The Billy Boys were destined to play music together, if only because they are all named Billy.
Billy D was a bounty hunter who became, surprisingly, the sheriff of Elmira during a drunken poker game in the jail house. He has vowed to serve the law when and where it serves him. His office has also allowed him to "encourage" wayward musicians to join his band.
Billy P comes from a long line of undertakers. His apprenticeship in the Funeral Arts was cut short because he had a tendency to bury people who were not yet dead. (He confused their struggles with the post-mortem contractions he had read about in his correspondence course textbook.) He is often found playing a mournful slide guitar in the resonant back rooms of the family funeral home.
Billy C was sent to the Happy Trails ranch for repeat juvenile offenders after stealing the wrong car. Embracing rural life, he began stealing cattle until he was apprehended by Billy D. After striking a deal with the County, Billy D became official custodian of Billy C, who he has pressed into service as a deputy. Billy C has forgiven Billy D for nearly sending him up the river - or so Billy D thinks.
Billy W was sentenced to work on a chain gang for a crime he didn't commit - at least not that many times. One fine day, Billy D, Billy P and Billy C were driving by in a stolen chicken truck. Billy W jumped in the back, startling the chickens. To keep Billy W from drawing the attention of the guards, Billy D took aim through the back window and winged Billy W with his .45. The Billy Boys had gained a bass player, but lost five chickens.
Not long ago, the Billy Boys were in a saloon when a ruckus broke out over a poker game. The pony-tailed Hawaiian cowboy accused of holding cheating looked in for trouble. But before a Billy could blink, the accusers were dispatched and Billy K was stuffing bills into his fiddle case. Ever true to his calling, Billy D gave the fiddler an ultimatum: Go to jail or Join the band. Sometimes Billy K wishes he had chosen jail.
Press and Airplay
Both albums, Hard Men Ride and Under the Big Sky, have been receiving great reviews and solid airplay internationally. And the Billy Boys' live show has had glowing reviews locally.
"Smooth sonic whiskey"
"Although they're mighty capable musicians in their own right, the five Billys' knack for blending their voices into a smooth sonic whiskey adds another attractive dimension to these fellers' act. If you haven't caught these guys on KWMR or KRSH, or playing all over the Bay Area the past few years, what the heck are you waiting for?" --Matt Kramer, Pacific Sun, October 12, 2007
Reviews of Under the Big Sky
"Just what 's needed at any gathering of fun-filled people, country music fans or not."
--Slinga.com (Australia)
“We put the Billy Boys into Power Play on my show. Real nice tracks.”
--Country Jukebox Radio (Germany)
“Fans will love this album! Good going, Billy Boys.”
--Shepparton 98.5 One FM (Australia)
“An outfit that just seems to fit alongside a pint of your favourite brew … there’s nothing confusing about the good-time country to be found on this album. The Billys cook up a brew steeped in traditionalism…”
–Pete Smith’s Rock Pile (UK)
Reviews of Hard Men Ride
"This band always sounds like they are enjoying themselves - Tops!"
--HHR Radio (England)
"Biggest surprise of the year - The Billy Boys. Nicely done!"
--Voce Spazio (Italy)
"This is a great sounding group – lots of good songs to choose from ... The Billy Boys are really great! Love ‘Kentucky’ and ‘Hard Men Ride.’”
--Shetland Radio BBC (Scotland)
International Airplay
With some great contacts in the international country music scene, the Billy Boys hit the top 10 on the European Country Music Association radio charts with tracks from both albums throughout 2006 and 2007.
IndieWorld Country Record Report Under the Big Sky moved from uncharted to Top 10 in three months. It held at Number 7 for weeks and was "Pick of the Week" March 16, 2007.
United States Airplay
The Billy Boys are getting some great local airplay.
KWMR-FM (Pt. Reyes Station, CA), multiple in-studio appearances with Jerry Lunsford on his "Hippie from Olema" show, 2008 and 2007; heavy rotation on "Roadhouse Twang" with Kay Clements, August-October 2007 KPFA-FM (Berkeley, CA), "Hear and Now" with Derk Richardson, August 16, 2007 KRSH-FM (Novato, CA), live in-studio appearance with Andre de Channes, January 18, 2007 WAGS-FM (Bishopville, SC), Under the Big Sky Number 1 on playlist, November 2006
The Billys are always looking to expand their range and would be happy to send you a complete press kit. Contact booking@thebillyboys.com.
Hey Billy C, Are all of your names really Billy or is it a stage thang? Yea, I love thumpin the doghouse, I'm headed to Colorado for Rocky Grass Academy in 2 weeks. Do you guys go to festivals? Grass Valley was awesome this year! Let's pick some time guys~~Meghan
Hello Billy Boy's ! Thanks for the friends request & my best to all you Billy's . LOL to you and all blues fans In California and the greater bay area . Just another blues boy trying to find is way home . Best Regards Eddie Neon
Thanks for the friend request. I can see you have stopped by the venerable Sweetwater. I look forward to the aquaintance. My friend Krickie says, "it's all about the music. " I ask, "do The Billy Boys accept roses?" It's all good!
I have always liked your profile pic, but I just read your profile! You guys are very funny! I guess I could not join your band unless I rename as Billy-Sue. Happy new Year!! Billy Sue
