ABOUT
Billy In The Lowground (originally called the Brew Band) were formed in 1991 by founder members Chris Hibberd & Ruth Behan, since when we've played literally hundreds of gigs at pubs, clubs, large venues and festivals all over the UK, as well as some in Europe.
Past Festival gigs include: Glastonbury, Ashton Court, Trowbridge Pump, Bath festival, Respect in the West, Pontardawe International Folk, Larmer Tree, Off the Tracks, Farmfest & a host of others.
Notable past support slots include: John Otway, Shane MacGowan & the Popes, Rock Salt & Nails, Norma Waterson & Martin Carthy, Oysterband, the Men they Couldn't Hang, the Wurzels and Fairport Convention.
The band have often been pigeonholed as Folk-Rock (think 'Weapon called the Word' era Levellers rather than 'All around my Hat' era Steeleye Span!), but that doesn't cover the half of it - the sound is continuously evolving, veering into alt.country territory and even out-and-out Rock. Or, as recent reviews have put it:
"...The music can only be described as foot stomping greatness. The sheer energy and passion that pours from the band is matched only by their musical ability, and the songs themselves are the kind of short infectious pieces that grab you by the throat and demand that you move, without you really noticing. The twin melodies of violin and guitar swirl and twirl in and around eachother with a grace that defies the relentless stomp of the bass and drums, while the acoustic and vocals work mercilessly away at your subconscious, making sure that the material haunts you for days."
- Woolley Festival
"If the Levellers were moonshine-swigging Appalachian mountain folk instead of Guinness-swilling Brighton crusties, they would probably have sounded a lot like this."
- Green Man
"The poster said Folk-Rock, but anyone expecting an evening of gentle, fiddle-tinged easy-listening was rapidly disabused of that notion, as 'Billy in the Lowground' grasped Folk firmly by the scruff and dragged it backwards through a Hedge of Rock. Mixed metaphors aside, what emerged was a sound akin to a cider-fuelled Grateful Dead, only tighter. Superb."
For further info, see our website:
http://www.billyinthelowground/
- Screen name:
- slylittlei
- Member since:
- Jan 19 2012
- Active over 1 month ago
- Level of commitment:
- Very Committed
- Years playing music:
- 20
- Gigs played:
- Over 100
- Tend to practice:
- 1 time per week
EQUIPMENT
Current line-up is drums, bass (and backing vocal), rhythm guitar (and lead vocal) and fiddle.
We're looking for a great lead guitarist who can also preferably play 5 string Banjo/Mandolin...