BILL are a rock band, started in 1987 in New England and fronted
by Bill Gage, a charismatic performer who sings surreal,
ever-changing lyrics in a wide variety of styles. He also has Ds
(Down syndrome). The band name is one of the words Mr. Gage can
write.
The group provides diverse sounds: art-rock, heavy-metal,
acoustic folk-ballads, industrial riffs, etc, and Bill Gage
continuously refines and re-works his vocal improvisations.
BILL's approach to songwriting is always in flux. The first album
BEATLES CHINESE was shaped by a series of challenges the band gave
Bill Gage: first to name the songs he wanted to do, and then to sing
them, as the band figured out what to play, and each song was
quickly recorded. The backing tracks for BILL's second record
BAT MAN were recorded in advance. Bill Gage listened to the tracks,
sang over them, and then named the songs (and the record).
Live, the BILL show presents a sonic kaleidoscope of punk,
psychedelia, pop, and hard rock, Bill Gage tying it all together
using his incredible voice and edge-of-the-seat performance (with
theatrical touches like the cape he wears for "STEVE PEPPER").
Between songs Mr. Gage chats with the crowd, announcing the next
song and letting the audience know they're about to hear something
"REALLY GREAT". While some of his words are not always clear, his
intentions are obvious and the crowd stays right with him. Bill Gage
is a mild-mannered gentleman, until he has a mic in his hand:
"LET'S ROCK AND ROLL!"
The band includes Daren Follower (drums), Gaylen Moore (bass),
and guitarists Eric Morin, Greg Ansin, and Mr. Gage's brother,
john. Past members include Paul Desjarlais of Pseudonym (1987-91),
Stephin Merritt of The Magnetic Fields (1987), and David M. Curry
of Empty House Coöperative (1996-2000). BILL are working on a new
record.
