BILL are a rock band, started in 1987 in new england and
fronted by Bill Gage, a singer with ds (down syndrome).
BILL was named after one of the few words Bill can write
fairly well, making it simple for him to create the logo
(and sign autographs). Bill sings surreal, ever-changing
lyrics in a variety of styles, from bluesy yowls to tender,
soulful 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 to 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.
people may come to the BILL show the first time to see what the
hubbub is about, but they come back for the rock spectacle. Bill is a
born performer, and his connection with an audience is immediate and
electric.
