live on KEXP @Pickathon)

KEXP.ORG presents Billy Strings & Don Julin performing live on the Logging Road at Pickathon. Recorded July 31, 2015.
Songs:
No More Paper Logs
Dust in a Baggie
Albino Skunk
Dealing Despair
with bassist Kevin Gills
Audio Engineer: Matt Ogaz
Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Sam Kelly Jr., Luke Knecht & Justin Wilmore
Editor: Luke Knecht
Photo thumbnail by Amber Knecht
kexp.org
pickathon.com

[@LesBlackwell]

Imagine being that good at playing the stand up bass (it's hard, trust me, I've tried) and not being credited for an amazing 12 minute set. Kevin gills!

[@serwetkowywritter1]

When the first 10 comments are about the bass player not being given enough credit.

[@supertravdoggy]

Kevin is one solid bassist. I'm glad you mentioned his name, it wasn't mentioned in the description and very well should have been. I would say that he is holding more than his 1/3 of the sound. Billy and Don are great too but give credit where credit is due.

[@robertmcclung8035]

I myself thought it was strange that they didn't mention the Bass player in the Title, description or closing credits.

[@billyjean6419]

You must be a bass player

[@Mickamo]

He’s pretty good I’d like to see him play som other stuff tbh, I play an upright bass, it’s such a satisfying instrument man

[@3332ism]

This is how forest fires are started.

[@peterirving9458]

Top comment

[@williamfeltner6489]

ON FIRE!👋🔥

[@poppinoffgamers1543]

Yeah I'm surprised they all didn't spontaneously combust haha

[@SomeGuy-tr6uq]

It’s outright irresponsible.

[@ShepFL002]

and keggers!!!

[@merryprankstermatt]

Look at their faces. The focus. The intensity. The look of music working it's way from the heart, to the brain, to the fingers, to the instruments... these gents ain't even here boys, they're somewhere in the songs. This is how music is played.

[@user-df8hd6dp8b]

Not a smile between them yet you just know they love every second

[@sportscards1405]

Obviously I’m heartened by the fact that Kevin Gills, stand-up bass badass, got the credit he deserves in the comments, but would it kill them to just edit the damn title to include his name?

[@annekedebruyn7797]

He isn't mentioned in the title because the name of the band is literally 'Billy Strings & Don Julin'

[@YTTopia]

@@annekedebruyn7797 "Billy Strings & Don Julin' feat. Kevin Gills" or something alongs those lines. I don't think it's very hard. Especially considering he wasn't even in the description for a while.

[@NineteenEighty8]

Yeah I made this comment two years ago. They didnt even have him in the description at all when it was uploaded.

[@chrisdaniel1339]

They finally added Kevin Gills to the description of the video.

[@chrisdaniel1339]

KEXP finally credited Kevin Gills in the videos description after a multitude of people called them out on it. That was pretty deplorable not to credit all three performers when the video was first uploaded.

[@nicke1903]

Kevin Gills on the bass ladies n gents!

[@anthonyfox1436]

In my feed a few minutes ago , dynamite

[@yding82]

Thank you sir Peace out from denmark

[@wetdroidedition2549]

I read your comment before watching the video, then paused the video and did another things. I finally watch the video and in the first seconds of the song I say to myself: Wow! That bass! Sounds special! And then remember your comment. Thanks for the name of the bassist!

[@billbradleymusic]

Fantastic job 👍

[@user-qt5eh9wb7g]

Thank you! Us bassists always get forgotten in the credits! Lol...

[@guitarhero2211]

You know the bluegrass circle gonna be lit when one dude has a hole in his shirt.

[@AmazinglyGayPhil]

A man has to have a hole to place his head through thr potatoe sack somehow.

[@SuperKazikkazik]

Billy to geniusz , brawo !!!

[@philipsadler4220]

Yo man you light the earth on fire with your pickin and maintain your Marlboro at the same time🤣

[@thefinalgrind]

From The Old Man's Book of Quotes: "There will come a point in your life when you see who takes their life the most serious and what they truly care about, simply by how they dress."

[@HezzaGamer]

and another in his ear hahaha

[@dv8740]

All three of these dudes are absolutely SHREDDING

[@jonw12]

I'm usually in the wrong place at the wrong time. These dudes are all right where they belong and having the best time.

[@garryvaughn8391]

Amazing work Grace

[@Driftload]

Somehow calling this shredding feels like an insult, but yeah they are all in close harmony

[@dv8740]

@@Driftload don't be a turd.

[@williambissett8414]

Yeah they're ripping it to pieces every note!

[@mickytargett4467]

I'm a Londoner living up a mountain in Wales and have only a passing interest in Bluegrass and country music generally. But I saw this and felt the need to come on here and say how utterly uplifting and wonderful this performance is.

[@jerry-uy7gp]

Look up some newer Billy strings stuff it's all kick ass

[@MP-db9sw]

Billy will make you like Bluegrass

[@user-df8hd6dp8b]

​@@jerry-uy7gp I watched his older more unplugged performances on YT and loved it, then I went to Spotify and it all sounded like it went through the commercial wringer and gave up..

[@jerry-uy7gp]

@user-df8hd6dp8b I think he just keeps getting tighter and more refined but that's just just me. I can see a world of difference in a younger Billy and a more mature Billy, for one he's sober and way more focused

[@OoSpellheartOo]

Perfect pitch...

[@lizardoi3396]

Is anyone gonna talk about how clean that transition was into Dust in a Baggie, such a tight band

[@samschoonovermusic]

I know

[@geoffhaigler7511]

hell, they probably could have nailed that after jamming for just a few hours together. once you've got 50 or 60 thousand hours split up between the 3 of them on their instruments it kinda just flows. i mean bluegrass is always chilling in G or C major, all those licks just become like breathing once you master it.

[@RyneMurray23]

They are all so good.

[@lizardoi3396]

@@geoffhaigler7511 I don't doubt it, that feeling is eternal once you get there. Very talented musicians

[@smb7647]

Billy is so good, i can even here a southern accent in his playing

[@bustedfender]

5:35 The bluegrass stare, where the player temporarily loses the strength in all facial muscles, overcome by the cognitive demands of a bitchin’ solo.

[@andrewlacerenza667]

Lmao 😂

[@MacSvensson]

lmao! That sentence deserves a T-shirt! Well said, sir. Well said!

[@caimountjoy1861]

Also somtimes called the "hairy eye"

[@cicadasmasher8082]

Also seen at 2:40

[@theBoxtosser]

I'm pretty sure I made that face several times rolling on ecstacy lol

[@spencertherren6806]

Still the finest twelve minutes on KZbin.✌️🇺🇲

[@glen9108]

I kr

[@Ryan-vn7de]

The intro to dust in a baggie is one of the best i've ever heard. period.

[@jswhosoever4533]

Have you heard the middle of Away from the Mire?

[@Ryan-vn7de]

@@jswhosoever4533 for sure! The adult swim live version is so good

[@tomfissler6953]

You know

[@Pinrod93]

Have you ever noticed that bass players hardly ever gets credit? That guy really lays down the tracks!😃

[@barbaratholin8257]

Kevin Gills...

[@jackkrag]

that’s why we play bass. most of us play multiple strings. at least players i know. k

[@bobzmuda3456]

theyre usually behind everyon in the back so you cant hardly hear them but the musicians playing can

[@nobodymove7340]

Literally just noticed how good he was then looked for him in the description, then scrolled down and this was the first comment I saw.

[@eaglegrip6879]

Want credit? Go to a bank. :0)

[@TheTheRandomShow1234]

Watching that old hippy pick that mandolin is damn inspiring.

[@douglaspeters6990]

That “old hippie “ is on the Mount Rushmore of mandolin players. Don is awesome!

[@emilyflotilla931]

Old hippies rock, roll, and bluegrass! Okay, maybe some green grass as well!

[@hollylouge9267]

I dont know what to say to this comment 😂 they are awesome though! Living the dream.

[@stephencopping9953]

Thank fuck for old hippie's ! An old hippie from the UK take care of yourselves !

[@vtdemocracy7520]

That’s Don Julin to you lol

[@Deb526]

I’ve been a bluegrass fan for over 30 years and played in local Carolina bluegrass bands for 15. This is very good stuff by these musicians. My only wish is the people who posted this video would change the title to Billy Strings, Don Julin, & Kevin Gills. Thanks Kevin for driving these songs like you do!

[@whitdurkin7402]

Music has saved so many souls

[@howabouthetruth2157]

Music has saved LIVES...........but only JESUS can Save your Soul. And ya best be believin' that young man. Or else you'll be doomed. @@whitdurkin7402

[@Poppingbeans]

Straight slapping that basss

[@jefffirnhaber6250]

Right, he's the LEAD.

[@the-selfish-meme7585]

Today was the day I discovered Billy Strings. I feel betrayed. Why did nobody show me this before? I'm gonna get exactly NO work done for the rest of the day... Bless you, Mr. Strings.

[@vincew.2824]

The bass player is a strict task master. If it wern't for the bass player Billy and the mandolin player would run away with the speed, which I would like to hear that. True professionals one and all.

[@dirtswimmer]

As a bass player, I always use the passing note to signal to the guitar player that his solo was over.

[@snardlefarb]

Absolutely. ♡♡♡

[@weaverfever55]

Strut your stuff if you got it.. no rap no blues no whiny country real American music don't get better than this

[@taylorpelletier89]

@@weaverfever55 you’re listening to the wrong blues, country and hip-hop if that’s your opinion, man. You must be a golfer. Especially since Billy loves him some of all three of those genres… golfers, dude 🤦‍♂️

[@tntkop]

@@taylorpelletier89 Don’t rag on golfers. I’m a bass player AND a golfer. In fact, some of the best golfers I know also play bass.

[@Nicoyutub]

Holy fuck, this is exactly what I wanted and didn't know it

[@andygs800]

I'm in the UK (Yorkshire) and in my 60's. Wow, I love this music. I cannot stop watching Billy play... Fantastic

[@summerb860]

Something unique from the states.its a young country so there's not a lot that comes out as a first or even stylistically regarded truly a united states tradition. But things like blues, jazz, or just the folk are delightful and distinctly American. That is, in my opinion. I'm not educated in music at all.

[@AleksandarIvanov69]

Yorkshire is basically Alabama (at least cousins seem to think it is), so not really surprising 😂

[@markcarter6827]

They are afraid that type of pickin

[@MSYNGWIE12]

Hi from Canada, well, you and I may not have Southern ancestors, to use slang, kin from the Ozarks BUT we're lucky, fortunate as music lovers that people like, Bert Jansch, Richard Thompson just two examples from Britain and for Canadian's Bruce Cockburn and Garnet Rogers- this style of music is a fundamental ingredient that back a few decades ago, blended so perfectly with the music the Under 25's were listening to- Ewan Mcoll, married Peggy Seeger, Pete Seeger's sister, I think- so folk music and roots married and gave birth to a folk Renaissance in Britain in the late 1950's...Canada, bless us, always seems to lag but we got Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Gordon Lighfoot, Bruce Cockburn, Buffy Sainte Marie, an Indigenous woman who added her ancestral spice and last but first in my mind and heart, "wandering, troubadour, Leonard Cohen- funny, how algorithms work- I was listening to an Israeli klezmer band and mentioned, ENERGIZED in a comment, up popped these "cats"- Eric Burdon of The Animals wrote a song long ago that I'll always love: All Meat from the Same Bone- how right he was. If you enjoy The Blues check out a channel, Traveler into The Blue, think that's correct, close enough- you'll be amazed at his collection- Namaste from Geez, Mr. Zappa, It's Morning Already! ( Frank Zappa supposedly protested when Dylan went electric- are you that old, you remember? Rubbish then, rubbish now- play Pete Seeger doinging The Bells of Rhymney then play it by The Byrds- magnificent both ways! Enjoy your weekend. Do some praying or chanting to get Putin, to knock off the destruction...

[@suellenelm3087]

All my 67 years listening to pickers Billy has an awesome signature. 🔥❤️

[@suellenelm3087]

Dust in a baggie was my cherrie

[@paulhenderson6128]

If you hear Billy's back story , He had a hard up bringing , gave everything he had to his music and it gave him back redemption for him and his family. Such an incredible Grammy winning talent with an amazing story.

[@edwardgerulis7171]

A classic "sold his soul" individual

[@babswright2664]

I loved his story and think he deserves everything he gets and more.

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

What's the story?

[@babswright2664]

@@sdrtcacgnrjrc you can find it in his interviews.

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

@@babswright2664 thanks

[@Panacyber16]

Hi; I am 100% latin american, but let me tell you that I have love Country American music since I was a kid. I really enjoy watching videos about bluegrass and country on youtube. I really appreciate your performance and respect this kind music. kind regards from my country, Panamá.

[@randyneilson7465]

Ah, music: the universal language!

[@dandan4092]

I’m watching from sunny England dude. Music has no boundaries!

[@jonathonbellaroc229]

Check out the band Mountain Sprout

[@umungus518]

Thats the beauty of music, it can transcend language barriers

[@owsleyhunter2757]

Im a yankee from northwest ohio but my grandpa was from south east kentucky, this reminds me of the older generation and I love it

[@_rippy_bits]

these are without question the 3 coolest men on the planet

[@thepetesmith]

Young faces showing respect for and playing old music mighty fine.

[@christhee68]

Billy Strings is absolutely one of the best bluegrass players out there today. He also absolutely has the world's best guitar face.

[@innerselfspark1384]

Dude...his facial expressions are soo fekn on point

[@theanswertois-fq7pd]

And his earlobes look like funyuns

[@francispoivre8903]

tatous are stupid

[@nathanmorgan9053]

@Francis poivre so are people who can’t spell

[@100perdido]

@@theanswertois-fq7pd Billy was captured as a child and raised by blue grass pickers in the jungles of New Guinea who learned to pick from shot down American fighter pilots in WW 2. They pieced Billy's ears and and put plates in them.

[@wood8577]

As a guitarist, I'll never get tired of the faces we make while performing...unknowingly. Expression at it's finest, my friends.

[@jeffscott8323]

Remember Roy Clark used to have those Facial expressions. Meant he was into what he was doing Billy doin same thing. And it's working for him.

[@jeffscott8323]

This Boy goin be great. Also

[@wood8577]

@@jeffscott8323 Heck yeah. He's got that flatpickin' down pat. I rank Mr. Clark (rip) in top rung territory for sure. He was a bonafide virtuoso and deserves way more recognition than he gets. The man could fluently play damn near any instrument you threw at him, and make it look easy. Was a great flamenco player too.

[@Thor57644]

Damn, that's the best country that I've heard in a long time!

[@Coveysmusic]

Billy the kid is tearing up America with that truly God given picking talent. Truly a one of a kind.....I really appreciate him and his music...

[@jimt828]

This is why I love you tube. Last night this pops up as recommended. I spend 2 more hours watching everything I can find on Billy Strings. I tell everyone I can about him. This man is something that rarely comes around in ones lifetime. A person that plays an instrument with every bit of their being. He exposes me to Marcus King and I'm floored by a rendition of "Summertime" . Hes only 27. I cant wait to see him somehow get even better.

[@davejoe2592]

Agreed. I went down a KZbin rabbit hole and discovered young William here, Colter Wall, and The Dead South all on the same trip!!!!

[@steventucker8510]

You just described my journey of the last few weeks, I'm 57, my musical core is probably Zeppelin and Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and Van Halen, I haven't been this excited about a new musician in 30 years... After barely playing for the last few years, Billy's inspired me to buy a new (used 2008 yamaha fg730s) acoustic and learn a whole new style of playing, because, why not!

[@davejoe2592]

@@steventucker8510 You'll love that guitar! I have an FG720S and it sounds better and better every day. By the way, I agree with all your taste in music. Enjoy that acoustic!

[@weedog6232]

Same here - who knew?

[@pamcm1098]

For me it all started with Marcus King's visit to Norman's Rare Guitars, then video after video I'm looking for Billy's concert dates within driving distance.

[@kendolson1123]

Can we collectively talk about how incredible this performance is and how we can get this in front of more people. There is nothing like this on Canadian radio. What the hell just happened.

[@TheRealTweeks]

That's why God invented KZbin and Spotify

[@yaboi-km2qn]

You can’t have drug references on the radio.

[@stevefadrosh6506]

dig

[@codysharp1798]

I’ve tried. Most people are dunces that don’t get it and stick to their Cardi B and Luke Bryan. After a while you’ll start to sound bat shit and people will think you’re trying to force your entertainment on them since you are. Then you’ll have to join me in the no friends club. It’s not worth it. Just hoard the Billy Strings to yourself. It’s cooler that way anyhow.

[@ProfMarkQ]

@@yaboi-km2qn Oh yeah, my local rock station has never once played the Eric Clapton song Cocaine before. Oh wait, they play it all the time. What the fuck are you talking about?

[@davidresch7830]

Real music real musicians thank god

[@markranfone6393]

yes

[@jshort7048]

Kevin Gills on the bass everybody 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏

[@JV-df9em]

I came home from work to find my acoustic up and left me. She left a note on the table that simply read “Going to be with Billy” 😫

[@johnsennett1690]

J v. Longtime ago in my Montrose once in a while I filled in in Sacramento California grew or I never trueley grew up I stayed. Out all night partying with the best of me that happened to me I think u should if u haven't already use it in a song sounds like it could be a goodie man hell yea

[@johnsennett1690]

⁸9

[@12StringHWY]

Can you blame her??

[@TheGodfearingyouth]

@@johnsennett1690 do what?

[@jerm3443]

I’m so happy the bass is so heavy in the mix. Bass players often get over shadowed, but this performance is definitely equal representation of each musician and it truly displays how important each instrument is to the bluegrass sound and structure!

[@TheDave000]

You dont mix music like this! They mix themselves! That's why its so great! One stereo mic, that's it!

[@amychester8735]

Hell yes from Hoosier land..Bill Monroe campground..John Hartford festival

[@NRG2]

Jer M depends how you listen and how you feel music. I think the “air” (over 2500 Hz” takes most people’s attention. Which kind of makes sense since the high note in a chord takes priority. But for me I am good at feeling the entire mix... music is love 🙏🏻😁

[@geofreak75]

Trampled by Turtles has really prominent bass in their songs

[@friendofbeaver6636]

Agree with every point. Recording outdoors is dodgy. The mix was superb!

[@jbfrodsham]

8.18 to 8. 48. That E triad harmonic and then land on the first position E Major, just simply stunning. This is the best bluegrass playing I’ve ever seen or heard. These boys are hot, that bass holding it tight. Wow.

[@explorertraveler7530]

So glad someone called this out. Best part of the whole video.

[@WeldonLooney]

Thank you for your for your wisdom, good sir.

[@Patbd2552]

Imagine taking a nice hike through the woods and you stumble across these guys.

[@jacobmattsen2393]

That was the most flawless song transition ive ever heard, goddamn

[@kendolson1123]

SERIOUSLY . I exclaimed out loud in my basement. How am I just hearing this now .

[@strangher11]

virtually seamless .... amazing aren't they?

[@joshuar622]

Y'all wanna listen to nonagon infinity

[@TheEldritchArchives]

I love that you can actually hear the bass clearly. Sounds so good!

[@mikeroullier6875]

Agreed 1000 percent

[@WilliamHunterII]

Kevin Gills, Don Julin and Billy Strings at their best.

[@rossweaver1695]

Two years on, my words slightly changed from “this is the best thing I’ve heard” to.. THATS INSANE!

[@gabelee9488]

It’s amazing how billy doesn’t miss any notes on the guitar! So crisp!

[@babswright2664]

That’s skill.

[@mikes3290]

Here I am commenting on this again 11 months later. lol. Every time I need to get away from the news and politics I find myself right here. Great bit of mind meltdown relief!

[@MRAIClassroom]

Just stay here!!!!

[@silentp9933]

That’s some damn fine pickin’!!! This is my first time hearing these boys; Damn sure won’t be the last!!! Made my day!!! 😀

[@andreasjrgensen678]

Hands down the best version of Dust In A Baggie in my opinion. Absolutely amazing, all of them, through and through.

[@joeestes9860]

U said that dam right. And a Michigan native giving me a humbling at my own dam music. Carolina mountain boy whom was forced to bow to Billy

[@merryprankstermatt]

Best I've ever heard for sure

[@conormillard7956]

Ive been playing guitar lazily for like 5 years and seriously for maybe 1 and I'm finally at the point where I understand how much time and effort and love these musicians have put into their craft. they are galaxies away from strumming chords

[@Budabaii]

appreciation of music goes way up once you make it to a certain point in your own playing where you can fully understand just how difficult sounding great can be. just have to make it over the first hump of the dunning kruger chart, the point where you can comprehend just how bad you are at something, lol.

[@hippiesmashing-3196]

Called being a professional

[@sebastiannelson6486]

The best 12 minutes of video on KZbin. Absolutely breathtaking! This is REAL music.

[@JoshNormandy]

Amen.

[@paulmataruga6558]

2nd the Amen

[@sallythomas845]

IF THERE WASMUSIC LIKE THIS..IN MY WOODS..ID B OUTSIDE ALL THE TIME!!!! ✌️♥️😃

[@lili-yl7th]

imagine acidentally stumbling cross this in the woods lmao

[@ZacBLive]

Right when the edibles are kicking in.

[@mortennefer2850]

Only one Thing to do. Open the beers and have an awsome party

[@brandonproctor3639]

Side quest

[@toddallenhawkins3619]

"Twenty long years for dust in a baggie." Now that some blues worth singing! These guys are awesome!

[@almorris171]

Trump will grant him a pardon even if he is white. ( ;) )

[@markhilston2119]

I did 18 long months for chemicals for manufacture in a Home Depot baggie

[@lazylion420]

the build-up and release which occurs from 5:47 to 5:55 sends lightning strike shivers down my spine... you can keep your quiet whispers and weird chewing sounds; this kid playing and singing his soul out of his body is all the ASMR I'll ever need.

[@allamericanfloorsanding]

Agreed

[@Hrogthar]

The best part is Don recognizes what will make Billy pop off, and that build up he fueled was what got him going. When talented people feed off each other.

[@nathanhexom6780]

Fucking right. Energy is on point.

[@benmarkus3675]

my second fav part of this performance besides the transition into this song!!

[@Nosirrah2112]

Woah. Same feeling. 😯

[@daviddietz7776]

I just started learning these songs. So fun. These guys are monstrous players they should all three get credit the bass is so on. I have played guitar and recorded myself and the bands I've been in. I'm a blues player. Good music is good music. Billy is an incredible talent. I was concerned that there was nobody coming up. He is a true American treasure. Like SRV, Bod Dylan, EVH, Doc Watson Elvis, Bob Wills, Jimi, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Satchmo Armstrong, Eric Johnson, BB King, Asleep at the Wheel, and other American born talent. We have so much music to be grateful for. And Billy and his super talented friends are a national treasure.

[@gregdodson2527]

All I can say is... I was born and raised in East Tennessee... and now I'm looking at a palm 🌴 tree.. I feel like I'm back home when I hear Billy... YEEHAW!! ... and Dios te bendiga.. (that's, 'God bless you ' ) in Spanish... I'm a minority here in Central Florida.... but they're not going away... ........😕

[@dawidczerniak5177]

This thing you’re feeling happens when people become music

[@corpseofchrist4620]

Just discovered this guy by accident. I can't stop replaying it 🤘

[@rzdrummer326]

Me too, Guys are phenomenal

[@Vinicius-fg6md]

Same here

[@SquiggyWigginz]

7 years later is still just as good. I think i was 4th commenting and 12 watching this video. Had no idea Jella Biafra was this good. 😅

[@DKsamps]

Nobody has said anything so I will, but not only is Billy the best thing i have seen in 25 years, but Don Julin is astounding too. He could play circles around Grisman or Bill Monroe.

[@karinenjellepelle]

I listen to this every Day... Realy.. every day

[@scotcornelius3295]

Me too

[@vtdemocracy7520]

I can’t blame you.

[@briandippel5033]

Me too. For months now.

[@user-bc9ud7hi1s]

Me too, from Japan

[@spencertherren6806]

Same. This particular video changed my life. For the better.✌️

[@bradyross2379]

ANYONE ELSE WATCH THIS DAILY?!

[@daleoriane6974]

Me

[@flapjackson6077]

Brady Ross I just discovered it a couple hours ago but I’ve watched three times so far. Seriously killer playing, and great songs!

[@claystaggs8908]

Guilty

[@MegaKainey]

yesss

[@samuellangley1162]

me!

[@marksutherlandjr.2121]

I come back periodically to just drop a line or two because of just how incredible this whole act is on these few songs. Absolutely LOVE the flavor Billy brings to Bluegrass. Ive been a huge fan since the beginning and ill continue to be a fan as he grows.

[@lonferguson7578]

Billy went to school with my son and mutual longtime buddies. Been an amazing ride to watch his talent soar. First saw him at about 10 yrs old playing with his older brother on the banjo. They were amazing back then. Very unique Bluegrass player (Bluegrass meets Heavy Metal). Now Billy's one of the hottest artists on the planet. Well deserved.

[@nickk3345]

You from Glen Arbor?

[@sovz007]

Don't understand the hate some people have on country music, that music is a true banger

[@Brandon-wn1el]

I never leave comments. But I believe this is my favorite video of all time.

[@rufsbello]

And after hearing that... I know, I'll listen to Billy Strings for the rest of my life!

[@archiet2205]

I don’t think non-musicians can truly fathom how good these guys are. The skill and playing here is just mind-blowing. To do all of this with about 5 cameras right in your face is just incredible…!

[@richardnicholls2220]

must have watched this 100 times & I'll watch it 100 times again...its magic, Billy hitting that G rings out like a Bell in readiness, a festival for my ears.....thank you Gentlemen, kudos to the sound guys too Brilliant recording skills right there.

[@bluto212]

I discovered Billy Strings in 2019; it was a good year.

[@bigballz5503]

Their you go brother!! Find that goodness!! I love it man

[@zackshier5023]

You should see him live if you haven't.... absolutely amazing.

[@mattnewhouse1781]

Thats why 2020 is f'ing awesome for me :)

[@devisissy1]

I just found him!

[@raktimparashar]

I couldn't find the Bassist's name anywhere except some guy posted it in the comments. Very unprofessional KEXP

[@blueman5924]

Not even in the pull down credits ! Shame !

[@adriaanvanberge1232]

All 4 camera men even made the credits

[@malakai713]

wow. unbelievable that kexp hasn't corrected this error yet

[@deathbykindnes]

i agree, but it IS possible he asked not to be? People are funny.

[@andrewwells5379]

Kevin Gills

[@123bug]

Dust in a baggie is a great American song. 💪

[@grantbent]

No overnight success stories - Billy Strings walked the long road.

[@vtdemocracy7520]

Our boy is now a Grammy winner. And rightfully so.

[@JebacNaBaterije187]

Watchin these guys play is more addictive then any dust in a baggy

[@holdenwaite]

Let’s give it up for that rock-steady upright bass player….what a MADMAN!

[@patsayjack402]

One of the greatest KZbin videos of all time.

[@jeffscott8323]

Its people like him that keeps this music going.

[@robertopeshansky]

I get more pleasure watching these guys in the woods than huge country concert with 1M viewers.. funny isn't it?

[@ginomuerte9240]

No

[@Shankabottomus]

You're just super fucking special I guess Robert.

[@cherimolina2121]

I'm old. Conjures up memories of Deliverance lol. These guys are too good.

[@-heda-]

“20 long years for some dust in a baggy” has gotta be the catchiest shit I’ve heard, hell of a good job.

[@BroccoliKind]

2:39 expressions worth a thousand words. It´s not about him playing music anymore. It´s the music that´s playing him. Love it

[@davetibbetts5028]

The feeling... thats where it's at

[@flathorizon1529]

Im pretty sure it was his face playing the guitar.

[@justineapril7922]

All I can say is Wow!! I've never been a huge fan of bluegrass music, but Holy Hell!!! Only 1 mic and 3 acoustic instruments. All 3 players got my attention, however I'm much more appreciative of guitar playing, and Billy Strings blows me away! He barely looks at his left hand and can also sing!?! At 61 years old, I'm thoroughly impressed!!!!! 💙💙💙

[@ezmyreldaandrade]

If you think that's impressive, you should check out Doc Watson. He was the blind guitar picker that originated the flat picking style.

[@NineteenEighty8]

Comeback here every month or so to relisted. Thank you Billy for trying to save REAL country/bluegrass and keeping it real.

[@marclalonde3178]

This one is for the father's that raised us I hope we made u proud miss u❤️🤠👑👑

[@KeturahTori]

#HearBeforeAMillionClub How I found Billy Strings, Don Julin, & Mr Gills. one night searching music this was my introduction and it was so personal a moment - no part was for human consumption.

[@michaelstewart4393]

Billy Strings astounds me and makes me laugh with his facial expressions

[@geraldlowe2652]

Reminds me of Roy clark yrs ago.

[@thordenwalter7464]

Really good work by the music engineers for the clean sound

[@ianstringer1356]

Absolutely no words . Well maybe 1 genius 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@dulciecollis-lealman1111]

What a fucking class act by every darn member

[@thejpinky]

My wife just told me to turn these videos down. Now I'm single

[@kennethstrider6409]

Ha... now she's single 😀

[@atakurt6055]

Watched this a hundred times now. Never fails to blow my mind

[@spnracing]

The best 12 minutes of music performance on KZbin? Outrageously good.

[@Theagchm]

Couldn't agree more. Superb strumming, picking and tunes - particularly enjoyed Albino skunk. Thanks for all the hard work folks.

[@aidanmagill6769]

You can't stop staring at that ear

[@miky8788]

got me

[@allenkennedy6748]

He can get that fixed if he wants. Won’t be half as traumatic as when it broke through. Evidently doesn’t bother him half as much as it does you.

[@tokziikk5610]

The tip of that flap has more talent in it than you will ever have in your lifetime.

[@mattkoonts3007]

Every body has a past.. it makes us who we are

[@Davelement]

He should get both fixed. I bet some bluegrass loving doc out there would do it for free.

[@creamlass]

bruhhh you can hear billie's voice echoing in the woods on the entrance to that last verse. gnarly :D

[@rickprather3092]

The love of your music is front seat. As a child we played barn dances & rest homes. Spread the love !

[@celenabarclay1488]

I have just recently discovered Mr. Strings. He is a phenomenal picker. The musicians he collaborates with are phenomenal as well. Music is a blessing to this world, and to see this talented is a honor. Be grateful we are alive when they spanked the down home music we absolutely love ❤️

[@beercanburr4058]

Me too...

[@someguy5035]

And singer

[@zedmanatutube]

I really have to study: KZbin: have you heard of billy strings? ME: 3 Hours later Addicted to billy strings, never even opened my book ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@Kellinatorable]

Me right now!

[@Chiefjane422]

I bought a banjo and have no musical ability prior at 22 years old 😂 dude kills it!

[@striknynemusic8373]

Damn I could listen to them play all day.

[@ginlizzy]

My fingers are bleeding just watching this, I would love to be able to play an instrument so well. ❤️❤️❤️

[@propaneandpropaneaccessori3446]

I love how Billy's bluegrass has metal vibes mixed in. Definitely see some metal influences there

[@ajohnson153]

I read somewhere that he was in a metal band for a while before switching to bluegrass. The influence is definitely there. He also is a master at incorporating those elements into his playing in such a way that they don't sound out of place.

[@babswright2664]

@@ajohnson153 he started in Bluegrass and went to metal to be with his friends. I, for one, am so happy he came back to Bluegrass. He is brilliant.

[@TheDennzio]

Hmmm that escapes me completely. This is so far from metal.

[@babswright2664]

@@TheDennzio he is still finding his nitche and what he is doing is winning him awards and billboards all over the place. Just keep it up I say.

[@xp8969]

@@TheDennzio has never heard metal 😂

[@joekelmel2862]

Having been the guy standing in the back behind everybody else for almost 50 years i understand that. However, a really good friend of mine said that if the bass player is doing his part nobody knows he's there. Sad but true.

[@kevc-69-]

I am watching this because i watched Billy with Tommy Emmanuel and it led me to this, such great talent everywhere.

[@kevinking5683]

I watched this one last night sitting in the dark on my deck. I enjoyed it so much, well here we are again tonight.😎

[@fatkidfrontflip]

Upright has always just had such a warmer feeling than any electric ever has to me.