About Billy Rankin
I was born and raised in Kirkintilloch. I studied music at school, achieving 'A Level' in the subject along with a degree in cello, allowing me to teach the thing.
I swapped 'scratching between my legs' for a Gibson 335 in '76 and joined 'The Zal Band' which was SAHB without Alex, I was 17.
Toured till I felt 42.
I then became a member of German rockers 'Scorpions' for 2 days. Sound's like a flip line but it's true.
My flights were booked and everything before they changed their minds, citing 'language difficulties' (they couldn't understand my English. Ask them, it's true!)
From there I became Zal's replacement with Nazareth in 1980 then secured a solo deal with A&M giving me a top 40 hit in the States, allowing me to lend Jay Crawford a tenner in 1984.
I met all my heroes including Paul & Linda, Alvin Lee, Bill Nelson, Ted Nugent and they were all great (I didn't meet Marc Bolan cos he went and hit a tree before I could.)
I toured extensively with absolutely every band on the planet, hence my endless supply of 'Rock Tales.'
After that I became Nazareth's 'sole' guitarist in 1990 after Manny Charlton threw a hissy-fit. I threw a similar hssy-fit myself in '96, left and joined 'The Spiders from Mars' with Def Lep's Joe Elliott as Bowie. (Check out the "Mick Ronson Memorial Concert" from Hammy Odeon, I'm on fire!)
After that I went to Bill Nelson's 3rd wedding, managing to upset his entire family, might go to his 4th.
I joined the reformed SAHB as Alex for the 'Frankie Miller' Barrowland concert and got to hang out with Joe Walsh. Toured for a bit with what I now realise are the best band in the universe and still are.
I've also written songs for people, most recently Meat Loaf's 'Do It!' on his comeback album in 2005.
Most recently I got called into '96.3 Rock Radio' by Jay Crawford. Thinking I was gonna get my tenner back, I attended.
Instead, he asked me to become a full-time presenter on Scotland's first classic rock station. I've accepted the challenge and now get to play tracks by all the bands I've got the 'dirt' on.
Is it workin'? Suffice to say, Ritchie Blackmore isn't returning my calls.
A new chapter is beginning in my life and I'm loving it!
Maybe some day I'll get the tenner back.
Watch This Space.
ROCK & ROLL QUOTE:
True story - Linda McCartney once made me a cup of tea, after "Paulie put the kettle on."
Rock Vote
Most Rock 'n' Roll way to travel?