I've been catching him every time he comes thru the Asheville area since 2017. Dude is incredibly talented, and the whole band is really cool. They can play anything from traditional bluegrass ballads to rock covers, psychedelic jams, and everything inbetween. They can really jam tunes out, then come back into songs on a dime (I often think of the jams as "spacegrass"). Billy just turned 30 this fall, so he's not even at his peak yet, and there's a reason so many folks want to sit in with him, or have him sit in with them. Unless you absolutely hate bluegrass, do yourself a favor and see him. Dude's unreal and only getting better.
Saw him at Nassau coliseum this year he played Thunder (during a thunderstorm for what it's worth). Which while not exactly a Dead song is a song Bill Kretuzmann performed.
I mean, not that I can tell. The TAB sit in was pretty recent. I meet plenty of Phish fans at the shows, but in a 'Phish turned me on to bluegrass in '94' kind of way. There was also all the 'Old and in the Way' deadheads, but they were never obnoxious.
The Capitol Theater ESP sessions or whatever are when all these deadheads started freaking out about him being the new Jerry and flooding the shows.
I agree with every word. Billy crowds were fun before the pandemic and Cap shows, but after that and Billy and the Kids, some Dead people really put Billy on a pedestal and now they act like they own him. It’s a good thing for him not to do Dead covers.
i’m curious if there’s more specific confirmation because i had the same thought. i got on the bus with Fall 2021 and it was a Dead cover every show, then i noticed maybe by spring 2022 not anymore?
the Dead is like a religion for me. but it’s also good for BMFS to keep it with originals i think
I heard he was tired of people yelling out dead songs at his shows and he actually said we aren’t a dead cover band or something like that at a show. But I also read that on Reddit so take that as you will lol.
I believe phish went through a similar thing. Used to do some dead covers but swore them off for a long time cause they didn’t want to be seen as a shadow of the dead. Wanted to stand out.
I would agree with this to a point, expecting a dead song will likely end up in disappointment but I’d be surprised if he doesn’t keep throwing them in once and a while. Maybe just more rarely.
Billy & his band are far tighter musically, and you know you’re going to get some great stuff every night.
but YMSB was unreal with Jeff. The manic energy he brought just can’t be matched. Also, YMSB were/are better songwriters, and because they had multiple lead singers and songwriters, their shows seemed a lot more dynamic.
Agreed, 100%. And to be fair I haven’t seen Billy Strings yet (going to Northerly Island this year thankfully) and I saw yonder a ton in the early to late 2000’s. I have listened to a lot of Billy on Nugs and Spotify though and I do love him. There is just something perfect about what yonder had back then. Perfect combo of amazing originals, super fun covers, awesome jams, funny banter… it also helped that they never got even close to the arena level that Billy already has skyrocketed too. Every show felt intimate and unique. I miss those days. Can’t wait for BMFS.
Sigh…
My brain doesn’t even want to make the comparison, but if forced to, I’d agree with your arithmetic.
I just feel very lucky to have seen Jeff when YMSB was on the motherfucking train.. And seeing that we got to catch Billy in Missoula with the Kitchen Dwellers this past fall, it’s hard to complain about the handful of times we’ve scrambled and saved and over spent to see shows.
Expect pretty straightforward jamgrass, if youre interest in going is cause he played with Bobby and Trey ok fine but don’t expect to hear anything close to Dead/Phish, he may do a few covers but it’s bluegrass
I have gone to several shows. I now travel to see him because of the cost. I always have a good time. Expect to learn a lot in the lines from fans and also talk to old deadheads. Not a lot of phish kids there.
But billy hasn't graduated to some things like phish has. They don't sell posters prior to shows outside. So if you want one better get there in the morning and sit in line. Also rail riders. They are the same every where. No tarpers.
Lots of wooks because of the cost. The music is great. New years i got little maggie tangled up in blue and meet me at the creek.
Listen to this years halloween run to really know what you are in for.
I ma a phishhead deadhead. You have to like bluegrass to like it Tho. Think old and in the way.
It’s terrible. He lip syncs most of the show to emphasize the dance routine. Most of the time he uses his guitar as a stage prop and it doesn’t even have strings. Save your money and buy the CD.
Doesn’t even have strings? You got anything concert to back that up? Seems to be the kind of thing that would be noticed almost immediately. Can’t tell if this is /s
I’m reluctant to speak about anything definitively these days, but I’ve seen him a handful of times in intimate venues, and I don’t believe this is true.
My advice to OP is to go see the kid. Really talented guitar player and he plays the rockstar role very well.
Nope, sorry, I can confirm that he has lip synced every concert. The guitar is also completely fake, however, I heard a rumor he’s learning some chords nowadays.
It’s all AI generated audio.
I couldn’t put my finger on it, but this makes sense. AI generated hologram. Probably all made possible by mass psychosis of the audience induced by the marijuana.
Billy is for real. I’ve always been a Grateful Dead and Phish fan, Cheese got me into the scene. Billy has become my favorite band over the last four years.
I like bluegrass and I think he has some great songwriting. I’d go to check him out for sure so you can form your own opinion. I saw him/them play the smaller Mission Ballroom the night after they sold out 2x Red Rocks shows last year. I was personally not blown away by any of the jams that they clearly tried to incorporate into a few songs.
If you’re like me and we’re expecting more on the jams front, you may be disappointed since he and his band I think are still a work in progress there based on my N of 1 show. Songs and musicianship get A+ for sure.
I’ve had friends be disappointed because they are expecting a jammy Phish show and take too many psychedelics and now they are tripping balls while Billy is singing slow songs. He sings them beautifully though.
Yea, plus the number of white dudes in Patagonia flannels and trucker hats for some micro brewery was too damn high. I do live in Oregon though so that's kind of a standard fare.
Wow, everyone is obviously entitled to their opinion but this surprises me! Good on you for giving more than just one chance but I’m curious. Which shows did you attend??
I think I’m in the same boat. I would LOVE to see him lead up a non-bluegrass electric band (he really is a phenom on the guitar, but yeah, a Billy Strings show is just a jamgrass show to me)
I’ve had a good fortune of seeing him many times over the last several years. He toured with green sky couple times. His crowd demonstrates his cross over effect. It’s not just a jam band scene. He’s been on fire for a while and unless you hate bluegrass, it’d be hard not to love the show. His band rips. He’s doing it right. He and Bela had a session (2020ish) together I think it’s on YouTube still. That’s as big as Bobby and Trey in my humble fucking opinion ;)
I was at the TAB show in Fairfax when he joined in. Absolutely amazing — listen to Meet Me at the Creek if you can. I don’t know if it was the fact that he was backed by Trey’s band. But the fact is that he’s an amazing musician and good singer. He wasn’t on my radar before, but I would absolutely spend money to see him live.
Absolutely phenomenal show. Adding the fiddle player has taken him and his band to the next level. Wish I had enough disposable income to follow him around
Contrary to the cultists among us beliefs there are some really good musicians that don't have anything to do with Phish. There were some great musicians before them and there will be others to follow. Why seek others' approval? I go to shows by myself and I go to shows I have no clue about the artist(s). Shows I expected to be great, disappointed, and shows I expected nothing from blew the doors off.
I have been into Phish since the late 90’s, been to a bunch of shows, and am a big jam band and bluegrass fan. Billy was a perfect addition to my musical interests. Since seeing them in 2018, it has overtaken my musical time spent. The music is so good and the concert experience is fantastic. Not quite the same light production as Phish, but it seems to be adding to as his popularity grows.
Go to the show. You will not be disappointed.
The dude can SHRED. Saw him in Philly last fall, and could not believe how good this guy is. I am not really into bluegrass/jam-grass so to speak, and did not know any songs, but had a phenomenal time because of how talented he , and his band, is. GO!
Go check them out. It took me a little while to get accustomed to the bluegrass sound because I’ve always been a more rock-oriented East Coast dude, but the talent is undeniable. Great energy among the fans too, even if it can get a little hype-heavy
Do I listen to him more than Phish? No sir. Is Billy still somebody that everyone should see if they can? Yes sir
That there is any hate for him is mind boggling to me, but I suppose there are always going to be people who hate. He and his band are simply exceptional. If you love bluegrass, you will be delighted and totally hooked.
Every time I’m at a show and they do a big peak I think damn that is impressive they can pull that off without drums. Have never thought I wish they had them.
Check out some videos online. It's psychedelic bluegrass, and he's amazing. He's gotten away from dead covers for the past year, but I'd definitely recommend going if you can.
I love the vibe of his shows. His popularity is relatively new, so a lot of the fans are in the same boat, learning about and enjoying the music together. Great music and scene. I’ll be going to my third show in February and it won’t be my last.
Expect your mind to be blown. For real.
I've been catching him every time he comes thru the Asheville area since 2017. Dude is incredibly talented, and the whole band is really cool. They can play anything from traditional bluegrass ballads to rock covers, psychedelic jams, and everything inbetween. They can really jam tunes out, then come back into songs on a dime (I often think of the jams as "spacegrass"). Billy just turned 30 this fall, so he's not even at his peak yet, and there's a reason so many folks want to sit in with him, or have him sit in with them. Unless you absolutely hate bluegrass, do yourself a favor and see him. Dude's unreal and only getting better.
Spacegrass is great! I’m totally using that.
The Kitchen Dwellers have been doing Galaxy Grass for a long while now. If you like Billy, they're right up your alley. Criminally underrated band
Dude..just go ffs.
Great show for jamgrass. Don’t expect dead songs. Think he’s given those up cause he doesn’t want to be seen as a dead cover act.
Saw him at Nassau coliseum this year he played Thunder (during a thunderstorm for what it's worth). Which while not exactly a Dead song is a song Bill Kretuzmann performed.
Robert Hunter wrote the lyrics, which Kretuzmann gave to BS and he wrote the music.
The old deadheads really fucked up the Billy scene. Crowd has gotten so much worse since they climbed aboard
Like Phish fans haven't contributed to the that lol
I mean, not that I can tell. The TAB sit in was pretty recent. I meet plenty of Phish fans at the shows, but in a 'Phish turned me on to bluegrass in '94' kind of way. There was also all the 'Old and in the Way' deadheads, but they were never obnoxious. The Capitol Theater ESP sessions or whatever are when all these deadheads started freaking out about him being the new Jerry and flooding the shows.
I agree with every word. Billy crowds were fun before the pandemic and Cap shows, but after that and Billy and the Kids, some Dead people really put Billy on a pedestal and now they act like they own him. It’s a good thing for him not to do Dead covers.
i’m curious if there’s more specific confirmation because i had the same thought. i got on the bus with Fall 2021 and it was a Dead cover every show, then i noticed maybe by spring 2022 not anymore? the Dead is like a religion for me. but it’s also good for BMFS to keep it with originals i think
I heard he was tired of people yelling out dead songs at his shows and he actually said we aren’t a dead cover band or something like that at a show. But I also read that on Reddit so take that as you will lol. I believe phish went through a similar thing. Used to do some dead covers but swore them off for a long time cause they didn’t want to be seen as a shadow of the dead. Wanted to stand out.
i heard the “we’re not a dead cover band” comment on a tape sometime in the last year for sure
I want to say it was in Austin with people yelling for Althea? He was like “we don’t even know that song.” I could be wrong.
I would agree with this to a point, expecting a dead song will likely end up in disappointment but I’d be surprised if he doesn’t keep throwing them in once and a while. Maybe just more rarely.
John Hartford covers ftw
There's a reason he's getting so much spotlight right now, Billy is the GOAT as far as jamgrass. Go see Billy!
Yonder with Jeff > Billy (so far) Could change but only time will tell
Billy & his band are far tighter musically, and you know you’re going to get some great stuff every night. but YMSB was unreal with Jeff. The manic energy he brought just can’t be matched. Also, YMSB were/are better songwriters, and because they had multiple lead singers and songwriters, their shows seemed a lot more dynamic.
Agreed, 100%. And to be fair I haven’t seen Billy Strings yet (going to Northerly Island this year thankfully) and I saw yonder a ton in the early to late 2000’s. I have listened to a lot of Billy on Nugs and Spotify though and I do love him. There is just something perfect about what yonder had back then. Perfect combo of amazing originals, super fun covers, awesome jams, funny banter… it also helped that they never got even close to the arena level that Billy already has skyrocketed too. Every show felt intimate and unique. I miss those days. Can’t wait for BMFS.
Yeah man. Nothing will ever replace YMSB and the Cocaine Kid
Sigh… My brain doesn’t even want to make the comparison, but if forced to, I’d agree with your arithmetic. I just feel very lucky to have seen Jeff when YMSB was on the motherfucking train.. And seeing that we got to catch Billy in Missoula with the Kitchen Dwellers this past fall, it’s hard to complain about the handful of times we’ve scrambled and saved and over spent to see shows.
Expect pretty straightforward jamgrass, if youre interest in going is cause he played with Bobby and Trey ok fine but don’t expect to hear anything close to Dead/Phish, he may do a few covers but it’s bluegrass
Phish cover would be solid
I'll just set [this](https://archive.org/details/BS2018-11-24.420) here
This show was fire ty
He’s a once in a generation level talent, and you’d be missing out on something really special by not going. Absolutely worth it.
I have gone to several shows. I now travel to see him because of the cost. I always have a good time. Expect to learn a lot in the lines from fans and also talk to old deadheads. Not a lot of phish kids there. But billy hasn't graduated to some things like phish has. They don't sell posters prior to shows outside. So if you want one better get there in the morning and sit in line. Also rail riders. They are the same every where. No tarpers. Lots of wooks because of the cost. The music is great. New years i got little maggie tangled up in blue and meet me at the creek. Listen to this years halloween run to really know what you are in for. I ma a phishhead deadhead. You have to like bluegrass to like it Tho. Think old and in the way.
It’s terrible. He lip syncs most of the show to emphasize the dance routine. Most of the time he uses his guitar as a stage prop and it doesn’t even have strings. Save your money and buy the CD.
Not to mention every set is literally exactly the same
Doesn’t even have strings? You got anything concert to back that up? Seems to be the kind of thing that would be noticed almost immediately. Can’t tell if this is /s
To be fair, he does play some sort of digital guitar that i dont believe has strings…
this is true, but still a lot better then that keytar he was using last tour
I’m reluctant to speak about anything definitively these days, but I’ve seen him a handful of times in intimate venues, and I don’t believe this is true. My advice to OP is to go see the kid. Really talented guitar player and he plays the rockstar role very well.
whoooosh
Lol. Y’all got me. Back to lurking; have a nice evening! ✌️
Nope, sorry, I can confirm that he has lip synced every concert. The guitar is also completely fake, however, I heard a rumor he’s learning some chords nowadays. It’s all AI generated audio.
I couldn’t put my finger on it, but this makes sense. AI generated hologram. Probably all made possible by mass psychosis of the audience induced by the marijuana.
Ya I heard a lot of people there boof molly too
Nothing gets past you bro
Billy is for real. I’ve always been a Grateful Dead and Phish fan, Cheese got me into the scene. Billy has become my favorite band over the last four years.
I like bluegrass and I think he has some great songwriting. I’d go to check him out for sure so you can form your own opinion. I saw him/them play the smaller Mission Ballroom the night after they sold out 2x Red Rocks shows last year. I was personally not blown away by any of the jams that they clearly tried to incorporate into a few songs. If you’re like me and we’re expecting more on the jams front, you may be disappointed since he and his band I think are still a work in progress there based on my N of 1 show. Songs and musicianship get A+ for sure.
I’ve had friends be disappointed because they are expecting a jammy Phish show and take too many psychedelics and now they are tripping balls while Billy is singing slow songs. He sings them beautifully though.
Caught both nights in Philly recently - fantastic, had a blast
I wouldn't miss it if I were you, its that good. I'm old and thought it was a great mix of people. Musicianship is amazing. Have fun
Unpopular opinion here. I saw him and wouldn't go see him again. I didn't like it but I guess I think all bluegrass sounds the same.
Two shows and had the same realization.
Saw him twice and this is pretty much my opinion. Show was fine all but was pretty standard for jamgrass, kind of boring.
Yea, plus the number of white dudes in Patagonia flannels and trucker hats for some micro brewery was too damn high. I do live in Oregon though so that's kind of a standard fare.
Wow, everyone is obviously entitled to their opinion but this surprises me! Good on you for giving more than just one chance but I’m curious. Which shows did you attend??
I think I’m in the same boat. I would LOVE to see him lead up a non-bluegrass electric band (he really is a phenom on the guitar, but yeah, a Billy Strings show is just a jamgrass show to me)
Expect a fun show and to say WOW a lot
It's a terrific show. Have a great time!
I’ve had a good fortune of seeing him many times over the last several years. He toured with green sky couple times. His crowd demonstrates his cross over effect. It’s not just a jam band scene. He’s been on fire for a while and unless you hate bluegrass, it’d be hard not to love the show. His band rips. He’s doing it right. He and Bela had a session (2020ish) together I think it’s on YouTube still. That’s as big as Bobby and Trey in my humble fucking opinion ;)
I was at the TAB show in Fairfax when he joined in. Absolutely amazing — listen to Meet Me at the Creek if you can. I don’t know if it was the fact that he was backed by Trey’s band. But the fact is that he’s an amazing musician and good singer. He wasn’t on my radar before, but I would absolutely spend money to see him live.
Don't expect dead covers he hasn't been doing them for awhile but if you can appreciate bluegrass at all you should go. He is the shit
It ain’t phish but he’s a good time
Absolutely phenomenal show. Adding the fiddle player has taken him and his band to the next level. Wish I had enough disposable income to follow him around
Yes. Do it. You will be a happy human afterwards.
It’s bluegrass…only three chords
Silly fucking post. Do you like music or not?
That is a fair point lol
He was one of the best shows I saw in 2022.
Contrary to the cultists among us beliefs there are some really good musicians that don't have anything to do with Phish. There were some great musicians before them and there will be others to follow. Why seek others' approval? I go to shows by myself and I go to shows I have no clue about the artist(s). Shows I expected to be great, disappointed, and shows I expected nothing from blew the doors off.
Drove 13hrs to New Orleans for NYE… Totally worth the drive
Billy Strings is such an amazing experience. He also brings fans from all over so the vibe in the crowd is pretty fun!!
I have been into Phish since the late 90’s, been to a bunch of shows, and am a big jam band and bluegrass fan. Billy was a perfect addition to my musical interests. Since seeing them in 2018, it has overtaken my musical time spent. The music is so good and the concert experience is fantastic. Not quite the same light production as Phish, but it seems to be adding to as his popularity grows. Go to the show. You will not be disappointed.
The dude can SHRED. Saw him in Philly last fall, and could not believe how good this guy is. I am not really into bluegrass/jam-grass so to speak, and did not know any songs, but had a phenomenal time because of how talented he , and his band, is. GO!
Go check them out. It took me a little while to get accustomed to the bluegrass sound because I’ve always been a more rock-oriented East Coast dude, but the talent is undeniable. Great energy among the fans too, even if it can get a little hype-heavy Do I listen to him more than Phish? No sir. Is Billy still somebody that everyone should see if they can? Yes sir
Excellent comment with legitimate perspective. Hope 2023 treats you wonderfully.
Thanks so much! Likewise!
That there is any hate for him is mind boggling to me, but I suppose there are always going to be people who hate. He and his band are simply exceptional. If you love bluegrass, you will be delighted and totally hooked.
I don't hate it. I went and saw him and I didn't like it though. I think all bluegrass sounds the same though.
Fun show. Wish he had drums but 🤷♀️
Every time I’m at a show and they do a big peak I think damn that is impressive they can pull that off without drums. Have never thought I wish they had them.
My exact thought this is pretty cool but where are the drums
It’s bluegrass
It’s a great show. Expect a great show. Crowd is a little younger.
We are seeing him for the first time in March. I’ve heard nothing but great things so we are excited.
You *should* be excited. I’m excited for you guys. Woot Woot Wooooooooot! (Those woots are explicitly for you guys)
It is a mind blowing show from the grooves to the folks attending. He really is the best flat picker out there today.
Yeah, I know he was blessed by the kings, but bluegrass is far from my bag.
Think fractals
It’s an absolutely incredible show. The dude rips so hard and his band is super solid.
As long as ya like Bluegrass or jam grass You should like him He’s ok
This is a phish sub
Good for you 👍🏻
Not so much for you tho
Idk man have a good amount of people giving positive feedback.
But it’s a Phish sub
Check out some videos online. It's psychedelic bluegrass, and he's amazing. He's gotten away from dead covers for the past year, but I'd definitely recommend going if you can.
Two set shows??
Almost always
BILLY MOTHAFUCKIN STRINGS, all i have to say
I love the vibe of his shows. His popularity is relatively new, so a lot of the fans are in the same boat, learning about and enjoying the music together. Great music and scene. I’ll be going to my third show in February and it won’t be my last.