Chuck Billy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chuck Billy
Billy performing with Testament in 2014
Background information
Birth name	Charles Billy
Born	(1962-06-23) June 23, 1962 (age 63) Alameda County, California, U.S.
Genres	Thrash metal
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter
Years active	1978–present

Charles "Chuck" Billy (born June 23, 1962) is an American singer. He is most famous as the lead singer for the thrash metal band Testament.

Chuck Billy's Music Journey

Joining Testament

Chuck Billy joined the band Legacy in 1986. He became their new singer. Later, the band changed its name to Testament. In 1987, they released their first album called The Legacy. Chuck Billy even wrote one song on that album, "Do or Die."

Since then, Testament has released many more albums. They have also toured a lot. They have shared the stage with famous bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, and Megadeth.

Chuck Billy and guitarist Eric Peterson are the only two members who have been in Testament since the beginning. They have played on all of the band's studio albums. Chuck's singing style has changed over the years. He used to sing with a high-pitched voice. Now, he often uses a deeper, more powerful voice. Sometimes, he uses both styles in the same song!

Other Music Projects

Chuck Billy has been inspired by many great singers. Some of his influences include John Lennon, Paul Stanley, and Ozzy Osbourne.

Before joining Testament, Chuck Billy sang in a local band called Guilt. They recorded a demo in 1984. He also sang in high school bands.

Chuck Billy has also worked with other musicians. He has appeared as a guest singer on many songs. For example, he sang on the Sadus song "Crazy." He also helped cover Iron Maiden's "Fear of the Dark" for a tribute album.

In 2008, Chuck Billy sang "Silent Night" on a Christmas carols album. It was called We Wish You a Metal Xmas and a Headbanging New Year. He also joined a band called Dublin Death Patrol with his brothers.

He provided the voice for a character called the Planet Smasher. This was for a live show of the album Ziltoid the Omniscient by Devin Townsend.

Chuck Billy has continued to lend his voice to other bands. In 2014, he sang on "Trend Killer" for The Haunted. He also sang on "BTK" for the band Exodus. In 2015, he was featured on "Can't Kill the Devil" for Metal Allegiance.

More recently, he sang on "The Never" for Mark Morton in 2019. He also appeared on "Waiting to Die" by Walls of Blood. In 2019, he sang on "The Crownless King" for Killswitch Engage. In 2020, he was on the Lamb of God song "Routes."

In 2021, Chuck Billy even provided voices for the Disney+ TV show "What If...?". This show is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In 2022, he sang on "Behold Our Power" by Matt Heafy. He also appeared on "Blood in the Sands of Time" for the band Shadow of Intent.

Future Music Plans

Chuck Billy has mentioned that he might release his own solo album someday. He said it would sound different from the usual thrash metal style of Testament.

Awards and Special Recognition

In 2013, Chuck Billy was honored by a California State Assemblyman, Jim Frazier. He was recognized for being a positive role model for the Native American community.

Chuck Billy was the first Native American to have his items shown permanently at the Hard Rock Hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His achievements are also recognized in the National Museum of the American Indian exhibit. This exhibit is part of the Smithsonian Institution.

Chuck Billy's Life

Chuck Billy's father was Native American, and his mother was Mexican. He is part of the Pomo Native Americans. This is an indigenous group from Northern California. He is very proud of his heritage. He often gives a shout-out to his "Native brothers and sisters" at his concerts. Some of his songs, like "Trail of Tears" and "Native Blood," are tributes to his heritage. Chuck Billy is also cousins with Stephen Carpenter, a guitarist from the band Deftones.

In 2001, Chuck Billy faced a serious health challenge. He was diagnosed with a rare type of illness. Friends organized a special concert called Thrash of the Titans. This concert helped raise money for his medical care. After receiving treatment, he made a full recovery. He has continued to perform with Testament ever since.

In March 2020, Chuck Billy and his wife Tiffany became sick. They tested positive for COVID-19. They had just finished a tour in Europe. They quarantined at home and recovered.

External links

• National Museum of the American Indian’s Newest Exhibition “Up Where We Belong: Native Musicians in Popular Culture”

See also

In Spanish: Chuck Billy para niños