Born in Lynwood California and raised in Compton... I began playing bass in the 8th grade and started my first band a year later as a bassist /vocalist in a power trio. By the time I was 17 I was in my first professional band playing Hollywood clubs and living the life of a rock star (so I thought). Today I move between two bands, first I am the bassist for Lanny Cordola, we just finished an album called An Afghan Lullaby and we raise money for charities all around the world. Second, I am the touring bass player in the band LONDON (The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years). While William is my government name, my friends and family call me "Billy the Fist"
I am a BMI songwriter and a SAG-AFTRA actor.
Quote:
"Billy, you take a bass solo tonight because you're the only one up here who can pull it off"
~ Brian Wheat (TESLA)
"Solid playing" ~ Gilby Clarke during performance at Peace Jam
Partial list of musicians whom I've worked with:
Joey Allen (Warrant) Michael Olivieri (Leatherwolf) Michael T. Ross (Lita Ford, Raiding the Rock Vault) Brian Macleod (Toy Matinee, Leonard Cohen, Tears for Fears) Glen Sobel (Alice Cooper) Gary Griffin (The Beach Boys) John Stamos, Joel Taylor (Stanley Clarke, Allan Holdsworth, Frank Gambale, Yanni) Gilby Clarke (Guns n' Roses) Robbie Wyckoff & Harry Waters (Roger Waters Band) Teddy Andreadis (Guns n' Roses, Billy Bob Thornton) Ronnie King (Producer/Keyboardist) Kris Myers (Umphrey’s McGee) Andy Vargas (Santana) Mark McGrath, Sen Dog, Robin McAuley, Paul Shortino, Gina Gershon, and so many more...
I use:
Ampeg SVT amps (6PRO, Heritage) and cabinets (810e)
Fender Precision Bass Special
Fender Jazz American Standard 5 String
Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Roundwound Strings