Here is a young man who, by many accounts has survived some rough patches and choices, who has chosen to honor the music of his father, an old-fashioned and more-than-a-little-complex art form, paying homage to it with a studied excellence and deference to its historical roots and hallowed performers, while at the same time giving it some very sweet modern embellishments. And doing it all with wide-eyed wonder and a joyous smile. What's not to love?

@jillphelps6454

3 жыл бұрын

Well said!

@KamikazeNews

3 жыл бұрын

Him and his friends are redefining the standard.

@underrated7163

2 жыл бұрын

AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!!!!

@janicejohnson6438

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, Billy gives me hope that there are a few talented musicians from this generation. He would have stood out even in the 60s when we were bombarded with incredible new musicians. Another one to.keep an eye on is Mikaela Davis. Can't wait for when she and Billy play together. I'm sure they will. Or, I hope they will. 😍💜

@freehahahafree

2 жыл бұрын

Perfectly captured…well done.

I dont EVER comment,but.........this man is a national treasure he çan unite this world....period , may God watch over he and his

@banjopete

4 жыл бұрын

Scott Cooley , Calm down Scott.

@sarahhood4423

3 жыл бұрын

Amen!!

@dereksmallsuk

3 жыл бұрын

God don't exist. These dude's do.

@tiffanybrown9318

3 жыл бұрын

Amen Brother!

@focusbiz1

3 жыл бұрын

I'm with you brother! I have NEVER seen a musician emerge with such sublime talent through and through. It's (hopefully) a stupid thought but I have found myself thinking "maybe this is the universe's final gift to us before mankind marches into the sunset".

Jerry is looking down with such a huge smile!!!! Billy, Not only are you a talented, hell of a Guitarist, vocalist, musician, but a really beautiful soul! Keep rocking Billy, you are such a refreshing act, musically and spiritually!!!!!!

@PF-Fly

3 жыл бұрын

100% agree!! Billy has made many of music’s greatest smile down from up above. Jerry, Doc, Bill.... Recently Tony Rice joined the jam session in the sky. When Billy covers a song he has a way of blending so many sounds from different genres, making the song his own, while at the same time respecting the original and maintaining it’s integrity. The man is a walking music encyclopedia and has studied the history his influences in depth. Love to Billy and the rest of the crew!🔥❤️

@carolelean9704

3 жыл бұрын

Well said! That’s exactly how I feel too! 😊

@markcraven3842

3 жыл бұрын

100% agree. Big smile.

@briano.5746

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed 100%

@adkflan

2 жыл бұрын

I seen him last night he did wharf rat trust me Jerry was watching amazing 12-11-21 Atlanta

As a Deadhead I can say that's a great version of Wharf Rat

@bobdylans3341

4 жыл бұрын

That hardly makes you an official... But yeah it's a good version.

@AAROTheRedeemed

4 жыл бұрын

As expected. big props from GDF

@420frannie

3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely...

@j.taylor-unterreiner1204

3 жыл бұрын

No shit. This JAM is second to none.

@strangher11

3 жыл бұрын

makes you official in my book brother .... this is a awesome take by future greats, it not already greats atm.

I love that the mandolin player is wearing a t-shirt with the bass player on it.

My husband, 2 year old son and I are huge fans. My little guy wakes up and the first thing he asks for is STRINGS!

I hope he is taking the Wharf Rat lyrics to heart. Stay away from the hard drugs, Billy. Please.

@nathanfoster9989

Жыл бұрын

have you red about his backstory? its insane id take a look if i were you!

@an5925

Жыл бұрын

He doesn't drink or do hard drugs anymore. Just some weed, shrooms, doses...

@rafaeldiaz2792

Ай бұрын

Just organics

@danieleriksson5728

23 күн бұрын

california sober

Exactly 1 month short of the 49th anniversary of the very first time Jerry played Wharf Rat. AND in the very same space. CHILLS. I think we can safely say at this point Billy is going to be as influential as Jerry has been. His music crushes any blues or negativity you've been feeling. Thank you Lord for this incredible musician.

Thank god for Billy Strings. Maybe there is a future for real music that doesn't come out of a computer after all.

I can't listen to Billy without crying. His music touches the depths of my soul.

@Phisherman86

2 жыл бұрын

calm down

@johnf6267

Жыл бұрын

Amen. He is that great.

@tdodsonrogers-ub4mq

Жыл бұрын

…..it’s been a minute, but to those who try, without success, to explain this sound, in human words, do as you must….at least until you make this realization : Human words, so wrapped up in LABELS, fail us all….At least on this side of the Afterlife!

Miss Jerry 😔🙏🏻 Love Billy 🎶💛

The best bluegrass has always been psychedelic anyway, so let's just go there with all eight feet. Jerry was a pretty good bluegrass and oldtime picker, so he'd have DUG this. Thanks again Billy and band. Good for my soul.

@acres4282

3 жыл бұрын

yeah I can see Jerry looking down and saying this guy is good. fuck mayer

@bzfiddleness

2 жыл бұрын

the psychedelic stuff is certainly good but there’s lots of great bluegrass completely outside that realm.

@flyingfishsurf

2 жыл бұрын

@@bzfiddleness If you calm your mind and carefully comb through the bluegrass in the morning light, after a rainy night, the fungi may reveal themselves and improve your sight.

Only a couple of bands / musicians have ever grabbed my nuts and twisted.... The Allman Brothers! Black Rebel Motorcycle Club! Marcus King! And "Billy Strings"... Holy Jesus... I keep forgetting to breathe.... Billy... You & your band are mind blowing... I will drive cross-country to watch you play... And I will! Bank on it.......... See you soon.........

@chynnadawl9022

3 жыл бұрын

Spot ON!

@underrated7163

2 жыл бұрын

Hi..will you pick me up in Tennessee?? Smiles

I simply cannot think of any superlative sufficient to describe this. It is not merely wonderful music, it is also an experience that is nudging divine.

@paullacy159

2 жыл бұрын

Beautifully said friend!

@Eighttigjskxm

Жыл бұрын

R/imamverysmart

@tiptopshark

Жыл бұрын

🔥 phenomenal

My favorite type of notification. Keep being a guiding light, Billy.

@seandonnellan60647

4 жыл бұрын

Absolutly!

@sarahlynnbriley260

3 жыл бұрын

Prophecy at its finest

@aashaygandhi7213

2 жыл бұрын

North star Billy 🤩

dude, I am so glad I'm trippin' balls right now

@allancooley9510

4 жыл бұрын

bobobobinalong hope you have a freakin blast bro. Shit is ill!

@ThatADHDKid

4 жыл бұрын

Right here with ya again cuz the ride never ended 😂

@andrewpeer7362

3 жыл бұрын

1-2 hits you’re stuck in the vortex. 10 or so you become the River

Hartford & Grateful Dead pure genius...

@hypnocracy6102

4 жыл бұрын

You know whom sent Vasser Clements to Jerry to play violin in Old an In The Way...John Hartford

I haven't been as excited about hearing new stuff from a band for as long as I can remember, and that's long. Everything is a surprise and a wonder. Praying I get the chance to see them live.

@jenrohde-budz3852

3 жыл бұрын

Same!

@focusbiz1

3 жыл бұрын

Here too! Bless the universe for blessing us with this amazing musician. . I'm 55...even with the GD, I have never been so blown away with EVERY FUCKING THING I'VE HEARD! He is scary good!!

The Dead are dead. Behold what it sounds like to honor those who came before.

@j.taylor-unterreiner1204

3 жыл бұрын

But only after the dead came this homage. The Dead are still Alive...alive and well after a jam like this'n.

@strangher11

3 жыл бұрын

@@j.taylor-unterreiner1204 Jerry an Co will live on forever ....

@georgemcelroy3058

3 жыл бұрын

The Grateful Dead are eternal.

Watched him play this at the most recent renewal fest… absolutely life changing. Will never forget it!!!

This is the venue that the first ever Wharf Rat was played at on 2/18/71 if I’m not correct. Excellent song choice if intentional, and if not it speaks to the magic of the music. Beautiful rendition!

@bridge12582

3 жыл бұрын

Wow thanks for that bit of info! Fascinating

@rnoone23

Жыл бұрын

You are correct!!

Billy Strings is the truth!

I CANT STOP LISTENING TO BILLY STRINGS

I keep returning to this.

@beatriceperrier8699

3 жыл бұрын

So do I I’m just facinated even il sounds weird to my bluegrass ears

Can't stop listening to this. Addictive......

One of the greatest 1-2 punches I've ever experienced....likely that not many in attendance would disagree with that statement.

@Jichael.mackson

3 жыл бұрын

I could only imagine being there for this

Here's what you need to do people. Hit the like button immediately before watching so you don't forget. You know Billy isn't going to provide you with anything less than awesome so you already know you will like it before you watch it.

Billy covering John Hartford 💜

@tedijune6759

3 жыл бұрын

I was blessed and got to meet @JohnHartford backstage at a show years ago. He played my fiddle and emoted about several questions I had to ask him. He was kind, gifted, and beautiful to me.

@cherylwilliams904

3 жыл бұрын

@@tedijune6759 🕊️🙏🕊️

I saved watching until sunrise this morning, I was dancing in the garden as I tended plants and turned soil! Truly loved every note!

Billy is a very special music character. Special and rare

“I’ll get back on my feet again, lord willing if he says I may. cause he knows the life I’m livins no good” ole 4 digits

No words...sitting here blown away.Again.

I love how Billy fuses all these different styles with bluegrass. It's truly inspiring for all us regular guitar players out here

This music is all over the place and it's fantastic. Thanks gentlemen

Maaan, you gotta come to Canada when all this corona virus stuff is done! I drive truck and I discovered you just scrolling through random music...let’s just say I stopped there! You’ve been the anthem to my many miles buddy! \m/

@katekaiser7039

3 жыл бұрын

I hope one day he and his band will be able to tour here in Canada. If he ever comes to any place in the Atlantic region my family will be going. He'd be a huge hit at any of the Exhibitons. Although he deserves a huge venue.

@drtadish7492

3 жыл бұрын

Have you heard his willin cover? That’s song is for truckers everywhere;)

18 minute 46 second jams like this are good for the soul. Closing my eyes, pretending I'm at Blue Ox...

Amazing musicality, soaring virtuosity. Genres folded like taffy. Engaging and uplifting.

You had me at dust in a baggie Keep rocking

Billy, you're the best! 👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏😉 Greetings from Russia! We are waiting for you in Moscow...

@joshuasecrest8111

Жыл бұрын

Yeah let me know how that works out. Hahaha

If these walls could talk. The Capital Theater is the Bomb! I think this place has had so much musical genius throughout the years there should be some kind of Documentary.

I don't know much about the technical side of music..I just know what sounds really GOOD to Me. Thoughtfully played, soulful and very interesting to watch all the staggering musicianship. If anyone else out there knows how to make music sound this good, then please Go 4 it. Why not make the world a better place ? ~Love to you all.

The best jam session EVER!!!!!

Great how Billy can throw out the Dead covers like this -- showing respect for the original, but owning it in his own way, and not making a big deal out of it. Just, "this is a great song, here's my take, hope it works for you!" As an old Deadhead, I love that. I love the old songs but I love to hear new takes by the generation that will take the music into the future. And Billy is one of the best (along with JRAD, Molly Tuttle, and many others.)

Dude I’m sooo glad you posted this All Fall Down. Truly epic.

Good stuff, love how borderless you guys seem to approach your music. Guess that’s why an old deadhead like me enjoys your performances.

BILLY, this was awesome, man! Thanks for sharing this great video! You have some serious endurance to pick that fast that long. I'm a few years older than you, but really look up to you. Not only are you hands down the best thing to happen to bluegrass since newgrass, yonder, and cheese, but you are quite possibly the most technically proficient guitar player under 30 in ANY genre of music today. It's really exciting and inspiring for a lot of us to see a young person just absolutely shredding on acoustic, and the fact that you like the Dead is icing on the cake. Really glad I found your music a few months ago, can't wait to see you live some day. Happy pickin' and grinnin', and cheers!

@jonathanbell4789

3 жыл бұрын

Jeff Austin

Best sound of any band I’ve heard!

Burn it down, Billy!!🔥🔥🔥

~N.F.A.~ 💓

If Billy comes out with a Tool cover...that's it, I'm done convinced!!

This is just badass... Been loving my Billy Strings plunge these past few weeks.

Billy Strings is the best in the business now, hands down. No competition at all. Keep doing it Billy!!

Super fun version of a lesser known John Hartford tune.... Thanks for bringing these great songs out of the closet Billy and making them your own! Into Wharf Rat, even better. Woo-hoo! Peace!

HANDS DOWN THE BEST PICKER/GUITARIST OF ALL TIME, and he’s just gotten better over the year, it’s insane. Can’t wait to see him at the closing of the winter tour in cinci

I’m really loving Mr. Billy Strings, he’s incredible, like a blast from the past. I love Bluegrass, grew up going to rock concerts, coffee house with live acoustic music, lots and lots of bluegrass & of course the Grateful Dead 💀🎸✨❤️⚡️🥰 Thank you Billy, and all the young musicians keeping music alive and kicking!!!

Billy strings changed my whole taste on music I’m in love with the bluegrass love that he shares ... and showing me why my dad loved the dead so much

@cainlewis9210

3 жыл бұрын

@billystrings you are amazing billy thank you for the fun you give us and amazing tunes that legit touch my heart and soul and make me feel like a kid

This young man truly has an old soul.

It appears everything this kid touches turns to gold.

Does it get anymore BMFS than this?! Truly amazing playing by all! Thank you and keep 'em coming

@freto_cognito9001

4 жыл бұрын

No... the answer is no. This is otherworldly.

17:20 Never heard anyone make an acoustic sound like a cranked Gibson electric. Incredible performance

@dsvet

2 жыл бұрын

Its been done by metal guitarists for years. m.kzread.info/dash/bejne/oKml3JSvl7isabw.html

Thank you Billy and crew

Hear is A Divine Being as You are My Love!❤️! Spreading the Light from The Inside Out!! Welcome to the Eternal Now! My Love's!! :)

Keep finding new ones on you tube and keep loving them. Would never have heard of them if it wasn't for you tube.

Blown away! Wow

Is there anything this guy can't do ? Amazing.

Billy Strings You guys have outdone yourselves!

Thank you for representing the people that actually can play their instruments.

I love music that (following Hendrix' lead) has one foot firmly in a traditional past and the other foot stepping off a spacecraft fresh from Jupiter's sulfur mines. Brilliant songwriting (yes, I know he didn't write this one) and consistantly amazing performances from him and his band is what it really boils down too and when that balance is just right you get a Hendrix, Cobain or yes, a Billy Strings! Cheers P[>

@patrickfoster4586

4 жыл бұрын

@HIKE4LIFE If you can't recognize the connection between these greats of songwriting then you lack musical intelligence perception. I'm not concerned with how they did or didn't die- I was speaking to their extraordinarily rare songwriting gifts. And Strings has named Hendrix as a huge inspiration...so I guess he knows better than you.

@an5925

Жыл бұрын

All great, influential music has one foot rooted in the past...Beatles, Floyd, Zeppelin, GD, bluegrass, Hendrix ect ect ect

I get what people are saying about the dead, but these 4 guys shouldn't be compared to any one. Whether an original, or cover, these guys make make everything seem like an original. Meas Mor

Billy, is a great young man. He has a lot of talent. He serves as an example for the younger generation.

That little warble in your voice indicates a true anointing. Chris Rice has it too

After hearing this I now want to do shrooms with Billy. If you're in Billy, the mushrooms are on me sir

Heart of the blindman....... So happy to hear it again. Thanks Billy.

Sooo...... funky. i love it . don’t know if you call it a “set” or a “combo” but i listen to this song everyday

John Hartford ! Good going Billy.

Bight it!!!! ❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥

I know all about falling down but I get up & fly away.

Old soul that is so pleasurable he has it an knows it** an for us an the World to enjoy**

Yes, I remember live music performances.... with the audience in the same room. And I remember Morning Bugle & the Dead's 2 record live Skull & Crossbones LP. Humanity first!!!

Love Hartford, n you killed it.

That was just great - what a sound. Can't wait to hear more from this guy.

@geofreak75

3 жыл бұрын

Guitar peace is pretty good

Gold!

hey billy, i want to hear you do “Darling Be Home Soon” written by John Sebastian

@nancyhogan7826

Жыл бұрын

Oh yes

I loved it, Billy. Thank you. Hugz.

@doncraig6058

4 жыл бұрын

Music to get me up and dancing, Thanks Billy

@sallyforth7232

4 жыл бұрын

No ♥ for me, tho.

All I can say to this incredible performance is 😮

👁️👀am mesmerized everytime I listen and live shows are kick ass... Wish was RR... That's all good... I'll just keep trying for tickets to Dublin Ireland, for now totally lovin'... Grovin.... To Billy Strings and the best Strings in my ear🎤🎻🪕🕺🎵💚🎸👁️🎶🍀🙃✴️

no one spits it like Billy MF Strings! This version of both songs just kills! If you get a chance, get out and see this band!

Thanks Billy!

I will recommend you to every single person I know and meet. Love the music!!!!❤❤❤

I never thought it would happen. Billy you changed my whole music Outlook I couldn't stand Blue grass, couldn't stand country music couldn't stand hick-hop but you my friend have turned my ears. I am a musician and a very particular one thank you Billy strings

Billy deserves every bit of sunshine and greatness that comes his way! ❤❤ All them boys do

Rock is not dead! Hallelujah! :)

loved when you boys busted out All Fall Down in Wichita. EVERYONE was smoking their best that night.

I probably would have never found this amazing band if it wasn't for the COVID. So on the bright side.....

YES!!!!!!!!!!!

Got no dime but I got some time to hear your story ❤

Incredibly talented band... sound, feel and live show as close as today's fans will get to the old Dead shows....the Fat Man is smiling down on Billy and his band....

Thank you for you Billy it’s an absolute pleasure to hear you play !

That base riff in the first song was killer ! And the rest of that song was way over the top ! Nicely Done Gentleman. Now that second song had such a lazy groovy kinda flow to it that even though it was a powerful song it was deeply driven music that reached out an touched the soul. Many many thanks Gentleman for sharing your wonderful talents and love of pure music with everyone !

GD wishes they could play as tight as BS n crew. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the dead. They saved my life but this kid, young man, guru, prodegy, AND THE MUSICIANS HE CHOOSES TO SPEND HIS TIME WITH, coupled.. it's pretty much like the dead were writing songs for all of us but especially for these 4 dead stop in you mf'n tracks bluegrass badasses. Specially for them to perfect and throw it back to our lucky hearts n ears.