Introducing: Hard rock/stoner rock band Loaded Billy from Adelaide, Australia!

Loaded Billy are an Adelaide, Australia based classic hard rock/stoner rock band. Their sound owes much to the NWOBHM movement and is reminiscent of classic »British Steel« era Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, early Def Leppard and bands like Budgie. An amalgam of great melodies, awesome vocals, big riff driving guitars and a pounding kick-arse rhythm section with songs that explore a variety of topics about people and the world.

Audiences know it’s Loaded Billy as soon as they hear that first riff, high powered rock that’s alive and well in the 21st century. Their songs are entrenched in a rich musical background: their stage presence imbues an energy that consumes the audience… its toe tappin, head banging, riff driven pleasure.

Loaded Billy’s debut album »Legend«, released in September 2023 and re-released in May 2024 via WormHoleDeath Japan, is not a bunch of singles thrown together to make an album. »Legend« could be conceived as a semi-conceptual story; much is based around the tale of a boy and a girl who both left their country upbringing for the promise of a better life in the big city. Better life… well, that’s not necessarily what happens. They are two different people who don’t know each other yet their stories are connected in both tragedy and love.

Lyrically the songs have strong story lines that connect with how the world is today. Songs about exploitation, disenfranchised youth, addiction and mental health, the dangers of modern technology, tragedy, hard choices, and ‘one’ paying their dues. The songs are relatable and appeal to anyone either young or old.

Musically it’s all about classic heavy guitar riffs, thoughtful melodic solo’s, thunder drums and bass, tight arrangements and vocals that are strong and clear as they tell the stories. »Legend« is a true album listening experience. The album takes you on a journey that’s reminiscent of those classic albums from the 70’s and 80’s. The entire album is a playlist in itself. 7 of the 11 songs exceed the 6 minute mark but you’d never know. The album has a cover of Budgie’s »I Turn To Stone«. A tribute to Burke Shelly who passed in January 2022. Loaded Billy’s recording of the song has been given the seal of approval from Budgie’s drummer Steve Williams.

»Legend« was recorded and mixed entirely at Loudtoys Studio. Produced by Willi Gutwein, engineered by Sam Gutwein and mixed by both Willi & Sam. Mastered by the legendary Rick O’Neil at Turtlerock Mastering. As stated by Brendan Franz (former weekly writer and reviews editor at Rip It Up Magazine) in his review: “»Legend« is indeed an impressive effort which should stand up on its own. The production is as flawless as the performances themselves.”

Loaded Billy is:
James Chamings – Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Willi Gutwein – Drums, Percussion
Ucan Ashtar – Guitar
Gary Standley – Bass, Backing Vocals
Cindy Brown – Backing Vocals
Trevor Moyle – Guitar

Links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | YouTube

Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well