[billyboy1]

Hi Doug.
Yeah, as I’ve said before, we had a great day at Bob’s.
As for doing an on-air interview with Spike, I don’t think it would be of much interest to his listeners to be honest.
(2 guys reminiscing about a recording session from over 30 years ago)
If you’re speaking to him again please give him my best wishes.

Cheers, Billy

[billyboy1]

Thanks for the interesting questions.
Although I was never credited as a producer or engineer I’ve actually done both in some capacity over the years.
When we recorded No Jive in Germany for example, the studio engineer was so hopeless (Pete tried to kill him) we resorted to doing it ourselves with me being the desk operator.
The engineering part was to make sure levels, sounds and performances were captured within acceptable parameters so as Mike Ging (our eventual choice of producer during mixing) could deliver a finished product.
Production wise, I’d learned from the likes of John Punter and John Ryan to capture the mood of whoever was performing and try to get the best out of them.
As for songwriting, I was never lucky enough to fall into a set formula.
Sometimes the lyrics would come first, usually from a poem I’d composed in my notebook on some park bench (Jeez, that sounds pretentious!).
Dream On and Games from 2XS were created this way but others came from a guitar riff or melody in my head which I’d then struggle to find words for.
(Baby Come Back is a prime example)
Aye, Manny and Dan are sorely missed as Pete & I suddenly realised during lunch recently.
“You’re all that’s left!” I blurted out.
“Aw thanks!” he replied.
“Are you gonna finish that burger?”

Thanks again and stay safe. Life’s too short.

Billy

[billyboy1]

Wow! Thanks for the compliment and I’m glad you like Demon Alcohol so much.
It’s one I’m more proud of than some of the obvious favourites I was involved with.
I wasn’t the only one not to be paid more however.
Zal for example is still bitter about his lack of earnings compared to his input on the albums he played on with Naz.
As he said himself on Simple Solution, “This is no business for the weak of heart” and he was right.
Between you and me though, I’d have gladly gave up all he did to have played on “No Mean City”. That’s still my favourite album, dammit!

All the best

Billy

[billyboy1]

Well Barney, I hardly need to remind you what getting older feels like but yes, I do still occasionally get ideas, but they’re mostly shit.
As for equipment. All my gear is cunningly distributed amongst my younger family members and getting it back means visiting them, so no.
Another problem is “getting the band back together”.
Drummer Colin’s job used to involve him being high as a kite, but nowadays, he’s more down to earth than a failed hang glider which is not conducive to beating the skins, so to speak.
And a good bass player is even harder to find since Barry discovered a new cult which seems to be based on John & Yoko’s “Bed In” idea from Amsterdam ‘69. He’s a huge pain in the Arse these days: A fact I remind him of frequently to no avail.
Hope all this has been helpful enough that you won’t bother me again.
Oh, thanks for your concern and lifelong support.
Love & Kisses etc
Billy

[billyboy1]

Hi Jackie & Cris and greetings from Scotland to Ecuador.
Of course you have my permission to record Baby Come Back (although technically I don’t think you need to ask).
For the solo I used my usual set up: Gibson 335, Marshall 100W amp & 4×12 cabinet and a brass bottleneck called “Eric” (which once belonged to Mr Clapton) which I used for all my slide solos.
I tuned the E string down to B and the G string up to B then played the solo starting on the 5th fret which gave me 3 strings to play together for a thicker sounding solo but don’t think I used any pedals, just volume!
I’ll check out your Facebook page thanks. Stay safe.

Billy

• This reply was modified 1 year, 7 months ago by billyboy1.

[billyboy1]

Hi Mark, yeah I had some awkward moments with the band but seems we’ve all accepted life’s too short. Manny loves the website but alas doesn’t wanna do your interview citing he’s had enough of promoting Naz. Sorry, I tried. Feel free to procure anything you find helpful from the site. Unfortunately I wasn’t there when they did Hair of the Dog. Cheers, Billy

[billyboy1]

Hi Mark. I shall certainly pass on your request to Manny. I’d like to hear his take on it myself.
Cheers, Billy

[billyboy1]

Hi Doug, yes the weather is quite glorious isn’t it but in true Scottish form it wulnae last!
I have no recollection of this Websters Revenge you speak of but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t there!
I don’t suppose you have any further info to refresh my memory?
(1990 was the year I rejoined Naz mind.)
“Hang the F**ker” is a brilliant title for a song but it probably wouldn’t feature as “Tony Blackburns record of the week” methinks.
As always, stay safe mate.

Billy

[billyboy1]

Hey! Just looking back on the “Ask Billy” section and wondering “did we do this?” Sorry, but I’m old!

[billyboy1]

Ha, brilliant explanation! Incidentally, surely I have the necessary credentials to be inducted into your World Truckers Convoy Freedom Movement?
My knowledge of mud circulation injector pumps is sketchy but I can sling mud like nobody’s business and back up a 40ft trailer into areas of Glasgow Scotland even you’d be afraid of!
Thanks for the compliments, er, Buddy!

[billyboy1]

All interesting stuff Doug, I didn’t know about the Twisted Tunes set up and the viscous business of Radio. Oh wait. Yes I did, cos I was in that too! The troll was unfortunate but we had the choice of deleting him or shutting him down so, well yeah, job done. Most interesting however is your mention of Danny Bonaduce. I don’t know if you’re aware but we did a great session for him in Chicago which can be heard in the “Nazareth 8 Move Me” section of the site. Danny had my full respect till Donny Osmond beat him up in a charity boxing match a few years later. And they called it Puppy Love? Hmm. Always a pleasure talking with you Doug and as always, stay safe.

[billyboy1]

Hi Amudslinger (Oh I so wish that was your real name!)
I’m aware of Mike Dorman, in fact I’m sure Webmaster Barry has had numerous email conversations with him and some of our content (and his) has been mutually shared over the years.
I’ve checked out the links you’ve sent but unfortunately most of them aren’t playing on my iPad. This is probably down to my lack of technical abilities and not Mike’s site.
Thanks for the info “Naz Fan”. Hopefully together we can bring more of this stuff to peoples attention, fingers crossed.

Cheers, Billy

[billyboy1]

Thanks for the compliments Doug and no worries re-Bob. I seem to remember emailing him years ago when I worked at Rock Radio asking his permission to play some of his Twisted Tunes on my breakfast show. I too got no reply so we played ‘em regardless. Sorry I can’t help you with my book, I don’t have a copy myself or I would gladly send you it. The original publisher has since left the business. Coincidence? I’m saying nowt!

[billyboy1]

Oh dear. Looks like we’ve allowed the first troll to infiltrate the site.
Pardon my French but “What the actual Fuck are you on about?”
For the benefit of others reading your sanctimonious shit, it is no business of you, me or anyone to pass judgement on someone’s religious or other personal beliefs.
I am not, nor have I ever been a “JW” as you so disrespectfully refer to them.
FACT!!! (As you would say)
I would’ve had more respect for you if you’d even mentioned my music for a moment and called it Shite!
Back in your box, mate…..

[billyboy1]

Cheers Jevon, you’re welcome to geek out here anytime.
Stay safe.

Billy

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