Billy Sheehan | Playing, Sound and Life | Interview | Thomann

[@kidntrope]

Billy always sounds so excited to talk about the bass, it is infectious.

[@Hellion73]

Yeah, sadly the interviewer seems to be in a rush to end his talk😡

[@TheMichaelseymour]

well ....i have heard him shutdown and only talk about glockenspiels

[@markdaniels7174]

He LIVES bass; he rarely puts it down. If he’s not performing or recording, he’s practicing and noodling around on it.

[@shawnbopko858]

Hes one of the greatest

[@bp6837]

No it isnt

[@oscarencasio]

I'm amazed because Sheehan is not only a superb musician but also a very nice person, very generous, and he is enjoying the interview providing full responses when other would just be very brief or even rude. I also loved how kind (and truthful) were his remarks on Julia's playing. In sum: what a great human being that Billy is. Finally, the "If you think you sink" is PURE GOLD ADVICE. Thanks for sharing this wonderful interview.

[@snogglemonkey]

He has a ton of swagger on stage, he's a killer bassist and yet he is a total gentleman. I love that combination. Steve Vai is the same.

[@Animosity6792]

I'd throw Justin Chancellor into that mix as well from what I've seen.

[@jos7743]

This has to be the coolest interview/conversation ever between 2 bass players. Thanks Julia, and of course, thanks Billy.

[@8Junio76]

Watch Rudy Sarzo with Frank Bello interview.

[@kekelaward]

You could see how affected she was by being able to interview him. She got more and more comfortable as they spoke about what they both love. When she grabbed her bass and asked her question, all anxiety disappeared. Nice run too.

[@bimscutney1242]

No attitude. No pretense. No posing. Billy just seems like a really down to earth guy. I like how he complimented her and he seems really excited to share his knowledge.

[@Natron27]

Billy is amazing and I loved the chemistry between him and Julia. Julia is something special, I always enjoy her videos.

[@juliahofermusic]

Thanks a lot!! :)

[@PixieintheMainframe]

Geezer Butler was my favourite rock bassist in the pocket, but Billy Sheehan takes it a step beyond (as did John Entwhistle). Billy's played with the best too and I love how he refers to The Yardbirds as his influence. Julia doesn't dumb it down for the audience, so we can geek out a bit more :) - Thank you

[@Natron27]

PixieintheMainframe Yeah, I got a kick out of the Yardbirds reference.

[@cdagger2862]

@@juliahofermusic Miss Julia what an impressive young lady you are! Class act! Toe to toe, equally with Mr. Sheehan. And he was being straight-up honest with you as well in regard to you're playing. One of the best interviews I've seen in a long time. I fully expect to see more of you out there in the world in the future. Thank you!

[@juliahofermusic]

@@cdagger2862 Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it :) Have a nice day!

[@jimquicksilver442]

His talent is obvious, but he's such a class act too. Awesome.

[@TecnicusStreetStudios]

This is the greatest interview I've seen in a long time. Julia asked all the right questions and Billy seems like an awesome person. I learned a lot listening to this. 🤘

[@iancosgrove]

Who else did 2 hours of practice after watching this?

[@giovanniamore2438]

watched brian beller weeks bevore.. ; P

[@tylerthescreamofficial98]

Me on a mr big binge trying to play paul gilbert lol. Its hard asf but so fun

[@BlueRivers]

Billy is one of the greatest bassist of all time. He is also an amazing music teacher. I watch every video he makes. Absolute musical genius, I mean he whips out a Yardbirds riff, Entwhistle, and Jamerson riffs like it’s nothing. next level next level.

[@grizelda4526]

What an awesome dude. Julia’s enthusiasm is wonderful. Great interview

[@ArisAlamanos]

Billy Sheehan is the Eddie Van Halen of the bass guitar. He's a god. End of story.

[@garyroberts3020]

I agree 💯...

[@bryanbrett6037]

Indeed!

[@jublaim]

Hmm... I thought a while, and given the Eddie thing, yeah! And he plays almost anything, even jazz really. Myself, seeing me as foremost a guitar player, I've been very influenced by bass players. Mostly when arranging songs and producing, and when not having a "real" bass player around and having to lay down the bass tracks myself. Heck, lot of my music heroes are bass players! Billy is a treasure!

[@ElGatoCiego]

Yep, no more to say

[@sixthgatebass]

way healthier

[@wilfredovazquez2942]

Billy is just an awesome bass player and an awesome dude. So humble.

[@azwris]

Billy is a legendary musician. Each interview is a new discovery.

[@jplove9810]

julia this is one of the best interviews ive seen of a musician. u could tell u personally really wanted to know his answer and he picked up on that for sure. awesome job

[@juliahofermusic]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it :)

[@Nico6801]

@@juliahofermusic enjoy your Interview , your Doing a Good Job (y)

[@joerectifier]

Billy is a master of his craft…..and I’m not even talking about his playing - he understands the fletcher-Munson curves as well as how to apply compression to get the feel and harmonic content he wants…..and his thoughts on practicing…he leaves no stone unturned. This is a master craftsman in addition to his virtuoso playing ability. Respect!

[@gorillafunk725]

Brilliant! Mr Sheehan without having any formal audio engineering education comes up with a simple solution to the age old problem in the LOW registers or first 2 octaves. 31- 82Hz to cover both 5 & 4 string bass. Intermodulation distortion. The ONLY bass player I've ever heard who has a practical handle on the fletcher munsen ear response curve to increasing sound pressure level. Its great to hear his enthusiasm. This is how you can stay young on the inside no matter how old the skin you're in is. Do what you LOVE doing You learn more in 5 minutes listening to this guy than years listening to lesser players. For this precious gift Thankyou!🙏🙏🙏

[@adde65]

Irrespective of music taste, Billy is a glowing example of humility and hard work paying off. He's kept himself relevant and on top of his game. Thanks for a great interview Julia.

[@olymoon2008]

Very interesting interview. Billy is such a relaxed person. Julia is one of the best reporter I've seen, she knows her thing, but she let her guess speaks. (I was a teacher for journalists)

[@lynbigmore1597]

what a guy!!! Great interview Julia

[@michelrodriguez8752]

Sheehan is one of the coolest musicians ever talking about the music. He makes so enjoyable. Paul Gilbert is the same. Great musicians!!!

[@hondotoo]

saw him with Talas back in the 80s in Chicago, met him back stage... awesome show!

[@davidhadley370]

He is the nicest musician I ever met.

[@thomjorky8384]

would be nice if he'd ditch his filthy ideology...

[@paveantelic7876]

@@thomjorky8384 it's just for tax evasion lol

[@C0zyDunt]

Is this guy the nicest guy in music?

[@Markusewitz]

Definitely more than Dave Grohl ;-)...

[@xeroblade012]

Everyone in Mr. Big are the nicest musicians.

[@juliahofermusic]

Yes, ever!!! He is a real gentleman ;)

[@yobhsiFehT]

He’s up there, but watch some interviews with Julian Lage! 😜😄

[@8Junio76]

Dave Ellefson is the nicest guy in metal for sure.

[@oldraventwo]

Incredible. What a mentor of a man. And great engagement from them both. You could almost feel yourself in Julia's place. Billy said some things I needed to hear.

[@honor824]

I’ve known Billy forever. Used to go see Talas play at high school dances. Great learning process for me I wasn’t playing bass yet. They would play a Bad Co. song one minute & then play a King Crimson song next with a three piece band lol & the huge platforms they used to wear. Anyway I went on to open for Talas a couple times & played with Dave & Paul playing a lot of Talas originals highlite of my career. I lived down the street from him he has always been very friendly & very easy to talk to. Phenomenal musician great guy!

[@zeca5150]

This guy is what we call a "gentle giant". His techniques parallels his politeness. Simply great.

[@sthxdnn1]

man i forgot how much i love this man's playing. probably the only bass player i bought a instructional tab book from.

[@donaldmusic6274]

He is as knowledgeable and kind as he is talented. Great human being

[@Nedwin]

very true!

[@tim7of717]

Julia is an Angel sitting there ENJOYING this free lesson. Thanks, Billy. Keep thumpin' Julia.

[@shorerocks]

Glad I tuned in. I've seen zillions of interviews with Billy, and this ones refreshing.

[@anthonydiamond5906]

Hi Billy. You probably don't remember me, my sister, or my dad, but way back in the day You, Paul Varga, and Dave Constintio played in a band called The Tweeds. Paul's parents lived on Ralston Ave directly behind my parents house on Thurston Ave in Kenmore/Town of Tonawanda, NY. This was in 1964. I went on and became a drummer percussionist singer and songwriter living in Tampa FL area. My sister became a bass player, flute, guitar, singer. She now lives in Ellenton, FL. My dad who passed away 13+ yrs ago was a professional photographer. ..And if my memory serves me correctly, the Tweeds went on and became Talas. You're a great bass player/musician. Peace to You, Dave and Paul. Hope you appreciate trip down memory lane, and that you guys inspired me and my sister into becoming professional musicians too.👍

[@ameliopompeo5722]

I was fortunate enough to attend a bass clinic that Billy Sheehan had done at the old bass centre on whapping high street London Town. Absolutely fantastic musician and so down to earth signing autographs and still answering questions well after the event.

[@VilleMetsola]

How could anyone not love an amazingly talented musician who is also a wonderfully humble human being?

[@rustyfuzz470]

He's also a Scientologist.

[@GertjanRoossien]

Love you Julia!! good interview

[@JazzzRockFuzion]

What a class act - huge inspiration as a musician, teacher, and human

[@thomjorky8384]

Are you drunk? he's a piece of shit, scientology is a vile cult.

[@demofactory]

He was a fantastic bass player when I was a kid getting started. over 40 years later, he still blows me away with his skills. Finding out my idle and inspiration is such a nice guy and encouraging teacher really shines my bell !!!!!

[@thomjorky8384]

and what an amazing scientologist enabler he is....

[@unchained_0177]

SHE did great ~~!! aAnd Billy was exceptional as always A TRUE Gentleman !! TY !!

[@musenw8834]

"I hear bass, I hear low frequency, but I can't hear the bass player." that's a quote right there i'm not going to forget

[@TTERRETTI]

He has the perfect radio voice.

[@GearGasms]

Saw Billy in Talas open for Van Halen in 1980. Been a fan ever since!

[@junbu8958]

I had the opportunity to see him play when he was with Steve Vie and David Lee Roth in Detroit and I was In the 3rd row and got to see his playing up close there was one time when he was still with his first band my old band mates were going to a large club called Harpos , I chose not to go and my friend said you should have seen the bass player it was Billy Sheehan late 80’s he is a really nice guy and wow what a player great interview

[@MarkLumsley]

I can't get over how humble he is!

[@joshb8591]

You can tell she's really enjoying this interview. Also, that rug really ties the room together, man.

[@jjabrams452]

He is so cool. I had the honor to jam with him at Frankfurt Music Fair in 1993. After that he singned a pic for me saying: "Thanks for the bass lesson".

[@makingmelody]

Got to meet Billy a few years ago at Gearfest Sweetwater in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Very humble person who is crazy talented and always learning. Total inspiration.

[@larylhuntington5398]

I love his natural non ego approach to the interview and how he happily answers questions. He doesn't try to hide techniques and he shares info and seems to love all bass players and loves doing the interview. Billy Sheehan is true class.

[@JoeSmith-bp3cf]

Billy has a wonderful soul. You only get this way, by truly loving what you're into, and talking about. Many lessons to be learned here just by his demeanor.. "boiling strings" I knew Eddie wasn't the only one doing that.

[@petrpok99]

Thank you Julia and Billy for great interview.

[@DavidGatto]

Great pleasure shaking your hand "Mr Billy Sheehan" at the Stone in SF, before your first W Tour - Mr Big opened with Dazzed and Confused. We had no tickets, so I helped the opening band load their gear, and picked up 3 tickets for me and my buddies. And scored a senior grande Gilbert pick. One of the best times I have ever had - period.

[@josephalvaro5244]

The guy is a gem.He let's us in on all his techniques and secrets and enjoys helping everyone out even though it's hard to comprehend for us mere mortals. He's a living legend and proves what can be had by sheer hard work.A hour on quarter notes,Man!

[@jovintagle2372]

I had the privilege to see Billy in person at our local Yamaha store way back in 2003 or 2004 when he held a bass clinic there. He's truly a gentleman and a beast on the bass. Best day of my life.

[@seanconlon182]

He comes across as a guy you would just love to hang out with. Unreal player, and humble. This interview was brilliant as he had time to speak in depth. Well done Julia.

[@arudd909]

One of my favorite activities when practicing is to play along to whatever songs my wife is listening to. It makes it fun when its different styles and songs I’ve never heard before.

[@luukderuijter1332]

I was ssad that cliff Burton only had a few active years and i couldn't handle the fact that i could only learn so much from him. Now I've found billy Sheehan and his style looks so much alike, I've found a nee inspiration

[@kencritchley5546]

Great job interviewer and interviewee! Julia asks a question and gives Billy space to share, then follows him down those trails.

[@riansettles2506]

What an awesome super polite guy.

[@gibtherockeryt]

How do you not love Billy? He's so amazing with the bass, has such a love for music and is always nice and ready to share knowledge and wisdom. God bless him!

[@TheRealDannAlexander]

Love this dude. A monster. Love this interview. It's so laid back and real. Bravo.

[@cradd00]

I don't even play bass, but I had to watch because Billy Sheehan is so damn cool!

[@thomjorky8384]

Are you one of those scientologist pigs?

[@lilian896]

Billy is such a humble Genius!💎 So inspirational!💎Julia is so much like Billy, they both love the instrument.💎I always enjoy Julia’s videos.🔥

[@juliahofermusic]

Really appreciate it! :)

[@thomjorky8384]

he's a scientology swine

[@tomschelfaut]

God he's always such a nice guy! One of the best interviewees in the business!

[@tedcabana]

As a 6-string guitarist, I have studied all the masters for many decades, and learned all that I can. But as a Guitarist, I have been amazed by what Billy can do. Out performing most virtuoso 6=string guitarists. And still today, I am very much amazed by Billy's playing, and incomparable skills. And don't feel bad about Paco. Paco was a freak of nature who every string player was mind boggled by. He was a God! And no-one will ever come close.

[@bliastreb6466]

I'm always happy about Master Sheehan's positive view. Not just his approach to playing, his invitation to players to be open minded and explore the instrument. Thank you!

[@guitarguy07]

Thomann has to get this interviewer to do more! Wonderful interview with a legend.

[@diddymercs]

Best bass player, best human being... Billy is simply the best.

[@Badz_B34chst4r]

In the interview Julia made with Victor Wooten he said "when I hear you play Bach I do not hear Bach I hear Julia". In this interview Billy Sheehan says "recreate Bach from what you hear". Gods of Music endow the same wisdom to whomever seeks it...

[@johncrum3208]

Wathing billy talk with julia is like watching family members talk with each other. Hes so gracious and really does interviews well

[@geoffreymerrifield5666]

Great, humble guy, also shares wise info. All musicians an learn from his attitude and skills. Love his tone. Reminds me of Chris Squire and Geddy Lee.

[@thomjorky8384]

Sadly, he pushes some cultist shit that is beyond comprehension....

[@GarySumner-ek5dh]

Seems like such a nice approachable guy ! Which makes it all the better because of his mad skills......

[@robinmorris5416]

Billy's the man! Always up and in a great mood, and thankful for his position in the world.

[@thomjorky8384]

he's a pig

[@Is..4110]

I've seen Billy Sheehan in a lot of these types of videos and he's always been so down to earth. Just a really sweet man. And Julia is just fantastic btw...

[@ajs808]

Apart from being an amazing player, Billy is also such a nice, humble guy. Billy’s kind and genuine words must have made Julia feel so proud. Great interview

[@bassdissonance2476]

child like happiness creative down to earth passion energy innocence joy knowledge a giver perfectionist billy sheehan

[@drasgum]

how can someone dislike an interview so fun like this? :(

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Right ?? I don't get it either // Guillaume

[@yocraigst]

I love the pickup placement on his signature bass...P-bass pickup plus a humbucker even closer to the neck....mo BASS! To hell with bridge pick-ups! And his wisdom gained from years of experience....I could listen to him talk about bass for days.

[@tr762]

Su actitud siempre es positiva. Transmite una energía muy agradable. Le facilita su labor a la entrevistadora. Grande Billy!!!

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

my favourite bass player. The man is exceptional.

[@sammyvh11]

Had the pleasure of meeting this guy on the B3 tour in a tiny hole in the wall bar in Baltimore.

[@stratfanstl]

"It's easy to speak spontaneously when you're talking about something you know. How do you get to know something? You study and learn it." -- Perfect. Nothing I hated more when I was young then getting together with friends who wanted to "jam" but didn't have any mastery of their instrument from which to use to jam.

[@findJLF]

I dig that Julia is so engaged and really into it as much as he is - both true fans of the instrument. Empathy for the subject makes every interview work well. What makes it more impressive is I'm fairly sure English is not Julia's first language. Oohh my, then she pick's up the bass. This really is a joy to watch.

[@danmartin633]

I'm looking for more Julia interviews right now

[@tonyr669]

I had the distinct honor of meeting and hanging out with Billy backstage when Mr Big opened up for Rush at the Miami Arena. Super nice guy, absolutely virtuoso musician!

[@MikeLute]

I got an autograph after a bass clinic in the 90ies from Billy.. I was so paralyzed I just asked him for the autograph (in retrospected I think I was quite rude) Billy on the other hand has been the nicest person. Nice interview - it almost seemed Julia had a crush on Billy ;-)

[@och70]

What year was that? I saw them open for Rush on the "Presto" tour at the Spectrum in Philadelphia.

[@thepofg5791]

What a cool person he is. You were so lucky to meet him.

[@joekelley5121]

Billy is always a great interview. Julia is a great interviewer! She takes all the information in, and comes up with great follow-up questions that answer the questions I have as well! both are class acts!

[@tmitz73]

AWESOME Video!!!! We Love you Billy!!!!!

[@tangogrrl]

He is so gracious, and generous with his knowledge.

[@WeDontWantYourWar]

This is one of the best interviews I have seen with Billy. Instructional, informative and entertaining. Loved it. Billy is such a generous and humble person and Julia did great!

[@teemad]

I am new to bass and Billy Sheehan, but a long time Dj and music fan who has watched a lot of interviews, and I have to say this is one of the best interviews of any musician or artist I've seen in a very long time, perhaps ever. Julia is great and got better as she warmed up, and of course Billy Sheehan is just so humble and incredibly accessible, and so generous. He possesses an aura without an iota of the antisocial arrogance that appears to be trendy among super-talented musicians and is clearly a pleasure to engage with an open format interview like this one.

[@glennfegley9229]

Saw Billy back in the 80s something when he was in Talus. His playing is awesome!

[@Thesongstaysthesame]

The world could use a few more Billy Sheehan’s in it!

[@arkadiuszacap7670]

One of the reason i learn to play bass is billy sheehan. My late father bought for me a instructional dvd of him teaching bass. Good memories :) thank you sir!

[@joeysocks5718]

Billy Sheehan is the GOAT and a very nice guy.

[@Cryb4lls]

When the cuff of her shirt lines up with the top of the scratch plate it's crazy satisfying!

[@CanyonWanderer]

What a great interview!, when I was what? 19 ? or maybe 21 I sometimes bought Bass player Magazine, one time with Billy Sheehan on the cover (established name already), it was the first time he had these scalloped fretboards, I still remember ... I'm now 56, so .... yes

[@Lithuania8634]

Mr. Sheehan is absolutely right about compression. Complete tone changer.

[@josensototorres7070]

How humble is the greates bass player in the world? in my opinion. Great job Julia, I think this is a interview of the livetime. I would be really scare to said something smart.

[@Mujcanal]

What a nice man Billy is, great interview bravo Julia

[@metalmethodist]

When awesome bass players meet awesome bass players. So inspiring. Thank you.

[@gordonblues843]

Two of my favourite people together.

[@iwansetiawan3314]

Humble, professional, tons of experience & skills, he is Mr. Billy 'Buffalo New York' Sheehan.

[@robertboyd1216]

We are not worthy...We are not worthy...The Monster Bassist of the Millennia..like no other...Sick Man!!!!!