Billy Morrison has, in some ways, been a part of my inspiration for the spirit behind BandWeblogs.com. The idea of reading blogs written by musicians who are so open about their musical and sometimes personal lives is intriguing. To then combine rock music and all the goings on – which is easily accessible via Billy Morrison’s blog along with his video blogs, band updates, swimming with sharks adventures, photos and more, for me is the perfect recipe for getting to know the musician behind the music – without the sometimes biased “middle man”.

Circus Diablo and Camp Freddy are Billy’s current bands – each with a line-up of musicians who most rock fans would be familiar with. Circus Diablo recently released their video for “Loaded” – which at one point landed at #1 music video on YouTube. Their next gig is opening up at the Velvet Revolver and Alice In Chains show on October 26th, 2007 at the Verizon Amphitheater in Irvine, CA.

Billy Morrison has been busy – he’s toured with The Cult, has been acting in movies, playing in bands, songwriting, DJing and of course keeping an active blog and podcast.

He’s now in the hot seat, for an interview with BandWeblogs.com
By: Jenny May

Jenny May: The Circus Diablo “Loaded” video made number one music video on YouTube, which is great to see with a rock band. When will you be filming your next video? Will there be another uncensored version like with “Loaded”?

Billy Morrison: Actually there are some plans right now to finish a solo song that has been around for a while now and do a video for it in conjunction with the movie I just finished, called Basement Jack. And yes, it would be a similar ‘Adult’ and ‘PG’ version scenario. The movie was so much fun, and the director asked if I would do a video for a song that was going to be in the movie. So it just kinda came on to my radar like that. Should be shooting that one soon. Fans of my work in my last band, Doheny, will recognize the song!!

What was it like being on the road for Ozzfest with Circus Diablo? How did it go?

Ozzfest was fantastic fun. The whole ‘free’ thing brought a new element to an already established festival and it was, as always, a family affair. BBQ’s in the parking lot when all the fans had left. Bands getting drunk and partying together. Charles, our drummer, knew EVERYONE on the second stage within a day!! He’s the social animal and we would be hosting poker games outside our bus whenever we didn’t have to leave the venue straight away!! The gigs were great and Diablo was welcomed with open arms everywhere. A great experience. Thanks Sharon and Ozzy for having us be a part of it!!

Was LA the first place that you moved to in the States from England? How did you adjust to your new surroundings?

Yes. Los Angeles has always felt like home to me anyway, and by the time I really moved here for good, I had been coming here for so long that I knew the city like the back of my hand anyway. Since then, of course, I have pretty much been all over the States – I have visited nearly every state now. Alaska may be the only state I haven’t seen yet.

What have been some of your favorite gigs to attend – either in the US or England?

Attending shows is a good pastime if you love the band. If they suck, I can’t stand being at a show!! I’ll leave after three songs even if I dig the band! So its gotta be pretty good for me to stay the whole set. I don’t mean that in an arrogant way, but between attending shows, and playing shows as part of my job, I must have seen thousands of gigs!! So the really special ones are the ones that stand out. Nine Inch Nails in Las Vegas AND Nine Inch Nails at Universal Amphitheater with Janes Addiction opening. The Sex Pistols at Finsbury Park. The Wildhearts in London. Oasis at Wembley Stadium ……my list is long and varied!

My first and one of my best live music experiences was at a Guns N’ Roses concert. Occasionally, Slash will sit in with Camp Freddy. What is the best thing about playing music with Slash?

Slash is a modern day icon of the guitar. Anyone who gets to watch him up close is experiencing a true guitar hero at work. Getting to stand next to him on stage and play with him is kinda like the ultimate guitar jam – its f**ing amazing! I have been lucky enough to jam covers with him, AND participate in a bunch of Guns And Roses songs with him as well. You kinda stress when thats going down cos you REALLY don’t wanna f**k that up when he’s right next to you!! But thinking about it, Slash is SO loud onstage that he wouldn’t hear the mistakes anyway!!

Camp Freddy has had numerous guest musicians sit in with them. Who would you really want to play live music with, as a guest with Camp Freddy that hasn’t yet?

As always (and I get asked this a lot!!), my choices would be Iggy Pop, David Bowie and Madonna.

It’s interesting that both you and your fellow Camp Freddy band-mate Dave Navarro (Director: Broken) are involved in movie projects. Your most recent film, a horror, is Evilution. What was it like on the set?

My most recent film was actually Basement Jack!! But with that said, being on set is like being backstage at a show. LOTS of waiting around, getting ready, doing make up, shooting the shit with all the crew etc. And then suddenly someone shouts “ACTION!!” and you turn yourself into someone else for a short time. Then you’re done and you go back to goofing around and drinking tons of coffee!! The set of Basement Jack was just such a cool place – real family atmosphere and all the actors and the crew were so nice and friendly. I was made to feel right at home from day one.

How many movies have you acted in and what were they? What were the genres?

I have done three feature length movies so far, Tripping Forward (a black comedy), Evilution (horror) and Basement Jack (a slasher/thriller).

Which genre do you prefer to act in?

I am still so new at all this, so I haven’t begun to experience all the genres ……. although I REALLY fancy doing a big blockbuster action film, with lots of stuff blowing up and running around like a kid shooting at shit!

Do you want to continue acting? Direct at some point?

I already have another movie lined up for January, and yes I would LOVE to direct at some point. I just know I have TONS more to learn first, so I just want to continue acting for now, and watching quietly at how movies are actually put together from that side of the camera. Eventually I’ll switch sides and see what kind of a mess I make at actually visualizing one myself!

What are your favorite horror films?

I am a big fan of the new breed of horror movie. The Rob Zombie films (House Of 1000 Corpses, Devils Rejects) – the SAW movies, Hostel…that kind of sick, twisted horror. Also the OG stuff like The Exorcist and The Texas Chainsaw will always excite. The Grudge was also a great movie.

What platforms has your music appeared on (like movies, video games etc.)? Any projects planned at the moment?

I am lucky enough to have had songs on many different platforms. Movies, TV, Radio……not sure about video games. But I do have plans to release a song and video that will tie in with the last movie I just made. The song is called Evergreen and the director of the movie will be directing the video.

How did you get into blogging?

I found it through being a general, all purpose fan of the internet. Dave Navarro has been a great inspiration to me as well. He has been at the cutting edge of web based entertainment for a long while, and is a driving force for me and many others. I find my blog to be an honest and open expression of whatever I want to talk about. No misquoting, no opinion except my own, no misrepresentation. Its a true personal vision and thats the purest form of creativity.

Have you found that having a blog has been helpful for your music career and your fans?

I can see the potential for the Blog to cross over as a marketing and promotional tool. I couldn’t be 100% sure if mine has made a difference as I don’t really look at it in that way. I honestly try to be open and honest about my life, my endeavors and my fears, my successes and my failures, so that others can feel connected if they choose. The reason I write music is to try and connect with other people. The blog is just an extension of that desire to connect.

Do you prefer to blog or podcast?

I actually like both but the power of the written word is very strong. Good descriptive text can often convey WAY more than audio or video. Having said that, my site is full of it all, so I would say its all about balance!

You’re a guitar player (Camp Freddy), bass player (toured with The Cult) and now the frontman/singer in Circus Diablo. Which do you like doing the most and why?

I enjoy every single day that I get to do ANY of the above instead of working in a store or selling tee shirts at Camden Market in London (BOTH of which I have done!). I am blessed to be able to get by and pay the bills by being creative, so quite frankly they all appeal to me! But fronting Circus Diablo has been a very cathartic and enjoyable position. I think that singing, writing lyrics and connecting in that ‘frontman’ capacity has been the most fulfilling.

Do you have any memories that you would like to share from your days when you toured with The Cult?

Touring with The Cult was a great time for me – and playing all those songs that are, quite simply, rock classics was a fantastic experience. I always say that doing the main stage at Reading Festival was a memory that will stay with me, and also the homecoming show at Brixton Academy was a huge one for me too. Shopping in Tokyo with Astbury was an amusing couple of days as well.

Any more tattoos planned? If so, what do you have in mind?

I don’t really plan the tattoos – they just seem to happen. I am sure that more ink is in my future although what and where, I have no idea!! My legs could do with some color so maybe I’ll start expanding around the japanese piece I have on my right leg. Or maybe I just start recoloring all my sleeves!! No idea, but I know that I’ll be sitting in that chair and hearing the familiar buzz soon.

You have an active blog, podcast, video blog, you DJ, write music, perform music, act. What next?!

Well, I cant say too much, but the term ‘writer/producer’ springs to mind. TV and Film are holding a special appeal with me at the moment so energy is being directed there. More Diablo shows as well (at the time of writing this, we are looking forward to opening for Velvet Revolver and Alice In Chains) and a solo song release with huge video attached to the movie I just finished, Basement Jack. And the Camp Freddy record is getting some much needed energy injected into it right now with plans to actually try to finish it!! More parties, more hosting, more more more (as Billy Idol once said!!).

For more information go to:

Billy Morrison’s Blog
Circus Diablo Official Website
Camp Freddy Official Website

Before the band was signed, readers of Billy Morrison’s blog have been kept up to date from the beginning, of the journey of Circus Diablo. What started out as just having some fun and writing a couple of songs progressed to recording in the studio and eventually signing with Koch Entertainment. At one point Billy mentioned how difficult the music business can be. Even with his connections in the biz, it wasn’t as easy getting signed as some might think. Now with the green light, everything is a go and it’s all about the music and getting the word out about Circus Diablo.

Members of the Los Angeles based rock band include: Billy Morrison, vocals (Camp Freddy, former member of The Cult), Billy Duffy, lead guitar (The Cult), Ricky Warwick, rhythm guitar (former member of The Almighty) and Brett Scallions, bass (former member of Fuel). Matt Sorum (Velvet Revolver, Camp Freddy) played drums on the debut album courtesy of RCA. Charles Ruggiero of Slunt, will play drums for their 2007 summer tour dates.

The band is confirmed for all 24 Ozzfest shows this summer, and has added headlining shows to their schedule, along with fellow Ozzfest band, Mondo Generator.

Circus Diablo 2007 tour dates:

Dates could be added or changed! Go to Circus Diablo’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

July 12 2007 OZZFEST – WHITE RIVER AMPHITHEATRE SEATTLE, WA
July 13 2007 CORVALLIS – Club Platinum CORVALLIS, OR
July 14 2007 OZZFEST – THE GORGE GEORGE, WA
July 15 2007 PORTLAND – Outlaws Music Hall PORTLAND, OR
July 17 2007 OZZFEST – SLEEP TRAIN AMPHITHEATRE SACRAMENTO, CA
July 18 2007 SAN FRANCISCO – Cafe Du Nord SAN FRANCISCO, CA
July 19 2007 OZZFEST – SHORELINE AMPHITHEATRE MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA
July 20 2007 LOS ANGELES – INDIE 103.1FM, Dave Navarro’s Spread Entertainment The Roxy LOS ANGELES, CA
July 21 2007 OZZFEST – HYUNDAI PAVILION DEVORE, CA
July 22 2007 SAN DIEGO – Brick By Brick SAN DIEGO, CA
July 24 2007 OZZFEST – CRICKET PAVILION PHOENIX, AZ
July 26 2007 OZZFEST – JOURNAL PAVILION ALBUQUERQUE, NM
July 27 2007 DENVER – Larimer Lounge DENVER, CO
July 28 2007 OZZFEST – COORS AMPHITHEATRE DENVER, CO
July 29 2007 SALINA – Blue Goat SALINA, KS
July 30 2007 OZZFEST – VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE KANSAS CITY, MO

August 1 2007 HOUSTON – The Meridian HOUSTON, TX
August 2 2007 OZZFEST – SMIRNOFF MUSIC CENTER DALLAS, TX
August 3 2007 LUBBOCK – Lonestar Amphitheatre LUBBOCK, TX
August 4 2007 OZZFEST – VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE SAN ANTONIO, TX
August 6 2007 OZZFEST – VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE ST LOUIS, MO
August 7 2007 CLEVELAND – Peabodys CLEVELAND, OH
August 8 2007 OZZFEST – GERMAIN AMPHITHEATRE COLUMBUS, OH
August 9 2007 CHICAGO – Double Door CHICAGO, IL
August 10 2007 OZZFEST – FIRST MIDWEST BANK AMPHITHEATRE TINLEY PARK, IL
August 11 2007 GRAND RAPIDS – The Intersection GRAND RAPIDS, MI
August 12 2007 OZZFEST – ALPINE VALLEY MUSIC THEATRE EAST TROY, WI
August 13 2007 REEDSBURGH – Badger Theater REEDSBURGH, WI
August 14 2007 OZZFEST – VERIZON WIRELESS MUSIC THEATRE INDIANAPOLIS, IN
August 16 2007 OZZFEST – PNC BANK ARTS CENTER HOLMDEL, NJ
August 17 2007 PROVIDENCE – Living Room PROVIDENCE, RI
August 18 2007 OZZFEST – NEW ENGLAND DODGE MUSIC THEATRE HARTFORD, CT
August 19 2007 NEW YORK – Knitting Factory NEW YORK, NY
August 20 2007 OZZFEST – TWEETER CENTER BOSTON, MA
August 22 2007 OZZFEST – TWEETER CENTER PHILADELPHIA, PA
August 24 2007 OZZFEST – POST GAZETTE PAVILION PITTSBURGH, PA
August 25 2007 WARREN – The Ritz WARREN, MI
August 26 2007 OZZFEST – DTE ENERGY MUSIC THEATRE DETROIT, MI
August 28 2007 OZZFEST -VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE CHARLOTTE, NC
August 30 2007 OZZFEST – SOUND ADVICE AMPHITHEATRE WEST PALM BEACH, FL

Circus Diablo on amazon.com.

Ozzfest
Ricky Warwick
Brett Scallions on Myspace
Camp Freddy
Matt Sorum
The Cult
Velvet Revolver

For more information about the album and music go to: Circus Diablo Official Website
Circus Diablo on Myspace
Billy Morrison’s Blog

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

Not only that but I think it’s great that they are open to inviting other guest musicians onstage with them to perform punk and rock covers alongside or to fill in for usual band members Dave Navarro, Billy Morrison, Matt Sorum, Scott Weiland, Donovan Leitch and Chris Chaney. Guests who have played with Camp Freddy have included Moby, Robbie Williams, Ronnie Wood, Stephen Jenkins, Billie Joe Armstrong, Mark McGrath, Brett Scallions, Macy Gray, Perry Farrell, Wes Scantlin, Billy Duffy, Jerry Cantrell, Shelby Lynne and many more.

Fellow blogger and musician Billy Morrison from Camp Freddy and Circus Diablo just posted a Camp Freddy video on his blog of them playing live with guests Slash on guitar and singer Chester Bennington from Linkin Park. They perform a cool cover of AC/DC’s song “Highway To Hell”. The video is from an after show concert for the AES Convention in October 2006.

Watch the video of Camp Freddy playing Highway To Hell

By: Jenny May

Billy has most recently been playing guitar in Camp Freddy alongside bandmates Dave Navarro (Janes Addiction/The Panic Channel), Matt Sorum (Guns N Roses/Velvet Revolver), Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots/Velvet Revolver), Donovan Leitch (son of legendary folk singer Donovan), and Chris Chaney (Janes Addiction/Alanis Morrisette).

He’s also singing with his new band Circus Diablo alongside Billy Duffy (The Cult), Ricky Warwick (The Almighty) and Brett Scallions (Fuel) with Matt Sorum playing drums on their upcoming album. They’ve been recording tracks and are making plans to hopefully go out on tour soon.

Another project that Billy Morrison has been working on is his A Life Less Ordinary documentary which was filmed in 2006. He worked with director Q Des Chambres on the film and the footage documents Billy’s life – from homeless to Hollywood. He’s been adding short video clips to YouTube and mentions in his blog that he’s not sure at this point if the film will ever go into production.

I certainly hope that the “right” people see this. It would be great to see A Life Less Ordinary premier at Sundance or one of the other indie film festivals. The more people that can hear his story the better. There’s more to being a musician than meets the eye – and Billy’s story helps to bring some understanding to the often times chaotic and difficult lifestyle.

Billy will be adding the video clips and updates to his blog and to the Morrison TV YouTube page. I’ll also be adding links to the sidebar in the Guest Music Bloggers section here at Band Weblogs. I think it’s important for musicians to be aware of the dangers of drug use – especially when the message is coming from a musician who has been through the ups and downs.

Watch Billy Morrison’s A Life Less Ordinary Intro

Morrison TV on YouTube
Billy Morrison’s Blog

By: Jenny May

I’m always interested in what Camp Freddy gets up to as they’re one of the coolest rock bands out there right now (and because Slash sits in with them every now and then).  I was quite surprised and happy to see that they had recorded a Christmas single, which was released worldwide on iTunes on December 12th.

If you’re into your rock music and want to learn more about the members of Camp Freddy, then you might be interested to know that some of them keep blogs: Dave Navarro’s 6767.com blog, Billy Morrison’s blog, Matt Sorum’s blog and I’m not sure if Scott Weiland, Donovan Leitch or Chris Chaney keep blogs. If anyone knows just leave a comment with a link!

Watch the Camp Freddy Christmas video for their new single, “Merry Xmas Everybody” filmed at the Avalon Theater in Hollywood, December 2006.

By: Jenny May

That should be a fun night at The Avalon – I wonder if they’ll be playing “Merry Christmas Everybody” at the show. It would be a good way to start off the Christmas season for those lucky enough to be able to attend. Lily Allen, Drive A and The Darling Stilettos will also be performing.

Camp Freddy is a group of musicians who get together when they can, to play music and have a good time – Billy Morrison (The Cult/Circus Diablo), Dave Navarro (Janes Addiction/The Panic Channel), Matt Sorum (Guns N Roses/Velvet Revolver), Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots/Velvet Revolver), Donovan Leitch (son of legendary folk singer Donovan), and Chris Chaney (Janes Addiction/Alanis Morrisette) are normally in the line-up with guest musicians joining them on stage including Slash, Duff McKagan, Stephen Perkins and many more.

Visit Camp Freddy’s Official Website

By: Jenny May

Dave Navarro couldn’t make it to the gig so Slash and Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen sat in on guitar. Other Camp Freddy Members include Billy Morrison, Matt Sorum, Scott Weiland, Donovan Leitch and Chris Chaney.

According to Camp Freddy’s website, the promotional video for ‘Employee of the Month’ featuring ‘Surrender’ by Camp Freddy was the most watched video on YouTube on October 6th:

Luckily Billy Morrison is willing to offer a window into his life via his blog, allowing VIPesque access to gig details, photo shoots, road trips as well as video blogs on occasion which is even more satisfying for the music fan who wants to become more familiar with the rock musician way of life.

Check out Billy Morrison’s blog for all the latest details of his comings and goings!

-Jenny May-