Chuck Billy (vocalist)
| Chuck Billy | |
|---|---|
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Charles Billy |
| Born |
June 23, 1962 Alameda County, California |
| Genres | Thrash metal, heavy metal |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, keyboard, percussion |
| Years active | 1984–present |
| Associated acts | Testament, Dublin Death Patrol, Metal Allegiance |
Charles "Chuck" Billy (born June 23, 1962) is an American vocalist, who is best known as the vocalist for the thrash metal band Testament.
Billy joined the band Legacy in 1986, replacing vocalist Steve "Zetro" Souza who would later join Exodus. In 1987, Legacy changed its name to Testament and released their first album entitled The Legacy. The album featured one song written by Billy entitled "Do or Die".
Although Testament's lineup has changed over the years, Billy has remained one of the two constant members of the band along with guitarist Eric Peterson. His vocal style has changed considerably over the years from a clear, high pitched thrash style to a lower register approaching a death grunt. Since the Low album he has mixed both styles, sometimes within the same song.
Prior to Legacy and Testament, Billy was the guitarist of a local metal band called Guilt. No records by the band exist, but they recorded one demo in 1984.
Around 1996, Billy auditioned for lead vocals with Sepultura as the replacement for Max Cavalera, but lost that position to Derrick Green.
Chuck has also appeared on the solo projects of James Murphy, playing on both albums as a guest musician. He also has sung lead vocals for Exodus during at least one concert recently (October 28, 2004 at the Warfield Theater in San Francisco, opening for Megadeth).
In 2006, Chuck Billy provided vocals on the Sadus song "Crazy" and, along with several other musicians from other bands, did a cover of Iron Maiden's "Fear of the Dark" for their Numbers from the Beast tribute album. On Light This City's 2008 release, Stormchaser, Chuck Billy provides vocals on the song "Firehaven."
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