Billy Sheehan - Episode 634

What this episode covers

Steve Cooper talks with bassist Billy Sheehan. Billy started 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 he 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.

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