My Favorite Riff with Nikki Sixx: Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big & The Winery Dogs)

Billy Sheehan is a world class bass player who's long list of accomplishments include Mr. Big and The Winery Dogs. For this episode of My Favorite Riff Billy deconstructs his gear, demonstrates his distinctive style and talks his pre-show ritual.
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[@ABshookme]

A Steve Vai band will never be perfect without Billy Sheehan.

[@popvinnik]

Very cool to hear Billy mention Chicago. I don't think Peter Cetera got enough recognition for his bass playing. His bass lines are great! Busy yet very melodic. He could sing and play and damn what a voice!

[@jasonbone5121]

Billy Sheehan is such an amazing player. And such a nice guy.

[@Grimeyhoob]

hes a great player but a terrible person, I'm his uncle

[@michaelr.4878]

Great player and seems like a great guy. BUT...unfortunately, he is a member of the 'church of scientology'. It is really hard to take someone serious and respect them when they are a part of that crap. It really sucks when you realize that one of your favorite musicians is a cult member. How anyone could believe any of that crap is beyond me. Just look into their beliefs and practices.. it is astonishing. So else their members are totally brainwashed, or else they are willingly ignorant. I respect Billy for his musicianship..but I can not respect a member of that crap. ..Billy must have had some fine print added to his 'billion year contract' in order to participate in this interview with Sixx. What a joke.

[@michaelr.4878]

@@Grimeyhoob - Mr. Miscavige, is that you? Where is your wife? haha

[@SvenTviking]

Sea Change Shouldn’t that be “Sea Org”?

[@SvenTviking]

Michael R. For celebrities, Scientology membership is a great thing. They get treated very well, don’t go through all the crap that ordinary members do, none of the exorbitant payments for “auditing” etc and less silly rules to obey. Plus they get an army of assistants/slaves to pander to their every whim. They say John Travolta is at a level that he could murder someone and Scientology would cover it up. So if you’re shallow and talented, the temptation is there.

[@JoeMama2112]

I was going to make the obvious comment that Sheehan has more talent in his pinky than Sixx has in his whole body, but after watching the video, It's obvious that Billy totally respects Nikki, and Nikki already knows full well who the better bassist is. Really cool to see, and a reminder to me that music is not a competition. Nikki may not be the greatest bassist in the world, but he is one hell of an entertainer and showman. I respect him a lot more after watching this.

[@dougstanley7662]

There are few bass players as talented as Billy as is evident .The dude is killer and not just in the studio , I've seen him live a few times and he just blows my mind on what he can do on a 4 string bass.

[@Partybob1]

I think they are both absolute titans of rock at different things. It’s hard for people to appreciate how powerful and solid playing like Nikki’s is essential to a successful gig or track or band. I’ve been playing bass for 40 years so I’ve put some thought in to it.

[@mikie431]

It's difficult to compare Billy to Nikki. It's like comparing a Ferrari to a Volkswagen Bug. However they both get the job done.

[@dougstanley7662]

@@Partybob1 I've been a bass player for close to 35 years aswell so I can agree with you on that.I'm a huge Crue fan and the same for anything Billy has done so you won't hear me knock either one of them.

[@kiekko673]

Partybob1 You’ve been playing bass for 40 years, and you call Nikki’s playing solid? That’s like calling Lars Ulrich a solid drummer...

[@mhsigrist]

Hands down to one of the coolest dudes in music business. Billy is a truly legend.

[@bobbyfikesmusicfun]

Correct sir

[@hotfarts6731]

Billy was playing conservatively here. He could have made Nikki's head explode with his crazy tapping runs but he didn't.

[@del-cerro-bellavista]

Sixx personality is suitable for TV and talkshows

[@ZakEdwardsOfficial]

Really enjoy this side of Nikki. You're doing a great job brother. Billy is just the real deal and so humble.

[@FormulaKimball]

For me it's Billy's playing on David Lee Roth's first album... just awesome. Elephant Gun ... OMG super fast tremolo picking.

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

As a guitarist, I gotta say it's really fun to hear 2 bass players get together and shop talk.

[@mnije]

I really appreciate this whole series. Seeing Nikki connect with so many musicians and showcasing who they are and what they do is fantastic. He’s doing the Lords work.

[@TheTrueFortress]

The man’s a freak player. No one like him on bass. But beyond all the shred and fancy-pants playing, Billy’s a solid and fundamental musician. Plus he’s infinitely likeable. Good stuff.

[@Guitar387]

Niki sitting down with billy is the equivalent of a beginner pianist sitting down with Beethoven.

[@darkChristian]

ONE OF MY FAVORITE MOMENTS IN ROCK & ROLL WAS WHEN STEVE VAI AND BILLY SHEEHAN GOT TOGETHER IN DAVID LEE ROTH'S BAND, FLIPPING THE GUITARS OVER THEIR SHOULDERS AND A KICK ASS SINGER SONGWRITER, THAT WAS EXCITING.

[@thomasvig8573]

Thanks for having Billy Sheehan. Saw him with Talas back in the day. Also with David Lee Roth with Steve Vai. Great bass player

[@robert_D187]

One of the few interviews where Sixx isn't constantly butting in, Billy Sheehan is an awesome bass player.

[@Elliot_Z]

1986 Steve Vai - Billy Sheehan. David Lee Roth's Eat 'Em & Smile Tour. Two virtuosos... Incredible...

[@mistahwolfie]

Greg Bisonette's not so shabby either + America's #1 frontman! Saw them twice. Staggeringly good shows.

[@MrClassicmetal]

Elliot Zovighian There was a cool sidebar about that in Guitar World magazine. Something along the lines of "It wasn't going to last forever, but for a short while David Lee Roth had the hottest band in the world."

[@jerichacline5388]

That band was the best backup band in the world.

[@miguelvazquez2239]

Mr ClassicMetal l

[@HocusPocusFocus69]

I was blessed to see them on that tour!

[@pedrolucasmsc]

Thanks for this project Nick! You have the contacts to interview the best players in this cool and inviting place! The result is one hell of a archive for the history of Rock!!

[@stevehogan8829]

Great vid.. Sheehan is a real guy and fantastic talent . Good to see him on chatting. CTA/Chicago was such a cool band. What a time.

[@claytonphelps9911]

So glad I just watched this, Billy is so cool, down to earth, sweet spirit. I saw him several times back in the day, on the G3 tours, Satch, Vai and a third guy, Billy was often with Vai.

[@joeypowell2255]

As a bassist of 28 years who grew up listening to Billy, I still find his passion to be the most inspiring thing...even more so than his playing which is itself phenomenal. Such an awesome guy. I think it's easy to assume that these monster players would have big egos, but many of them are so humble and generous with their time and knowledge. I had the pleasure of meeting Paul Gilbert years ago, and he is like that as well. Salt of the earth.

[@craigmarkley445]

As a "regular" bass player, you can see Nikki's amazement seeing what an expert can do with the same instrument.

[@mantaboo]

I would love to see Mick Mars on My Favorite Riff!

[@Cruiseangel72]

Always so amazing watching mr Sheehan playing fantastic riffs

[@mhsigrist]

So cool to see Nikki asking advices about bass playing. Pros never stop learning!

[@AlJohnsGuitar]

I think it's AWESOME to see Nikki just in REVERENCE! I could tell that he really respected Billy. Who wouldn't!?

[@Steaminlidz]

That was a very, very natural and easy looking conversation. Billy seems like such a chill guy.

[@jayjaytee9944]

Man this really is a cool little show, the calibre of artists is top notch too. Thanks Nikki

[@stillnessinmovement]

the faces he makes when he plays! he so loves playing and it shows. awesome

[@JimiJam24]

Man I'm telling you, this has GOT to make it on TV somewhere... MTV VH1 someone has got to pick this up... Yea I'm a big time Billy Sheehan fan but just the show in general will be a major hit if it can get some on air time! For GODSAKE someone pick this up......Nikki is PERFECT!

[@vinskeeter]

This is such a cool series. Great job with it Nikki, I wish you could bring it back, or some other version of it. A lot of us love late century metal and still can't get enough. And ya......UFO rocks!

[@alexandrejuraoliveira9526]

I LOVE THESE GUYS !!! I PLAYED THIS BASS WHEN I WAS IN A BILLY'S YAMAHA' WORKSHOP HERE IN SÃO PAULO /BRAZIL IN 2013

[@MM1717mm]

Sheehan is a class act. Still have his autograph. 1 of my fave stories to tell 🎶🎸🎶

[@jamesvaldez718]

Nicki, Your a very humble man.. Thanks for that.. Much respect for you Brother....

[@johnmoser2689]

Loved that.... to be with you line thanks Billy that song still is so freaking cool

[@patrickbutler9744]

Sixx is really good at this

[@davsea123]

Agreed. He asks a question and really listens to what the interviewee has to say.

[@MrClassicmetal]

Patrick Butler I couldn't agree more. Great host.

[@westprogamer3294]

Yes its always awesome when the interviewer knows what he's talking about and could relate to the guy he is interviewing..

[@MrClassicmetal]

It's can be an added plus if the interviewer and the person he's interviewing are in the same line of work, but there's more to it. Sixx could be hosting a show about cars, animals, or whatever and he would still rub people the RIGHT way because he has a pleasant personality. Joe Rogan has that too.

[@dylanakent]

This made me feel SO GOOD! "We ALWAYS get thrown out of the band - we're bass players!" I spent the first 10 years getting thrown out of bands until I finally started my own bands. Bass players are always the scape goat. I love both you guys so much - I saw Billy with Talas in NYC at least 8 times and with DLR a few times. Such a great interview, Nikki - much love - rock on! Happy Halloween!

[@cersadescosmos7497]

Good for you! One of the most creative and lyrical bass players started his own band and you may have heard of them, they were called the Beatles. Sheehan is a stand up guy and a hell of a musician!

[@jasonv9648]

Don’t forget Steve Harris. Ain’t no one throwing him out of his band. :)

[@jeffday7465]

Met Billy at the Paul Gilbert show a couple of weeks ago in Nashville. Actually got out of his seat, stood up, shook my hand and asked my name. Super nice guy. Asked him if he was gonna play with PG and he said, "Well, there's a rumor going around...." Needless to say, he didn't disappoint.

[@Muppio]

Interviewer: "So what do you play?" Billy Sheehan: "Yes."

[@Buffrt66]

I have been a fan of Billy's for a long time. Talas! Talas! Talas!

[@bbbbbbbb723]

Love all the Sixx Sense Series!

[@gustavorocha78]

Nikki, you're so good on this! Great interviews!

[@JW-or5xj]

I'm not a huge fan of Nikki's but he came off pretty cool here. Sheehan is a god and so down to earth. Love his playing and his spirit.

[@jrock5490]

Dude i totally agree. Nikki has always been an asshat in my book but he was really cool here and i think i changed my opinion of him because of this.

[@BUNKERJR53]

Billy and Nikki!!!! 2 of my favorite bass players!!!!

[@ligamentpull1]

Billy Sheehan rules, an amazing musician and Gentleman!

[@markhawksford785]

I'm so happy there was a my favourite riff with Billy.

[@Jstang182]

I see him as Steve Vai's best bassist he ever had play with him they both play so well together as very accomplished guitarist and bassist.

[@noone-ix4jc]

Love and respect for Sir Billy Sheehan... ❤️🙏🏽🙂

[@zaclampson6088]

Billy is such an amazing talent and a wonderful human being. :)

[@alwaysengines]

Loved the interview. I just wished Nikki would have asked him about Billy’s influences and fav riffs by other bassists

[@peteyk9391]

alwaysengines Billy’s big influences are the bassist from The Yardbirds and the amazing Tim Bogert of Vanilla Fudge. 👍🏻😁

[@dougstanley7662]

Man Billy is a fucking GOD ,I swear the dude has some kind of super natural power.I've been a fan for years and he is also a huge influence Although I've never been near as talented ,I guess that's what 10 hours of practice a day will get you...

[@chris_santucci]

I'll never forget seeing Sheehan play in Buffalo with Talas way before Mr. Big. Mind blown.

[@bricin1982]

Yeah, you, me, and about 150K other kids growing up in WNY during the 70s.

[@medhead964]

@@bricin1982 ...and in Rochester with Vai, and Greg Bissonette on drums behind David Lee Roth in 87.

[@muriloninja]

The Winery Dogs are incredible, my favorite band for sure!

[@Longisland95]

Very cool. Keep geeking out with bass talk. I never even heard about scalloping.

[@comfibold]

Billy is very humble for such a talented guy.

[@churchbryan35]

NIKKI...I know this video is 2 years old, but I could watch you and Billy, all day, and I'm a guitar player..✌

[@makrocker1000]

Adoro Billy quanto Nikki, non conta la sola tecnica nella musica come non conta solo l'apparenza, ma per me sono grandi allo stesso modo. Billy è un bassista completo, impressionante tecnica e fantastica presenza scenica mentre Nikki è un compositore eccezionale, sa divertire la gente e fargli vivere il proprio momento rock n'roll, come farla anche emozionare.

[@bernardogui3933]

never realized that Sixx is really a nice and smart person.

[@Pogokoala]

and a RACIST!

[@tose917]

Pogokoala - and you’re an asshole.

[@leth9320]

@@tose917 You spelled cunt wrong mate!

[@frankmoreno673]

WOW, Can't believe you got Billy to do one!!!! Great bass player!!!!!! You should try to get Richie Kotzen, Billie Joe Armstrong, or John Mayer!!!!! Ps LOVE MOTLEY CRUE! You're one of the Best lyrcists ever! Keep these coming!!!

[@aeromagnumtv1581]

Saw Billy jammin' with DLR back in the day...was awesome!

[@luish777]

Billy is not only a master musician but a Gentleman .

[@blewers]

It gets no better than Billy Sheehan. All music students should learn from his playing and emulate his attitude.

[@Cigarsnguitars]

Gotta love the Dremel. It can fix things and destroy things real quick. There is so much talent on that couch. I was really not a big Crüe fan but dig Sixx A.M. both these guys are so approachable.

[@markpr73]

Nice that he references early Chicago material.Their first 5 or 6 discs were phenomenal.

[@tarcrystalline]

So damn likable. Both of them! Love these.

[@chrisb48907]

two of my favourite bassists !!

[@joecatetal3889]

i saw mr big on their first tour as a casual fan and just realized i saw paul gilbert and billy sheehan live in a hole in the wall club in providence

[@anotherstart1]

Two of my favorite of all time. On different sides of the fence but it’s all good !

[@richardskinner1155]

Fuggin aye!!! Love Billy!! Keep it up Nikki!!

[@bobomud]

Billy is just awesome!

[@redklok585]

I'm a guitar player, but Billy is a huge inspiration to me. This man is a powerhouse and i would give anything to have a bass player like him in a band with me... where's that human cloning debate going by the way? He should be first candidate. He would drastically improve any band in need of a real bass player.

[@countvond233]

How cool is Billy? A true "Gig-Getter" - skills for days, sings great and is a good guy.

[@MIZORAM_mafaka_hnamte]

_Billy Sheehan in the house... Holy Crap !_

[@chriscuthbertson]

Nikki, would be great to see Steve Harris on this.

[@dampcarpet2607]

What?

[@brataguitaracademy6530]

yeah!

[@jimmyflinchum5264]

Yesss!

[@williamtauriello1581]

I used to see Billy play when he was with Talas. Even then, everyone knew he was going places the rest of us could only dream about.

[@daveg4236]

William Tauriello a friend of mine was from Lockport and turned me onto Talas. Killer 3 piece

[@vaibhav170483]

6:46 - I'm sure Nikki would be watching Billy and wondering this is some next level stuff right here

[@mikefutcher9182]

Billie is a fantastic player and a great guy!!

[@Hanssone]

Very good interviews, most important not awkward the guests seems very home

[@TheSirenRigger]

Great! Love Billy! LOL around 7mins in when he was starting the complex stuff and was working up, I could almost hear Billy play Popcorn. That would be interesting to see his take for an exercise of that song. ;p \m/

[@harmankevin43]

Great interview!!!

[@Aquabob68]

need more bass players on here..great shows.

[@borderlinedelusion]

Billy is one of the best Thanks nikki

[@JOSECONPECAS]

Nikki, i know you are a busy man, but you should continue with this show. IT's so cool. Maby more bassist, don't know. Billy is the most adorable guy!

[@53xf]

7:24 made me recall why Billy is my favourite bass player

[@guitarbeaver9819]

This dude can play that thing for sure . I think I saw this guy playing bass on the David Lee Roth Sky Scraper tour when I was like 13years old . ???

[@karlsalocks]

Ya sure it wasn't the Eat em tour? Billy left before the Skyscraper tour (but played on the album, of course). Greg Bissonette played bass on the tour

[@karlsalocks]

I mean Matt Bissonette. Bother Greg is the drummer. Very good drummer, too

[@guitarbeaver9819]

Karl Salocks must have been, I remember the blond hair and spandex jumpsuits lol

[@karlsalocks]

Hey man, I think Matt even kinda tried to resemble Billy on the tour haha. Maybe he was told to

[@qdaveq6597]

Billy left after the Skyscraper recording and was not on that tour. It was Matt Bissonette on bass.

[@billkropp]

AWESOME INTERVIEW

[@clausm2203]

love when he has fellow bass players on

[@seanc8003]

Yes! Bring on Percy Jones!

[@cbeserra]

Great interview

[@MrRumbaabaa]

I was walking towards Edinburgh Waverly station one year and I heard a busker with a BIG crowd around him. He was playing Hendrix, 2 handed tapping and heaps of cool stuff...ON BASS!. I was AMAZED and dropped him a quid and said 'that's amazing'. A few weeks later I thought.. was that Billy Sheehan???? Did he have a hat on? To this day I reckon it was. As I was passing through Edinburgh then I never knew who might be playing at the playhouse that night. In my mind it was Billy Sheehan! I cant remember the year but it was mid 90's I think. NEVER EVER seen a bass player busking like that except the looper guy in Newcastle. Think his vids are on YT but NOTHING like BS! By the way, In my mind the busking was just musical playing and maybe promotion, obs not for dough

[@dannyharris5310]

Man Billy is talented! Good job Nikki

[@GuitarWithDofka]

Great chat!

[@stanesposito2664]

A drummer friend and myself used jam on that Chicago song when we were kids. I'm a guitar player though. Great song.

[@danielgreen1823]

Legend right there

[@michaelr.4878]

Billy is so cool that you would never guess he was into scientology. Dude has always been one of my bass heros. While I don't really play like him, I totally respect what he can do. Besides, I'm a guitar player first...bassist second. Playing both helps you get a lot more gigs and fill in jobs. I highly recommend to any youngsters that you learn to play both...and properly. haha

[@mantelmann13]

I watched an instructional DVD from Sheehan here on youtube and a day later I bought my first bass guitar. I just had to. Playing guitar for 25 years but seeing this guy play..just wow. Nowadays i only use the bass for homerecording. In this life i will not get on Sheehans level anymore. But it's such a great instrument. Especially played fingerstyle. A lot of fun. And far away from easy to play.

[@ericsyre9418]

Why being into Scientology would make him uncool by default anyway?

[@twobeer3316]

Lol. That was my thought exactly...

[@bgjobass]

Love it It’s all about the bass

[@MrJackrockerman]

What a superb guy

[@rusriver5768]

Real Music Talk Here! Bravo!

[@andreasdeutinger7319]

he comes across as a total down to earth, nice guy.

[@cliffordhritz5215]

Sheehan is a monster!

[@stixnfeet7818]

When Billy talks about his practice regimen, getting to the venue around noon, practicing a couple of hours backstage, doing sound check, getting in another couple hours then do a couple hours show. Most musicians when they get to this level tend to drift off from formal hard-core Practice regimen. But if this is true, all respect. I would think that just playing live multiple times a week would keep his chops and creative flow going to support growth as a musician.