Billy Strings' Life Story is WILD

Excerpt from This Past Weekend #483 | Billy Strings
Full Episode: bit.ly/48tYA7m
Find Theo Von:
Website: theovon.com
Instagram: / theovon
Facebook: / theovon
Facebook Group: / thispastweekend
Twitter: / theovon
Patreon: / theovon
KZbin: / theovon
#TheoVon #BillyStrings #ThisPastWeekend #TheoVonClips #psychadelics

[@Mmmwwwmmmwwwmwmwmwmwmw]

This guy has a lot of empathy for people working hard, that’s a sign of a good man

[@WTLowery82]

Same here.

[@alfsmith4936]

You have say that if you want to make money on the country circuit.

[@jimoneal7499]

@@alfsmith4936 Implying that Billy is somehow disingenuous? You obviously don't follow the young man.

[@FoxIslandRailroadCo]

As a former touring musician who just lost my dad unexpectedly, so great to see Billy recognizing how precious the time is. Tell him you love him! 🔥

[@dannydropshot9588]

I know I don’t know you but I’m sorry for your loss ❤

[@Waylayvsplanetearth]

I’m really sorry about your loss. Prayers

[@xsweed-jm2tn]

I’m sorry for your loss

[@DaveyBlue32]

I really loved the music when I caught him doing the Dead’s Wharf rat and after hearing how solid and simple he has chosen to remain and how truly tied down to his roots he remains… I’m just becoming a fan for sure!!!

[@Luke_Skywatcher_]

Amen sir ..I still wished I could say it and hear it back.

[@newyardleysinclair9960]

Nobody gifted this dude a musical career. He didnt win a musical lottery. He made it happen with hard work and dedication. He should never feel any guilt about his success.

[@JOkERBIDEN]

“The Universe does listen to us, I don’t think we talk to it enough” -Theo Von

[@goldsmithstudent]

we talk to it too much!! We wont shut up long enough to listen

[@reidhansen7030]

Impatience and not knowing the truth in the now is a lost "super power". Asking to much from the universe with impatience steals other peoples dreams and can destroys lives.

[@Jackie-sn1km]

Dam put that on a shirt

[@chefberglund7991]

Word

[@MEGAMCLOVIIN]

Jokerbiden is wildddd can’t wait for trump daddy to be back where he belongs

[@FletchGB]

3:33 "Iownya was probably a slave town guessing just by the name of it" 🤣

[@Justdubbb]

I’m glad someone else got this Lmaoo

[@Hirsute_Heathen]

Haha yes. He's got some flybys for many.

[@smokingfast]

Theo is unstoppable 😂

[@georgereichardt5275]

And Billy didn't get the joke lol

[@KarklinPumpkin]

That was brilliant and Mr. Strings didn't catch it

[@seanimal_rex]

Billy Strings is a real one, and he deserves every bit of success he’s achieved

[@seaarebee5417]

Truth

[@BROWNSTONEBEAR-1983]

First time I heard Billy was when dust in a baggie was uploaded. Top notch musician.

[@ban80]

Same

[@eddieorfield]

Same

[@23ofSeptember]

ME too. I wanna know about the guy in the background!

[@jamiem3628]

"we used to play for silver, now we play for life" ~Grateful Dead🌹⚡🌹

[@MrBigShotFancyPants]

I've done time in a prison work camp in Ionia back in the 1970's from Whitmore Lake MI. Clean for 40 years.

[@calebchapman-smith3052]

A lot of respect for Billy Strings for his down to earth honesty

[@austenrobinson2747]

Billy is a humble respectful guy. It’s refreshing to see he’s stayed that way even with the success and fame.

[@markgriffin7016]

I like to listen to entertainers who work hard, love their families, and appreciate the fans who make their dreams a reality. Seems like a good guy. Him praising his parents is a breath of fresh air. Good on you, Billy.

[@timbuck8307]

6:49

[@ragnarthered2179]

Half of us are in recovery and the other half are still having fun. 😂

[@jbseasandsoul]

I've been watching & listening to Billy for about 6-7 yrs now. I've admired his respect for Terry, his father, and for making it a priority to play gigs and now, make an album with him. The story I love best that Billy tells about Terry having to pawn his beloved Martin guitar to pay the bills when Billy was young and then, several years later Billy finds THE guitar online for sale and scrapes the money together and buys his Dad's guitar back and presents it to him gives me chills to this day. Billy, imho, is the best thing to happen in the music business, Period, in the past decade.

[@mikestaub]

This guy is incredible live, you have to see him if you can.

[@go46ball]

Watched Billy play at a ton of venues in MI (state, shorts, bells, etc) One time at Red Mesa in Boyne City with maybe 100 people in the place. I can tell you he has been bringing it since day 1. Stoked to see how many people know his tunes now.

[@3765racer]

we played at the bowling alley in Escanaba in 81. we were booked for a week, and they kept us for a second week.

[@niagarafallsnewyork3659]

How long ago was that

[@Woogithandler]

@@niagarafallsnewyork3659 it keeps going make sure to find them Playing an outdoor concert it’s amazing

[@nw666tube]

Theo is such a chill and good interviewer, they’re always so compelling and different than the typical drivel interviewers normally ask.

[@mattthescreamer177]

There's a video on KZbin with Billy and two other guys playing four songs in the woods and it's one of my favorite videos of all time. Great set

[@douglaspatrick868]

The mandolin player on that is Don Julin, VERY respected touring and session musician in his own right and a really fun and unique player!

[@brycemooreguitar]

Such a trip my intro to billy strings was at a tool concert in salt lake, what a strange combo of musicians. He did a guitar solo with tool and it was excellent!

[@charliefoster5862]

Yes, he also joined them at their Nashville show which I attended. Like any truly great player he is versatile.

[@wompbozer3939]

@@charliefoster5862I was there too! First tool show

[@bobpurcell8357]

🙏 Surely someone has uploaded this by now 🙏

[@brycemooreguitar]

@@bobpurcell8357 yes it is uploaded I seen it online search tool slc jambi billy strings guitar solo

[@jonvia]

My grandparents lived in an area of West Virginia that was affected heavily by opiates, including my grandparents themselves. It was sad to realize that they were as addicted as the people around them. Dont do drugs kids.

[@JeremyD325]

I’m from West Virginia and I had my own battle with opiates for over a decade. It was difficult but I managed to come out the other side and my life has improved dramatically. Looking back at how much I lost during those years is crushing at times but I’m making strides in the right direction every day and I know eventually those years will no longer be in my rear view.

[@hankkrendl8952]

Sent this video to my buddy whom I went to college with. He also went to Ionia highschool, first thing he says back is "I know Aaron lol he was in the grade above me" I flipped, thought that was so cool. Loved listening to your story buddy, literally just having a dream and working your ass off to make it a reality. The last line you said about your family, "I just want everyone to be okay" really hit home for me... Because that's all I've ever wanted to. I love it when my friends and family come to me and tell me about something cool in their life or an accomplishment they've had/made. Just puts a smile on my face when other people are happy and doing well 😊❤

[@grbggaming6885]

Had no idea he is from Michigan! Love this guy even more now. Oxy was a problem in almost every poor small town. My whole family besides my youngest brother was addicted to drugs and alcohol. Prison and jail was regular for us. The courts still know our last name. My dad always had giant Marshall amps and sick guitars. He loved bands like Rush, Ozzy, Dokken, Dio, Megadeth, etc. Watching him play was awe-inspiring. My dad and brothers are doing better, and I have a family now. His health has caught up to him, but he still plays whenever he can. He's my motivation to give my children a better life. Billy's story really resonates with me.

[@jonnya3425]

Billy Strings really seems to be a real one. Love that.

[@graysanders]

I felt that “I play for my life, this is my # survival” I’m a FT muso, dad to 2 beautiful girls, music has saved my life, our life. And I’ve been listening to Billy for a while now, amazing player, singer and songwriter - thanks for a great interview Theo! 🙏

[@benwaldenmusic]

Great to see a professional musician with so much perspective and gratitude. I admire Billy Strings for this.

[@thetruth1862]

Keep on giving the world your music, its your gift God bless you Billy

[@polskaman20001]

Love you Billy. I feel the same way leaving rural Michigan too. Why me. You deserve all the success. God bless your family/friends and music.

[@grandfathergeek]

Just found Billy. Seems like a regular guy who has succeeded with hard work and commitment ( and a generous amount of talent of course )- very nice to hear his story. Love his music.

[@neleig]

Great knowing some of your story Billy! Thanks! We are all blessed being able to listen to you sing and play.

[@NDUB72]

Billy Strings is a legend!! Loved watching him up in Traverse City through the years! We need a Billy Strings/Don Julin reunion!

[@robcothran2332]

I think Billy is great, hearing him talk about his life makes me think that much more of him. I love his music. Much more success Billy, I will be listening.👍🏻🙂🇺🇸

[@christimac]

What an inspiring story. I’m a musician too and it’s so true all he said about gigging. All that practicing and hustling and his dad being able to b a part of his shining success-what precious moments! hard work + opportunity always=success

[@masterofnonetv8361]

Such a fan of Billy! Many of his lyrics resonate with me...

[@jedjeffries7040]

Man billy is such a fucking dope dude and Theo and him have great chemistry. Excited to watch the full pod

[@bamgrok]

Stoked to hear about recovered addicts ❤ Thanks for the interview 👍❤️ It was very inspiring to me : as I am also a recovered addict who plays guitar 🎸 🎵

[@wyattbreymeyer4033]

ive been into billys music for a couple years hes getting the recognition he deserves

[@elodie_your_nice_friend]

Your content is fresh, keep it going!

[@SaltyCado]

Excuse me ma'am, but youre gonna have to go back on theos channel at least 7 years because my mans been putting out content for at least 10 years on KZbin haha

[@verminthug65]

I'm so grateful Billy decided to pursue his passion! 😊

[@ThaDirtyVicar]

Enjoyed this, sit through it all. Thanks for putting it out there.

[@vincebro]

31 and one of the best guitar players ever and still getting better.

[@anthonyterkelson2028]

As a construction worker that's getting ready to go out and smash all day thank you for noticing Billy strings 🙏💪, might not know it but you're out there with us giving us that music that keeps us going all day💯

[@MrJohnlh331973]

Never really knew anything much about billy until this vid. Love it. Ty

[@rustyrobinson8027]

Nice interview thanks 👍

[@relentlessslog]

Billy perfectly lays out what sets successful musicians apart from other musicians.

[@markarpino824]

The simplicity of Billy's mindframe is so earthy and righteous !

[@derekpugh5457]

I’m from the uk and like a lot of people heard dust in a baggie on KZbin …..its great to see him as a man fulfilling his music potential 👏🏻👏🏻

[@scribblesthejuggalodenver3009]

What a treat, I’m so grateful to run across this conversation this is the shit! And that Martin guitar WoW where do you find a 1940 Martin Guitar its perfect

[@tonyhill1141]

Followed his whole career and have nothing but respect for him. As a guitar player myself I have seen few people who can come even close to his mastery. That he seems like a good guy and a solid hang is all the better.

[@riverlover]

Love you brother look forward to seeing you again this year let's go swimming and fishing in the river some time

[@WhiteStoneName]

Beautiful as hell. Good on ya, Billy. ❤

[@fozy300]

Great clip. Thanks man.

[@eb4305]

Always enjoyed Billy’s music. Now seeing the moral compass, makes it even better.

[@LesPaulVOS]

Excellent interview!

[@5150hammerhead]

I used to see Billy in Northport Michigan. He's killing it.

[@jamesstandhart1634]

Billy is the real deal. His huge heart comes through his music and has got me thru some really hard times ❤️

[@amyfishervoiceovers]

Always late to the party but SOOOOO glad I came! Holy wow.

[@arizjones]

I love the Tony Rice, Manzanita T-shirt, and his reference to Doc Watson. Giving respect to the past players.

[@patrickirwin3662]

They made it out cuz of music. Plain and simple. Thank God for music. Thank God for Billy!

[@YardPimp]

I did not expect to enjoy this interview as much as I did.

[@FriendToToads]

Mom with the Lou Reed Transformer t-shirt and you with the Tony Rice Unit Manzanita t-shirt - a great mojo gumbo of influences!

[@iainnicholson4399]

I just finished renovating an old farm house in Buladean, NC that Doc Watson used to crash at when he would travel between Erwin, Tennessee and Spruce Pine, NC. Dude used to sit on the porch and play to the birds

[@ichthus1890]

God bless the working man. Work is a song. Tell me about it.

[@jsmr2281]

My brother was doing 5 years while Billy was living in Muir. I became a fan of his early on and I just about lost my mind when I realized this years later. I used to drive up there every month and visit...Billy's right, there's not much there besides the prisons, and the town of Ionia is the seat of the county of the same name. Middle of nowhere Michigan

[@user-od8zv7iv8c]

Being extraordinarily competent and gifted at your trade brings goodness and value into our world. It is also an inspiration for anyone willing to work hard enough. Whether you lay driveways or pick brilliantly on guitar.

[@amywill9185]

Theo! Great guest Billy is a legend

[@caseylayton4898]

Two of my favorite people.

[@childofgod94]

First time I heard Billy Strings was on KZbin and it was a song called "dust in a baggie" and I was hooked.

[@davidnicolas8019]

I absolutely have to put some time aside to watch this whole interview.

[@OwOKrieger]

You deserve to be happy Billy, hope you enjoy the fruits of your labor young. It's hard for our generation right now with how the world is, stay up!

[@carolinacracker8849]

Billy strings is one of the best on strings ever

[@keithgordon3823]

Oh, this guy!!!! He does an absolute KILLER version of "Don't think twice, it's alright," by Dylan!!!! Amazing version!!!! Respect! 🤘🎸 💯

[@ryanduray1]

I've listened to that cover countless times. It's brilliant.

[@jordanpipe1685]

Almost better than the original dare I say

[@bmbunch8825]

Been listening to Billy for years, sad last time was supposed to come around my area was during Covid and got cancelled, but he's one of the best guitarists playing today, I recommend anyone look up him playing Voodoo Child with Umphrey's McGee to see he isn't just a blue grass player. Turmoil and Tin foil... Wild to think Theo is bigger than him in the mainstream and hasn't been around as long but would love to sit in a room with either of these dudes!

[@mrtambourineman6107]

Been telling Theo Von for ages to get that Billy Strings on! At last!

[@codeybales1593]

billy's a good man, Michigan small town represent.

[@josephsaunders8618]

Billy is so great

[@heartlights]

Nashville people are always ready for you to listen to them tell a great Nashville story

[@jasonw.9136]

Good job youngin

[@ChrisNeeck]

dude, thanks for having Billy on. what a cool ass dude. you have to see him if you haven't, his live show is an experience even if you aren't a bluegrasser

[@monsterk7603]

I thought I could not admire Billy more than I already do. I was so wrong. What a down to earth dude.

[@seaarebee5417]

The leading musical light of his generation and faithful keeper of the flame..

[@brianmartindale2221]

Damn, I related to this. I am from that place, a little NW of Ionia, but the late 70's and early 80's my time. The auto industry jobs moved out and it is difficult to convey what an economic depression is like on people. Lots of prison towns now. It is a crazy hard existence and a crazy hard reference to live with. Michigan isn't the only place in America so honored to have such a tradition

[@Shed_Heeran_AAV]

It's great seeing Billy doing well. I've been following him from pretty much the beginning (as close to as you can in the UK). I have 1 question! How is the world's greatest backing dancer doing? Did he ever get his smoke lit?

[@m.e.5482]

Im bouta check a couple songs. Hammond, Indiana in da building!

[@taylortunis6729]

The I own ya joke is underrated.

[@rogerstevens1545]

billy , be as kind to your self as you are to others. you worked hard and sacrificed to gain success , do not feel guilty for making your life better than it could have been !

[@davidhurtado2725]

I got on the Billy Strings train a week ago and I am never fucking getting off 🔥

[@user-yd3jw4uu9k]

Billy Strings just spoke to my fuckin soul a little bit. Good shit.

[@charlesmoore682]

Wooo Rockford Brewing show 2013ish was amazing

[@stephenkostyshyn4107]

Many of us local Traverse City musicians remember that post. Everyone encouraged Billy back then.

[@WillBlindYouWithLight]

I was into billy many years ago. I'm so happy that he made it. He's the kids that slipped through the cracks hero. He's the hero of the south. He's the hero we all needed when he came. God did it no doubt. Billy is a gift to many.

[@revwillyg6450]

He's from Michigan lol. And I wouldn't give the invisible sky wizard credit for Billy' hard work

[@adspur]

Billy is real and grounded af.Never forget who you are and where you came from.Be blessed and thankful for the ones that matter.Money and success is just a byproduct and a means.Doing what you want and getting what you need is happiness to me.Huge admiration!

[@philrow9652]

Billy is a beautiful human being!

[@garrettcunningham9671]

Dude I went to Florida to see some friends who had a baby and his neighbor was Billy’s uncle and he played his music for us and let us hang out all night. All he did was talk about how cool it was that Billy was huge. Super cool intro to his music.

[@johanngregory3499]

American dream living it, loving it, and being it!

[@mrmouse-ol9pw]

Mad respect

[@hendu7111]

Representing West MI!

[@ryanlemley4866]

Just an overall great soul. He wasn't lucky. He was born for this.

[@KevinReynolds-sq9qd]

I love this kid.

[@Jrmorgy27]

Your both awesome

[@Blambley68]

Sometimes the Universe decides who gets chosen... whether we're ready or not. Some choose to answer the call, and some just stay home. Learning to accept that you choose to recurve the gift can be hard when you don't feel like you deserve success. I've been clean (and sober) since 6/23/2000. Still don't feel like i deserve the amazing life I have somedays... but i accept it. Graciously.

[@marianaposto10]

Respect!