Bill McKay
Joined: Aug 2009
Washington, DC
United States
Thursday, July 22, 2010 - 15:15
Bill McKay
Hey everyone, I was just listening to Derek's first two albums, and I got to thinking, "What was the reason for Bill McKay's departure from the DTB?" I agree that Kofi and Mike are certainly upgrades, but is there a story as to why he left? Was he fired/frustrated? I've never really heard Derek talk about Bill in an interview. Any help is appreciated.
James
Replies for this Forum Topic
Bill McKay is healthy, alive & kicking & still making great music as of May 2011! There's the Bill McKay Band playing throughout the Colorado area, Bill McKay & Friends, playing the Denver Metro area with his favorite local musicians + he plays on occasion with Leftover Salmon when they have a 'reunion'. But he's best known the past couple of years for joining a band called Fox Street Allstars, Denver based ... www.foxstreetallstars.com. &, naturally, FaceBook. Their debut album was released in Nov. '10 to great reviews & Bill's contribution is evident when you hear it! And FYI ... yes, he was arrested in early '09 but those charges were dropped a month later for lack of evidence. McKay is married & father to a young son.
No specific *official* reason by the band was ever given.
Just some vague PR statement that's typical when bands change personnel.
Personally I could care less as the arrival of sheer talent in the form of Kofi Burbridge in late summer of 1999 and Javier Colon in July of 2000 made me forget all about Bill McKay completely. Not to mention the really fertile musically creative period in 2000-2001 that led to the release of the kickass album Joyful Noise in September 2002.
I believe Nathan is correct. Bill still plays festivals with Leftover Salmon(we get Drew Emmett from Leftover and Billy Nershi here soon) every now and then. I think he also has solo gigs goin on and performs with his brother John McKay some in Colorado.
That's a really good question. As far as I know he's still in Leftover Salmon. I know he was in some legal trouble a couple of years ago, but I don't think that had anything to do with DTB. I don't know how long he's been with Leftover Salmon though.