Billy Sheehan is one of the most respected bass players in the whole world. I am really honoured that Billy was so kind to give me some information about his life. THE WINERY DOGS is his most actual project. They are on a tour in the USA now. In February 2023 I hooked up with Billy to ask him the following...
Do you always wanted to play the bass?
"Yes, since I was very young."
When have you recognized that you have very special skills on the bass?
"I don't believe I do. I have no natural talent. I'm just good at figuring things out."
You can play other instruments, too. I saw: guitars, harmonica, vocals and drum programming - wow, do you had to learn it or was it natural talent?
"All learned and figured out by myself. I'm self taught."
You play with your fingers instead of plecs - where is the difference?
"Many differences. Sound, articulation, many things."
Are you limited with plecs?
"No, not necessarily."
Are there any more solo albums planned?
"Yes, as soon as I have time."
Have you ever done rented studio work?
"Once in a while."
When you joined / formed a band was it a requirement to have other musicians that have a very high musical level?
"Not necessarily. Just be good."
Would you also play with young, inexperienced musicians when you'd like the songs?
"Sure."
You released a new TALAS album on Metal Blade 2022. Sadly Phil Naro died before it was released... Will you continue with this band with a new vocalist then?
"Possibly."
Would you say that you're addicted to your bass?
"No. Addiction is not a good thing. Are you addicted to breathing? I think not. Comparing a love of something or a necessity to an addiction is something I don't agree with."
Could you live a day without it?
"I choose not to live without it."
Do you read reviews of your bands?
"Rarely."
You worked with Doug Pinnick from KINGS X - have you caught on him because of his vocals or bass playing?
"Both."
You also worked with Billy F. Gibbons of ZZ TOP - when and where did you meet him, how did it happen - and did you work with him just once, because of time?
"Jammed several times, and he played a track on my last solo record. He's absolutely fantastic."
Have you ever worked with Jessie Galante? And how did you get to know her?
"I knew her from the early 80's. She's a dear friend."
You are an animal lover, right?
"Yes."
Your first dog ever was the Beagle "Jet"... do you have pets now too?
"Rebel" is our cat. He weighs over 20 pounds now."
... some more pets living with you?
"Just him. He's the king of the house."
One of your solo albums is called "Holy Cow", is the cow holy for you like in India?
"No, it's just an expression of surprise in English."
You are from Buffalo, New York - have you always lived there or did you move for career reasons and are you now back?
"I left in 1985 for LA. After 32 years in LA I moved to Nashville."
Guitarist Roy Coston from Buffalo, New York saw you with TALAS in 1982. There were only 3 people - he was one of them... he is very proud of you always remembering your home area. He said: "He was just one of the ones that stuck to his guns back in the day and it paid off!" Do you remember this evening?
"There were many nights like that. Many friendships were made."
Talking about your tattoo "Relentless" - would you characterize yourself as that?
"Absolutely."
Are you a comic fan? What do you like?
"No. I read books."
What is you fave menu?
"Too many to list."
Do you speak more languages?
"I'm still learning English."
Are you doing any sports?
"Not presently."
What would be your job when you wouldn't have become one of the best bass players in the world?
"I'd own a bikini shop."
What are your hobbies?
"Mostly music or music related."
You were at the Buffalo Christmas Concert and Meet and Greet 2022.
"I was, yes."
Which songs have you played there?
"Many Christmas songs and other favorites."
Where have you filmed THE WINERY DOGS video 'Xanadu'?
"At a house with a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean."
www.billysheehan.com
Photos: Daniel Hellstörm, Igor Vidyashev (Rockxposure), Ray Enzinna, Billy Sheehan ("Rebel"). All used with kindly permission of Billy Sheehan and Jessie Galante.
Interview: Tina Ehmke
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