Swaggert Gone Solo

You know (or least youd better know) bill Collins as the spiky-haired singer and guitarist of New Havens premier roots-rockabilly-country-punk band the Swaggerts. Or maybe you remember his earlier roots band, the Big Bad Johns. Maybe you also know him because you or one of your friends took guitar lessons from him. But did you know that while he lived in California during the 80s, he played and toured with legendary hardcore punk bands like MDC, Fang, Intensified Chaos, and Special Forces" Or that he once he played in a band with Dead Kennedys drummer Bruce Schlesinger? Or that hes said to have given guitar lessons to Tim Armstrong (Operation Ivy, Rancid)? Well, now you know. And heres the thing you should know Collins for: He's been playing a few solo acoustic gigs lately, belting out some Irish-folk-tinged, foot-stomping, rollicking drinking songs.

From the New Haven Advocate, December 30, 2004 Kathleen Cei, Photo