My cynical recollection of Billy Kemp about ten years ago at a gig at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park was, “Where is Chris Day? Who the HELL is the new guitarist with glasses?” I was certainly one hardcore TCYR fan who welcomed the “New” Young Rumblers with probably as much zeal as Dylan changing from acoustic to electric.

In this interview, I found journeyman musician Billy Kemp, 47 years old, to be much more interesting and thought-provoking than his country jive reputation. He is articulate, pleasant, easy-going, and more comfortable talking studio jargon like “composite drum takes,” than groupies, tour buses, rock and roll, booze, and fame.  Read on and take a trip down memory lane with the former guitarist of TCYR.

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