Billy Strings // ROMP 2018

Billy Strings returns to the Owensboro Bluegrass festival, ROMP, for another amazing set. Playing some hits and callbacks to some older bluegrass classics we hope you enjoy this energetic performance on this hot day.

[@6StringsTheory]

One day people will be speaking of this man is a legend. It’s good to finally see a living legend in my lifetime.

[@Francisalbino39]

He most certainly is

[@kane6529]

One day people will laugh at these short shorts 😂

[@shyjulesmom]

He absolutely IS a legend!!!!!

[@goodwintrent2989]

As amazing as Billy is, he's in damn good company - each band member is an absolute monster on their axe. A truly amazing unit!

[@polescalante]

for sure... I wouldn't expect anything less though. In a way, Billy needs them as much, if not more, than they need him.

[@necroticprolapse1411]

i agree, i'm blown away by all of them especially Mando Guy

[@kathygarber3230]

Couldn't have said it any better.

[@Spleenarc]

Necrotic Prolapse Jarrod Walker is the name

[@JustinR941]

Billy is good, but I don't understand this big push he is getting right now. I've definitely heard better singers and pickers but for some reason they don't get the attention. Must be his silly glasses.

[@chuckyt9083]

Who would have ever thought it? Psychedelic bluegrass? It’s perfect for us 50-year-olds!

[@gaybaconstrips2]

...and us 20 year-olds!

[@LL-rp6mg]

Jerry Garcia

[@johnr8820]

Don’t count us young lads out! 22 here

[@chinakat9149]

Newgrass Revival...Leftover salmon...string cheese incident...just saying

[@carlwinkler909]

Don't forget 40 somethings

[@thenickfoxx]

anyone else just become bluegrass fans in the last 3 hours? lmao. Not only that, no matter what kind of music you prefer - you can still appreciate how fucking talented each and every one of these band members are. Reaching master status at your craft before 50 is a feat in its own lol. Anyway, just want to express my gratitude for the amount of talent i keep witnessing.

[@wayneorzel2347]

How about Bob D.

[@geniusmchaggis]

im 65 yrs old from vancouver bc canada... in the first minute of this YT vid... i sobbed with joy to see youse young fellas play the REAL MUSIC... i was holy rollin in my emotion... ive recovered now...whew...thank ye boys!

[@BluDawg]

I’m about the same age from California Mountains and this ole gal is just so happy to see and hear these most incredible musicians , thanks guys :) I found The Dead South a while ago and they are fab as well .

[@geniusmchaggis]

@@BluDawg i shall YT "the dead south" lassie! TY!

[@johnellsworth5753]

Astonishing. In my 79 years I have never...

[@sourdiesel2314]

Matching Cutoff jeans takes this set to the next level

[@btreece7437]

Yes a very hard to look at level

[@MsTaora]

Not hard if you're a deadhead, lol

[@redddbaron]

@@btreece7437 hahaha

[@itsok5079]

Must have been really hot.

[@edbutler5503]

There's always something they do as a schtick, I love it

[@BrandonPetrucci]

Billy Strings - Acoustic Madness Billy Failing - Banjo Thunder Jarrod Walker - Mandolin Rain Royal Masat - Upright Bass Foundation

[@jimgroff6880]

YeS

[@brianboyd6209]

Thanks!

[@michas.2821]

your forgott, shredder the mandolin

[@leeblackwood3689]

Thanks, Tom.

[@frye912]

Who in the world would hit the dislike button?!?!?!?!?! Billy Strings 🔥🤘🔥🤘🔥🤘🔥🤘🔥🤘🔥

[@jamessuggs4808]

I know! Right? I hit like then dislike on your comment, just for grins but it wouldn'tve even SHOWN let alone tell ya who thunk they was so funny so I changed it back to a like that'd at least show up. ;)

[@peggyblack1]

Binge watching Billy Strings❤️

[@brendanbiele2736]

It’s easy to do, but this concert is my fave…

[@dfoltz268]

As always Billy and the band are amazing but can we just appreciate for one moment how great of a job the sound guy did! Most of these outdoor festivals sound like they were recorded on a flip phone lol.

[@uzi4u182]

Whoever the producer/sound guy is of this is a fucking legend

[@denttech2515]

Thinking exact same thing

[@rideronthewhitehorse2012]

Yes! 🙏❤️

[@semtex6412]

as a sound guy myself, i totally agree.

[@cameronchodeable]

Weird you say that. I'd rather listen to this than the album versions... Well produced raw sounds.

[@derekblankenship6079]

I love how his banjo player always looks like hes making a grocery list in his head while hes playing lol

[@icblundell60]

Billy Failing's facial expressions while playing are great, he always looks so preoccupied.

[@arlenmargolin1650]

I could never put my finger on what that look was all about but now I think you're right that is funny as hell

[@wellengood7915]

These comments are priceless! Love these guys!!!!!!

[@be-bop4043]

I love him so much, I love how all 4 members are so different, the bass ayer looking like he is dirty dancing with his bass is one of my fave , banjo Billy is seriously the shit tho!

[@ambergalvin1240]

I just want to let you know that a year later you just had some mom cackle hard in the kitchen reading your comment. It’s so true. Just went and saw Billy Strings last week with my 69 year old dad and we were on the side with him and that’s exactly what it looked like.

[@STaSHZILLA420]

I'm obsessed with Billy Strings. I just found out about him like 5 days ago. This is probably my 40th video I've watched. Can't get enough.

[@mandytull]

I reacted the same way! Do you know where he's from?

[@chrisgrace2960]

me too!

[@STaSHZILLA420]

@@mandytull Well, he's from Michigan. Not sure where he's based out of.

[@barking_mad6649]

@@STaSHZILLA420 Muir. Apparently.

[@germanshepherdodin4069]

@@STaSHZILLA420 Ionia Michigan. Right up the road from me...

[@shortfuse6182]

0:05-Rose of ol' Kentucky 3:06-While Im Waiting Here (W/ Jam intro) 18:30-Katie Daley 23:02-Turmoil and Tinfoil 33:23-China Doll 37:12-Midnight Rider 40:00-Meet Me At The Creek 52:34-On The Line

[@coryCuc]

Not all heroes wear capes. Thanks man!

[@taylorcriss2051]

Thank you kind sir

[@markupton1417]

Bold of you to assume that Kyle doesn't wear a cape....

[@justinmartin9644]

The Jam Intro at 3:06 is called Pyramid Country

[@christianc6421]

katy daly*

[@drummonkey9291]

The shades made it even better somehow 😎

[@kerryalfred6565]

It's like the stories about Hendrix to me Billy Strings is the cream of the crop

[@1cowboyftw]

This is why bluegrass will not die .young people like this. Awesome.

[@Wqsmh]

I don’t know how many times I watch this. I absolutely love this show. The whole playing is cool and Billy has strong yet beautiful voice. It’s sad I’m not living in US

[@AndyKoch]

I'm just gonna watch this again.

[@CSBSkate]

I, for one, love how loud the bass is in this video. Gimme some fucking bassy bluegrass, baby!

[@jeremyarmentrout6410]

That audience needs to be up dancing more, this is literal FIRE

[@drewharrison1840]

It’s rural Kentucky. Bunch’s old stuck up blue hairs lol. Not much dancing but they do like there grass

[@D45VR]

@@drewharrison1840 I'm OK with them enjoying the music the way they want to

[@mattdoyle1901]

It looks pretty hot this day too. From the sweat and people I saw fanning themselves in the no shade.

[@be-bop4043]

Has anyone mentioned how hilarious those sunglasses are that Billy is wearing! Awesomeness at its peak!

[@patrickfoster4586]

Billy is the most exciting thing to happen to six strings since..."I don't know when!"

[@saymyname5933]

I agree. I am blewn away. I am a musician myself but have not had inspiration for years due to how much the music industry sucks. I am starting to get inspired again. Billy Strings is more than bluegrass. Bluegrass isn't even the music i usually enjoy listening to. What is happening. He is something else than everything out there. I wish i fiund his music earlier but i am glad i found it today.

[@redddbaron]

@@saymyname5933 Exactly! About 1/2 way through when he did that sick fusion including all those minor chords I was blown away. I haven't heard anything so exciting in 30 years!

[@jakeommiles]

So pleased I've found Billy Strings and his band. They are brilliant!!

[@robhaskell4043]

Since Tommy Emmanuel!

[@patrickfoster4586]

@UnholyUndies Billy was the guitarist for a metal band when he was in high school. He's also mentioned Sabbath, Hendrix and several other rockers as influences. P[>

[@jeffgreen2448]

This is what pure , raw musical talent looks and sounds like folks! All 4 of these guys are brilliant musicians! Doesn't get any better!

[@senyorekwiglio6380]

I concur with your conclusion!

[@apancher]

They play so well off of each other, too. Makes me almost think they're controlled by the same brain somehow

[@dwinkleman]

Just up the road from the birthplace of Bluegrass music. Priceless.

[@rainbowloomoverflow5106]

I was there that day and my mind is still blown

[@blc6464]

THANKS FOR FEEDING MY EARS

[@BrandonPetrucci]

I love that he frequently plays Grateful Dead tunes and he's taking a page out of their book which is genius, he rotates his songs and doesn't play the same setlists twice. This makes his fans want to collect individual shows just like Deadheads do...and Jerry Garcia would've LOVED him! but who wouldn't ...unless you don't like balls to the wall mega talent, and this whole band is a top notch Bluegrass unit...

[@barking_mad6649]

And there's many versions of the same song!

[@johnchurch7097]

I'm a deadhead with over 200 dead shows and I couldn't agree more. Going to my first Billy strings show next month at the capital theater, how appropriate.

[@jeffgaumond4250]

Of course Jerry (briefly) headed one of the best bluegrass bands ever Old and In The Way, featuring Peter Rowan, Vassar Clements and David Grisman. Check out their clips here on youtube. It was just a hobby band but given the talent involved it had to be awesome.

[@BrandonPetrucci]

@@jeffgaumond4250 I started see the Grateful Dead and Jerry Band in the 90s so I know Old & In The Way well, got the live album in the 90s. A different bluegrass band w' Jerry The Hart Valley Drifters came out with an album a few yrs ago, it's great too. Everything Jerry was involved with was amazing...

[@graphicish]

I agree with you but the Dead must have played the same set list twice at least once in the thousands of shows

[@davidp5862]

What amazes me is his repertoire seems endless. I've been checking out his solo videos on KZbin. He just amazes me .

[@captnoah8930]

This has the best performance of Turmoil and Tinfoil I've ever seen HOT DAMN

[@D45VR]

you are right!!!

[@James-pq5uf]

Whoa, didn't expect to hear Midnight Rider. Gregg Allman's smiling down on these boys. This aint' Grandpa's bluegrass. Love it!

[@Ponixup]

You can hundred percent tell these boys spent hours listening to The Allman Brothers. I mean who hasn't.

[@sarahhhh775]

Watch his performance with the Allman-Betts Band!

[@edthe1owapyr020]

I been listening for a fat minute and it took me this freaking long to realize there is no drummer holy fuck

[@marbleman52]

I'm 68 and I grew up listening & singing along with & dancing to the great bands and musicians of the 50's, 60's, and 70's; and especially to the great jamming sessions ( psychedelic if you want to call it that...and that's okay by me ! ) , but what I just heard from Billy Strings and the other musicians here is every bit as good and probably even better in some ways, to those fantastic jamming sessions from those earlier years !! It was incredible..WOW..WOW..!!!

[@patrickcharles7190]

Absolutely nailed Midnight Rider. Wow! On my drive home from the office, I was so inspired listening to this that I cut my $50 Dockers pants off into shorts...lol. Great performance.

[@mattcwell]

Good thing it was a cheap pair.

[@shawnfreeoftyranny8849]

Ya Think??Bingeing on him and he does nothing twice, that was first I heard such a growl in nailing Ole Midnight Rider. Other concert ,you can imitate "Wild Horses" by the Rolling Stones but not change it to make it your own. So I thought as Billy started it....guess no one ever told Billy that, he friggin stole it.

[@dangerrrnick5005]

@@mattcwell LOL

[@leaner23]

😂😂😂✌

[@KsiazeIgor]

The Midnight Rider in Billy's take shines twice. Thanks ABB for composing such an amazing bluegrass song!

[@jeffturro]

Those glasses! Found you guys a few days ago. Have been on a Billy Strings binge watch ever since!

[@jamisonatanasoff8693]

Me too!😎

[@limbrat5448]

Billy disappointing is not in the cards.I love him so much.

[@leeblackwood3689]

Me too! :-)

[@mooving2005]

Same

[@jennalanham2673]

Been on a binge since August 2021

[@rs5200]

Not often in your life you can say you witnessed greatness!

[@Mark-8587]

Cant stop laughing at his glasses. Keep them coming Billy.

[@georgepedone8506]

There are people on the earth now that have never seen people dance sing together free and happy. - boy I miss the energy of being one with strangers becoming friends sharing an experience.

[@mariosola1]

Billy has brought me back to string music. Honestly he's brought me back to music all together. Looking forward to him becoming a LEGEND that generations will speak about. I know this with 100% certainty as his sound and pure talent blow other LEGENDS out of the water.

[@BluDawg]

WOW … was just to watch a few minutes and can’t turn this off , these young guys are so very talented , thank you guys :)

[@marshallblack2000]

This makes me wanna roll a j and sit river side on a hot, humid July evening

[@starlyntejada9659]

HOPE IS NOT LOST

[@zoran2303]

This is awesome👍👍the best version of "Midnight rider" ever👌

[@rotory2002]

Who else could sit and watch this all day :) Absolutely amazing !

[@nakana_212]

Everything about these guys is nothing short of legendary. You guys are the next best thing since the Grateful Dead. Each song was performed flawlessly. Timing is perfect. And each member threw down some serious turnarounds. Face melting bluegrass. The legend quartet.

[@drewharrison1840]

I love the dead. No one will ever come before them. But 9/10 nights they couldn’t dream of playing this clean. For as amazing as the dead are, can’t say they were flawless. Billy’s as close as it gets.

[@brendanbiele2736]

I do see a lot of comments in this thread referring to how much this band sounds like the Grateful Dead… I totally hear that, there’s some really great epic band moments in this set. I am also reminded a lot of the way Frank Zappa ran his bands; super tight, extraordinarily talented and some unreal communication on stage. Musicianship at another level.

[@Francisalbino39]

Even better. Far more disciplined.

[@SuicideKing777]

This makes me smile so much I'll either start tearing up or start laughing out loud randomly!

[@AAROTheRedeemed]

So you are a a Fungi, huh

[@ericnoga9531]

SAME

[@meredithkillingsworth4518]

Same

[@thelemonboiz]

I laughed at my boss for saying he likes bluegrass I feel like a damn fool

[@JSchaffer214]

I used to make fun of bluegrass too but now when I hear to top 40 pop or similar modern music I can't help but think about how wrong I was. It's still not necessarily my cup of tea but I know when I hear good musicians playing music and this is so much better than the vast majority of mainstream artists today.

[@WillBlindYouWithLight]

Good. Some of us grew up around it as a family tradition. People like you and this other comment made people like me suicidal at some times. Especially when it's almost every person you meet. It adds together with other things that dissolves your self esteem over time. Now that you were humbled, don't do it again. Just realize that Billy is a symbol of our type of tradition being brought back to life by one that stayed with what he knew and said fuck everybody else.

[@Coolcats911]

LOL. THOSE GLASSES. LOVE YOU

[@official_czarus3714]

These fellas are gold. Totally serious, but not so much they don't have a sense of humor. So awesome

[@scotthoover6689]

Those 4 guys are magic together if you ask me. Amazing!

[@druwk]

Grateful Dead started as a Country/Blue Grass type band. I like the adventurous road these lads are heading down. It ain’t Bill Monroe, but I love the legit Blue Grass chops, and I love the dynamics they are putting in, up there. Respect

[@yeahthisisyoutubable]

druwk old & in the way will always be my favorite Jerry band

[@blademan6075]

These guys have the tiger by the tail! They are awesome!

[@davidcantwell2489]

Wings of Pegasus brought me here... And I'm digging the chit out of it.

[@theseventyseven]

David Cantwell Fil!

[@toastoftowne1076]

Hey Fil

[@MsTaora]

Oh yeah, wings of pegasus, Fil is great!

[@Adam-ow8os]

KILLER!! The Future of Grass

[@mbsnyderc]

With those glasses I'm wondering what type of Grass.

[@brandtalope]

@@mbsnyderc cocaine

[@davidgoodman8542]

@@mbsnyderc with those glasses and those tight jean short shorts

[@QueenofNonSequitur]

Thanks for reenergizing my love of bluegrass.

[@mcgraw8098]

Thank God this was recorded!

[@Eddieguitarloebs]

If somebody didn't care much for blugrass this will change their minds....smokin hot players....Billy is one of my favorit players now.

[@scottmoore3508]

How can anybody give this a thumbs down? This is God's music

[@hectorheathcote5571]

Billy Strings & the rest of the best .

[@rogermullis610]

Quickest hour in history..

[@carlbrownfield5447]

Wow! I've never seen or heard better.

[@gregoryclark8784]

people you're watching the making of a legend....the man and the band....in my 50+ years around music Ive never witnessed this type diversity, this type ability, this kinda passion......call it BS if you want.....l'll call it Billy Strings.

[@davidmorse8432]

Hats off to the production people. These guys played their butts off in sweltering heat. Sound quality and camera work was great for a live outdoor performance. Thank you for this gem of a video.

[@brandoncramer9012]

To hear Billy Strings play with Dave Matthews, Tim Reynolds, and the spirit of John Denver would be amazing. I can imagine what it would be like in my head. Phukinfantastic!!!!

[@guitarsword1]

Finally , Billy’s soundman got the Mandolin mixed so I can hear it. Incredible picker. Outstanding blend for live performance .

[@stevesewall]

Yes, for sure but we could use a touch more banjo

[@darrelllatham6086]

Glad to see his vision is improving.

[@MrVirgo54]

I want a pair of specs like that!

[@janerogers5717]

Billy you have a beautiful voice.

[@scottmoore3508]

I have listened to nothing but billy since "discovering" him back in october I refer to listening to the radio now as going to listen to some Billy

[@arkbuildersparadigm564]

Been watching a lot of Strings' performances lately, and I think ROMP 2018 is probably my favorite show I've seen on KZbin. Maybe if I saw him live, I'd have a different opinion. But I love this one specifically

[@wellengood7915]

No, your opinion won't change, these guys kill it!

[@callspreadzero854]

Saw him in Dallas and they killed it of course but this set list is awesome. That said, this years Dallas show was a 👌

[@Daemiex]

this isnt meant as a joke im being serious, but i feel so much for those without hearing who will never get to hear such an alive and toe tapping head bobbing sound, im british so this sort of music isnt my blood but i cant help but love it, and people like this are doing a great job of keeping it fresh and alive

[@skelitalmisfit12]

This is insanely good... i wouldnt have changed a single thing

[@Captivity91]

I like that I can hear the bass

[@josephcimmino3210]

I had a dream. Bluegrass music uniting us all . Everyone that listens to Billy and his splendid band no matter what color or social status loves these guys and usually bluegrass in general. This brings us all together. Metal Heads, Country, Jam Bands you name it all the love. Real music done by stellar musicians.

[@jeffloewi5632]

I don't really care for country but these guys blow me away and I don't understand how Billy and his Band aren't talked about at the water coolers every day. Move over everyone, these guys are numero uno.

[@toddfisher4262]

This ain't country friend. Its bluegrass mixed with hippies on tops and then some metal heads on speed with stoners on weed.

[@jeffloewi5632]

@@toddfisher4262 I stand corrected.

[@cherylwilliams1352]

🏵 One Word ~ LOVE 💫❣️💫

[@roneeforrest6754]

Love watching you Billy, your band sounds amazing! 💗🤘

[@garylindsey4170]

After watching Billy Strings and the people he plays with all I can say is WOW !!! So much talent

[@jasondemers158]

Thees guys have beautiful knees.

[@charlesallison4937]

Useful !!! 😉

[@elissitdesign]

7:00 - The Moonshine just kicked in and things got Psychedelic. Summoning Grateful Dead.

[@gripeotheday]

My tendinitis is flaring up just watching these boys fly!

[@rolandjgutierrez5839]

Billy Strings and also Daddy Strings are the best the band members are all ausem just started listing to bluegrass I dont think it gets better then this thank you ....Roland from Magdalena New Mexico usa

[@gabrielebaruzzo4024]

Garcia, grisman, Rice, Watson, and others, like Strings are Legend. I've no words! Bravi! Bravi!

[@obiwanudonnome814]

Billy Failing is a BEAST!!!!

[@boltofhawk]

I feel like it says it all when you see folks of all stripes smiling in total disbelief at what in the mf'ing wtf they're experiencing!

[@GlowShow5113]

Your comment is an example of trying to sound cool... But not working out. proof reading is your friend man. You should give it a try sometime.

[@boltofhawk]

I’m glad we could connect! Thanks for the great pointers! Stay loose as AF! 🤙

[@kelliibo11]

Pure genius, GLAD that I discovered Billy a couple of months ago!! WOW💯

[@normpaddle]

Nothing like snorting coffee out my nose upon seeing those glasses. Damn did that burn!

[@hipchicmarnie94]

I love the music and I think you all are amazing... Mr. Strings , please, oh please come to Tulsa, ok... I'd love to see you in person. I know it would be one hell of a show. 💜✌️💜

[@nationaltrevor255]

I was gonna write something about these fellas and this performance, but, well.. This speaks for itself..

[@geniusmchaggis]

back in the day..... there were 20,000 young fellas playing this good every town had a hundred... good to see em now...

[@Hickory_Ridge_Taxidermy]

ROMP. Is in my hometown, I need to go if just to see Billy Strings and Ricky Skaggs .

[@FrankLucci]

All this time now and I still love this video! Makes me smiles 🙂

[@incognito2long]

Unbelievable......I have no choice now....I'm a bluegrass fan....for those of you who don't play guitar...this kid picks ever note....remember his name cause you will see he in all the Hall of Fame ...................Billy Strings

[@natronsf]

All jort lineup is such a boss move and the music is killer...Strings rules

[@FrankLucci]

Merry Christmas billy and gang!

[@rktyler3470]

It’s pretty cool to be in my time with a musical unicorn in his prime. Being my ages I always feel like I missed out on all the greats a lot of the time.

[@spencertherren6806]

Growing up in the nineties was great. However, when looking back at the 70's music scene I always felt that I missed out on the best that ever was. Billy, bluegrass, jam and the new revival of amazing music has been awesome. We lucky.🤘

[@matthewotremba9230]

Banjo player is killing it !!!!!!!!!

[@mikespry318]

Tightest band ever, love these guys. Shine on forever...

[@theinstigator1931]

Holy shit never thought I would say , Lenard Skynyrd with Billy Strings. Go Billy go