Billy Strings - Thunder (Robert Hunter)
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- čas přidán 14. 06. 2021
- I was blown out of the atmosphere when Billy Kreutzmann said he wanted me to take a crack at writing the music to these lyrics by the late great Robert Hunter. I cried like a baby for like an hour after I hung up the phone. I can’t recall a time being so overcome with joyful emotion. This happened on a day when I was really doubting myself as well. Thank you Billy K for trusting me with this.. it is seriously such an honor. Hope we play it again at Red Rocks next month!! ❤️
Thunder, Thunder, thunder for fifteen thousand years..
We plow our fields with lightning and we water them with tears. 🌩
#roberthunter #thegratefuldead #billyandthekids #gratefulmahalo
5.22.21 | Louisville, KY
Join us on tour: billystrings.com/tour
Video by Jesse Faatz
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#BillyStrings #Bluegrass #Guitar - Hudba
Billy is a good friend that's helped me out of a nasty heroin addiction. His music is an extention of his soul and who he is as a beautiful human being. What an honor for him to be able to do this! 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Did you do eight out of the 20 years for good behavior ? ( don't be mad I'm using a little wit from D in a Baggie. You're blessed to know him. Easy to see he is a great person with a big heart. Good luck in staying away from the heroin , I was 21 when I saw it come to town in the early 90's and it took some of my friends with it.
Thanks, Troy, I like hearing that. My joy in his music in increased knowing Billy is good people. :) Also, well done in getting clean. I hope you are doing great in your sober life!
i beat heroin over 16 years ago i play in a hardcore punk rock band but billy is who i listen too for inspiration he has a gift and its obvious hes made some hard choices in life and is proving that every day hes alive blessed
💞
Good for you brother, if we were all perfect there wouldn’t be any great music.You hang in there. Believe it or not Fuzzy isn’t my real name it’s Troy. Are we related??Same first name and all.lol.
The Billy Strings Quartet is taking the music of Robert Hunter and the Grateful Dead to a new level. As a long-time G D fan (age 78), I deeply appreciate what the group is doing with this music. It is not just Billy Strings - the entire group is superb.
You bet. One thing for sure , it's different
@@ajcraft-hello bill k gave him the lyrics and said write a tune to them. Would you pass on that if you were asked to do so ? I for one don't listen to the SOS. How many times can one listen to Barton Hall after knowing it note for note ? To each their own , music is subjective. Without the likes of billy strings , improv jam band music dies. Plain and simple
@@mikegoetz3184 thanks, didn’t know that. Doubt many w/ pass on it. Fully agree innovation and musical exploration is the magic in jam band music. Spiritual exploration of the finest degree. Enough said.
@@ajcraft-hellohave a great day. Hopefully you'll be taking in a live show soon.
@@mikegoetz3184 thanks fellow music lover! You too. NFA
As a Deadhead for 51 years, you did the song more than justice. It's not like Garcia would have done, it's a whole new vision for the ages. The textures and tensions you create build the song nicely. The vocals and harmonies send a shiver up my spine that I haven't felt in years.
Seeing a new Era rising. Big Dead fan, and love to see the Era progressing!
Best thing to happen to music since the GD.
It’s definitely what we needed ❤️🔥🌈😎🙏🏼💫❤️⚡️💙
7:14 = shiver up spine. Billy in my opinion is the best thing to happen in music for decades. It's not often someone with pure musical talent and is actually a really good person comes along. I would put him up there with people like Jerry, Trey and very few others.
Nicely stated! I totally agree!
Even the Grateful Dead knew who to trust Robert Hunter’s legacy with. You know Jerry is smiling down watching this. ☮️
Haha no. Not at all. This soup is terrible. Billy strings has turned into yonder meets string. Cheese
@@johnplain1546 That's a bad thing? Maybe you need to rethink what music means to you, my friend. A statement like this comes from jealousy. That's not very zen, now is it? So stay up on your dirty high horse, see how long you stay clean or stay on. Dbag.
@@Wayzor_ hahaha what. I think it's trying to type something. Wait for the drugs to wear off. You'll figure out how to communicate
@@johnplain1546 damn I feel bad for you, you seem like a hateful person. Is your home life okay?
@@johnplain1546 Its not soup. Its Mushrooms moonshine.
He’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now!!!!!
Best act (meaning the ENTIRE BAND) to come along since the end of the Dead.......
Agreed…
Marcus King and Molly Tuttle are also doing amazing things.
He IS! He played at our wedding 7 years ago, just before he took off for his deserved fame and adoration. My guests were blown away, as you might imagine.
I am more blues and metal etc but wow, this guy is great lol!
Psychedelic Blue Grass Boy Genius!
I grew up on bluegrass. My whole family played/ plays. Billy Strings is fabulous. He stirs my soul.
@@carolyngarman1422 And he stirs the pot. Pun intended! Stir it up Billy!
How about Psychograss!
@@rowinfun LOL!! I LOVE it!!
What you're witnessing is a once in a generational talent play music written by one of the best song writers of all time. I was fortunate enough to see this live. These four are already giants in the music game with their innovation. Just sit back and watch...
Where was this and when?
@@PINEPUPPY Louisville on May 22nd!
That show was epic, the music and the sunset were just perfect
I just sit back and watch, behind my computer, in Cognac, France.
First show back in the game had me crying it was so good.
This is so f'ing cool. Great for your, Billy. Great for us all.
Mike when do you reckon ole’ Tommy E will throw Billy Strings a “CGP” designation? Someone’s gotta pass that on! :)
You said it.
Amazing.
you said it best. the world needs this!
We need a “breakdown” of Thunder…I’ve been patiently waiting!
Amen.
I cant think Robert Hunter would have imagined a better way to bring his words to life in this instance. Truly special from Billy and his great band
Billy is one of the greatest musicians of my lifetime (I'm 45). Not just in his ability to flat pick and sing, but what he(and his band) of done for Bluegrass music. Thanks Billy
He is an Avatar ,I think...
I appreciate this comment because of the subject matter, not necessarily just because billy is great.
What is this voodoo magic I just stumbled upon... 😲🤗💖
This band is taking acoustic music to a special place. It's a place that I'm happy to be visiting whenever I hear them play.
Well said!
Billy is taking slow songs and putting a great spin on them
Kudos to the audio engineer. Five distinct "voices" blended, yet still individual. I especially liked hearing the bass without it becoming overpowering.
Andy Lytle!
@@jane9714 Thanks, Jane. I just looked up Andy and he is an "engineer extraordinaire". :)
As a sometimes bass player, I agree. "Less is more" when less is spot on. Then you can go a bit Lesh during the space jams.
The camera work leaves a little to be desired though. Keeps the focus on Billy when the mando and banjo guys are playing tasty licks. I want to see them too!
Five voices? There's four of them🤔
Mr. Strings has a gift and I’m so happy for him, he’s going full speed into greatness.
He comes from a whole family of musicians. A gift for sure..... that he acted on and pursued relentlessly.
I never in my life expected this flavor of flatpicking and bluegrass. Such talent with Billy and all of the musicians. I'm an old guy and when I listen to songs like this it just takes me back to the magic of the Grateful Dead. It is so dang exciting to see these young musicians express and move flatpicking into new flavors that I never Imagined possible. I'm really proud of these guys ....
Watch him Travis finger pick and sing a Bob Dylan “ Dont think twice”It’s a beautiful thing.Bein trying for years just doesn’t compute for me.
Sounds like you have been away from the true bluegrass scene for quite awhile?? There are many many very fine pickers in today's bluegrass world who every bit as good as these guys. I am not taking away from their talent, just remarking that there are many others out there who deserve to be heard as well.
@@goldpop5001 Thanks for clearing that up for us ...
@@goldpop5001 Aren't there always in every genre though? There are bedroom guitar players that are unbelievable. Or a guy I grew up with that's personally the most technically gifted and incredible guitar player I have ever personally met never really cobbling together a decent song.
Billy's strength is in his songwriting. That's what separate the men from the boys.
CZcams reveals incredible instrumental performances by all manner and ilk of people and just as varied instruments.
But writing a memorable song is HARD.
@@sgenetti77 Yes I agree with this. Billy is definitely a cut above instrumentally. His vocals are more country than bluegrass[think Travis Tritt], Songwriting is a different animal to be sure. Many top songwriters barely play an instrument. He is three talents wrapped in one package. You are correct about the musicians who never get heard. I know several myself.
I need a miracle, so I can go see “Billy and the Kids” in Colorado. 🙏
Dont we alllllll?✨🖤🤣
No, you need a job so you can go see Billy in Colorado
@@ccryderzllc6772 got one, more the distance being the obstacle. But please enjoy your meaningless day.
I gave miracle 1 time at Further Red Rocks
Every day!!!
Trying to figure out if the 41 folks that have tossed a thumbs down on this are deaf or just stupid.
Amazing stuff. The most emotional and moving thing I have heard in a long time.
Thank You.
Why wud u thumbs down ??
My theory of downward thumbing is that about half of them are drunk and didn't notice that they missed the thumbs up spot.
With all thats wrong in our world right now somehow these insanely talented dudes make it all better for awhile. Great stuff
Indeed! You are so right!
@iamhiptwolori7016 I had an out of body experience at one of his shows at a music fest in Michigan near his home and for a couple hours there was absolutely no issues whatsoever and everything was ok!!! Incredible bunch of musicians fronted by a seriously special dude
Super cool of Billy K to make this possible. I think Robert and Jerry are smiling down.
No doubt. I don't wanna put down Jerry Garcia, I went to some Grateful Dead shows when he was alive, and he affected my life deeply in a positive way. But honestly man, Billy Strings has already become a master of an acoustic style that Jerry did little more than toy with and wish he was better at.
@@gregsvideos3411 Jerry was a pretty damn good bluegrass banjo player
I think so too.
@@gregsvideos3411 yea but billy isn’t half the electric guitar player jerry was. Comparison is the thief of joy
I called this year's ago! The chosen one!
Haha I know what you mean. Old John Hartford Memorial Festivals introduced Billy to me. I knew from the first time how special he could be.
This guy never ceases to impress me.
Billy Strings is an absolute thrill to watch as he keeps challenging himself and learning! Anything is possible for him if he stays true to music and his love for playing. He just has to stay away from things that leads him away from music! It is like watching a Bach or a Beethoven!
The reverence, awe, and joy coming from the comments is so great to read. And if anything you have all understated the greatness!
Metal head guitar player here, no where near his technique. Found this kid today. Love him. So good. Just impressed.
Of all the musicians I have heard in the last 20 years you my good man are worthy of this honor . Keep on making music Billy you are an inspiration !
The frosting changes - not big on pink hair, but at least he's GOT hair. And Billy Strings is consistently transcendent; whatever hairstyle and new ink he's sporting, the gifted musician keeps growing wider and deeper. This band and this player - a chamber quartet of scruffy virtuosi - are among the best things in music just now. And this composition, based on words from poet-lyricist Robert Hunter was released on my 76th birthday - so share, y'all, and enjoy.
Hunter was a performer, I saw him play a few times with his band and rereleased a number of albums.
He was a performer just not with Greatful Dead.
I think he rocks the pink hair, but wholeheartedly agree with the rest! He’s the real deal.
Speaking as a 62-year-old transplanted hillbilly who never had much use for such 'sartorial splendors', I can honestly say whatever he's got going up top barely registers -- the guy can play, write and sang! Heck, I'll loan him my hair if he takes a notion (a neat trick, since it's still attached!), as long as he keeps puttin' out this level of fine art!
Stinkin hippies with their questionable hair choices
Love that major->minor thing on the three part harmony "thunder" chorus. Billy and the kids got it going on for sure, hitting all the notes!
Yeah, that impressed me as well. A nice ""nuance." Jerry and Robert would approve.
Don't ever doubt yersel Billy! Yer out there doin it. And doin it well! Aw the best Fae Scotland! 🤓👍🎸🏴
63 yo deadhead here. For some reason this song has been running in the background of my brain almost constantly and creeps to the forefront periodically...
A rising tide lifts all boats, this music hits the core of me. From hopping trains up and down the west coast 10 years ago following Further and Rainbow Gatherings, to sitting here on the shores on Newfoundland jamming to Strings, what a long strange one... Those fingers must be as dizzy as Barney Mckenna's, or Jerry's, keep 'em queasy!
I'm honestly not just trying to be a jerk by saying this. This music moves my soul by many degrees past where Dead and Co can bring me. Some of my favorite music of my life and I'm a 62-year-old Deadhead.
Fully agree, and you're not being a jerk....you're speaking truth. The Grateful Dead gave me much joy back in the 80's and 90's, and still do to this day... But IMO (and i've been saying this in the comments section for a long time), this is the best act to come along since the end of the Dead..... And i would argue, they're the best Dead cover band on the current scene.....and that includes the Dead re-incarnation bands such as Dead and Co. etc.... These guys are the future.
@@CorneiliusLibowitz they’re not a dead cover band though
@@Krishnadirty88 Agreed, they are not a Dead cover band....what i was trying to say, when they cover the Dead (which they’ve been doing fairly often lately), they do the best job of any of the other Dead cover bands out there....
It'd amazing how the people trying to be jerks only have compliments and good things to say.
Nothing jerky about what you said. Deadheads recognize talent when they hear it. I'm sure Jerry is smiling down on this new circus. Let there be songs to fill the air. We aren't betraying Jerry by enjoying Billy. We are honoring everything he was and enjoying the ride he is taking us on.
There must be so many Robert Hunter poems just waiting for inspired musicians like Billy and hopefully the newer blood in Dead and Co. , to adapt them to music. This is the fist new Hunter song in ages. As usual it’s great. Great poems causes great music to appear.
Please Billy, ask the estate for more access. You invent, we will be there to listen… thanks…
Not first. DAVID NELSON Did one on his Hawaii tour in March 2020 just before the b.s took over. Mask no travel stay home time period. Its on youtube.
Thank God he didn't give it to John mayer, he would have turned it into an 80"s song. 🤢
Billy captures the 'Dead's ethos perfectly in his rendition of this song.
@@colinsacks8200 Billy S is a natural if the Hunter estate has more lyrics to set to melody.
If they play this in London this year I could die happy the next day.
And this still stands lol
Thanks for coming along Billy. Jerry would be proud.
I'm glad he's moved past the standards; I like his own voice.
Thank you Billy and boys for caretaking this music. Long live the Grateful Dead.💪💀❤️
NFA
Billy, is seriously one of a kind talent...only a few musicians have caught me like this dude. Please continue to amaze us all with your unreal talent. We love you bro.
Billy, you have changed my life. Can’t wait to see ya in September.
Just gives me chills, the dead will live forever and they are in great hands
Jerry Garcia is smoking a fat one to this right now in the land of the sky with a happy grin, thinking oh yeah finally...
Billy, I doubt you'll see this but hopefully your fans will and like this so it has a chance of getting your attention.
Your gig in Dublin, Ireland is the only thing I've looked forward to in a very long time, but if I'm lucky enough to hear this live then the last few years will have all been worth the trouble.
I never look for likes, but I'm genuinely begging the fans to get this up there, thank you, to Billy for your music both original or not, and thank you to the fans for knowing magic when they hear it
Nobody does it like Billy and his bandits does it! Life is good when watching Billy Strings!
He trusted the right guy with that song. Cant wait to see billy and band in person!
Never thought I would see the avant garde and blue grass together. Good stuff.
God bless Billy and his band!! He gives us Dead heads a new lease on our musical life after the Fat man.
Every time I hear Billy play and sing I am blown away by how good he is. Talent and skill way beyond his years. The rest are no slouches either.
Robert Hunter lived in the canyon in Rock Springs that's why the Thunder was so loud echoed
I viewed a Billy Strings & Don Julian video from 2014. It was obvious then that this man would make a big impact in the world of music. He is still ascending; perhaps there are no limits to his talent. I hope this group stays together and we are listening to their latest music 40 years from now.
Thank-You Robert Hunter! Thank-You Billie Strings.
I always come back to this video, when I’m feeling down or weak, this song reminds me of power, the power inside and the power of thunder. Plus makes me wanna dance my ass off which doesn’t hurt!
Thanks Billy & Robert Hunter. ⚡️✌🏻⚡️
Such reverence for Robert, Jeff, Jerry. Makes life better for us all.
Who's Jeff?
@@bzfgt1 Jeff Austin
I think I am going to start thinking of Billy as “Billy the Bridge”. I am 66 years old and know “country” music. Country music is more than a hat … it’s what flows thru the veins. Billy “transports” me (thus the reference to the bridge) to the heart of music itself. To all genre. He is such a likeable personality that is talented to the bone. He immerses himself into the moment and takes me with him. Thank you Billy. Never lose it!
Definitely top 5 greatest music groups I have ever heard in my entire life, love these guys!
Fuckin' A
God!! Thank you for this truly amazing band, I can't believe how every time I listen to them I still get goosebumps and feel pure joy. Billy Strings is a gift to all of us.
Billy I just have to say that you soared beyond fulfilling your destiny....standing ovation 🌠
Happy Heavenly Birthday, Robert! Thank you, Billy, for these wonderful vibrations to fill the air!
This is today's G.D... I just wish they'd let the crowd party like they did back in the day...
it is the greatest
Hearing that you still doubt yourself shows your humanity - don't lose that as your star grows brighter. You & your band are bringing great bluegrass music to a whole new generation and KICKING ASS ALL THE WAY THERE! Ever since I found "Dust In A Baggie" I've been an avid fan. You & all the members of your band have such intuition & musicality that if you aren't tappin' a foot to the beat you must be dead! Keep up the incredible work keeping us all entertained. Trust me, we're watching & enjoying every minute of it! (BTW, love the hair!!! :D) #foreverfan
We are all in Billys shadow now he his the light how can someone be that good.
I am so glad to see these live performances recorded at such a high level, future generations will be thankful. Amazing musicians and so very talented. Time for the double live dead and bluegrass favorites album!
I love how turned up in the mix Royal has been this year. He’s an incredible bass player
Yes now the bass is at a good level.
@@rolfr6662 So I was at a show in Mobile this spring and was in the ports potty. Set my drink on something inside and Royals bombs ended up shaking it off and spilling it. I wasn’t even mad.
@@wills8512 😁I really like this band. Great melodies! Learning melodies on harmonica and chords on keyboards. Love Dad too…especially when he solos and Billy grins with admiration.
Much love and respect all around. Mahalo to BK for passing the honorable Hunter torch to this gifted & deserving man. Come back to Hawaii soon Billy
🤙🏼🔥🎶💛
Everytime I hear this song I’m reminded of how much fun I had hearing it live with my ol lady
Somehow I think Robert is listenning!
Billy's smile is so contagious and makes me so happy. These guys are killing it. I love them. Billy's smile is just soooo contagious and makes me smile!
Proud to have been in that crowd for the first audience to hear it live 🙌✌❤🐐
Actually he first played live last summer at The Billy and the Kids events from Hawaii in Kruetzman’s 75 bday party
All the aging rock stars Bob, Eric, Pete, Mick, Keith, Bruce, Paul better put this guy under their wings
and get involved with this guy.
We welcome 🤗 you to the Middle of The West Billy and Boys! Come to the land down under in the middle of the west! We would be 😊 honored to have you grace us with that music of Soli Deo Gloria! Thank You 🙏
So dayem GOOD! Robert Hunter is smiling!!!!!!!!!!!!
Get em Billy!
man Billy strings is a gift. thank you Billy you are sublime!
I have been totally blown away by billy. I haven't seen any one for the last 20 years blow me away like billy. He is mesmerising. Totally pure musicality that is in his d.n.a. the greatest compliment I can give billy is I didn't think I'd ever come across anyone better than albert Lee. Well bill you blew that philosophy out the water.
The 3 of you "thumbs down" should be ashamed of yourselves.
Pay it no mind.
Haha I just assume misclicks
Probably kane brown fans
Or it could be the pink hair part
@@lopingmymule3104 Whaat??
I keep coming back and watching over n over in time...
I think this is the Tightest Live Performance I've ever witnessed!!
The Pure Honest Raw Heart Talent each and every musician on stage , you can see it they at this moment are ONE !!
Outstanding!!
Oh my God! Woot!
True talent is always refreshing to hear. This has never been my favorite genre, but this band's flavor and musical creativity makes them a top notch musical talent in my book.
As I sail on the ever greater heights every note in its place I'm blown away by the thought that Billy Strings could ever doubt himself. This is the best musical collaboration to come along in an eon-- how long is an aeon you ask ...
Once in a generation talent...What singer/songwriter in music today could take on the great Robert Hunter's lyrics, and then perform that collaboration with such instrumental virtuosity and brilliant, clear vocals?
Wow! These four guys Are crazy good!. I know they’ve been around for a little while, and hope they’re around for many more. Going to have to try to catch them live…. definitely on my bucket list!
Don’t doubt yourself .. unless you feel your control slipping away. Remember your roots, your family and stay clean and sober. You are in control whether it feels like it or not. Step back from the schedule, give yourself time to regroup and breathe. We Will Wait For You. I can’t imagine the pressure you might feel.. that whole “Strike while the Iron is hot” thing and band mate pressure to make money. If they are your friends they will put you first and not run you to the ground.
Nice job on this one, the ethereal pitch, rhythm, and groove is perfectly matched to the lyrics . 👏👏👏
Billy will always be first rate in all his tapes
Mayer was a great shot in the arm for Dead & Co. but it's time for him to take a seat and for the band to call Strings up to drive for awhile...
Idk if Billy could handle playing that slow
No way.... He's fine just where he is.
This Quartet and Billy especially are the best thing I've found in a very long time, slowly inflecting Ireland with the lads, and there's no vaccine for brilliance 👌
You did something there that Bob Weir could never do ...well done
Billy Strings & Robert Hunter’s Thunder bring Fire on the Mountain ❤️❤️🔥
Ultimate collaboration making those lyrics come to life. Spectacular!
100% psychedelic bluegrass .. thank you Jerry 🙏
Hunter is so proud!!
Uncle Jerry and Mr. Robert Hunter would be so proud.
Love your music Billy 💞 Can't wait til you're Alabama Bound again! Thank you for the awesome music.
I am from B'ham but live in Orlando. Why, and where the heck is Billy playing in AL, but not in FL? Love to see him at Five Points.
Thank you, you do one of Americas most underappreciated artist justice. Love it.
Just fantastic,!!@
Today was finally the day where i saw the youtube thing to buy tickets and already had them, SEPTEMBER 16TH, I CAN'T WAIT
Billy, I love this so much. I play it iver and over. I've read a comment you made recently about not wanting to cover dead songsn and I think you're right on point..BUT there is A LOT more Robert hunter that the dead never touched that I thought would be so cool if someone would...and I think you are the man.
Robert hunters album "Rock Columbia"is full of bangers left untouched, and I'm afraid they will fade away if someone doesn't pick up the torch. just my 2 cents. I'm a big fan everything you do is fire.
I respect you either way. I think youre the best vocalist in the scene by far. Mad respect❤⚡️
These very likeable Creatures of Nature have beyond magical gifts from the depths of all corners of blues, folk, grass jazz and so so so many others lol wow wtf as im typing this lol just amazing!! You all have touched my soul brothers thank you.
I was front row for this!! One of the best in my life!!
Really channelling Jerry there. Love it
Turmoil and Tinfoil got me hooked. This song got me to stay around for good. Better let to the party than never!
Everything is right in the world knowing this guy is out there performing and making music