JackBootedThug
MURDERATOR
The dance video killed his career..thanks you genius music executives…lol…he made a live appearance on yo mtv dance show or whatever it was called around 88-89…he was all leathered up and brought the pain. Killed it.
Juliad
Member
That must of been a great show. Def Leppard had a much harder edge back then plus Steve C and an uninjured Rick A.
LP Freak
Well-known member
Def Leppard was about to explode at this point and clearly stole the show. They didn’t open up for very long after this show
K
Kordoba
Well-known member
I saw Billy Squier with Blue Murder opening. Killer show all around.
shar-vell Dan
Well-known member
Sure sounds like a real rock show the likes i havent seen in decades not for lack of trying.
thegame
Well-known member
What a great time period for this type of rock (roughly 79-83). It was when all these emerging artists like Squier, the Cars, Pat Benatar, Foreigner, Donny Iris, and even Journey still had a gritty hard rock edge to their music that left the 70’s behind and embraced the more energetic, upbeat early 80’s vibe. Post ‘83 or so, all of them embraced the MTV sound, ditched the dirty guitars, heavily incorporated synths and went full on pop.
shar-vell Dan
Well-known member
Nailed it ^^^^^^
Juliad
Member
Thegame, you are spot on. It may have been one of the best moments ever to be a high schooler or just starting to get into music. Too bad the hard rock music scene went corporate and artists started compromising their music and wearing pink spandex and lipstick etc. It didn't last long after that.
skoora
Well-known member
It really was a golden era of music. Some of the best rock, new wave and metal we’ll ever get.
R
RockerOZ
New member
Hi,
Hope you don't mind me posting this, but since we're on the topic of Billy Squier thought this will be of interest.
I've just released a book titled Louder Than Words: Beyond the backstage Pass'.
There is a whole chapter I wrote on the real story behind Billy Squier's supposedly career ending video, along with an in-depth look at his life and music. Billy has authorized the chapter and I conducted many hours of interviews with Billy for the book and chapter along with all the key players in this whole video drama, from Billy's former band members to several Billy Squier fans to those who also worked with him and MTV VJs.
The book is available on Amazon worldwide.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1915616123
“Joe Matera is a rock 'n roll lifer - when he's not playing music, he's writing about it. Joe's passionate about what he does...and music is nothing without passion." – Billy Squier
Hope you don't mind me posting this, but since we're on the topic of Billy Squier thought this will be of interest.
I've just released a book titled Louder Than Words: Beyond the backstage Pass'.
There is a whole chapter I wrote on the real story behind Billy Squier's supposedly career ending video, along with an in-depth look at his life and music. Billy has authorized the chapter and I conducted many hours of interviews with Billy for the book and chapter along with all the key players in this whole video drama, from Billy's former band members to several Billy Squier fans to those who also worked with him and MTV VJs.
The book is available on Amazon worldwide.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1915616123
“Joe Matera is a rock 'n roll lifer - when he's not playing music, he's writing about it. Joe's passionate about what he does...and music is nothing without passion." – Billy Squier
A
abrackas
Active member
When I was a photojournalist he was playing at a casino around 2010 and the contract to take photos was a complete rights grab. My managing editor at the newspaper told me not to sign it so I didn’t. Still got to see the show and it was great, front row dead center (it was the media relations person’s last day at that job as they got promoted and treated me very well).
Lifeson1
Member
His bass player lives two blocks away next to my kids' school. When I run into him I'll put a bug in his ear for y'all.
W
Wayniac3
Well-known member
Huge blowout with my parents about this show in New Haven.. I was 13 and they thought I was too young to go. I was a HUGE fan of Leppard, and Billy rocked hard back then so I'd have been happy to catch that too.
My girlfriend at the time (first "serious" gf) went with her older sisters, and got me a Lep shirt. I was seriously pissed at my parents for a LONNNNG time. I still bust my dads chops about it occasionally.
I grew to appreciate Billy's tone as I got older
griff10672
Well-known member
talk about a career killer ..........
As long as he promises not to do this.
reignman454
Active member
Saw a video of him on a crappy little practice amp playing a guitar a cappella and man…. Under-rated.
SBlue
Well-known member
Frank is one of my faves, and his Marshall mods are beyond underrated.
Frank Levi did Squires amp work. Frank then worked on RATT's Marshall on tour the first few albums.
Frank also worked for SIR studio rentals in NY & LA and reworked those amps including but not limited the AFD amps.
I kid Squire about the "prancing" video [bad advice from a choreographer] Billys always been rightous with Marshall tone.
I'm fortunate to have a #34 mod that Frank did on a JMP 2203 for me in 2014, and also found a JCM800 2203 with his MK-7 mod, and they both are some of the best sounding amps I've heard to this day.
Frank was also an incredibly nice human being, helped me out numerous times and is deeply missed.
One of the truly best.
W
Wayniac3
Well-known member
Always wanted one of his mods
shar-vell Dan
Well-known member
We used to chat on FB. Great guy.
Hang onto those amps.
First time i hear "Lonely is the night" opening riff i knew that amp was different. But wouldn't find out til later.
madrigal77
Active member
SBlue
Well-known member
Wasn't he an incredible person? Man, I can't even remember how many times I've opened up my Facebook and there was a completely random message from Frank, either giving me a weather report or telling me about amps or bands.
I really miss him.