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July 17, 2005

SABBATH BLOODY SABBATH

Billy_hi_res_2

Modern rock music - the whole detuned guitar thing - singing about the Devil - it was ALL invented by a little band called Black Sabbath. No matter where the music has ended up, it can all be traced back to a handful of bands, and Black Sabbath are pretty much at the beginning of that road. And I have to tell you that they still sound absolutely 100% amazing!! I am out here on the road with the Ozzfest, hanging with my friends, and the first show was on Friday in Boston, at the Tweeter Center in Mansfield, MA. By the time we got to the venue, I just had time to catch some Iron Maiden (pretty good, lots of goats, Eddies and flag waving) and then get some food before Ozzy hit the stage. I was lucky enough to catch Sabbath at Milton Keynes years ago, but I havent seen them since then. The opening to NIB, and I am standing on the side of the stage, and the lights go up, and that was it for an hour and a half. Ozzy sounded just incredible, Tonys guitar......God, that guy is just heavy, what can I say......and Bill and Geezer laying down a HUGE groove. Its not a bad life, getting to see the original rock band, doing their thing every night. Today is another show day, this time at The Meadows in Hartford, CT. I'm in the hotel, packing my bags, cos after tonights show, we move on to New York, and the shows around there. Ahhh ...... the retail possibilities just opened up!!

I went and bought the new Harry Potter book yesterday and read a few chapters - I regress to about 11 years old when I read those things! Pure fun and fantasy - the antidote to the reality of real life. And I have heard nothing but amazing things about Charlie And The Chocolate Factory - but I havent had time yet. I am sure I'll hit that in New York.

Tina - I did catch the first episode of Rock Star and I loved it SO much! I thought that Dave was funny, charming and the perfect host, and its ALL about Ty, the mohican-sporting contestant. He is just too cool!! Although dreadlock girl will definately give him a run for his money. Its on my season pass on the Tivo back home, along with Lost (are you guys watching that? Its the best thing out there - I love it!).

Jezzi - I cant believe they made you have a background check!!! But glad its all good. We'll be seeing you soon then. And the Ozzfest hits the Hyundai Pavillion in San Bernardino on Sat Aug 20th. Dont miss it.

Bonita - You know, its strange. I have always had a tiny thought in the back of my head that I would like to try acting. But just never followed it through. The role in Actor came about because I told my manager about maybe wanting to try it out, and he sent my photograph out to the casting person on that film. I got called for an audition, asked to do a call-back, and got the part. I really didnt think about it too much. But now I have done it, I do want to try a few more auditions and see what happens.

Matt - I hadnt though about it, but its a great idea for CF to have a couple of Rock Star contestants as guests. I'll see what Dave thinks - maybe we can have the winner do a song with us if it works out.

Junebug - I feel stupid, but I still haven't had a full conversation about Doheny with our management! Now I am out here, and I have to just let them get on with it. Getting a deal has proven to be very hard, and for whatever reason, we are still without one. The band is two years old, and we have written and recorded some great songs. We now have to let those songs do the talking and cross our fingers. If it doesnt happen, then so be it. But we havent given up yet.

Brett - No I didnt get to keep the pig mask, but now that you mention it, I shoulda asked them right? Oh well, never mind. It would have looked out of place in our home anyway - Jen would have hated it!!

Shazz - Great idea!! Now all write to the BBC and tell them that the new Sheriff Of Nottingham is alive and well and living in Los Angeles!!

I'll take my camera to tonights show and get a few nice Ozztastic pics - for now, I have some work to do. Camp Freddy are in the process of sorting out an August LA show for the X Games (NOT confirmed yet, but I have some preliminary work to do to try and make it happen) and I am still writing lyrics for the omnipresent 'project' that I cant reveal yet!! So I am outta here. I hope CFR was fun yesterday - I tried to call the hotline (I presume Matt and Dave did the show) but I couldnt get through. Knowing those two, I am sure the show was another success!! Until next time, have a great day, and thank you all for being around. And Jen - if you are reading this (and I am sure you are!!) - I miss you terribly!!!
Here's a pic from the CF San Fran show -

Peace

Billy

Posted by vivelerock at July 17, 2005 08:50 AM

Comments

Good Sunday, Billy!!
Does hanging out with those guys just make you wanna get out there and tour? Whenever you do, make sure Little Rock is one of your stops!! Will and I are taking our 7-year-old son to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory this afternoon. I love those kind of bonding moments. Popcorn and everything!! Be safe and have fun.
~Bonita

Posted by: Bonita at July 17, 2005 11:16 AM

Forgive me, but what are the X games?

Posted by: amy at July 17, 2005 12:07 PM

Hey Billy, 2 messages in one week!!!!

Errrr... the X Games are a week before I get to LA :(
I was really hoping to catch you guys when I was there....
Cool about the acting gig. You look like death is knockin' on your front door. Great make-up!
How are the eyes?
I got to play a PS2 for the first time. They are very cool!
? Maybe you (or anyone else) can help me...I am trying to print a cd catalogue from itunes by album, but according to the genre of music. The Cd's are organized by genre. It won't let me do this, or is it just me?
Thanks,
Sweet Soul Sister

Posted by: Sweet Soul Sister at July 17, 2005 04:29 PM

hiya billy!
are you hanging out with billy idol? he's doing the ozzfest right? i know he is going to be doing the ozzfest in the uk.
just watched the first 2 episodes of rockstar inxs here. then an old concert of INXS. I thought at first, it would be so odd seeing someone else singing with INXS; but they've got some great singers auditioning. I'm not letting on who I prefer, I may bias the voting. (Neal, Marty, lol)
Billy, will you pursue more acting roles now?
love and hugs
Lisa
xxxx

Posted by: ylais at July 17, 2005 05:00 PM

Billy~I think you'll enjoy this article
featuring Siouxsie being interviewed.

http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=15745952&method=full&siteid=86024&headline=john-was-my-guitar-hero---i-miss-him-so-much--name_page.html

Posted by: ylais at July 17, 2005 10:00 PM

G'mornin' Billy,
I'm thinking Artie Lange is now really jealous of you after seeing how much better a pig face can look with a flat stomach under it! hehe!
Sooooo happy to hear CF gig potentially in Aug - can't wait! Would REALLY love to hear about a Doheny gig too...any chance?
I'd write the BBC every day if I thought it would get you 2 in tights! ROFL!
While we're on the subject...sort of...if you want to share any thoughts you have on any 'new' reggae you've been listening to lately, love to hear about it.
CFR just wasn't the same without you - will you be back next week?
@jezzi...glad to hear you finally passed the background check...well done!

Posted by: laurie tuttle at July 18, 2005 09:36 AM

Billy,

If regards to Doheny and the lack of deal yet, your comment "If it doesnt happen, then so be it. But we havent given up yet" is interesting. You seem to have a grip on the situation while remaining optimistic, correct? In case Doheny turns out not to be the creative vehicle we all and pray it does, do you have a musical/collaborative Plan B?

No need for specifics of course, but are you keeping your options open?


Thank you,
Jay

Posted by: Jay at July 18, 2005 10:10 AM

Billy, just thought I'd tell you that one of the first concerts I ever went to was Black Sabbath and Blue Oyster Cult, the "Black and Blue" tour.

Posted by: zannebee at July 18, 2005 02:57 PM

Hey Billy,

CFR just isn't the same without you. Looking forward to your return.

Posted by: Six7Six7 at July 18, 2005 03:37 PM

Yeah I miss the english tones of Billy Morrison on CFR.
How far along are you in Harry Potter?

I love the clip you put up. I can't wait to see the movie.
-Aaron(my first post here, won't be my last)

Posted by: Aaron at July 18, 2005 11:27 PM

Billy - thanx for answering my question regarding seeing the audience again.
Happy to hear it won't freak you out :)
I often wonder if performers find it easier to perform if the crowd is a blur or if seeing individual faces is what helps kick a performance up.
Thanx for sharing your preference.

Posted by: laurie tuttle at July 18, 2005 11:31 PM