Billy Sheehan: Practicing Bass, Playing With a Pick, and the End of Mr. Big

In the world of bass and beyond, Billy Sheehan is one of the synonyms for virtuosity. However, as we all know by now, you can’t please everyone and, with the wonders of the internet and online discussion, there’s always going to be a naysayer or two. In other words, no one is safe from hard critiques and nitpicking, not even Billy.

As Mr. Big has called it a day, playing their final show in September 2024, we took a moment to chat with Billy. Among other things, the bass virtuoso reflected on a few technique-related matters, including what it’s like to play with a pick, as well as receiving criticism from at least one not-so-famous online musician.

0:00 – Intro and Post-Tour Reflections
1:16 – Final Mr. Big Show in Romania
2:06 – Why the Band Ended Now
3:33 – Remembering Pat Torpey
4:16 – Ending with Dignity
4:30 – The New Live Album
5:44 – Recording in Japan
6:10 – How Mr. Big Got Big in Japan
7:58 – Touring Japan Extensively
8:20 – Japanese Audience Reactions
9:01 – Razor Scooter Story
9:33 – 30-Year Reunion with Fan
10:21 – Staying Connected with Fans
11:04 – Fan Chaos Stories
12:00 – Crafting the Bass Solo
13:09 – Decades of Solo Experience
14:10 – Improvisation and Recovery Tactics
16:07 – Daily Practice Routine
17:01 – Playing “Danny Boy” Live
18:01 – Building Live Endurance
20:14 – Speed and Precision Practice
21:42 – Documenting His Practice Routine
23:10 – Harmonics and Tapping Technique
25:03 – Getting Tone with and without Amp
26:03 – Online Criticism and Technique Defense
27:53 – Practicing Every Technique Possible
29:06 – Playing with a Pick Again
30:04 – Talking vs. Playing Ability
31:26 – Analytical Philosophy and Musicianship
32:03 – Humility Through Music
32:46 – Inspiring Performances That Motivate
34:45 – Belief in Potential for Everyone
36:12 – The Role of Honest Self-Critique
36:43 – What’s Next for Billy Sheehan
37:48 – Closing Remarks

[notreblecom]

0:00 – Intro and Post-Tour Reflections
1:16 – Final Mr. Big Show in Romania
2:06 – Why the Band Ended Now
3:33 – Remembering Pat Torpey
4:16 – Ending with Dignity
4:30 – The New Live Album
5:44 – Recording in Japan
6:10 – How Mr. Big Got Big in Japan
7:58 – Touring Japan Extensively
8:20 – Japanese Audience Reactions
9:01 – Razor Scooter Story
9:33 – 30-Year Reunion with Fan
10:21 – Staying Connected with Fans
11:04 – Fan Chaos Stories
12:00 – Crafting the Bass Solo
13:09 – Decades of Solo Experience
14:10 – Improvisation and Recovery Tactics
16:07 – Daily Practice Routine
17:01 – Playing “Danny Boy” Live
18:01 – Building Live Endurance
20:14 – Speed and Precision Practice
21:42 – Documenting His Practice Routine
23:10 – Harmonics and Tapping Technique
25:03 – Getting Tone with and without Amp
26:03 – Online Criticism and Technique Defense
27:53 – Practicing Every Technique Possible
29:06 – Playing with a Pick Again
30:04 – Talking vs. Playing Ability
31:26 – Analytical Philosophy and Musicianship
32:03 – Humility Through Music
32:46 – Inspiring Performances That Motivate
34:45 – Belief in Potential for Everyone
36:12 – The Role of Honest Self-Critique
36:43 – What’s Next for Billy Sheehan
37:48 – Closing Remarks

[mikeb.]

Billy seems to treat every interviewer exactly the same, with grace and respect doesn't dodge questions doesn't talk down to the interviewer and seems to engage with them. Shows what kind of person he actually is.

[SleepingSaturnIncorp]

I've seen Bruce Springsteen play solo acoustic, and with The E Street Band countless times; I've seen the original KISS. I've seen the likes of Marc Cohn, Southside Johnny, Michelle Shocked, Bon Jovi, Motley Crue...tons of acts of different genres and been lucky to see some amazing shows, but Mr. Big at the Glasgow Barrowlands, July 25th 2024 (with the also awesome Living Colour) was hands down the best gig I've ever seen. It was some old band, limping through a set, or half assing it. It was like seeing a band play their first shows, and like their lives depended on it. I was playing a gig a few days later and ended up trying things I had never did before I was so inspired by Mr Big! The fact they are also all super cool is awesome too. Billy is a gentleman and a scholar!

[dougstanley]

Billy is a living legend.Ive watched so many of his interviews, and he never gets boring to watch like some other musicians .Ive learned so much by watching Billy play, not that I'll ever match his musicianship, but one can always dream.

[mixc]

Been playing bass for over 20 years and Billy has been one of my all time favorite bass players. I still have his original training video :) so cool and such gentlemen.

[paultraynorBSc]

Thanks for sharing this Best wishes from Liverpool uk
Best wishes to Billy too 🎸🎶🎵🎸

[TheConduit]

Love Billy, as a Bass player, The man is a total inspiration.

[williamclementsonbass]

He's an Artist and Gentleman of the highest order! ⚡👍❗

[crankjazz]

I had the pleasure of showing Billy Sheehan around Liverpool on the evening before the last Mr Big gig in England.

[josephwalton]

The biggest thing this man teaches bassists is humility. Something damn near most bass players need. Any typical bass player, if they were to reach his caliber would be super stuck up and all about themselves. Yet tue bass shredding god Big, Bad, Billy Sheehan is smooth and nice about it. Let's all learn something here. Ain't so much about your playing...your attitude speaks more.

[JockeLundgrenTV]

Great interview.
Thank you very much! ❤

[deathmetaldouglas]

@ 6:50. According to Geddy Lee's memoir Rush only played Japan once in the mid 80's. They chose not to go back because Neil Peart got into an altercation with a man who was beating up his wife in public. Nobody else stepped in because this behavior was accepted apparently.

[subbbass]

my favorite rock bassplayer. didn't knew how much he knows jazz.... a good lesson to be open to all music ....

[endlessvyd]

Such a legend and one of my idols. A true pro.

[MrPrincebass]

He's indeed just a good hardworking guy. Always nice when I saw him at meet-n-greets at shows.