Killbilly
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Defunct | 1994 |
| Headquarters | Dallas , United States |
| Products | Music albums, cassettes |
Killbilly was a band originating from Dallas, Texas, active between 1987 and 1994, known for merging elements of bluegrass and punk music. Their sound was characterized by critics as a "blend of bluegrass and shred metal" and also described as "an authentic bluegrass ensemble performing with speed, clarity, and volume." Robert Wilonsky of the Dallas Observer referred to them as "irreplaceable" and regarded their disbandment in 1994 as marking the "close of a significant chapter."
History
The formation of Killbilly dates back to 1986 when guitarist Alan Wooley independently recorded the cassette Foggy Mountain Anarchy while involved with the punk group the White Shapes. Wooley sent this cassette to Craig "Niteman" Taylor, a DJ at KNON, who then invited him to appear on his radio program. Upon discovering that Wooley did not have a band, Taylor suggested they create one together. Their inaugural performance took place on March 12, 1987. The primary members consisted of Wooley, Taylor, vocalist and banjo player Stephen Trued, acoustic guitarist/mandolinist and singer Harris Kirby, bassist Richard Hunter, and drummer Michael Schwedler.
Initially distributing cassettes at live events, Killbilly eventually released their first major label album, Foggy Mountain Anarchy, in June 1992. Their 1994 release, Stranger in this Place, issued through Crystal Clear Records, achieved international availability. The band dissolved later that year due to financial difficulties, with their last show occurring on November 4, 1994.
Studio albums
- Stranger in this Place (Flying Fish Records, 1992)
- Foggy Mountain Anarchy (Crystal Clear Records, 1994)
Cassettes
- Alive in the City of Hate in the Lone Star State (4 Dots, 1990)
- Bootleg '91 (1991)