THIS FORUM IS EXCLUSIVELY FOR BC SOLO/SONS DISCUSSION

[mapex7d]

I love Bill's work! I saw him at Doc Ricket's in Monterey back in the 90's and he was awesome! I think he was using Huey Lewis' band at the time. Great stuff! I asked Bill before the show to play some bluse for me. Bill said that he really came to play some rock. So, do you know what Bill did? He played some blues that night! Thanks Bill!

(Disclaimer) The blues Bill played was In The Heat of The Night. I consider that blues, maybe you don't.

[ChicagoSinger]

I don't think that "Chicago" is a taboo subject for our host. It's the way the topic has been abused and WAY over used. Regarding sales, tours etc it's probably the biggest gig he's had. That doesn't make it the most important or adventurous or challenging or exciting, I could go on. It's just one part of an amazing career by one amazing musician. A part he's very proud of. All the topics regarding the "Biz" side of Chicago, marketing, inner struggles, politics, fellow band mates etc likely killed it for him.

Bill wrote/Co-wrote for Chicago:
Sonny Think Twice
Sweet Marie
We Can Stop The Hurtin'
Remember The Feeling
Please Hold On
It's Alright
I Believe
Come In From The Night
Runaround
Hearts In Trouble
Somebody, Somewhere
Who Do You Love
Holdin' On
Plaid
Cry For The Lost
The Show Must Go On
Bethlehem
Why Can't We
Where Were You
Already Gone
Better


Here's some numbers for you all. Bill has been in Chicago for 25 years this fall. How many of HIS songs have been released on a Chicago album? That would be 21. That's enough to fill a whopping total of 2 albums in 25 years. How many of these songs have been performed in concert? That would be 6. When is the last time Chicago performed a BC tune in concert? That would be 1990. How many BC tunes have been released as singles? ONE. Who released it? David Geffen. Bill has been utilized by Chicago for his vocal skills, arranging, studio presence. They're seemingly not interested in his tunes, his imput, etc.

Tell me, Why would YOU want to come onto YOUR board and discuss Chicago? I wouldn't.

I'd betcha a nickel that if you asked Bill about "It's Alright" or "Somebody, Somewhere" (One of my faves) he wouldn't have a problem with that. Those are great tunes that he authored and had a lot to do with. Stuff I'm certain he's proud of. Sadly, the large majority of his material is not found on Chicago albums or heard on Chicago tours.

I think that's what he's trying to say. That's my assumption and certainly not trying to speak for the man. I think he'd like to discuss his own contributions to music, not others or things that are out of his control regarding Chicago. That's seems fair don't it? Give him a break and you just might find out that you've missed the best he's had to offer all this time (still not too late). It just ain't on Chicago records. Well, MOST of it isn't. Just my take....

Jamie

Please Hold On has one hell of a groove. I love to hear it, I love to play it. Had to say that! The score is fantastic. Ok, I'll keep quiet now.

Bob

[Scott JB]

A huge THANKS to Bill and the Sons for an awesome show at the Mystic Theatre in Petaluma this last Saturday! I brought two ladies to the show who are normally into less complex music and sort of got the records I laid on em. However, when the full power of the Sons kicked in with HOLD ON, they were hooked and we danced all night! The place was packed with one of the largest crowds I've seen there. The crowd was dancing and singing along. Truly a great show! The band was in great form. As for the set list, I am a long time fan and really like just about every track they've recorded and dig the way the sound has changed with the times from hard 60's LUN through the softer Circle into the new HLD. Gotta say, I think Loving Is Why is real gem! We love the Sons. What a show- kickin the jams out, gettin funky, it's the real deal! Keep the dream Bill ! Scott

[lisalee66]

Thanks guys, I felt like I was busting everybody but it was just kinda' "Slippin' Into Darkness", if you know what I mean. I also understand some people who don't believe in you unless you've sold a certain amount of records. We all know people who are only interested in people with large bank rolls. "Thinner than piss on a rock". Sucess, for me, isn't measured in money. Music is what makes the whole thing go and that's what's at the bottom of this site. You know, the engine. Thanks for the ears. I was thinkin' about foldin' but your comments were really cool. See ya' all right here. Bill C.

Just read this entire thread...being new to this forum I can't believe how close I came to never even knowing of it's existence!
Thanks to all you old timers (of this forum...lol) for helping keep Bill around!!

And thank YOU Bill for being here. I've become such a huge fan of yours and look forward to having the opportunity to see you live with SOC one day!

Just received an email from the SOC online store...
Through it all
The Sons
Welcome to the Dance...all shipped today! yay!

BC crazed here in Brooklyn,
Lisa

[Gigliola]

Hi Bill!!
I am a big lover of your music, all the music you did, your solo albums, Sons Of Champlin, what you did with Lee Ritenour, Geroge Benson, David Foster...... everything! There is something in the way you compose songs that captures my heart, your voice is special and I also love very much the way you play!
When I say "everything" I also include Chicago, what can I do? I love this band too! I'm sorry to read about troubles, and you wanting no more messages or questions about this band. Right before reading this, I put a message looking for fans coming to some Chicago concerts in Europe with me.
I live in Europe, if you come here with Sons Of Champlin, I will follow Sons Of Champlin, but if you come with Chicago, I want to attend concerts by Chicago. I just love your music!! ALL YOUR MUSIC!
And, of course, it was great in the 90's when I attended your concerts after "Through It All" and "He Started To Sing" albums, whenever you come to play in Europe you make me feel very happy!
See you soon on tour!
Gigliola, Italy

[Liquidblues]

Hey, Bill! Stan Sherer here! Long time- no see. I miss being able to fire you off an e-mail.
I hope you are well. I'm still playin with the Liquid Blues Band(sometimes it's called Big Stan's Party Band), and lovin life. My daughter is getting married September 13th. It would be wild if you could show up. I realize your schedule is already full for that time period, but I thought I'd offer. Please reply privately to scsherer@comcast.net. You are the bomb!
Stan

[Otis the LuvBullet]

So I'm sitting here in California on an overcast but not especally cold winter day listening to some Sons on vinyl. The soft, almost undetectable hiss of the stylus in the grove becomes another of the atmospheric vibes of the song itself. Yeah, I know CD's are a lot cleaner but I still dig the scratches on the vinyl that has made treks around the world in my suitcase just to be shared with people who really understand what good music sounds is. This music really is a universal language that opens doors everywhere I've been. My goal is to keep it with me wherever I may venture.

Perhaps CD's would travel better. Hmmm.....

Otis the LuvBullet

[Bill]

Otis, Try loading up your, dare I say it?, I-POD?? I know what you mean but CD's etc. are a fact of life and, though the covers are too small for any REAL art, they do travel well, at least better than LP's. Bill

[lisa1512]

Bill - are we allowed to say something complementary to you related to your singing in that "band whose name which we do not mention?"
sorry couldn't resist... I am new here and I wrote this on another board.. and I cut and pasted it to put here because I think Mr Bill will appreciate it:

.
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Re: Bill Champlin!!
by Lisa1512 on Wed Dec 31, 2008 9:11 pm

It is 3 hours here from being the new year... and I would like to say THANK YOU to Bill for the following songs I just played:

"You're Not Alone" by Chicago : I remember I was in my teenage years when Bill sang this song. I really liked it because I was going thru the typical problems at that age. When I listened to the lyrics, it reminded me not to wallow in self pity! Thank you for singing lead on this song Bill! Your voice is awesome!

"Look Away" by Chicago: This is another post-Cetera Chicago song I enjoyed... Yep, I remember seeing it on MTV wondering what the heck that woman was walking around a swimming suit with a trench coat on.. ahhhh now I get it - for the boys! Thanks again Bill!

"Never Been Afraid to Fall" : Bill's latest song on mp3! I like! But I have always been afraid! Will have to make a note in the new year to listen to more of Champlin's new hits

* Note to everyone: visit Bill Champlain on myspace.com and say HI!

I am thankful that Bill was one of the lead vocalists in Chicago ....right around the time I remember Cetera went solo. I saw "Will You Still Love Me" on MTV and thought "who the heck is that singing?" Wow they are pulling it off pretty good!! And the man with the deeper voice (who I many years later find out goes by the name Bill Champlin lol) sounds awesome!!

I think Champlin's voice is one of the reasons Chicago album right after pC left did so well! Bill had three hits off of that one, right?

THANK YOU!!!!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR BILL WE LUV YA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Gigliola]

Of course, cd's have a good quality sound and they can be easily listened to if we need music while we are not at home, but I totally agree with Otis, I completely understand what he means when he talks about the stylus in the grove and the atmospheric vibes.
I know that modern people of today are even replacing cd's with the music they download from internet. I am still an old-style woman that orders cd's and vinyls from record stores and likes waiting everyday for the postman. The day he brings me the packet I was looking for, I jump with joy like a young girl! I am very nostalgic and don't want to lose this kind of good old feelings that were typical of the past years!

[lisa1512]

Are the Sons of Champlin named that because some of Bill's sons are in the group, or is that just the name?

[Bill]

Just a name. Can't remember where it came from......can't remember breakfast this morning. B.

[lisa1512]

Aww C'MON!! Your fans want to know what you had for breakfast this A.M.!!

you're hilarious Bill

and not bad lookin' either.... but don't tell my Mother Superior that !! (see my pic!?)

[Dennis]

Not talking about (you know who) is easy, just do what I do..........
....ALL SONS OF CHAMPLIN ALL THE TIME......See you at THE COACH HOUSE
and ANTHOLOGY
Dennis in San Diego

[Music Mark]

As I look around this forum, I fear I might have come to the party too late. I've always been fascinated with Bill's skills - obviously his more commercial successes being more accessible to me - but as I dig around the internet and his website, I have begun to realize that he wasn't "born" musically in a vacuum and there is some really interesting history and musical future for his solo tunes. I am just becoming a fan all over again. Anyone still entertaining this discussion - I am game! Educate me!