Brizz Chats with Crazy Horse Legend

My second concert ever was Neil Young with Crazy Horse at Alpine Valley. Neil opened up with a nice solo acoustic set and took a break. After a short intermission, Neil came out with his signature backing band, Crazy Horse. These guys don't and never have pussyfooted around. When they find that groove on stage, they turn into a gang. Neil leads and stomps along with rhythm guitartist Frank 'Poncho' Sampredo and bassist Billy Talbot in a tight group. Drummer Ralph Molina bangs on the skins. Impenetrable and dangerous of loud heavy things.

It was announced this week that Talbot suffered a mild stroke recently. He is expected to make a full recovery. The band was about to kick off a month-long European tour. Last year they had to cancel their European trek due to Poncho suffering a broken hand. Along with the full recovery, the good news is that this tour will go on though without Talbot. Rick 'The Bass Player' Rosas will be playing bass for CH on the run while Billy recovers at home. Rosas has been a sideman to Neil along with Joe Walsh and countless others. He's rock solid and has toured with Crosby Stills Nash and Young and the recently reformed Buffalo Springfield.

I was lucky enough to speak with Billy last year between tours with Neil and his own Billy Talbot Band. Excited by the recent release of BTB's On the Road to Spearfish, Billy reflected on the album's inspiration, being his own boss, and playing with Neil for all these years. Get well soon Billy.