Billy Walton is an accomplished guitar master from the vibrant New Jersey Shore music scene. He earned his stripes in the rock & roll trenches, playing lead guitar for many years with Jersey icon, Southside Johnny. He has also shared the stage with music legends; Little Steven, Gary US Bonds and Steven Tyler, to name a few. The Billy Walton Band grew out of this rich musical heritage, and found its groove when Billy connected with bassist William Paris. With the addition of Tom Petraccaro on sax, Eric Safka on Hammond B3, Bruce Krywinski Jr on trumpet, and Shane Luckenbough; the band has truly hit its stride. More recently, the arrival of vocalist extraordinaire Destinee Monroe has brought the band to a wholeTheir efforts met with immediate interest from the fertile British Blues scene, leading to multiple successful tours across Europe and eastern United States. They have a solid, dedicated fan base which is growing quickly. In addition to blues rock fans, the jamband scene has also embraced the band – hungry for their high energy live shows. There was a time when the Jersey Shore represented the best in American entertainment. Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, the Rat Pack, Dick Clark, Chubby Checker, they all made stops on the Jersey Shore. Tony Mart’s was the club Levon Helm was playing when Dylan called.
Of course, we all know what happened in Asbury Park. The town, ravaged by riots in the late-1960s, became a melting pot of musical experimentation. Late night jams that ended when the sun came up were the norm. Bruce Springsteen & Southside Johnny were the two acts that made their way to an international stage from these humble beginnings.
For decades musicians have come and gone, always hoping to make a living and pursue a dream. Billy Walton is no different. Billy’s proving ground was Long Beach Island.
There he was chaperoned from gig to gig by his Mom, two young to drive around and enter the clubs on his own. He always was up for a jam and looking to learn some tricks. For years Billy spent his time sharpening his skills, developing his stage act until he decided to step up to centre-stage with the Billy Walton Band.
The band has focused its’ effort in Europe. Thirteen tours since 2007 have established the group in the fertile British Blues Rock scene. In 2010 Billy got the call to join in with one of the masters of the Asbury Park sound, Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes. For years Billy toured with the Jukes. Most people don’t know that the creative force behind Southside was none other than Little Steven. A high point in Billy’s tenure with the Jukes was when they recorded a live version of Southside’s most acclaimed release, Hearts of Stone, with Little Steven.
You can say Bruce Springsteen is a singer-songwriter fronting an old-school rock n soul band. Southside Johnny is a soul singer fronting an old-school rock ‘n’ soul band. Billy Walton is the guitar hero fronting the old-school rock n soul band. The horns are the common thread.
Edinburgh Blues Club
Billy Walton Band
May 12, 2024
7:15 pm
(Doors: 7:15 pm )
Ages 18 and Up
Billy Walton Band