BILL are a rock band, started in 1987 in new england and fronted by Bill Gage, a singer with ds (down's 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 just 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.

THE SPIDER

Rock

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