Billy Strings Gives the Backstory on THAT Viral "Dust in a Baggie" Video

Excerpt from This Past Weekend #483 | Billy Strings
Full Episode: bit.ly/48tYA7m
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#TheoVon #BillyStrings #ThisPastWeekend #TheoVonClips #Bluegrass

[@ravenna6543]

"I wouldn't play it" Dude, that's all of our favorite version of it.

[@mbsnyderc]

For him he's much better now and he want's the whole band sound it's like Artie Shaw said that thing you feel in love with was just something the artist was working through to get somewhere else.

[@fetidcreeper]

It's cause there's swearing in the intro and they're filming a podcast

[@thomasedmondson3585]

Sidequest hero NPC barefoot Ben

[@FromNothingICome]

You sir... are about 1000%j correct. That's one of those "once in a lifetime" performances, that's almost too good to be true. It's like seeing an underground basement vid of Toni Iommi, a couple weeks after he wrote War Pigs... lol This cat is so humble and stuck in denial of what he really is... or at least he was as of that interview. TBH this is a genre I'd normally not pay much attention to. But he actually makes me take note of a genre I'd normally dislike or dismiss, like a Johnny Cash. I think he's one of the best performers and song writers I've seen in my lifetime (say about 1980, to present lol) and I'm excited to see what he does in the future...

[@davidwinters4329]

That video is how I learned about Billy.

[@user-bt5eb5pg9d]

me to

[@ChopperGreg]

Same here.

[@psychlyst]

as did most of us...

[@chatdaddychasechatdaddycha2271]

As did i

[@Rickkelley365]

same

[@hughbrame4193]

He said don't play it & that's literally the best version of it! 😂🤘

[@DeimosPC]

100% is. He doesn't need a band, I wish more musicians with his style would realize they sound better without a band lol.

[@JWendel12]

@@DeimosPC The live performances wouldn't be nearly as great without a band. That single tune yeah okay I agree with but his shows are absolutely amazing.

[@DeimosPC]

@@JWendel12 Not true. Some of John Mayer and Noel Gallaghers best live performances are their acoustic solo stuff

[@JWendel12]

@@DeimosPC This isn't John Mayer or Noel Gallagher. Have you ever seen him live? It's a completely different experience. At times there is a lot of improvisation that borders on being a jamband. I agree that he can put on sets without a band just fine but I certainly don't think it's better as a whole show.

[@DeimosPC]

@@JWendel12 You don’t think he can improvise solo?

[@beasthunt]

I'm glad Billy Strings is getting more air time. Dude is an absolute genius on the guitar and his bluegrass music is phenomenal.

[@joshuahymer15]

Is it ..

[@iamPROTOTYPE]

@@joshuahymer15 hasnt been to a billy show before

[@beenschmokin]

His guitar is legit but I can't even listen to that shit because his "singing" is absolutely atrocious. Van Halen knew Eddie was the draw but weren't stupid enough to let him sing.

[@joshuahymer15]

@@iamPROTOTYPE dude I love Billy Strings. So who’s laughing now

[@iamPROTOTYPE]

@@joshuahymer15 billy strings probably

[@Jfife2052]

The world isn't ready for a barefoot Ben interview! Lmao 😂 I know him personally and he is quite the character, an interview with him would probably be hilarious though! Billy strings, you the man brotha keep up the great work we love ya! Representing the mitten in the best way

[@brandyharding7692]

Come on man... we gotta hear some of your stories with the ole barefoot boy

[@yoeyyoey8937]

Story time jordafife

[@keagan0000]

Has he since subscribed to shoe wearing?! Hope not😂

[@TheLusaso]

How TF have I listened to him for about 4 or 5 years now and never knew he was from Michigan?! 🤦🏻‍♂️ More respect given

[@cloudhigh6582]

What's he like?

[@dubber2001]

Greatest comment about that dude was that he looks like he’s waiting to give you a quest

[@jonstringer7136]

I came here to say this 😂

[@analogemma]

its literally in the video

[@dubber2001]

@@analogemmaI also saw that after I’d posted this. Thanks for coming in today

[@ineedtostopwatchingyoutube5211]

Yep

[@craigweaver5671]

What is a side quest?

[@ThatDiecastGuy69]

the quest givers name is "Bare Foot Ben", this brings me great peace and happiness

[@kari2030]

Me too!😂😂😂😂

[@BotsWeekendCovers]

Me Three!!!!!!

[@XRPXLM]

Get Ben on the show!

[@DustinHaggerty-lj1ix]

Yeah for real

[@SnaketheJake87]

Absofuckinlutelllllllly

[@jacksully5580]

Ben kenobi?

[@rockharddock1711]

i thought they said he died

[@Raellives]

@@rockharddock1711he did. He died.

[@white_devil73]

Dust in a baggie is what got me started on Billy Strings.

[@Wayzor_]

See ya in the war. oaf

[@thejazzsack5804]

Straight up handing out answers to questions some of us have had for a long time - this whole interview is a ride for sure

[@raydawg6364]

I remember watching that video years back and laughing my ass off at the comments.

[@dfgalvin]

That video was the first time I ever heard of Billy Strings and I've been hooked ever since.

[@Jimmy_Watt]

Go to one of his shows. It's amazing. The music is incredible, the show is a hell of a thing, and the crowd is so unique. Hippies, metalheads, old rockers, grandmas, little kids, beers, tons of pot smoke, and no one causing any problems. A warm atmosphere. Wholesome as all fuck. A damn good time.

[@chrisrosettidoubledown]

Same here now I make a living playing bluegrass and just started flat picking competitions saved my life from drug abuse

[@Romulux]

When he said "I wouldn't play it" in my mind i said "NOOOO, PLAY IT!" And immediately tried to calculate how many times I've seen that video. It's definitely in the hundreds, that video is pure gold.

[@BigCountryASF]

I love how he’s humble and shouted out one of his friends that was there at the start

[@JazMystic1]

I remember that side quest comment. One of the funniest comments I’ve ever seen

[@kingofthefountain3091]

This video is awesome. Always amazing how self critical musicians are

[@WalterPidgeonsForge]

Yeah, seems weird.. it is probably my favorite version.. so simple, clean and tight.. just a man and a guitar.

[@xijinpingsfavoritehemorrho1328]

Ego ruins musicians, look how bad jimmy page got by the late 70s

[@uNkLeRaRa4]

I literally just went down the Billy Strings rabbit hole a week ago, and have been obsessed with the Dust In A Baggie video.. then he shows up on Theo's podcast... Ok world, you win

[@jonnya3425]

Billy is undeniable. Once in a generation talent IMO. As you probably know, you've hit the jackpot.

[@thegreatpotenza3034]

I love that Dust In a Baggie video. Straight jammin

[@iamPROTOTYPE]

he has so many other amazing originals, and does crazy covers at his live shows. check it out if he plays near you

[@TWO-BASED]

Dust in a baggie is a absolute tune 🫡

[@stevecooley4439]

That’s the song that made me love his music

[@charliefoster5862]

This is exactly how I imagined the story would go after watching that video 100 times 😂

[@Kestrel66]

Bro we used to listen to that song over and over when we were younger. Drunk times in outback Queensland. Excellent song. Hope y'all are doing well. Gang gang.

[@mjcaple]

Best Introduction to an artist I have ever had was watching that video and others on my journey down the Billy Strings rabbit hole.

[@stevehera8440]

Barefoot Ben next episode!

[@rheyza4475]

100% lmao!!! This neeeds to happen!!

[@sebastianwhalin743]

Wow he was always just npc green shirt guy to me. So awesome to hear his name and the back story

[@Lochlann13]

The dude finally has a lore-accurate name! Hail, the best known NPC on Earth, Barefoot Ben!

[@rhondamoon3886]

That video was my introduction to Billy Strings. I fell in love with his music then

[@direwolf8093]

Seeing my boy Billy next week in Atlanta. This just made me more excited than I already was.

[@SaucySauceSSS]

I’ve lived long enough to discover Billy on KZbin when he was just a kid before he was famous, be in awe of this outrageous unknown talent, know all about barefoot Ben, watch him blow up and play Dust in a Baggie at the Grand ol Opry, become a household name, grow up, and eventually perform at the Grammy’s… and now, explaining who Barefoot Ben is to Theo Von. What a wild ride it’s been 😂

[@tedlivermore6955]

Yeah kinda cool how Billy gave a shout out to him eh

[@mikestaub]

Billy Strings is the Hendrix of our generation. I saw him live, he's on another level.

[@theres1dent]

Hendrix.. cmon man

[@mikestaub]

@@theres1dent I'm serious. He's a rare talent.

[@aaronhumphreys842]

He is thee Yo Yo Ma

[@BarrackObamna]

@@mikestaubnot Hendrix dude. Not even comparable, this man isn’t inventing a new sound. He’s refining his skills on an old genre. Jimi literally made every guitarist in the world at once change the way they play. Not even hating it’s just their influence is in two different universes. There’s a reason you chose to compare him to Jimi. The same reason why he’s not even close to him.

[@mikestaub]

@@BarrackObamna have you seen him live? He is definitely inventing a new sound.

[@krypticviper1613]

The best comment is the one that's like "looks like that guy finally went to take that smoke"

[@rosscampbell1173]

So cool to hear the backstory on that video. I like that raw version of Dust in a Baggie.

[@user-bv7jc]

You are literally one of the best interviewers currently in the entire media space. No joke.

[@GKA11111]

You don’t say? 🤣🤣 what a cold talk lol. Let me guess, you think Joe Rogan is one of the best podcasters?

[@Philpan4-k4x]

ohmy god are you serious? this beavis/butthead clone is the SINGLE most clueless person ever to conduct an interview unreal how many people follow this complete doofus

[@ALLforROME]

😂 😂 gobble 🍆 gobble 😂 😂

[@davedarling6512]

@@sids61 can we say yet that a majority of people live their lives through a screen 12" away from their face?

[@beenschmokin]

Modern Wisdom has entered the chat...

[@WhoLetMeOnYoutube]

I love what Billy Strings has done for bluegrass!

[@johnmoe7845]

“Guy in the green shirt owns 90 % of the share of GameStop “ was my favorite quote.

[@Silent_Gold74]

Lol him pointing out the comments 🤣fkn love Billy

[@trails4all]

Every towns got one

[@stonesthrow9753]

Let’s get that Barefoot Ben interview!

[@GxcciGhost]

Theo has been getting some amazing people on this channel, love it

[@huibui2978]

becoming a legend by standing around in a video is really a cool thing

[@brokenh8911]

❤❤ Bobbi here from Illinois I stumbled across Billy strings videos and I’m in love I just love this kind of music I don’t love the new music industry anymore amazing man I’d love to meet him in person oh my gosh❤

[@travisjanz4738]

We needed that explanation, thanks

[@stevee.7419]

What a likable guy and a great story teller.

[@DL-mn7co]

I think you’re freaking awesome dude, very first time I heard he was dust in a baggie with your friend barefoot ben, Oh and I fell in love with your music. You are the real deal and can play that shit out of that guitar. Keep knocking it out of the park Billy thanks for sharing your gift with us

[@codystillman1181]

That video was the best recorded version I've heard yet.

[@Nummey]

Not only do guys like Barefoot Ben always know where the parties are at, they know what area of the house to hang out in for the best time lol.

[@c3920]

Fantastic player.

[@toddburgess6792]

Is that Ionia, Michigan? Barefoot Ben in the winter must've been a different sight. 🥶

[@bsmith8943]

Hell yes. Huge Billy fan.

[@harryodell1881]

everybody upstairs missed the music, the real party! That man can play!

[@matthewturley352]

Thank you for this! Been curious for yeaaaaars!

[@themadmattb]

Billy is a guitar god!

[@jackmullane1242]

I go back every to see green shirt guy enjoying the music

[@derekpugh5457]

Thank you, I have watched that video a few times, and now this puts context to Ben 👏🏻👏🏻

[@detroyt232323]

I grew up right around here. Hell yeah 😎🎸

[@trump45and2zig-zags]

It's in my work Playlist atm. Dude can jam

[@agenda2175]

Your welcome billy 😊 right around Tyler Childers too .

[@anonymousmc7727]

The reason you see him at every party…….is because he’s the dealer 😂

[@patrickdonnell3591]

Long live Ole Bearfoot Ben

[@aaronthompson7330]

Saw that video for the first (and not the last!) time today. Can’t imagine being at that party stumbling on to that and my mind promptly exploding

[@atonesb5251]

That video is a killer performance of the song. Ben is hilarious in the background. It's even more impressive now that I realize Billy is tripping, and even more fun knowing the lore behind green shirt guy. I was a long haired hippy, too. But he seems like some kind of magical forest creature that would appear if you started strumming a guitar out in nature.

[@AaronBurnsVoT]

I've had the thought before that Barefoot Ben gives me Theo Von vibes lol

[@gravyboat2753]

Great song 🔥

[@terryice5304]

What a legend!

[@RetirementFund750]

Dust in the baggie slaps WAY harder than it should😅🤣🔥🔥🔥

[@mr.mckinnon5680]

As someone who lives in Kent county, right next door to ionia. I will testify from first-hand knowledge and experience..... Ben is not the only hippie in Ionia. He's not even the only guy, they call hippie. I know at least half a dozen of them, personally.

[@MJSmurf]

That’s an awesome video. Now I have to go watch it again for the 1000th time

[@soluteemoji]

The one at red rocks is awesome too!

[@starrfadeable]

The comments on that video are some of the best ever

[@asasmay]

Billy is very talented

[@lamosos]

You know when you're that fucking good while tripping balls, you got something special.

[@slayinbass2396]

Barefoot Ben and the guy that filmed it helped elevate Billys career.

[@420Gold]

That version of dust in a baggie is fucking fantastic! It’s the reason I know who billy strings is!

[@Janon48]

Barefoot Ben’s hype man skills were like half the reason that video was so lit

[@winkzmusic1]

“ I wouldn’t play it”…. Fucking murders it in that video

[@bobchooper114]

He'll yeah!!!

[@amexna]

This video is a classic. When I was in college 30 years ago, there was a Barefoot Ben at every party I went to. When I saw this video I was like, "Hey, I know that guy!" lmao

[@MudDuckGames]

I never knew you were from michigan until now. shoutout from b.c.

[@fredmacdonald9339]

that vid was my into to billy strings

[@localyokel1000]

LEGENDARY!!! I hope he got to smoke his cigarette, I've been wondering for like 5 yrs now

[@me-wp6rk]

It's my favorite version of it.

[@ProbablyStonedComments]

Finally the story behind the video. Billy is a virtuoso.

[@shogunjobu]

Billy I really need Ryman tickets. Traveled to Nashville got bridgestone tickets but need Ryman tickets

[@nicholasmehler9662]

Lololol

[@bryancobb1151]

Finally there's the story I've been waiting years for lol . the comments are epic!!!!😂✌😃

[@marclewis1199]

When i want to hear this song this is what i pull up. Tripping on shrooms 🤣🤣🤣🤣.

[@Fairwayyeti]

Don’t worry Billy. He is working at Ventra, getting by.

[@cariboudave]

lol, basically the story of my roommates at Ohio state in the early 1990s

[@ScottBurton11]

People were like "who's green t-shirt guy" and "how's green t-shirt guy"

[@jeffhood898]

The first video I seen of his. Great story..

[@nocheckmarkgames]

Literally EVERY Party crew has a Barefoot Ben. Ours was named Christian.

[@scottmccook8484]

I always wanted to know who that dude is in the background holding the cigarette. So glad to finally hear the story !!!

[@toddaulner5393]

I love that song and video!

[@loudfast1261]

Shrooms, always getting ya away from the drunk vibes🙌🍄

[@rottenbanjo]

That video made me find Billy

[@brandyharding7692]

shout out to ole barefoot ben!

[@kerryc.7438]

Billy spoiled it all ! He took the mystery out of the guy in the green shirt

[@nobutsaboutit]

Barefoot Ben used to come into my gas station. Small world

[@mrnova5769]

Just seen bare foot ben in west virginia he's still looking for a lighter.. great guy!

[@dianabrown609]

I knew it😂 I do the same thing with a cig after a few caps.

[@alexanderbielski9327]

Theo von doing the journalism I always wanted 😂 I always wondered if baggy shorts guy was the pot dealer!

[@petergarrett6151]

That entire video Ben's feet never leave the carpet its the best part.