The Return of Billy McLaughlin

[traveler2oo8]

Amazing

[PaulsDigitalSelf]

Does anybody know where I can view the PBS special about his comeback? I've googled, I've checked my local PBS listening, I've checked Billy's website. Please let me know if you know of a link or have a copy on your DVR that might somehow make it to the internet.

[rosievolvo]

@PaulsDigitalSelf I believe you can get it through the Dystonia Foundation in Chicago...

[sxymamaceta]

Beautifully done piece!! Explains Billy's story the best i've seen yet, besides the movie special from PBS. Incredible Medical and Human interest story, Amazing Musician and Man. His boys have a great role model for life!!!! God Bless and thank you for posting!!! p.s. GIG 4-16-11 in MPLS check his web site!

[sxymamaceta]

Beautifully done piece!! Explains Billy's story the best i've seen yet, besides the movie special from PBS. Amazing Musician and Man. His boys have a great role model for life!!!! God Bless and thank you for posting!!! p.s. GIG 4-16-11 in MPLS check his web site!

[nancydennison]

I'm a big fan of Billy's. For those of you in Southern California, he will be playing in San Diego on March 31, 2011. I can't wait to see him again.

[rosievolvo]

Why, thanks Brighid, your comments are very sweet and much appreciated! I'm so happy to hear that you've connected with Billy and his music and that you got a chance to hear Rhett as well. Keep on, keep on listening and enjoying, and going wherever the music takes you...

[Brighid1111]

I love how he gets lost in his own (cathartic) music, sweeping his audience away with him, then ends the piece with a gentle smile that speaks volumes as it softly brings us back to the beautiful moment at hand. I know I'm not the only one wiping a tear away and feeling the pain of disconnect mixed with the joy of life, as the last note rings true & then fades. He really shares his soul with his audience & in that moment we are all one, united in truth & love.

Play on, Billy....Play on....

[rosievolvo]

Love seeing all these fabulous comments! Billy is not only a fantastic musician and human being, but an awesome brother!! XOXO

[Brighid1111]

@rosievolvo

Your brother is one of those amazing people you never forget. I'm ashamed to admit I didn't even know he existed until last fall, 4 days before he played in Porltand OR with Rhett Butler. When I read his story in Neurology Now magazine, I got 2 tickets withought having heard his music before. I had no idea what to expect until he started to play...& I was blown away! Afterwards he greeted his fans & made each of us feel special. He is truly a gift to the world & loved by many.

[rgsvmi82]

Can't wait to see Billy & Rhett, Oct 24 at San Antonio's Majestic Theatre!

[lastdaysguitar]

Billy McLaughlin: Two of the best guitarists you'll ever hear.

A heart like a mountain: God bless him!

[guitarsforeveryone]

Some people play music while others ARE music....

[quietpopcorn]

Lesser men would have let that destroy them. That really shows Billy's passion. Not just as a career in music because I think he would play if no one listened.

[bnsbemcl]

I have the same name and last name as Billy McLaughlin

[sawasinger]

I am so excited I finally figured out what happend to my favorite guitar musician. I love Clapton. But I will never forget the first time I saw Billy play. I was so blown away I think I have thought of it everday since. It was 1992 or 93. At the "Backdoor" on the campus of Fort Hays State University in Hays, Ks. He has been on my CD Changer ever since. I would love to see him again. I have done a couple of Google searches over the years but could never get any info. Thank You. Go Billy!

[megatera1102]

What was the "Backdoor" i don't think that's in hays anymore

[sawasinger]

No it is not in Hays anymore. Originally it was a bar on the campus, located in the basement of Custer Hall. In the 90's the Activities Board wich I was the president of would put on small venue concerts there, we couldn't serve booze, just pop and popcorn. We brought in some amazing acts in this small intimate venue. I was really up close and personal. The best we ever had there was Billy. I miss it. I had some really great moments there. Girls dorms now.

[bluesvalerio]

Michael Hedges was his biggest influence I think, without him he wouldn´t be there where he is now.

Billy you are awesome.

[EMartinezMusic]

Love your music, Billy, but love even more your spirit & courage for such a comeback & dedication.

[JoshGibsonGuitar]

Very inspiring!

[ChristineOlive]

amazing.

[Ailgaic]

FANTASTIC to see Billy back performing again! It's an unbelievable story he's lived and I am so grateful that we have more of his music and concerts finally. What a testimonial to a great musician!

[alexanderino]

Billy, you are one of the most important musicians out there, and such a fate would have crippled a lesser human. Yet, you chose to rise above it, triumphant, like a phoenix.

You've brought tears of joy to this fan, who will sleep happier tonight and wake up tomorrow, inspired.

[Stoovey24]

I saw Billy 2-3 times in the early 90's at MTU. Then life happened and I moved away. Imagine my surprise when I got to see him again in Detroit almost 10 years later! Then life happened to him and he had to quit....but then he happened to life and came back on his own terms! Kudos to Billy's music and to the never-say-die attitude!

[jnn1480]

I saw Billy at the KW Family Reunion too...He's amazing!

[MUSICLOVEROK]

I just saw Billy at the Keller Williams Realty annual Family Reunion Convention in Orlando on Saturday 02/21/09 and he was fantastic! What an inspiration for everyone.

[TDES01]

Viva La Comeback! I am glad to know you as a friend and be touched by your friendship an music.

[MsSensual2007]

Amazing!! A friend of yours sent me this way Thomas D. and I am glad he has what an inspiration you are. Keep reaching above them stars.

[Minxcomix]

p.s. Billy McLaughlin, if you ever get to read this:

You're still a HANDSOME man! It doesn't appear that you have aged a bit. How HAVE you done THAT? lol

[Minxcomix]

I would go & see Billy in small venues in Mpls regularly in the 80's/early 90's. He was so personable & treated us like we were real people that mattered(!). I was totally in love with the man, in a very pure way, his talent, his heart which shone through his very being as well as thru his music.

Then life happened and I no longer was able to go see live music easily. I had no idea this had happened. But I am not in the bit surprised that he has not let it keep him down.

God bless you Billy!

[Raincountry]

Truly honestly AWESOME comeback. Heard Billy in about 1992 in Juneau Alaska. We were in the front row about 8 feet from the setup when a guy comes in and starts tuning - great the tech dude is prepping....except that the "tech dude" went from tuning to playing simply magical melodies. Yep, that was Billy.  Come on stage and just start playing. Wonderful music, a gift for us all - THANK You and what a comeback.

[LBJT100]

Saw this guy twice and he is totally awesome.

[CalicoEnt]

I KNEW he would do something like this. This guy DOES NOT lose. I know him. I've worked with him. There was no doubt in my mind that he would keep playing. Right handed, left handed? He's up for the challenge. All you guitar players out there: ARE YOU WATCHING THIS?

Carl in NC

[enilegnave21]

I've returned again tonight to hear this story & I am again reduced to tears of joy!This story should be a "must see" for everyone who is alive today; it should be 'required viewing' for every high school kid! This is clearly a message of hope - to not allow yourself to be taken down by tragedy, but to overcome, be victorious, be triumphant!! To live on YOUR terms! not based on what life dishes out. Not to accept defeat, not to take "no" for an answer!

I'm in awe, again.

God Bless You, Billy!

[enilegnave21]

Wow! I have just FALLEN IN LOVE.

Is that possible?

That spirit!

Having lost my voice to strangulation; thus losing my music which is everything to me -

I can begin to understand the pain associated with it's loss as a musician & performer. It is an unbearable suffering the likes of which I would wish upon no one.

Hearing of Billy's dedication & his miracle comeback gives me the faith and hope to persist.

God bless you, Billy.

You've gifted us TWICE!

Maybe I can do the same!

Evangeline

[ladypn]

I have LOVED Billy McLaughlin since first hearing and SEEING him play in a club in St. Paul. Over and over and over again - I couldn't get enough of him! It was such a joy the first time I heard one of his songs on the radio! I have NEVER seen someone make love to a guitar before, as Billy did. Just an amazing talent.

[enilegnave21]

Hey Lady, fancy meeting YOU here so far (and not far) from the angelcheeks auction page ;-)

I hope to hear from you soon on my offer.

[ladypn]

Hi Evangeline! Sorry, I've been out of commission for a few days and not up to speed on auction donation offers! Please forgive us! :) Isn't Billy amazing? He's the nicest person too, as well as an inspiration, an incredible musician and a joy to listen to.

[izzyiscoolerthanyou]

It's so weird that he's my uncle.

That's really weird to see. I saw him today.

HI!

[enilegnave21]

Well, when you see him again, remind him just how much he is loved and admired.

I have put the photo from his website on my desktop that says "you may swear Billy McLaughlin is 2 of the greatist acoustic guitarists you've ever heard." now THAT is a truism ;-)

Strength!

[enilegnave21]

by the way, izzy, where is the best place to get a hold of your uncle?

I would like to make a request of him.

I has time to come here to read the comments

and bask in the love!

Thanks Iz.

[Guitarhero1000]

Thats amazing. I love you.

[aftnoon2]

It's really amazing!

I discovered Billy's music 3 years ago on a CD, among others acoustic guitarists ("Acoustic Heart"). Later, I bought "Fingerdance" and "Out of a Hand". And now, I've just know about his desease and hard work to come over!

This guy is as great as Django Reinhart: he also worked hard after an accident, and rebuilt his technique to play only with 2 fingers over the fingerboard.

[hiram36669]

sounds like the Jason Becker story

[Brynhilde91]

My respects. That's passion.

[NoamSayin]

I was playing poker at a bar in Minneapolis when I saw the clip of Billy on the news. For some reason I always knew you'd rise above your challenge. Ninety people completely stopped what they were doing as I jumped up and shouted, "He did it! He f*cking did it!"

Sorry I missed your comeback, Billy. But I'll come say 'hi' at your next show.

You are an indomitable spirit.

[Jimmyhen92]

Billy,

You are still amazing. You have been a friend to me. I look up to you as a person and as a musician. Thanks for the opportunities and encouragement you have given me as a player. I will never forget that lesson you gave me when I was 9 1/2 at your house. You taught me my first bend. I miss seeing you guys. Maybe we'll play at the 318 again sometime. Luke

[sumpm1]

FUCK YES!!! Billy humored about relearning the guitar lefty and how tough that would be. It almost seems like there is no way that a world class musician could ever match their original skills with the other hand, I doubt many could. I pray that I get to see Billy play Clockshop and Out of Hand again!!! God Bless Billy.

[mrchucknorris]

epic as fuck

[juane3x4]

happiness and love music doit.

[hookedonguitar]

I can only reitterate whats been said. A truly astounding talent in composition. Beautifully compelling pieces, which absolutely shine with truth and honesty. Intensely evocative.

Great to have you back Billy. I look forward to the opportunity to see you play in the UK. It better come!

[remiller]

His talent is remarkable, his music is breathtaking, his story is riveting and compelling. He is an amazing musician who must be heard.

[cirmooon]

Billy has been a TRUE inspiration to me and when I heard of his condition a few years back I was just so sad that there would not be any new music from him!

What an inspiration he's been AGAIN to come back in FULL FLIGHT! He's all there and the emotion is just heart breaking!

I will buy this DVD on the day it comes out!! - He the GREATEST!!

Kudos to yo Billy!

[mitchrossow]

Billy is amazing, not only the best fingerstyle guitarist I have ever heard; but now he has learned to play these incredible pieces LEFT-HANDED! Why? He suffers from focal dystonia that stopped him from playing right-handed. Amazing story, amazing guy.