"So...You Want To Be A Musician?" Podcast with Nick D'Virgilio’s - Ep. # 2: Billy Sheehan

Greetings everyone!
I am excited to bring you episode 2 of this podcast because we now get started talking to guests and in this episode, I sit down with a legend in rock and roll, Billy Sheehan. It helps that I am in the band Mr. Big because I get to hang out with Billy almost every day on the road and finding a time to record this podcast was not too difficult.
Billy has done just about everything there is to do in the music business. From his early days back in Buffalo, New York with his band Talas, being in David Lee Roth's first band right after he left Van Halen, to starting Mr Big and having a number 1 hit record. Plus fantastic other bands like The Winery Dogs, Sons Of Apollo, Niacin, and more. He has thousands of gigs under his belt, he has toured the world many times, he's made tons of records, and recorded for tons of artists, he is an educator and a real student of the craft. Nobody plays the bass like Billy Sheehan and he knows what it takes to make a life in music.
Cheers
#nickdvirgilio #ndv #soyouwantotbeamusician #billysheehan #bassplayer #musicpodcast #musicianlife

[@driftless7134]

As much as I'm a fan of Mr. Sheehan's music and playing, I have become just as big a fan of the man himself. He's just so genuine, kind, and intelligent. I always enjoy listening to him speak.

[@NDVirgilio]

Me too! Thanks for tuning in

[@kushking420]

71 and Billy doesn't look it at all! He's full of energy, both speech and body. He's such a cool guy, really loves to talk to his fans as well

[@NDVirgilio]

He definitely has a great energy. It is fun playing with him night after night. Thank you for checking it out!

[@wilkinsnl]

Music keeps you young. Look at Ringo.

[@leighjo70]

Thanks for this Nick. I like how you let your guest talk. Love Billy and the way he gives back to his fans.

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you! The podcast is to hear what the guests have to say. Not me. I just want to feed them the best questions possible. Cheers!

[@michaelbahr7957]

I am glad to live in the timeline where these two guys are playing in the same band together

[@trueknits]

This must have been filmed a few days after we saw you in St. Paul! Billy's spot on about the brain and music. I had brain surgery about a year and a half ago. In the immediate weeks following I could barely walk, was newly completely deaf on one side, and had memory issues. Despite all of that the connection between my brain and music allowed me to still play my bass. Billy signed it after the St. Paul show, and whenever I play I remember his encouraging words. He has been so kind through my cancer battle. He's the real deal and spot on with his advice. I'm looking forward to episode 3! 🤘

[@NDVirgilio]

I am very happy to read that you are battling through your cancer. I can't imagine how hard that is for you but I am happy to read that music and your bass is helping you through it. Wishing you all the very best in your fight!

[@ProgSnob14]

Look into Phenbendazole

[@TerryKrysinski]

Nick-- thanks so much for taking the time to do these interviews. I'm from WNY,so I used to see Talas around the area clubs way back in the day. And later on,my cover band opened for them a couple times when they came off the VH (1984) tour. Been a big fan of Spock's Beard and Mr. Big before that. Love your playing and voice! And-- so cool that you joined them for this 'final' tour. Hope they change their minds. Oh-- love the new Mr. Big album,too. You're the perfect fit for these guys,bro! now....off to watch your interview with Paul Gilbert...rock on,guy! Regards, T

[@NDVirgilio]

Thanks for tuning in Terry!

[@johnsoos6907]

I saw Billy with DLR, Mr. Big, & Niacin. Without a doubt, the BEST bassist ever!

[@NDVirgilio]

He is amazing!

[@cowboyupdrummer]

This was short but an incredible interview with my favorite bass player and one of the nicest guys in the business. I’ve personally had the opportunity of playing a few songs with Billy (rock camp) as well as attending his bass clinics. As a fellow drummer like you he’s a joy to jam with and amazing to watch perform. Been following Billy since the early to mid 80’s I truly appreciate and admire his thoughts on the questions you asked him. So glad he never went down the road of drug abuse etc…. I know it’s not easy in this business. I was probably like him about that aspect. I too have seen the destruction it does to friends and fellow musicians. Billy is the nicest and most humble player you will ever meet. Like you said, he’s done this on the biggest stages all over the world for years, and he’s as humble as can be. I often says this, Billy probably thinks I’m a stalker, cuz I follow his career and events he does so much. lol He knows I love him. Keep up the great work Nicky D Enjoining theres. Billy if you’re reading this we gotta play together again. I’m not that far from Nashville. 😁🥁🎸✌️

[@NDVirgilio]

Billy is great and thank you for taking the time to watch/listen. Cheers!

[@TheMusicmak3r]

Instant like for Billy!

[@NDVirgilio]

Yes!

[@DTgael]

You got to love Billy. Saw him live just once in May 2011, in Madrid Spain. With Mr Big when "What If ..." came out. For sure I would have loved to see him with Niacin.... I still remember the day I discovered "High Bias" and heard his solos on the track "Montuno", specifically the second solo in the tune... For Crom and Odin sake... such a great solo :)

[@NDVirgilio]

He is one of a kind for sure!

[@robertlehane9955]

Got tickets to see Mr Big in Liverpool this month. So looking forward to it.

[@dan8381]

Great episode, Billy genuinely seems like a great person.

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you! He is a great guy

[@robertjacob5dmk3]

this is wonderful interview nick . bravo looking forward for more

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!

[@Sorantis]

I like these series, open and honest conversations with interesting people. Thank you Nick!

[@NDVirgilio]

Yes! Thank you!

[@tommurrayGTR]

Pity you’re not doing most of the next dates, you’ve fit in really well. Like the idea for the podcast. You could talk with people about how they spend the other 22hrs on tour before soundcheck and playing. Staying fit on the road, what are essential things to pack and bring on tour. Sure you’ve thought of these already!

[@NDVirgilio]

I wish I was there on those dates as well but the scheduling gods had other ideas. I am also very dedicated to my band Big Big Train and those gigs were booked before the Mr Big dates. I am very happy that I will be rejoining the band in August. Thank you for the suggestions. All noted. Cheers!

[@davidwilliams433]

saw the okc show. u guys were awesome! looking forward to the studio lp, and congrats on the podcast!

[@davidwilliams433]

btw billys positive attitude is inspirational.

[@Rogue_R8]

Billy is such a legend and an inspiration!

[@markazinker3212]

great to watch Nick ! thanks !

[@NDVirgilio]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kushking420]

Music is very important for me, a lot times I almost want to call in sick to play my drums for hours lol. started playing drums in 5th grade and it's been just over 20 years of playing.

[@NDVirgilio]

Great! Keep it up and ply as much as you can. It is good for the soul. Cheers to you!

[@oysterhead5150]

Billy is a legend! One of the best, great video Nick!

[@CharlesWillisBonsai]

Billy could have the biggest ego in the world given his skill and legacy, but he seems so humble and cool. Looking forward to the next episode!

[@NDVirgilio]

No ego there. Just genuine passion for his craft. Thank you for watching!

[@Sphereal]

I needed this today. Thank you.

[@NDVirgilio]

So glad!

[@DerekFrampton]

The respect and humility blows my mind, Nick. SO GREAT!

[@OhisamaYoko]

I could not hold back my tears listening to Teacher Billy talking to young wanna-be musicians...I grew up with it when I was a student couple of decades ago, reading his articles in Bass Magazine and Music Life in Japanese, then attended his clinic at Yamaha in Tokyo.... he has been my bass idol and the teacher of music and life...In fact, he inspired me to learn how to play the drums when talking at a bass clinic in Tokyo. I can't thank you enough, Nick, for interviewing him! This one will be my favorite KZbin video forever!💕

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you so much for watching and I am really happy you enjoyed it. Billy is a real inspiration and I get to be in his band! How cool is that!?!?!?!

[@RobenLane]

This was a fantabulous interview! I had the pleasure of meeting and hangin' out with the members of Mr Big back around 1988 when they played a club called The Cabooze as located right near downtown Minneapolis MN. All 4 of them were wonderful ppl. I will never forget standing directly in front of the stage....with Paul and Billy dueling it out. I was so close that I could've been able to touch their fretboards! UNforgetable experience. Honorable mention to the opening act, Enuff Z'Nuff!

[@NDVirgilio]

That is a nice memory. Thank you for watching!

[@VHdiggare]

What a wonderful interview. You are both amazing. Love from Sweden!🥰

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!

[@starquake9162]

great episode, THANX for doing this Nick, so, I guess, one of the future episodes is going to be with Neal? - going to be an hour long :-) :-) (Y) AND THE NEW MR. BIG SINGLE IS OUT TODAY ;-)

[@NDVirgilio]

Neal is for sure on the list. It will be a great conversation I am sure. Cheers!

[@yoko_mint]

Great interview! What Billy said must be so true, the music we listened to as teenagers and toxicant/alcohol. Sad to see great musicians were lost because of that. Looking forward to Epsode #3!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!

[@scottyecora]

I've been listening to Billy's bass since 1991, when I discovered "Lean Into It", which I had the chance to hear live on the farewell tour. It's impossible not to love that guy!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you for checking it out!

[@GiuseppeCristaudo]

I'm 47 and many times I think "I 'm too old for that kind of life" 😅 I think that the secret is don't losing the joy of playing despite all the terrible things that happen in our lives.

[@NDVirgilio]

For sure! Don’t lose the joy and really you’re never too old. You can play in many different ways. Giant world tours are cool but you can find a ton to do locally. Get creative and you’ll find a path. Cheers

[@Missskullymetalhead]

Such an inspiring interview!! I learned Bass because of Billy at the age of 5, after 8 years I switched to percussion and finally after seeing Mr.Big in Berlin in April I started playing bass again to learn one of my fav Mr.Big songs - A little to loose. Thanks for being such an inspiration and thanks for this interview!!!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you so much! I am glad you enjoyed it and it is great to read that you are playing again. Keep it going!

[@Missskullymetalhead]

@@NDVirgilio I definitely keep it going!! Both playing percussion in a metal big band and bass as a hobby

[@2455rockstar]

Great podcast, Nick! Billy is full of wisdom and knowledge and seems like a genuinely great guy.

[@NDVirgilio]

He is. Thanks for checking it out!

[@musicsmile]

Thank you, Nick! Just what I needed to hear today. Keep them coming, please.

[@NDVirgilio]

They are on their way! Thank you!!!

[@darrenbennion6086]

I just wanna be a listener and a very serious one at that

[@mickgentry8128]

Great Podcast Nick thank you! Billy and your self are such great ambassadors for the craft, stay well and rock on!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you so much!

[@baterizmo]

Such a wise man... thanks a lot for sharing, Nick. You be well

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you for watching!

[@jvassalo]

This is so great! Thank you for this series! I'm loving it and I bet I'll love it even more! Thank you for your generosity!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!

[@carterlink]

What a lovely guy. Great insight. Looking forward to the next one. Thanks Nick.👍

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!!!

[@MissingMars]

this was mad cool -thanks Nick & Billy

[@paulk1]

Very cool!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!

[@paulk1]

@@NDVirgilio your welcome buddy

[@Joseph-xp3hh]

Thank you gentlemen! Very inspiring and enlightening 🙏

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!

[@egyokeo]

Great episode. Loved it. Looking forward to all the future ones you put out!

[@NDVirgilio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@andreysarandi1358]

Wonderful podcast! Looking forward to the next episode

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!

[@CornerStoreDrums]

Fantastic show!! Love hearing the inside scoops! Indiana Love 💯 🫡

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!!!

[@gerrysturis]

Excellent......................Cheers!

[@NDVirgilio]

Cheers!

[@Jedizen07]

Nick: I'm not familiar with your work other than what I've seen with you and Mr. Big. But, I'm a fan now ( I didn't realize you had worked with Neal Morse!! ). Thanks for doing this!

[@NDVirgilio]

I hope you get the chance to check out other things I have done and thank you for checking out the podcast!

[@erikmaronde2244]

Let me guess, number 3 will be Paul Gilbert.🎶👍🖖

[@NDVirgilio]

YES! Ha! I'm on the road with them. It was easy to sit down and talk. I have not sat down with Eric yet but he is on the list and we are supposed to knock it out when I rejoin the guys in August. Cheers!

[@angelasmuth3670]

😚😚🤘

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!

[@rantnpod]

Nick can I ask, are you coming to Belfast with Mr Big on July 17th??

[@NDVirgilio]

Unfortunately not :( I will be preparing for shows with my band Big Big Train. Shows that were scheduled before the Mr Big dates came up. Mr Big will be great...don't miss the show! Cheers!

[@rantnpod]

@@NDVirgilio Appreciate you replying Nick, hope the shows with your band Big Big Train go well. Cheers from Northern Ireland and may the LORD bless you.

[@rraybanmann]

lol he literly never goes anywhere without his bass

[@NDVirgilio]

So true. He is always playing. Incredibly dedicated.

[@ronengreen7210]

u look like this jewish comedian - forgot his name ... only thinner :)