Rocking With Jam Man Talks With Billy Sheehan
Rocking With Jam Man Talks With Billy Sheehan about how he has recorded 300 songs during the pandemic, He gives me an update on the last Talas record, the future of Mr Big, recording the next Winery Dogs Album, what it is like being in Sons Of Apollo, when he plans on touring again, the time U2 opened up for him, if he would join Megadeth, and what is next for him
Billy Sheehan has played bass on dozens of records and toured all over the world for many decades. His unique and original style of playing has been celebrated and documented everywhere. His playing, singing, songwriting, and contributions to his many recordings have resulted in millions of records sold, Platinum and Gold status worldwide, Reader’s Poll Awards too many to list, Number #1 hits, Number #1 Video’s, sold-out shows, and most importantly the mutual love, friendship and respect between himself and many millions of fans around the globe.
Starting in his hometown of Buffalo, NY in the early ’70’s with the now legendary hard rock trio Talas, he went on to join David Lee Roth in the summer of ’85 when Dave quit Van Halen to go out on his own. Along with Steve Vai & Gregg Bissonette, the legendary Eat ‘Em and Smile record and tour went on to platinum status and sold out shows everywhere. Leaving in 1987 to start his own new band, he founded Mr. Big, who went on to achieve a number one hit in fourteen countries, staying number 1 in the USA BillBoard charts for 3 solid weeks. Along with Mr Big members Eric Martin, Paul Gilbert and Pat Torpey, they recorded and toured the world for a decade more, till disbanding in 2002. During that time he found time to start “Niacin” a fusion/blues trio based around the Hammond B3 sound that featured drummer Dennis Chambers. He rejoined his old bandmate Steve Vai for several tours as well as Steve’s “Real Illusions” record and tour. After he released several solo records and much more, Mr Big reunited in 2009 and performed a sold-out world tour, and then recorded “What If…” in 2011…to rave reviews and another sold-out world tour.
Most recently Billy joined Mike Portnoy and Richie Kotzen to form “:The Winery Dogs”. Their first release in July of 2013 entered the BillBoard Top 200 Albums at #27…and has been received everywhere with spectacular reviews and sold-out shows.
With his history of live performances and/or recordings with Talas, UFO, David Lee Roth, Mr. Big, Niacin, Steve Vai and now The Winery Dogs, he has had a huge and undeniable influence on modern bass playing that has spread all over the globe, and will continue for many years to come.
