The Altar Billies are a swell rockabilly trio that reside in Orange County, California. They are fronted by guitarist/vocalist Michael W Stand and feature the slappin' upright sound of Johnny X on bass and Chuck Cummings on Drums. The group is keen on playing hits by all of the rockabilly greats that span musical history, as well as newly penned originals. The Altar Billies are one of many bands that have takien a "liking" to a new and rapidly growing alt-country/rockabilly and swing trend. Their music is a fancy mixture of something new, with a wonderful sound that’s been around for quite sometime now and is rich with tradition. The group has been playing all over the Southern California area for about 8 years now. They perform their family friendly music for a wide variety of audiences that include both young and old. The Altar Billies have been featured at such venues as the Orange County Fair, Tustin Street Fair, Orange Street Fair, Fullerton Farmer’s Market, Silverado Canyon Concert Series and are regulars at the Downtown Santa Ana Farmer’s Market. They have also appeared at many clubs in the OC area – including the Anaheim House of Blues, The Coach House and The Observatory. The fellas have had the priveldge of opening up for several legendary rockabilly groups including OC icon Big Sandy, as well as for Lee Rocker of the Stray Cats. In late 2010, the group released its self titled CD “The Altar Billies.” This release was soon followed by other singles including: “Hold on,” “You Found me,” and their rockabilly version of the Christmas classic: “Joy to the World.” In 2013 the group released their most successful single and video to date: “I’m Still Stand’n.” Filmed in the not-so-popular area of Lucerne Valley, this video has clicked in almost 100,000 views to date on You Tube. Not to be complacent with the success of “I’m Still Stand’n,” Michael W penned a new song in the summer of 2013 titled “Ballad of the Big Boy” (Titans of the Wasatch). This tune paid homage to the biggest steam engine in the world (owned and operated by Union Pacific Railroad). The song was recorded using bluegrass instrumentation and was quickly released along with not one, but two YouTube videos. The first video featured the song synced with actual Big Boy steam engine vintage footage from the day. The second video found “The Billies” on Big Boy 4014, on display at Railgiants Train Museum in Ontario California, before it made the long trek back to Cheyenne, WY- where it is currently being restored back to its glory days. In 2014 the group released its first full-length 15-song project titled "Head'n out West." This musical venture paid homage to the "fore fathers" of rockabilly while also seeking to push the not so stated boundaries of this unique and underrated genre of music. “Head’n Out West” featured not only “I’m Still Stand’n,” and “Ballad of the Big Boy,” but found its swing with songs such as “Aim’n High” and “You Can’t look up, When You’re Look’n Down.” This project continues to win over not only new fans for the group, but more importantly the heart and minds of many people to the Rockabilly genre itself. 2016 found the fellas hitting the trail once again with their latest release: “Long, Long Road.” With this project the group has downright narrowed and fine-tuned its sound so that it is “as sharp as a tack.” “Long, Long Road” finds Michael W expanding his songwriting skills to incorporate aspects of swing jazz with songs such as “Hot,” “Tumbleweed,” and “Hot (Big Band Version).” He also continues to delve into his profound fascination with train folklore through tunes such as “Whatever Happened to the Caboose?” and “Locomotive Don’t Pass Me by.” Mike’s odd and often silly sense of humor comes to light in songs such as, “One of those No Good for Nothin’ Bad Songs,” and “You Know I Still Love You.” The group’s continued love for Gospel music and its unique cultural influence is duly noted on cuts such as, “Long, Long Road,” the more modern country sounding “Bright Mornin’ Star” and on the opening cut, “Everything.” The title of the project, “Long, Long Road,” not only reflects the idea of staying the course and finishing strong, but reflects the “long” hours invested into the making of this project (that clocks in at 300 hours plus). The group contends that this venture was well worth the huge quantity of time, as the result is a musical testimony that “The Billies” hope will make believers out of those that have forgotten, or even long ignored, the rich musical qualities found in this genre of music. Their desire is to disprove the notion that Rockabilly is more than just “a Twangy geetar, a slappin' bass and a snare shuffle” – although this description works just fine for them as well. The Altar Billies are proud to carry the rockabilly torch and keep this musical heritage alive and relevant. They are 3 swell guys that work hard, play together really well and have a good time in the process! For more info on the group have a gander at: Find out more information about the Altar Billies: The Altar Billies youtube channel: The Altar Billies reverbnation page The Altar Billies facebook fan page Videos: 1 “I’m Still Stand’n 2 “Aim’n High” 3 “Ballad of the Big Boy” (Titans of the Wasatch) 4. You Can't lookup When You're look'n Down 5. Head'n out West 6. Hot - to be released in early 2017