I stopped by and spent a little time with my friend Billy Zoom today on the drive back from San Diego. We talked about guitars and recording equipment and cars and motor scooters and Ray Manzarek and playing loud and the bands his daughter is currently listening to. It was good to see him.
I also made a point of doing something I had never thought to do before: I got him to autograph a bunch of his records, from the Rollin’ Rock Teenage Cruisers album (featuring rockabilly tracks he recorded in 1974—astounding, when you think about it, and Billy backed up Gene Vincent in 1971, shortly before he died!!), and three early X albums. It’s also astounding that X is out there doing what they’ve been doing since 1977. The most legendary of punk rock legends, featuring all four original members, is currently on an open-ended “farewell tour” that has dates going into early 2027. Long may they reign.
Billy is a unique individual; I don’t think there’s anybody else like him on the planet. When they made him, they broke the mold. Maybe someday I’ll have to write a piece about Billy Zoom, one of the most enigmatic, most eccentric, most aggravating, and most talented musicians in Los Angeles history. A real genius, but the kind that mostly leaves you slapping your forehead, wondering what exactly motivates the guy. That isn’t meant as an insult—he’s just Billy Zoom, living life on Billy Zoom’s own unique planet. Nobody else can do what he does. And when he puts on his Gretsch guitar and does that Billy Zoom grin and it gets real aggressive and loud and, well, kick-ass—it was magic forty-nine years ago, and it’s still magic today.
I’m glad I got to spend some time with him this afternoon. Thanks, Billy.
