Tonight, Billy Strings will take the stage/hit the ring at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena in his home state of Michigan for the “Van Andel Scramble,” a wrestling-themed Halloween show. Strings gave a hint of what to expect and discussed a few other topics in a new interview with Local Spins.
“It’s always been my favorite holiday,” the guitarist noted of October 31st. “I love Halloween and I love dressing up and it’s my favorite time of the year.” Fans can follow the action at Billy Strings’ 2023 Halloween concert via a free nugs.net livestream.
“We’ve got a lot of surprises and we’ve been working hard on this gig. We take Halloween very seriously,” Strings added and mentioned he gathered musicians in Nashville to rehearse for the concert. “There’s a whole kind of skit that goes along with it. … It’s just so cool to have my band who are just amazing musicians willing to go through all of this. That’s what we aim to do – put on a show for the folks.”
Strings has been playing off an angle involving stage manager Nate Flores destroying one of his guitars. Billy posted a since-deleted Instagram video discussing the “incident” and then put up video of Flores breaking the axe.
Guests confirmed to take part in the “Van Andel Scramble” include Sierra Hull, Mark Lavengood, John Mailander, Bill Nershi, Chris Pandolfi, Molly Tuttle and Duane Trucks. Dobroist Mark “Huggy Bear” Lavengood hails from Coral, Michigan and has a long history with Strings.
“We were busking in the streets of Grand Rapids together nine or 10 years ago, in the middle of the day by Madcap Coffee,” Billy explained. “And probably right outside Van Andel Arena. Now, we’ll be inside the arena.”
Billy Strings also revealed a big change in his guitar study regimen. “For the first time, I’ve been practicing guitar a lot,” Strings confessed in confirming he has started taking lessons from a guitar instructor. “I’ve been studying jazz guitar and classical stuff. I’ve been having my nose in the books. … I’ve always just played, and played in bands, but I’ve never had a deliberate practice routine. I’ve got a teacher who’s been kicking my ass learning all this Bach stuff and Charlie Parker tunes. That’s opening up my world a little bit.”
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Billy Strings Announces Free Livestream Of Wrestling-Themed ‘Van Andel Scramble’ Halloween Concert
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Watch Billy Strings Break Out ‘Remington Ride’ & More From 2023 US Fall Tour Closer
The 31-year-old musician went on to discuss trying to keep a balance with his busy touring schedule. “I work hard. It’s not like I’m out here partying,” Strings noted. “I’m trying to drink as much water as I can, get as much sleep as I can, eat healthy. It’s about being able to deliver the best shows that I can. I haven’t had a sip of alcohol in almost seven years. That’s all because I’ve been focusing on my work.
“This year was tough on me physically,” Billy added. “I’ve been exhausted most of the year. We’re trying to figure out how much touring I can take and try to figure out what the right amount of touring is for me to not wear myself out.”
Local Spins covers the West Michigan music scene. Head here to read the full interview with Billy Strings. The site also recently posted interviews with Billy’s mother, Deb Apostol, and Strings’ former musical partner, Don Julin.
