BILL are a rock band, started in 1987 in New England and fronted by Bill Gage, a charismatic performer singing surreal, ever-changing lyrics in a wide variety of styles. He also has DS (Down syndrome). The band-name is one of the words Mr. Gage can write.

The group provides diverse sounds: art-rock, heavy-metal, acoustic folk-ballads, industrial riffs, etc, and Bill Gage continuously refines and re-works his vocal improvisations.

BILL's approach to songwriting is always in flux. The first album BEATLES CHINESE was shaped by a series of challenges the band gave Bill Gage: first to name the songs he wanted to do, and then to sing them, as the band figured out what to play, and each song was quickly recorded. The backing tracks for BILL's second record BAT MAN were recorded in advance. Bill Gage listened to the tracks, sang over them, and then named the songs (and the record).

Live, the BILL show presents a sonic kaleidoscope of punk, psychedelia, pop, and hard rock, Bill Gage tying it all together using his incredible voice and edge-of-the-seat performance (with theatrical touches such as the cape he wears for "Steve Pepper"). Between songs Mr. Gage chats with the crowd, announcing the next song and letting the audience know they're about to hear something "really great". While some of his words are not always clear, his intentions are obvious and the crowd stays right with him. Bill Gage is a mild-mannered gentleman, until he has a mic in his hand: "Let's Rock and Roll!"

The band includes Daren Follower (drums), Gaylen Moore (bass), and guitarists Eric Morin, Greg Ansin, and Bill Gage's brother, john. Past members include Paul Desjarlais (1987-91), Stephin Merritt (1987) and David M. Curry (1996-2000). BILL are working on a new record.

a new Rick Moody piece about BILL
BILL on Public Radio International's "Here and Now"
BILL on WFXT-25 News with Maria Stephanos
BILL cover story in the Boston Phoenix
BILL photos from John Nikolai
review of BAT MAN by Rick Moody
BILL get a mention in the Boston Globe
french article about BILL
more George Libbares photos of BILL at PAs lounge

grasshopper records - myspace - last.fm

facebook - youtube

Bill Gage:
myspace - facebook

Daren Follower:
Martin Eden

Greg Ansin:
drive-in horror show

gaylen & john:
bleatbox

john:
bleat

ELVIS'S DREAM ATTACK

BILL - BIG FOOT (xtranormal)

THE SPIDER - Bill told us the name of this song after the one and only take he sang, but we kind of had it figured by then. he says "SPIDER BITE" at least once. i think he is really proud of this one; he often refers to it when we talk about BAT MAN, and he sings "SPIDERS!" a few times in the BIG FOOT video. for daren, eric and me it was a brian eno landscape ("another green world" or "energy fools the magician"), but Bill paints such a vivid picture with the title and vocal, i always feel as tho i AM a spider when i hear it.

Bill: vocal
daren: drum machine, basses, monster synth
eric: guitar
john: foghorn


THE CARS - this is from BEATLES CHINESE, recorded and released in '91. it was recorded 'live in the studio'. sometimes it shows up in the BILL show.

Bill: vocal
daren: brick floor
eric: bass
john: electric 12-string
paul desjarlais: acoustic 12-string


ALL MY HEART AND ALL MY LIFE - one day i was playing the piano, and Bill sat down next to me and started singing. i found chords that sounded good underneath his parts, and in 10 minutes we had the basic idea together. later, daren and i recorded the backing track with our friend paul at his home studio. this is 2 takes of Bill's singing cut together. i especially like the "AND MY HEART IS THUMPING TO WATCH THE BEATLES" line. Bill also sings "IT'S MY LAND" a few times and mentions being in his room listening to records. that long vocalization "OHHH" at 2:50 after the line about 'get the girl' (?) gets me every time-- and it's all in one breath.

Bill: vocal
john: drum machine, acoustic guitar, farfisa, broken eq box
daren: bass
paul: electric guitar

"IT'S MY LIFE I CHOOSE"