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 plays on "Roadhouse Twang" with Kay Clements, August-October 2007
KPFA-FM (Berkeley, CA), "Hear and Now" with Derk Richardson, August 16, 2007
KWMR-FM, live in-studio appearance with Jerry Lunsford, July 30, 2007,
KRSH-FM (Novato, CA), live in-studio appearance with Andre de Channes, January 18, 2007
WAGS-FM (Bishopville, SC), Under the Big Sky 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.
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
You Are Invited.
THE THIRD ANNUAL CAMPER VAN BEETHOVEN CRACKER CAMPOUT. SEPT 6-8 PIONEERTOWN CA.
CRACKER, CAMPER VAN BEETHOVEN, GRAM RABBIT, JASON MOLINA/MAGNOLIA ELECTRIC COMPANY, WATSON TWINS,
HACKENSAW BOYS, RAIlBENDERS, VERMILLION LIES, DUSTY RHODES AND THE RIVER BAND, DARK MEAT, MANY MORE
SEPT 6TH 7TH AND 8TH AT
Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace
Pioneertown California (near joshua tree)
TIX ON SALE.
BUY TICKETS HERE AT PITCHATENT.COM**&
**pitchatent.com is wholly owned by Cracker/Camper Van Beethoven. Selling Merchandise, CD's and Tickets for the family of Camper Van Beethoven bands, and The 40 watt club athens GA/.
thats not Ed Koch!! He was mayor when I lived there...that guy was snoopy wierdo who thought it was cool to get into the picture and then afterward try to hit on me in front of my mom.... and yes, I won't settle for just anyone.
Hey new freind.
You Are Invited.
THE THIRD ANNUAL CAMPER VAN BEETHOVEN CRACKER CAMPOUT. SEPT 6-8 PIONEERTOWN CA.
CRACKER, CAMPER VAN BEETHOVEN, GRAM RABBIT, JASON MOLINA/MAGNOLIA ELECTRIC COMPANY, WATSON TWINS,
HACKENSAW BOYS, RAIlBENDERS, VERMILLION LIES, DUSTY RHODES AND THE RIVER BAND, DARK MEAT, MANY MORE
SEPT 6TH 7TH AND 8TH AT
Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace
Pioneertown California (near joshua tree)
TIX ON SALE.
BUY TICKETS HERE AT PITCHATENT.COM**&
**pitchatent.com is wholly owned by Cracker/Camper Van Beethoven. Selling Merchandise, CD's and Tickets for the family of Camper Van Beethoven bands, and The 40 watt club athens GA/.
other cracker tourdates.. click map.
Greetings The Billy Boys,
I am delighted to be your friend. I dig your sound! Thanks so much for checking out my tunes. Keep Rockin!
Love,
Joanie Sanders
The Devil has taken over my myspace, and
has forced me to spam you, don't come by
and check my page unless you already have a fiddle made of gold or are up to the challenge.
I know I just sent you a comment, but I have some very exciting news! My song, "Are You Available" from my CD, Decked Out will be played on the Oxygen Channel's "Bad Girls Club" tomorrow night. My song will be aired in the first 5 minutes when DeAnn is driving and chatting in the car with a guy she likes:)
This my first song on TV, so I'm pretty excited, can't you tell?
Tuesday, April 10th
Oxygen Channel -
Bad Girls Club
10:30pm/9C.
"A Little Ditty about Steve and DeAnn"
DeAnn and Steve's relationship is put to the test when they get into an argument and Steve kisses another girl. When Aimee tells Jodie that she thinks Kerry is in competition with her, Jodie confronts Kerry. 31 mins. (TV-14-DL)
Bad Girls Website: www.badgirlsclubonoxygen.com
Thought you might like to know, so you can check it out.
I hope you have a great Easter Weekend!!!
If you Get a chance, stop by and listen to the new songs that all the Industry are buzzing about for Apri 12th's showcase! Let me know what you think! Have a Great Holiday!
