Billy Zoom

Billy Zoom
File:Billy Zoom.jpg
Background information
Birth name	Tyson Kindell
Born	(1948-02-20) February 20, 1948 Savanna, Illinois, U.S.A
Origin	Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
Genres	Rockabilly Country rock Folk Punk rock
Occupation(s)	musician, record producer
Instruments	Guitar, Banjo, Flute, Clarinet, Violin, Saxophone
Associated acts	X

Billy Zoom (born Tyson Kindell on February 20, 1948, in Savanna, Illinois) is an American guitarist, best known as one of the founders of the punk rock band X. He is an Anaheim resident and owns the Billy Zoom Custom Shop near Old Towne Orange. The 67-year-old was diagnosed in 2015 with an aggressive form of bladder cancer and will begin immediate treatment. He has since stated that he is "cancer-free" but will continue receiving chemotherapy treatments.

Early life

The son of a Big Band woodwinds player, Kindell began playing a variety of instruments, including violin, accordion, piano, clarinet, tenor, alto, and baritone saxophones, flute, banjo, and guitar.

Upon moving to Los Angeles in the 1960s, he worked as a session guitarist while attending technical school for training in electronics repair. He has an insider's reputation as an expert in the maintenance, restoration, and modification of vintage tube amplifiers, and Combo Organs. He has performed custom technical work on the amps for a host of electric guitarists and bassists.

Career

Billy Zoom (center) performing with the band X in 2004

Although best known as guitarist and founding member of punk rock band X, Zoom has also worked with rockabilly legend Gene Vincent, The Blasters, Etta James, Big Joe Turner, Mike Ness, and dozens of other major recording artists. He is known for his grinning stage presence and tendency to make eye contact with audience members.

In June 2008, in honor of his longevity in the world music community and contribution to the legacy of Gretsch guitars, Gretsch unveiled the G6129BZ Billy Zoom Custom Shop Tribute Silver Jet.

External links

• Billy Zoom Music
• Gretsch Billy Zoom G6129BZ SilverJet Guitar
• Rockabilly Hall of Fame: Billy Zoom
• Billy Zoom Interview on RocknRollDating.com