BILLY SHEEHAN TALKS DLR, VH, Mr. Big
And He's No Shyboy
By Dave Clark
DLR Army Communications Officer

   

     Hailed by most musicians as an innovator and an icon, Billy Sheehan began his professional career in New York's thriving metal scene with Talas (who originally recorded "Shyboy"). Contacted by David Lee Roth after he left Van Halen, Sheehan, the "Eddie Van Halen" of bass players, helped create the musically talented and notorious "Eat Em and Smile" band.
    Leaving shortly before the release of "Skyscraper," Sheehan used some of the tricks and tips culled from his time with Roth to form his own supergroup, Mr. Big. The band's mix of technique and melody scored hits like "Addicted to That Rush," with rockers and "To Be With You" with pop fans and the MTV crowd.
    With a new release from Mr. Big on the way and a third effort from his side project, Niacin (which features Dennis Chambers on drums and John Novello on Hammond B-3 Organ), Sheehan took a few minutes to bring DLR fans up-to-date on what's in his immediate future and some of his memories of "The Dave Years."

DLR ARMY: Describe a musician's life in L.A. from your point of view? Why did you choose to relocate?

SHEEHAN: "I love L.A.! It's the center of the universe. There's no limit to the success you can have here. And the weather is awesome compared to my home town of Buffalo, N.Y. Actually the weather in Anchorage is awesome compared to Buffalo!" (laughing)

DLR ARMY: When did you first decide to take up music for a living?



SHEEHAN: "When I was a little kid and saw the girls go nuts for the Beatles on TV I knew I HAD to do that for a living. I started playing right away and never stopped."

DLR ARMY: Why did you take up the bass? What inspired you to start playing?

SHEEHAN: "  I loved the bass right away because my "hero" in the neighborhood - Joe Hesse - was a bass player. He had the coolest car, the best looking girlfriend, and the best haircut. I wanted all that. I guess I'm still waiting for the haircut.
    "At night I could hear the bass reverberate through the neighborhood. The guitars and drums were muffled, but the bass traveled everywhere. I loved that, and wanted to have the power to shake buildings. Also, the bass was BIG and MANLY. Guitars were little and wimpy and the thin little strings looked like Velveeta cheese cutters."

DLR ARMY: Who's your all-time favorite bass player and why?

SHEEHAN: "Hard to say. Jaco was one of the best ever."

DLR ARMY: Who are your biggest influences as a musician?

SHEEHAN: "There are so many! It would be an awfully long and eclectic list. If it's good and from the heart, it probably influenced me at some point."

DLR ARMY: What else do you do besides making music (any other bands, acting, TV, radio, teaching, hobbies)?

SHEEHAN: "Not much else! Occasional voice-overs for radio, bass clinics and seminars. Mostly all music related though. I'm working on some solo stuff too."

DLR ARMY: Put this to rest once and for all, Billy. Did you jam on any songs, or were you aware of any recording that Eddie Van Halen did with David Coverdale? Your name was attached to that rumor as having been a participant. At one point we heard you played on some of the songs at Ed's request.

SHEEHAN: "Absolute total baloney! Some bonehead made that up and posted it, and as usual, the Internet made it sound real. Complete bullshit. Stories like that ruin the credibility of ANYTHING on the Net. Anybody, anywhere, can say anything his or her little pea brain can muster up, and post it with the appearance of absolute credibility."

DLR ARMY: What are you currently up to? What does Mr. Big and Niacin have in store for us in 2000?

SHEEHAN: "The new Mr. Big album, "Get Over It," (our fifth) is out March 22 on Atlantic Records. The new Niacin disc, "Deep," (our third) came out March 7.
    "I have some equipment I've designed for Ampeg and Yamaha out now as well.
    "We did a Talas reunion about two years ago; we recorded it, and it's available as well. It's called 'If We Only Knew Then What We Know Now...'
    "Tons of stuff!"

DLR ARMY: When was the first time you heard classic Van Halen? What was your impression?

SHEEHAN: " I heard 'Eruption' and 'You Really Got Me' on the radio in 1978-79. I was blown away. I was also bummed because I thought I was the only one doing hammer-ons! But Eddie had taken it farther than I had, at the time, and was just awesome in general.
    "I LOVED Van Halen! The whole band. The package. Each guy's 'image', the attitude. The world had gone skinny tie and 'New Wave,' with wimpy synthesizers. Flock of Seagulls! Ugh!
    "Van Halen crushed them all and changed the course of music. Ed and Dave were the best. Every guitar player tried to imitate Ed, and EVERY singer tried to be like Dave."

DLR ARMY: Why did you choose to cover "Meanstreet" on "Deep"?

SHEEHAN: "I did "Mean Streets" on the Niacin record because I thought it would be a cool way to pay tribute, as well as an opportunity to reinterpret, in a funkified way, a great song."

DLR ARMY: You actually toured with Van Halen while Dave was at the helm. Did you ever get any impression there was trouble between them or that they would be parting ways?

SHEEHAN: "I saw VH kick complete ass for about 30 shows. On their worse night they were better than any band around. Amazing. I never saw ANY fighting or trouble. That's a fact.
    "Also, Talas completed the tour as scheduled and was never ever 'fired' as some rumors have stated. We had a great time and I consider it an honor to have been on the same stage."

DLR ARMY: Was it true that at some point you were being considered or were approached about being in the band as a replacement for Mike Anthony?

SHEEHAN: "I spoke with Ed about a lot of things.  I don't think the band would have been the same without Mike, though I would have LOVED to play with them."

DLR ARMY: How and when were you contacted by the Roth Camp about joining the EAAS Band? Describe the first meeting you had with him.

SHEEHAN: "In the summer of '85 Dave's office called. I was going to be in L.A. to start a tour with Talas, opening for Yngwie Malmsteen. We arranged a meeting, but I didn't know what it was about exactly. When I got there, Dave said he wanted to start a band. Though my dream was to play in VH, I thought 'Close enough!' and I agreed.
    "We needed a guitar player. I went on tour with Talas and Dave contacted Steve Stevens, who wasn't interested. At the end of my tour in July, Dave flew me out to L.A. to start the band. Steve and Greg were not involved yet. Only myself.
    "It's been suggested, and reported many, many times, that Dave and Steve began the band. Absolutely not true. Though not terribly important, it minimizes and marginalizes my influence, involvement and contribution. This may have been intentional or not, and the source of this is known to me. The fact is that the original idea was for Dave and I to start a band. No one else was considered until that was established.
    "I ran into Steve Vai and hinted at the possibility of something big coming up. I suggested his name to Dave and we got together with him. Steve and I then went looking for a drummer and found Greg Bissonette.
    "That was that. We started hanging out and putting songs together. That was a great time. The inclusion of Steve and Greg was instrumental in the band's success and was encouraged by me. They are spectacular players and wonderful people."

DLR Army: What was your first impression of Dave, did it change over the years, even during the "musical differences" of the "Skyscraper" period?

SHEEHAN: "I instantly liked him. Most people do. My opinion hasn't changed much. We met up for a few beers at the Rainbow in Hollywood right after the VH thing went down (in 1996). I picked up the tab. Again."

DLR ARMY: You've always chosen to work with talented guys, but do you consider that experience the highlight of your career?

SHEEHAN: "Yes! In many ways it was. Dave was awesome. Steve and I had a riot together, Greg was a madman. Everywhere I go on earth, someone comes up to me that saw that tour and raves about it. It was a dream come true for all of us.
    "Dave treated us well, but he was the boss. I'm saying that as a compliment. So much of that show was his doing. He put it together brilliantly."

DLR ARMY: We've all seen the show, but fans have also heard that there was quite a show taking place backstage. Since the statute of limitations has probably run out for everything that may have transpired, what are some of your favorite touring memories?

SHEEHAN: "The EEAS tour was legendary. It was one of the last really big tours to have such a backstage scene. Much of it can't be discussed, but I will say that there were no 'drug scenes' and everyone was treated with respect.
    "Anyone that was backstage knew what it was about and was a willing participant. How's that for a disclaimer!
    "I look back at those days fondly. I'm glad I got the chance to play with Dave. In many ways, he's still my hero."

DLR ARMY: Fair enough. Now, give us some dirt, man! Fess up, Billy...

SHEEHAN: " ...I will say though, that in one city, there were 45 young ladies backstage and only four or five of us. Use your imagination -we did! Actually in all honesty it WAS good, clean fun.
    "Especially clean after we got the showers working..."

DLR ARMY: Why did you end up leaving the band after "Skyscraper"? We really missed seeing you on that tour.

SHEEHAN: "Things change. The old 'musical differences' line was very true. Much of what I learned from Dave was a big help to me when I started Mr. Big."

DLR ARMY: When was the last time you talked with Dave, Gregg, Steve, or Brett Tuggle?

SHEEHAN: "The last time I talked with Dave? A long time, maybe two or three  years. Steve, Gregg, Brett and I speak often. I love those guys."

DLR ARMY: Before "DLR Band" came out it was rumored that you would be working with Dave again, but that never happened. Was that premature on their part or was something in the works?

SHEEHAN: "I've spoken to Dave a few times, but made no plans to do anything. The last time anything was said, it was without any knowledge on my part.
    "Whoever said that got me into a lot of trouble with my previous commitments. I have a record company (Atlantic) that has a contract with me. They were not amused. I have a band and a manager as well. They were similarly unamused."

DLR ARMY: Would you ever consider working with Dave again?

SHEEHAN: "I have no intentions of working with Dave right now, nor he with me I'm sure. But I have absolutely nothing but respect and good will towards him."

DLR ARMY: What's your impression of DLR's solo stuff? Will solo Dave stand the test of time the way VH has?

SHEEHAN: "Dave's stuff was hard for me to get into. I'm always thinking of how it could have been, if only..."

DLR ARMY: How does Sammy rate with you?

SHEEHAN: "VH with Sammy? I couldn't get into it. Sorry. I'm too used to how it was before. Besides, what the hell do I know! I loved the first Montrose album, but that was it for Sammy. Sorry, but I just wasn't into it."

DLR ARMY: Should Dave rejoin Van Halen? Why or why not?

SHEEHAN: "He should have when it first went down a few years ago (1996). It might be too late now. I think the fans have been put off. When they were first going to do it EVERYBODY freaked out! It was the greatest thing ever. Everybody in the clubs and on the street was so excited!
    "When it fell through it was a catastrophe. It's hard to come back from that."

DLR ARMY: What's the secret to the lasting popularity of classic Van Halen and David Lee Roth?

SHEEHAN: "Yin and Yang. Dave entertains, Ed plays. The combination worked perfectly. Ed is so unique as a person and player. He changed the way musicians were thinking. Their records were exactly what we needed to hear. I loved them very much."

DLR ARMY: Since you toured with Dave during his biggest undertaking, what's this thing we keep hearing about... L.S.D. (Lead Singer Disease)? Ever been a witness to it?

SHEEHAN: "Yes! A lot! But not from Dave.
    "The tour I was on with him wasn't like that. I've heard other stories too, but I can only go by what I actually saw with my own eyes."

DLR ARMY: Name one piece of useless trivia that you know about Dave after touring with him for so long?

SHEEHAN: "He's a Sinatra fan. He's not a metal head."

DLR ARMY: After parting ways with Dave it must have been exciting, and probably a little scary, starting up a new band. Describe how Mr. Big got together.

SHEEHAN: "I was excited about the band and got on with it right away. We got signed quickly and toured everywhere. Our second album hit big and we had a #1 single for 3 weeks in Billboard Magazine, as well as a #1 Video on MTV. We went Platinum+ in the USA and had a #1 record in 14 countries.
    "It's by far the most successful band I've ever had. PLUS it's a blast musically and creatively."

DLR ARMY: Why did Paul Gilbert recently leave the band?

SHEEHAN: "He just quit! Kinda strange actually. No real explanation. He left us, refused to play with us anymore.
    "We got lucky and had a good friend who wanted to do the gig, Richie Kotzen. He really did a great job on the record as well as proving himself live on our Asian tour in January. By the second show, fans were holding up banners saying 'We love you Richie!' The band is happier than ever."

DLR ARMY: Do you ever perform any of the Roth material besides "Shyboy" (even though that was from Talas)? If you do, what songs?

SHEEHAN: "We did 'Shyboy' in the show with Mr. Big, but that's about it. Steve, Gregg, and I played it instrumentally at one of Steve's record release parties once. That was cool!

DLR ARMY: Who are the artists that you would love to work with?

SHEEHAN: " Kings X, Prince, Daniela Pestova."

DLR ARMY: What's one thing that you do on tour that makes you feel at home, especially overseas? Any superstitions before gigs?

SHEEHAN: "When I'm on tour I get in the groove and forget about home. I'm totally into the gig and playing. Overseas is the same, though you really miss English! We always come home speaking 'broken English' after a long trip abroad - 'You bring cheeseburger me?'"

DLR ARMY: Mr. Big is still huge in Japan but not the U.S., although you are one of the most respected musicians in the U.S. Does it bother you that while the critical accolades are there, the record sales in the U.S. aren't? Do you ever think "Fuck it, guys. We're writing 'To Be With You II'!" rather than stay true to what the band is into at that moment?

SHEEHAN: "We kept our integrity and still had a hit, very rare these days! We really don't think about it like that. We make the best records we know how and hope for the best. I guess we can take some comfort in knowing there are many other bands that don't do well here that should.

DLR ARMY: What's your impression of the current state of music?

SHEEHAN: "MTV ruined everything. Nobody sings, nobody plays. It's lip sync aerobics class for every video. We'll keep on singing for real and playing for real.
    "We had a recent show in L.A. and a huge producer/record executive wanted to know what kind of sampler we used for our vocals. Sad. We sang them live! He didn't even know you could do that!

DLR ARMY: What are your favorite three compact discs right now?

SHEEHAN: "Fat Boy Slim, Propellerheads, Humble Pie's 'Smokin'."

DLR ARMY: What's in your immediate future?

SHEEHAN: "Touring with Mr. Big, a solo bass album, a solo band album, more touring. Thanks and take care DLR fans!"

Links: Purchase Billy Sheehan | Talas | Mr. Big | Niacin below
 

For more information on Billy Sheehan, Mr. Big or Niacin, go to www.billysheehan.com

All Interviews are sole property of  DLRArmy.com