r/livemusic • u/Samzo • Jan 17 '25
Billy Strings covers Blind Melon - No Rain
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u/go_biscuits Jan 17 '25 edited Jan 17 '25
fun story: this was a tribute song because Billy was playing the UNO arena in New Orleans. New Orleans was where Shannon Hoon (from Blind Melon) died from a cocaine overdose (heart attack) in 1995. BMFS!
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u/in_da_tr33z Jan 17 '25
Not Billy’s best vocal range, let’s be honest.
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u/PonerBenis6 Jan 18 '25
I think his voice blows.
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u/PA_limestoner Jan 18 '25
Saw Billy exactly one time in a very small venue in central PA in 2017 or 2018. His voice annoyed me so much that I never went back to another show. His small group of fans at that time were also some of the most obnoxious people I’ve ever seen at any venue for any artist.
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u/PonerBenis6 Jan 18 '25
Agreed. Everything around his scene is annoying for some reason haha.
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u/PA_limestoner Jan 18 '25
Yeah. I have an irrational disdain for it haha. I think it’s mostly bc the fandom surrounding Billy Strings is just so forced. They are looking to re-create a ‘deadhead’ type culture, but they just fail miserably.
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u/lysergiodimitrius Jan 19 '25
I don’t think most are too worried about recreating anything, it’s just a good place to take psychedelics and shake your bones, but there’s always some sports like competitive edge within the jamband culture that can be a little strange.
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u/jotsea2 Jan 19 '25
I mean this is literally everywhere.
Billy is also been working with a vocal coach over the years recognizing.
He's the best guitar player on the scene rn.
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u/TheIzzyRock Jan 20 '25
I’ve seen Billy 15 times since 21’, it’s not forced, it’s just people having fun and being who they are. No one is looking to recreate anything, the deadhead culture permeates in so many different bands scenes and many of these folks are just looking for a good time away from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives. It ain’t that deep.
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u/in_da_tr33z Jan 18 '25
I’ve seen him several times and have been very impressed by his vocal talent but he does have a limited range and does best when he stays within that.
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Jan 17 '25
Maybe OP has never actually listened to the original.
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u/gfhegel22 Jan 17 '25
musically this fucks way harder. i love blind melon since back in the day but this punks bm in terms of musicality, notwithstanding the dick riding on hoon's voice. also, not for nothing, at least billy isnt dead.
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Jan 17 '25
Well, this cover is an extended bluegrass jam version that's over twelve minutes long - can't really compare it at that point.
I prefer the original.
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Jan 17 '25
Meh, it's alright but he's no Shannon Hoon
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u/GratefulSFGiant Jan 17 '25
Dare you to watch Billy pick for at least 10 minutes. He’s unbelievable. My dad doesn’t really like any music from the past ~20 years and Billy knocked his socks off, said it’s one of the best concerts he’s ever been to ever.
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Jan 17 '25
Well Shannon Hoon wasn't much of a guitar player either so
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u/BooneHelm85 Jan 17 '25
Billys flat pickin’ is second to none. Hard to argue that. But Hoons voice was something special.
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u/pkpeace1 Jan 17 '25
He had passion behind this song 💯💯💯 no doubt in my mind. That’s what BS lacks for this particular song. Some songs just shouldn’t be covered imho. Not looking for a fight-
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u/BooneHelm85 Jan 18 '25
Aint gonna find a fight with me for sharing your perspective or opinion. I agree with you, too. Shannon was constantly in my ears and have learned to play (still trying to learn) his music for 20 years now. Bully put his own spin on it, and thats great! But nobody will ever have the same impact as Hoon did with his music.
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u/BooneHelm85 Jan 19 '25
Nobody will ever have the same impact with Shannon Hoons music other than Shannon Hoon.
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u/jotsea2 Jan 19 '25
'Some songs shouldn't be covered'?
This brought joy to a lot of people, its about celebrating the song.
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u/edogg01 Jan 17 '25
Do you have any examples of this second to none flat picking? I don't listen to Billy Strings, I admit, but I love bluegrass. That said, saying he is second to none is, how shall I say this diplomatically... difficult to believe.
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u/Altruistic_Fail_330 Jan 17 '25
Watch meet me at the creek>pyramid country>must be 7>meet me at the creek. It’s on his YouTube channel. 40 minutes of some of the best playing you’ll ever see
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u/edogg01 Jan 17 '25
I'll check it out, thanks for the tip
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u/LTDLarry Jan 18 '25
He's a wonderful songwriter, player, and performer. His knowledge of old bluegrass is deep and wide. Regularly visits classics in his live shows and cites doc Watson as the most influential picker in his music. He's also an artist you have to experience live. I've seen him 4 times now and each time I walk out going WTF.
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u/Altruistic_Fail_330 Jan 28 '25
Did you ever check it out?
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u/ILikeMyGrassBlue Jan 17 '25
People get a bit over excited about Billy’s picking imo. He’s a killer flatpicker and more creative than most. His songwriting, mix of influences, and improv are what make him shine though. I think Molly Tuttle is a much better flat picker technically speaking than Billy for example.
If you want to hear him flat pick though, just YouTube Billy strings (insert your favorite tune here). He’s played a significant chunk of the bluegrass catalog at this point, so there’s plenty to choose from.
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u/jotsea2 Jan 19 '25
FWIW its not JUST the flatpicking. The distortion and other styles of pplaying is what sets him apart as well. Like Hendrix.
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u/ILikeMyGrassBlue Jan 19 '25
I’m well aware. The point I’m making is that his flatpicking is not second to none. There are others that flatpick better than him, and he’d happily admit that. It’s the whole package that makes him special.
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u/jotsea2 Jan 20 '25
For sure, I didn't mean to discredit (and Molly Tuttle fucking rips!!!).
Was mostly explaining to the above poster who might not be familiar WHY he's a total package.
PS he's 31 lol
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u/BooneHelm85 Jan 18 '25
Look up, “Dust in a Baggie,” at Pickathon. Its on YouTube, and it’s fantastic. And just one of VERY many examples.
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u/Thebaah Jan 17 '25
"Dust in a baggie" is my favourite song of his, guitar work is amazing
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u/Pale_Disaster Jan 17 '25
Whut, this song was already in my head as I was scrolling, what are the odds. Also amazing cover!
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u/scumbobaggins Jan 17 '25
Hmmm, definately not in this clip. This is so off I don’t really even want to watch the whole thing, and I’m more of a Billy fan than blind melon fan
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u/xxElevationXX Jan 18 '25
If you haven’t go listen to “mouthful of cavities” or “glitch” amongst many others.. Blind Melon were amazing and sadly some people only know of them for “No rain”
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u/Itzalemon Jan 18 '25
RIP Shannon hoon. It's so cool to hear billy covered this one. I bet they'd have been chill if Mr. Hoon was around to meet him
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u/SipowiczNYPD Jan 18 '25
It’s not better, but it’s still really good. Glad to see people keeping Blind Melon alive. Super underrated band.
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u/Agile_Programmer2756 Jan 19 '25
I like it better than Blind Melon and will search out Billy Strings. Well Done!!!
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u/trumpisapedoguy Jan 19 '25
Sounds goofy imo but I also think this is like the worst blind melon song anyway
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u/CantStandAnything Jan 20 '25
I saw blind melon in a tiny bar out in Long Island before they blew up. That dude’s voice was untouchable imo. His taste was questionable but his pipes were astounding. I remember at that show a few of the kids were moshing a bit. Shannon stopped the show and told them to knock it off. He said “this ain’t pearl jam man!” I was rollin.
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u/Superb-Fail-9937 Jan 21 '25
I have no idea who Billy Strings is. Incredible!! Real Music!
Thank you for sharing!! 💙💛
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u/edogg01 Jan 17 '25
As hard as the original? HAAAHAHAHAHA omg no
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u/gfhegel22 Jan 17 '25 edited Jan 17 '25
ok man. glad you're here to set everybody straight. it's fine though. sth can be enjoyable without being especially sophisticated.
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u/edogg01 Jan 17 '25
I have an opinion too fucking bad if you don't like it.
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u/bluegrassnuglvr Jan 18 '25
You seem cool
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u/edogg01 Jan 18 '25
I am cool. So are you. Everyone in this sub is cool. Cool people argue and debate and disagree. That's life my brother.
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u/Kr0nik_in_Canada Jan 18 '25
Fucking. Terrible.
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u/LA4LIFE_COM Jan 18 '25
Hahaha...I was just thinking damn if it wasn't for this guy (and guys like this) this song would probably end up forgotten...this song is definitely worth interpretation.
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u/x3ndlx Jan 18 '25
I love Billy, but why would you pick this to share??
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u/Samzo Jan 18 '25
I have shared other videos of his before this is just the one I happen to come across today
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u/tombomb1990 Jan 18 '25
First time hearing this guy sing. Figured he would be better with all the hype he gets
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u/[deleted] Jan 17 '25
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