BILL are a rock band, started in 1987 in the boston area and fronted by
Bill Gage, a singer with down's syndrome. BILL was named after the only
word Bill can write fairly well, to make it easy for him to create the
logo (and sign autographs). Bill sings surreal, ever-changing lyrics
in a variety of styles, from blues-inflected yowls to tender, ray charles-like
moans to throat-singing. these different approaches reflect Bill's reaction
to the diverse sounds his band provides him: spacey art-rock, thundering
heavy-metal, acoustic folk ballads, stuttering industrial riffs, etc.
BILL's internal approach to songwriting is always in flux. the first
album BEATLES CHINESE was shaped by a series of challenges the band
gave Bill: first to name the songs he wanted to do, and then sing them,
as the band figured out what to play behind him and each song was quickly
recorded. the backing tracks for BILL's second record BAT MAN were recorded
in advance. Bill listened to the tracks, sang over them, and named the
songs.
Bill has sung with a variety of musicians including cheater slicks,
hope alane, david m. curry, stephin merritt, rich gilbert and others.
the band includes people from grasshopper records, a label run by his
brother john, who plays in BILL, the other members being daren follower,
eric morin, gaylen moore, and greg ansin.
Bill’s love of singing has been unwavering. the band is working up a set
that gives Bill more freedom to express his theatrical side. people may come
to the BILL show to see what all the hubbub is about, but they stay
(and return) for the rock spectacle. Bill grabs their attention and
never lets go: "LET’S ROCK AND ROLL, EVERYBODY" he says between songs,
and the crowd is right there with him.
