Billy Duffy and Guild

[walrus]

I've re-immersing myself in one of my favorite bands, The Cult. Opened up the "Ceremony" CD and realized I had totally forgotten there's a great photo of Duffy and his 12-string in the CD insert:

http://www.billyduffy.com/memorabilia/posters/the-cult-ceremony-promo-poster-1991/

Then, of course, I look on Guild's web site and he's already there under the "Artists" section. Duh.

http://guildguitars.com/g/billy-duffy/

I'm learning a few Cult songs, very interesting use of a D string drone by Duffy on some of them ("Sanctuary" and "Rain" in particular). Cool stuff!

walrus

 

[Alan_M]

Fellow Cult fan here! Great, but inconsistent band. I got into them when Love came out, and made it to Sonic Temple before I stopped paying attention, but the new stuff is very cool. My first time seeing them live, an as-of-yet unknown Guns n Roses was the opener! I saw them just a few months ago at HoB San Diego, and unfortunately they were very lackluster. Ian tried to rally the crowd and the band, but the energy was low, Billy looked kinda pissed the whole time, although I didn't detect any technical issues as the cause. Who knows. I decided to give them another go at Humphreys, a much better venue here in SD, in just a couple of weeks from now.... I'm hoping for a better mood and performance from them this time!
I learned to play Sanctuary early on, and it had as big influence on my playing, meaning that I too really enjoy playing open string drones, and regularly employ that.
Check out their Guitar Center Sessions if you can get it on your TV sometime, it was really good and you get lots of closeups of Billy's playing.
Cheers!

 

[walrus]

Yes, I'm learning "Sanctuary" now - great song! And I've seen the "Guitar Center" stuff on youtube - great stuff!

If you haven't seen it, here's a great version of "Sanctuary" with a lot of Duffy from a radio station/live video performance:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SdIV5By2E0

The "D and G chord" break in the middle is sweet!

I agree about some of their "middle" albums - however, I would recommend the last two albums - "Choice of Weapon" and "Hidden City" - both excellent "vintage" Cult!

walrus

 

[jcwu]

Wow. Snapped me right back to high school. Fire Woman, you're to blame!

 

[txbumper57]

I know Duffy is listed in the Guild page but also in the last 2 years he had a reissue of his 70's era Gretsch White Falcon done for him by Gretsch. I almost bought the black and chrome version awhile back from Street Sounds. If you search Youtube you will find a video of him playing one of the reissues. They nailed the pickups and his tone on it plus a lacquer finish in white or black. I normally don't buy artist reissue guitars but that is one I wouldn't mind having.

TX

 

[Alan_M]

Yes, I'm learning "Sanctuary" now - great song! And I've seen the "Guitar Center" stuff on youtube - great stuff!

If you haven't seen it, here's a great version of "Sanctuary" with a lot of Duffy from a radio station/live video performance:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SdIV5By2E0

Sweet! And in my home town. Thanks for the link.