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BILLY P
@whiskey_tattoos_vinyl
Billy’s collection is predominantly built on the Rock genre with the different branches of that genre like Prog, Heavy, Classic and Hard Rock included in that over arching genre. You will find some other genres in his collection also though.
Billy has been a great supporter of this project since I began on this journey and it was only right he was featured on these pages himself.
How long have you been collecting records for?
Probably continuously for about twenty five years. I really started around 1978 to 1984, where I took a bit of a break. I joined the army and there just wasn’t the space to put any of my record collection. That all change when I got married in 1993, once I bought my own house after I left the army I knew I could go a bit crazy with the collection and buy more records. Honestly I was amazed that my wife was pretty understanding about it.
What genres do you usually collect?
Rock mainly, or as it’s called these days Classic Rock. In my days it was just Rock, Heavy, Prog or Hard, but Rock none the less. You know the likes of Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Free and Thin Lizzy, almost anything in that music range. I named British bands as that was my staple at the time. I tend to orientate towards that sound even today as I’m an old rocker at heart, it’s in the blood I suppose. I do like other genres like Soul, Punk, Jazz, R&B, Folk, Indie, Grunge, Reggae and most things in between. I’m quite happy to give anything a listen, at least once.
What set up do you use to play your collection?
I have an old but solid Dual 505-3 turntable, and a standard Sony LBT D705 Stereo HiFi connected to a pair of Wharfedale Glendale 3XP speakers. It has a lovely full warm sound. The only upgrade I’m thinking of getting is on the needle. Overall is suits me just fine.
What was the first record you ever bought?
I had to think about this one. I might of said “The Laughing Gnome” by David Bowie, or something by T-Rex. However, I would have to say for definite, an album that I know I bought with a real purpose was “Stormbringer” by Deep Purple. I bought on the back of hearing “Black Knight” which this album I found out after buying and playing it, had nothing to do with, and featured a different sound and lineup. I loved it none the less!
What are your thoughts on Instagram and the Vinyl Community?
I’ve only been sharing on Instagram for just over a year now. It’s a great community for the most part. Every social platform has its ups and downs, but I’m really enjoying it so far. I’m not sure why I started posting on Instagram, but I’m glad I did. I’ve met (online) some really great people since I did. Very encouraging and supportive people, with the same interest and love for vinyl and in fact music as a whole. I’ve picked up information on some interesting albums that I missed first time round. I love doing the vinyl challenges that happen on a regular basis. You know, post your favourite album from 1971, or favourite album by a certain artist, stuff like that. I’m still learning how to use it to its fullest, but I’m having fun. Which for the most part is all you can ask for. One downside I find is everything moves so fast on it that I miss a lot of great posts.
Where do you shop for records usually?
My collection has been accumulated through charity shops, car boot sales and online auctions. I’m a bit set in my ways now, but I hope, the younger collectors see the record shop as the go to option for them. Certainly now with new bands releasing vinyl versions of albums routinely.
How big is your want list currently?
Not that big really. A lot of my current pick ups are albums from bands I don’t know, or from bands that aren’t viewed (probably wrongly) as that collectable. I go through fazes of collecting stuff from an artist or band, I did that with Stanley Clarke, a bassist from the late ‘70s and Beck’s back catalogue, and just aimed buying their stuff for a while until I get distracted and move on to someone else. Like most people I do have a few albums that I would like to have if I could in my collection. But nothing overly collectable. I suppose top of the list at the moment would be “Yellow Submarine” no idea why it’s not in my collection
Finally then, what will happen with your collection when you pass away do you think?
My children will hopefully fight for them in the ring of death, because only the strongest and most worthy deserve to own my collection. Well that’s what I tell them. I suppose, I hope they will look after it when I’m gone but it’s for them to do what they want. I’ve enjoyed collecting, listening and looking after them, and I would never force anyone to take up my burden of responsibility... no that’s a lie, I will haunt them until their dying days if they don’t look after them.
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