By Jhoni Jackson
If Jerry Lee Lewis were on the up-and-up today, he’d have an intimidating rival in the Montreal-made one-man-show known as Bloodshot Bill. That’s because Bill’s boogie woogie bedrock is just as sturdy—but, unlike Lewis, Bill does it alone. It’s a one-man-show of grit and sweat and punk-bred fury to the beat of a brand of sped-up rockabilly that incites relentless stomping and shaking from even the most typically stoic onlookers.
To say Bill is a seasoned player is an understatement. Since the late ‘90s, Bill prowled around the world, amassing more than 30 releases. He’s relatively unheralded as of late, but it could be a result of a short hiatus from touring—he was banned from the U.S. for five years. He reemerged at the Norton Records 25th anniversary fest last fall, playing alongside greats like the Sonics and Reigning Sound. One of his side projects, Tandoori Knights (with King Khan), was also on the bill.
It seems to be an appropriate time, then, for Bill to reminisce about shows with AMG’s 5GB series.
What’s the first gig you ever attended?
First show I ever went to…I think it was some kind of outdoor thing sponsored by beer, like, jeez what was it? Eurythmics and Grass Tiger and crappy bands, something like that. That’s the first one I remember. I don’t even think I was 10 yet.
What is the best gig that you ever played/performed?
Probably the Norton Fest thing. That was awesome, so many amazing bands. That was last November in New York. That was just awesome.
What is the best gig you have ever seen?
The South Bay Surfers were really awesome at p[the Norton Fest]. There’s this guy named Corpus from Canada, he’s just crazy. I don’t know if it was the ebst show I ever saw but it definitely had a big impact on me years ago, laughs.
What is the gig you would most like to play?
Probably some stupid thing that would impress my parents or something, laughs. I don’t really care where I play. Probably the Grand Ole Opry or something stupid, laughs. Something with a little history to it too, I guess.
What would be the lineup for your dream gig?
Link Wray and Charlie Feathers, Paint Fumes, King Khan BBQ Show…shit, I don’t know. Yeah, that’s a pretty heavy night right there.
Catch Bloodshot Bill Tonight at the EARL
