First of all, its another Camp Freddy Radio show tonight, with yours truly. And I believe that Donovan will be joining me as well, although I'm not 100% on that one. But I do know that Jason Newsted and Voivod will be coming by for a while as guests. Should be a lot of fun. We'll see if we can get Jason's perspective on the whole Supernova thing while he's hanging out with us. And I am sure that they will bring some of the new Voivod for us to play. Indie 103.1 FM from 6pm to 8pm people.

As you will see, I've also thrown together another V-Blog of a few clips from Circus Diablo rehearsals. And with the help of a friend, we are trying to get this site onto I-Tunes. Once its all working properly, all you will have to do is click on the RSS 2 feed on the right hand side of this page, paste the link into your I-Tunes (under 'Subscribe To Podcast') and VOILA - the CFR podcasts and the V-Blogs will appear in your I-Tunes!!! At least that is the plan. Right now, it doesnt work!! But we are waiting for the page in I Tunes to appear and fixing a couple of bugs - I'll let you know when its all sorted out. Eventually, you will be able to search Podcasts in I Tunes for Billy Morrison, and get the latest stuff right there. Very cool ..... if we get it working!!!

Dave posted on his Blog about the tracks that Camp Freddy have been working on recently, so I presume its ok to talk about all that!! The movie is a Lions Gate film, called Employee Of The Month, and it stars Dax Sheppard and Jessica Simpson! We have finished three tracks, of which two will make the movie and the soundtrack album. One is Cheap Tricks Surrender, and the other is a choice between 20th Century Boy and Jean Genie. The tracks came out really well, and when we have a release date for the movie (and the soundtrack album) you will, of course, be the first to know!!

Simon - I dont really want to get into the details right now. Nothing is in stone, but I am working with some people and it does involve covering a few things in my life and shooting bits and pieces of footage. After that, who knows.

Carly - A book about my life could be three sentences long!! "I was really fucked up. Then I got better and started to have a life. Now its awesome and I'm really happy!!" The End. No - in all seriousness, one day I will do it. There's a few more chapters to include first, though!

Mary - Great question. And the answer is that I get different kinds of satisfaction from different things. Being creative is what I love the most. But playing with some of the worlds best artists is also a huge high. So I am fortunate enough to get the best of both worlds.

Redpill - I prefer Standards, mainly for the way they look. They also tend to weigh a little less than a custom. The headstock is different. I also like the 60's slimmer profile neck. However, I have a couple of Standards that were built by the Custom shop for me - I guess you could call them Custom Standards!!! - and THEY are the best guitars I own.

Right - its Saturday, and I need to get on. Hopefully the I Tunes Podcast thing will happen next week, and the Street Team info will also be posted next week, along with the rest of the August dates. Have a great weekend everyone, and thank you all for being a part of the family here. August 5th Camp Freddy show is around the corner and so are the Diablo dates. Lovin' it!!!.

Billy

Posted by vivelerock at 07:41 AM | Comments (16)

July 19, 2006

QUIETLY GOING INSANE!!

Wow! Things suddenly just got VERY busy there for a second!!! And I am quietly going slightly crazy!Obviously, first and foremost, we have been locked away with Circus Diablo in the rehearsal room. Yes I did video a bunch of it, and yes I will get around to putting another V-Blog up here. But it just got a little crazy for a few days and I couldnt find the time to do it. The rehearsals went VERY well - Billy Duffy was on rare form, absolutely LAYING it down on the leads!! It felt really good to be a five piece band, working hard on these songs, and developing the set that we are going to take out in August. Currently, we are putting the bill together and finishing the routing of those few dates, and then I'll post it all up in one go. But we are sounding tight and powerful, and it was an absolute pleasure to work with everyone. The guys were even understanding about a film crew being around - they are following me about right now, shooting some stuff for a possible project later on. More details when its finalized. Suffice to say that having a camera up your nose every second is a weird and wonderful experience!!! They even followed me to the screening of Tripping Forward!! Which brings me neatly to .....

Seeing yourself on a real movie screen is VERY strange. I mean, I was only in the movie for about 3 minutes!! But those were the longest three minutes ever! The film is very funny and I am totally proud to have been in it. I also learnt a lot from watching my small appearance, and now want to act even more!! Its totally different to music, and a lot of fun. I also had the title song, PILLS, in the movie, and it sounded great coming through the theatre sound system. Brett Scallions and Jen came with me (along with the aforementioned cameras!) and the evening was a great laugh all around.

I have also been trying (with a few friends help) to get the Podcasts and V-Blogs syndicated on I-Tunes. Its all very complicated, but I might have figured it out. Not sure. But the RSS 2.0 feed at the bottom does work, so fingers crossed that the I-Tunes thing happens soon.

Camp Freddy have also been in the studio (which involves me being there at every step, working with Mike Clink on producing the tracks) so every spare hour has been spent doing that. When I say it got busy, I mean .... it got busy! I am STILL not 100% what I can say or not, but basically there is a Lions Gate movie coming out in the Fall, and we have been asked to put a song or two in for the movie (and hopefully the soundtrack album as well). It will FINALLY be the first recorded Camp Freddy material out there!! Maybe it will spur us on to actually finish the rest of the record! And talking of Camp Freddy, my guests on this coming weeks CFR will be Voivod - all of them. So hang on to your hats ..... and yes, I will OF COURSE be grilling Jason Newsted about Rock Star!!!

Peebs - I do have a few ideas for a Diablo video - hopefully we will lead with LOADED, which we all feel is a great single, and I have a ton of video ideas. Lets see what happens.

Jay - A good question. Diablo are taking it slowly, and we have also self financed the first part of the operation (ie - making the actual record!!!) - so touring gradually will be self contained. Bigger, larger and longer tours are impossible to do without financial backing. Hence the importance of getting everything in place first.

Paul - Not sure how you think I live, but I can tell you it aint no mansion!!! I am comfortable, and live a good life. And I have NO plans to let you lot into my home!!!!! And bands have to make music for the love of it. You cant get into this business expecting anything because you will be let down. If you are lucky enough to figure out a way through the maze, thats bonus. But most bands will never do that. And thats sad. Internet is the way forward folks.

Scott - It actually was a slip of the tongue. Sorry mate. I dont know why we arent doing Seattle in August, but we only have a very small window of time available to us, cos the schedules are so nuts. Last I checked, we will be including Phoenix, Vegas, and maybe San Diego. Not sure yet.

I have to go now - gotta listen to a mix that has been done for Camp Freddy by mixer extrordinaire, Mr Andrew Scheps. Gonna sign off, and concentrate for an hour or so. But fear not, dear faithful. I shall return.

Peace

Billy

Posted by vivelerock at 08:00 PM | Comments (11)

July 15, 2006

MCGRATH AND MORRISON

Tonight is an all new CFR on Indie 103.1 - and this week, I have Mark McGrath as my co-host. Mark has guested with Camp Freddy on numerous occasions and is not only an amazing frontman, but has an incredible knowledge of music. I know my playlist includes some Panic Channel, a little Siouxie, a touch of Wolfmother ..... and you KNOW that Mark will have some Killing Joke to spin!! So make sure you tune in tonight between 6pm and 8pm PST on Indie 103.1FM.

Before that, I will be in the studio for most of the day, working on the songs for the soundtrack. Dave will be doing his guitar tracks today, and we will be pretty much ready to mix the tracks after that. I am still waiting for confirmation that we can tell you a little more.

And Circus Diablo are going to be putting some street teams together really soon. We will have 100% confirmation of the August dates early next week, and when they go up, we will begin building the teams. The plan is to have a small but dedicated team of people that pound the streets a couple of weeks before a show, with stickers, posters and a spraypaint stencil. In return, we are planning a Street Team Hang at every gig - those people will get to hang out at soundcheck and generally get the treatment. More details next week.

The rehearsals have been so much fun this week. We are all tired (10 hour days playing loud rock music takes it out of you!!) but really happy with the work we've been doing.

Fletch - OK. Then I give you my word that if you let me know next time either Camp Freddy or Circus Diablo are on your radar, let me know and I'll take care of you. Thats a LONG ass trip to make to see a band. Respec'!!!!

Leon - I understand now. And yes, it is an awkward moment that happens a lot in bands. Me? I think I would have not reacted, moved it along, and dealt with the situation after the show.

And by the way - the second song is called SHINE.

Gotta get moving - see you guys later.

Billy

Posted by vivelerock at 07:50 AM | Comments (18)

July 13, 2006

DIABLO IN THE HOUSE

CIRCUS DIABLO: Day One Rehearsals

Please note that this is a large file size. A high speed connection is preferred.

Here you go. A little look into our week of lockout rehearsals that started yesterday. Duffy is flying back from The Cult european dates and will be joining us at the weekend. So its just the four of us getting the basics tight and sounding together. I'll be posting a few V-Blogs from the rehearsal room over the next week, just letting you in on the process and giving you a little taste of the music. Its very exciting and the band sounds really good. Cannot WAIT to get out there. Enjoy the V-Blog and I'll be back very soon.

Oh yeah - and with reference to the question asked about Tommy and Jason and the whole Supernova thing - I gotta tell you that in every band, there are tensions, conflicts and then resolution. THAT is what makes great bands great!! I love that they are getting into it because it means they are passionate and believe in what they are doing. High RPM, low IQ does NOT describe either Tommy or Jason ..... they are world class professional musicians who have sold millions of records, and are in the unenviable process of putting something new together. Its called Excitement. Anticipation. Belief. Good luck to em - I'll be tuning in!!!.

Peace out people

Billy

Posted by vivelerock at 09:51 AM | Comments (18)

July 11, 2006

FOR THE RECORD

So Vincent Gallo seems to have pushed a few buttons with his guest appearance on CFR with Donovan at the weekend!! For the record, I don't know Vincent - we've never met. I do know that most of my influences have been people with the ability to shake things up, to get under peoples skin, to voice their opinions. Burroughs, The Pistols, Reznor, Manson ..... the list goes on. One thing I do feel strongly about - if you don't like something, stop doing it!!! If the guy on the TV is talking rubbish, change the channel. If the radio is playing N-Sync, change the channel. If the book you are reading is boring, put it down!!! I will go on record as saying that Vincent's thoughts about Steve Jones are not shared by me. As far as I am concerned, Steve is one of the nicest guys I know. He is at the helm of that radio station, and his entry into Indie Radio opened the doors for us to have our own show. In fact, it was an important step in radio programming across the board. He is also responsible for writing some of the greatest rock songs the world has ever known. Steve Jones was, is and always will be a Sex Pistol. And for that, I am truly greatful. We love Steve. However, Vincent Gallo was invited onto CFR by Donovan, and tells it like he sees it. If you don't agree with it - turn it off!!!! No big deal.
And Rick Rubin? ..... I don't know him either, but he's made quite a few amazing records in his time. Thats as far as it goes for me.

See todays pic ..... thats my invite for the premier screening of Tripping Forward!! That means they actually finished the movie. That means that I actually get to see myself on a big screen, saying some really dodgy dialogue while playing a gay drug dealer!!! Oh GOD!!!! Its next week, and I am pretty nervous to see the end result. The bits of the movie I've seen have been hilarious, so I just hope my scene doesn't let the movie down. I'll let you know how it goes. And I am happy to report that I shoot some scenes for another movie called The Finest Hour next week. I play a rock star who tries to help the main character of the movie, played by my friend, Geoff Byrd. Here's a couple of bits from the press release.......

“The Finest Hour,” a movie about the hard rockin’ life of lead singer Robert McNally. Byrd plays an edgy, dark and arrogant character in the beginning of the film but becomes enlightened after important life lessons. Byrd also will be performing and writing music for the film as well as recording on the sound track, including a song with Billy Morrison. "Robert (Robbie) McNally (played by Byrd) is the self-centered money obsessed lead singer of the band “Salvage” who writes a song about suicide that rises to the top of the music charts, only to lose the love of his life, his pregnant wife, played by Sarah Maine (“Melinda and Melinda”). A mysterious old man appears to show Robbie his future of fame that boosts his ego and he relentlessly pursues his career. Cast includes Sarah Maine (“Melinda and Melinda”, “Two Weeks Notice”, “Something’s Gotta Give”), Camille Lacey (“Creepshow 3”), Kurt Sinclair (“Minority Report”, “North Mission Road”, “Judging Amy”, “Reno 911”), Ken Lacey (“Static X”), Malibu Dan (97.1 Free FM) and featuring a special appearance by Billy Morrison (Camp Freddy, The Cult)."

Sounds like it might be fun. Thats it from me. All questions answered in a V-Blog from the Circus Diablo rehearsal studio in a couple of days. Outta here.

Billy

Posted by vivelerock at 06:41 AM | Comments (16)

July 10, 2006

E-BAY MADNESS

There has to be something wrong with me. I mean, seriously twisted!! I set an alarm clock for 4.30am this morning!! And its all thanks to our very own Paul. He knows that I collect certain Vivienne Westwood pirate clothes and he sent me a couple of links to two very cool tops that I didn't have. (See the pics) So I started to watch them. Unfortunately, as the sellers were in the UK, the auctions ended at 5.00am West Coast US time this morning. What's a guy to do?...... set an alarm, thats what!! I am pleased to report that I won the Orange one, but sad to say that the Blue and Gold one still remains elusive to me!! The auctioning is a real rush. It comes down to the last 10 seconds. I still can't believe I didn't get the very one I have been wanting for about 15 years - blue shirt with a gold squiggle print!! If ANYONE sees one, has one, or knows where one is, please let me know. I will make a serious offer. But I did win the orange and red, and I am very happy about it. Only problem is - now its 5.30am, I've drunk three huge coffees and the rush of winning (and losing) is still keeping me buzzed. So I am wide awake!!

A couple of questions to answer. First of all, I am sure that I will go to a taping or two of the new Rock Star: Supernova - I will just let Dave settle in first before I hit with the ol' "hey mate, let me come down and hang" request. Plus it'll be way more exciting once I have myself a little more familiar with the contestants and maybe find myself a favorite or two. And Lisa - I will actually be getting the Circus Diablo/King Mob logo (the one on the King Mob Music site that has started to crop up on the Diablo stuff) tattooed at some point. And finally - Fletch. Am I right in thinking that you travelled from the UK to see the Camp Freddy show in Vegas? If you did indeed do that, why the HELL didn't you let me know? I would have arranged something nice for you!!! At least we could have said hello!!

Big up to Donovan, who brought in Vincent Gallo for CFR at the weekend!! I haven't heard the podcast yet, but when I get it, I'll listen to the whole thing, and put it up on the Podcast page for everyone to enjoy. I heard they were burning bridges and having a right old time together!! Its my turn next week, so I'll see who I can dig up as a guest during the week.

OK - the coffee's wearing off, and I now have to make the payment on the winning Ebay auction. Definately time to go back to sleep!! See you all soon.

Billy

Posted by vivelerock at 05:20 AM | Comments (20)

July 07, 2006

AN EXTRA SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND

CAMP FREDDY: The latest V-Blog from Drac Studios

Please note that this is a large file size. A high speed connection is preferred.

Not really anything to say. Just thought you might like to have a V-Blog from todays session. And a few pics taken by the multi-talented Kevin W Smith. We've been at it all day. Tired but happy. Lots of coffee, lots of cigarettes, lots of volume!!! I'll be back after the weekend so have a great one - Dono is in charge of Camp Freddy Radio tomorrow so make sure you give him grief on the phones!!! No, seriously .... be nice!! Thats it. Gotta go - enjoy.

Posted by vivelerock at 08:39 PM | Comments (13)

July 06, 2006

LIVE AND DIRECT FROM THE STUDIO

I'm sitting here watching Chris Chaney play the bass line to 20th Century Boy and I have to tell you ..... that guy is fucking ridiculous!!! He just RIPS on that bass like its nothing, AND carries on a conversation while he's doing it!! Its a real pleasure to be working with him. Mike Clink is back in the producers chair, tweaking away with mics, preamps, and lots of equipment with knobs and lights on. Me? I am taking the opportunity to catch up on my websites, and make a bunch of calls. I'll ask about how much detail I am allowed to give you about these tracks we are doing. I don't wanna get in trouble, so the less said the better right now! But I will find out.

My guitar stuff will be arriving shortly, and i will take over from Chris, as he has to leave for another session. I'll spend the rest of the day putting guitars down on two tracks, and re-doing a solo. Yep - a solo. Lets see how it turns out before I start crowing about it!!! But its great to be working in Matts again. It really does sound good in here, and we have a deadline to meet with these songs, so there's no messing about. Just the way I like it.

So - who's watching Supernova? What are our thoughts? Who's the initial front runner? I think that Mr Ryan Star will be causing some conflict in that house before long, but its a little early to say who's got a shot. They can all REALLY sing, thats for sure. And huge props to the guy who walked into the studio and just laid down a scat vocal to the track. If you're not aware, the reality portion of the show is available online, and the site address is over at 6767.com. I, for one, will be avidly watching each week, as I sense quite a bit of drama heading our way over the next three months. Oh yeah - and that Tommy Lee can PLAY!!! Just watching him during the online reality show makes me wanna jump around and go get more tattoos!!! He's the real deal. Big up and respec' goes out to Supernova!!

Better get out of here, as Chris is now done, and its my turn. Photograph courtesy of Getty Images. Me and Benji hanging out in Vegas. And thank you to Wendybird and Theresa for the links to your wonderful pics. Ah ..... good times. Wish me luck, folks.

See ya

Billy

Posted by vivelerock at 10:27 AM | Comments (13)

July 02, 2006

WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS.....

CAMP FREDDY: Ziggy Stardust - 944@The Palms

Please note that this is a large file size. A high speed connection is preferred.

....... ends up here!! I haven't had a chance to look at all the video and stills, but the movie is of the David Bowie song, Ziggy Stardust, with Dave Kushner from Velvet Revolver on guest guitar. Let me tell you, we had a LOT of fun yesterday!! Absolutely crazy temperatures on stage (add about 30 degrees with the stage lights on top of an already sweltering Las Vegas heat!!) and a few bucks worth of fireworks were added to the mix and Camp Freddy had a blast. We played a 45 minute set, with special guests Brandon Boyd, Slash, Abby Gennet (from Slunt), Cisco Adler, Benji Madden (Good Charlotte) and Steve Issacs and Stephen Perkins from The Panic Channel. Those guys had a hell of a day, as they did an acoustic radio set, then performed a full TPC set, and THEN did the Camp Freddy set!! But everyone had an awesome time. Big thanks to The Palms, Area 108 and 944 Magazine for putting on a hell of a party. After the show, we were treated to some real Palms hospitality in both Ghostbar and Rain (the two clubs in the casino).

Looking ahead, Camp Freddy are in the studio later this week and starting to work on the August 5th HOB show, Circus Diablo begin rehearsing for some shows in August, and I am lucky enough to be a part of both. I have to get some sleep, but I wanted to share the movie with you lot, and also wanted to put up a few stills that photographer Robert Knight took from yesterdays show. Robert has shot everyone from Led Zepp and Hendrix onwards ..... and he kindly let me put up some of his work here. Thanks mate. See ya everyone.

Posted by vivelerock at 08:57 PM | Comments (22)