"I loved working with Peter on the many records I have produced over the years, he always delivered amazing stuff, creative, inspires and always with that classic original YES flavor that came with his playing. He will be missed by me and many many other fans of his music and playing." - Billy Sherwood

Peter Banks will always be remembered as one of the pioneers of progressive rock guitar and will be missed by musicians worldwide.
Peter Banks - July 15, 1947 - March 7, 2013

Manager: George Mizer - PH: 330-833-0808, TheMiz@GeorgeMizer.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Update - 2/4/2013 -Check out the new ANT-BEE video to the song "Flutter-Bye, Butter-Flye" from the 'Electronic Church Muzik' CD. The video was created by Victor Cristean, who does film and videowork for Jon Anderson. The song was written by Billy James and Michael Bruce (original Alice Cooper group member). The video can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5UWkGsM9pU.

The very first ANT-BEE album 'Pure Electric Honey', originally released in 1990 on LP by BOMP Records, is being released on CD for the very first time by GONZO MultiMedia, UK. The remastered CD will also include demos from 1987 and will be released end of February 2013. The CD can be purchased at: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15530/Ant-Bee-Pure_Electric_Honey.html.

Finally,Billy James has been recording vocal and percussion parts for legendary YES vocalist/songwriter Jon Anderson.

Update - 12/15/2012 - Billy James and ANT-BEE's Web Bizarre would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays! Also don't forget to fill your stockings with the latest ANT-BEE CD 'Electronic Church Muzik', which can be purchased at www.barkingmoondog.com In recent news, the ANT-BEE back catalog will be released next year on Gonzo MultiMedia in the UK. Likewise, the long out of print book 'Lunar Notes' written by Zoot Horn Rollo and Billy James will also be re-printed by Gonzo. Check out their website at: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/ Lastly, Billy James has been doing some vocals and percussion for original YES vocalist/songwriter Jon Anderson. Billy sang on Jon Anderson's 21-minute opus 'OPEN' which can be purchased here: http://www.amazon.com/Open-Single/dp/B005XT5Z8U/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355588639&sr=301-1

Update - 5/20/2012 - A lot happening at the Muzik Bizarre first, the ANT-BEE back catalog will be reissued on Gonzo MultiMedia, UK this year. Titles to be reissued: Pure Electric Honey, With My Favorite Vegetables, Lunar Muzik, Child of the Moon EP. Release dates will be posted when confirmed.

Update - 1/17/2012 - Happy New Year From ANT-BEE's Muzik Bizarre. A lot will be happening in 2012 so keep checking this website for updates. First off, we want to pay special tribute to three friends/musicians/Glass Onyon PR clients that recently passed away: Moogy Klingman (Todd Rundgren's Utopia), Jim 'Motorhead' Sherwood (The Mothers) and Larry 'Rhino' Reinhardt (Iron Butterfly/Capt. Beyond) - RIP three rock legends!

Billy James recently recorded vocals for two new songs by YES vocal/songwriting legend Jon Anderson - OPEN (a 21-minute opus) and Spirit Grounding. OPEN can be purchased digitally by clicking here Billy James is featured in a new UK documentary about Frank Zappa's Bizarre / Straight record labels of the late 1960s/early 1970s called From Straight To Bizarre - Zappa, Beefheart, Alice Cooper and LA's Lunatic Fringe. The DVD will be available on Amazon Feb. 21st and is available in the UK now by clicking here.

Glass Onyon PR is recently doing publicity for Jon Anderson, Anderson/Wakeman, Al Atkins (Judas Priest) & Paul May, Wally, Case In Theory, Hardboiled Wonderland, Kotebel, River Guerguerian, Blue Moon Harem, Jeff Berlin, Neal Smith, Wishbone Ash, Norman Greenbaum. Visit the Glass Onyon PR website www.glassonyonpublicity.wordpress.com.

Finally, the new ANT-BEE CD Electronic Church Muzik has been receiving rave reviews worldwide and can be purchased at: www.barkingmoondog.com.

Update - 10/25/2011 - Billy James is featured on background vocals on a new 21-minute opus by YES vocal legend Jon Anderson called OPEN. The track gets release today digitally and can be obtained by clicking here.

Glass Onyon PR is currently working the Jon Anderson & Rick Wakeman North American tour as well as CD releases by Agents of Mercy, Neal Morse, Transatlantic, Wishbone Ash, Janet Robbins, Blue Moon Harem, Christian Vander (Magma) and Jon Anderson's OPEN piece. Check out Glass Onyon PR's new website at www.glassonyonpublicity.wordpress.com

9/4/2011 - Billy James would like to pay tribute to a very dear friend, who was also a major musical influence, Scott Renfroe, who passed away last weekend. Scott contributed guitar tracks to ANT-BEE albums 'With My Favorite Vegetables' and 'Lunar Muzik'. Also parts of 'Lunar Muzik' was recorded at the Sonic Cafe, a studio Scott owned in the 1990's. God bless Scott - may you be playing guitar with your music heroes in heaven.

Glass Onyon PR is currently doing publicity for Jon Anderson, CIRCA, Jon Anderson & Rick Wakeman fall 2011 tour, Janet Robbins, Eli Cook and Scott Henderson, Jeff Berlin & Mike Clark US tour. For more info visit the new Glass Onyon PR website at www.glassonyonpublicity.wordpress.com.

ANT-BEE's 'Electronic Church Muzik' CD has been receiving positive reviews in publications and websites such as Classic Rock Presents Prog, Rocking.gr, Jazz Review and Sea of Tranquility to name a few. You can purchase 'Electronic Church Muzik' from www.barkingmoondog.com.

4/8/2011 - Glass Onyon PR is proud to be doing the publicity for music legend and original YES vocalist Jon Anderson - his upcoming US tour and forthcoming CD release 'Survival & Other Stories'. Go to www.jonanderson.com for complete tour list and updated news. Jon Anderson is a personal musical hero of Billy James, and has been an inspiration for over 40 years!

Glass Onyon PR has also been recently doing PR for Magma, Blackmore's Night, Wishbone Ash, David Michael, Tommy Roe, Neal Morse, Gregg Rolie, Steve Morse.

ANT-BEE - Electronic Church Muzik has been receiving good reviews around the world - buy your copy today! www.barkingmoondog.com.

Check out the new interview with Billy James conducted by Gary 'Pig' Gold for The Rock and Roll Report: http://rockandrollreport.com/pigshit-eight-questions-for-our-ant-bee/.

 

2/28/2011 - The wait is over! ANT-BEE 'Electronic Church Muzik' CD is now available from www.barkingmoondog.com - signed copies are available by request. Go buy your copy now while they last!

2/21/2011 - Update - Billy James was recently interviewed for a new UK documentary about Frank Zappa's record labels of the late '60s / early '70s, Bizarre and Straight Records. James discusses on film acts that were signed to the labels such as the Alice Cooper Group, Capt. Beefheart's Magic Band, Wildman Fischer, The GTOs, Jerry Yester & Judy Henske and others. The documentary is scheduled to be released in the summer 2011. James was featured extensively in the UK documentary Frank Zappa & the Mothers of Invention - In the 1960s, which was released in Jan 2010 and has received rave reviews worldwide. Blurt magazine voted Billy James as the document's MVP.

ANT-BEE 'Electronic Church Muzik' CD will be shipping on Feb. 26 - you can reserve your copy at www.barkingmoondog.com.

Glass Onyon PR has been busy doing publicity for the Rhino Reinhardt, Par Lindh Project, Blackmore's Night, Gregg Rolie, Wishbone Ash, David Michael, Images of Eden, Michael Stanley, The Gray Lions, Chocolate Watchband, Nattefrost, Project/Object, Don & Bunk show, Dino Valenti, Barry Goldberg, Umbrella Tree Records, Transatlantic, David Hoffman and Steve Morse.

 

12/12/2010 - Season's Greetings from the Web Bizarre. First off, the release date for ANT-BEE 'Electronic Church Muzik' CD has been pushed back to Feb. 1, 2011. Pre-orders are now being taken at www.shop.barkingmoondog.com - order soon as this is a limited pressing. Also, signed copies are available on request. The first ANT-BEE album 'Pure Electric Honey' with bonus demos, 'ANT-BEE With My Favorite Vegetables', 'Lunar Muzik' and 'Child of the Moon' EP are still available on CDR from the Web Bizarre store (check out the Order icon).

In book news, Michael Bruce and Billy James are planning on re-releasing the 'No More Mr. Nice Guy' book in 2011, with a CD of new material by Bruce. Michael has recently reunited with Alice Cooper and has recorded 3 new songs for Alice's next CD. Also, the Alice Cooper Group has recently been nominated for the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. Billy James and Joey Molland also plan on releasing Molland's biography about his years with music legends Badfinger in 2011.

Glass Onyon PR is currently doing publicity for Blackmore's Night (feat. Ritchie Blackmore), Jan Akkerman, Eloy, Transatlantic, WAX, The Gray Lions (feat. Mark Hudson), Steve Morse, Joey Stuckey, Bang Tower (feat. Percy Jones), Umbrella Tree Records, Random Touch, Zonic Entertainment and Days Between Stations.

From all of us at Glass Onyon's Web Bizarre we wish you Happy Holidays!

9/12/2010 - Big news at the Muzik Bizarre!!! There will a limited CD release of ANT-BEE 'Electronic Church Muzik' in late November 2010. The CD will be issued by a new label called Barking Moondog Records (www.barkingmoondog.com) and pre-orders will be available soon. 'Electronic Church Muzik' features guest appearances by Michael Bruce (Alice Cooper Group), Daevid Allen and Gilli Smyth (Gong), Peter Banks (Yes/Flash), Jan Akkerman (Focus), Bunk Gardner, Don Preston, Buzz Gardner and Jimmy Carl Black (Mothers of Invention), Zoot Horn Rollo and Rockette Morton (Capt. Beefheart's Magic Band), Napoleon Murphy Brock (Zappa/George Duke) and Moogy Klingman (Utopia). The artwork and graphics are being created by legendary Zappa artist Cal Schenkel (who also did the artwork for ANT-BEE's 'Lunar Muzik' and 'With My Favorite Vegetables' CDs). Calvin is currently having an amazing art sale at his website, offering many are and limited Zappa related artworks - check it out at www.ralf.com. Speaking of Cal Schenkel, he is also having an art exhibit on Sunday September 26, 2010, 2-6 PM (free admission). This is a one day only event and will be held at Roller's Flying Fish, 8142 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19119 (corner of Hartwell, in Chestnut Hill).

Glass Onyon PR is preparing to work the new DVD from US prog band Transatlantic, and new CD releases by Bang Tower featuring Brand X legend Percy Jones and Random Touch. Glass Onyon PR client Gregg Rolie (Santana/Journey) is playing selected gigs around the US this fall - go to www.greggrolie.com for tour dates.

7/24/2010 - Billy James is featured in two new UK books. The first is titled All Pens Blazing - A Rock & Heavy Metal Writer's Handbook vol. 2. The book, compiled and edited by Neil Daniels, is a collection of interviews by current rock authors. The book, which features a 5-page interview with Billy James, can be ordered in the US through Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0755212568/sr=1-1/qid=1279391772/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8 &me=&qid=1279391772&sr=1-1&seller=.

The second book Billy James is featured in is titled Zappa The Hard Way and will be released on August 16. This book was written by Andrew Greenaway, who runs the UK Zappa fan site the Idiot Bastard Website. The book is about Frank Zappa's final tour in the late 1980s. Billy James had the privilege to attend two of the final rehearsals for the Broadway The Hardway tour, which were none less than amazing and spectacular. James was interviewed briefly about his memories of these rehearsals. The book can be obtained at http://www.wymeruk.co.uk/Store/index.php?_a=viewCat&catId=108.

Glass Onyon PR is currently doing PR for Gregg Rolie's summer tour and new CDs by Jeff Berlin, Mehran, Steve Morse's Angelfire, Jerry Jennings (feat Ronnie Montrose) and new power-fusion-prog trio Bang Tower featuring former Brand X bassist Percy Jones.

6/20/2010 - It's summer and a lot is happening here at the Web Bizarre - first, Billy James was recently interviewed for a UK book on rock music authors by Neil Daniels called 'Rock ‘n’ Roll Mercenaries – Interviews With Rock Stars Vol II'. Go to www.neildaniels.com for more information on the book. Billy James's recent biography on Todd Rundgren has been receiving good reviews throughout the world and can be obtained at http://www.amazon.com/Dream-Goes-Forever-Continuing-Rundgren/dp/0971049343/r ef=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8& s=books&qid=1268853700&sr=1-8.

ANT-BEE is featured on a track with the Todd Grubbs group on a new Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention tribute CD called '21 Burnt Weeny Sandwiches'. The song is a cover of Zappa's "Theme From Burnt Weeny Sandwich" (from the 'Burnt Weeny Sandwich' album) and segments of ANT-BEE's piece "Return of the Knick Knack People" (a tribute to Zappa's "Revenge of the Knick Knack People") is interspersed throughout the song. The CD is now available from the UK and can be obtain from Cordelia Records www.cordeliarecords.co.uk/Pages/New%20Things.html, in conjunction with the Idiot Bastard Son web site http://idiotbastard.com/21xBWS.htm.

Glass Onyon PR has been busy working with several music artists such as Wishbone Ash, Gregg Rolie, Jeff Berlin, Steve Morse's new project Angelfire, The Funky Knights, Mehran, Big Daddy Love, Paul Adams, Joey Stuckey and The Tygers. Glass Onyon PR has also been in discussions with legendary '60s group the Electric Prunes about publicity for their new CD.

Don't forget to listen to the two radio programs Billy James hosts monthly:
Listening Through A Glass Onyon - broadcasted out of London the first Sunday of every month at 12:00 Noon EST (USA) and 5:00 pm UK time. The show can be accessed at www.getreadytorockradio.com/glassonyon.htm.
Glass Onyon's Muzik Bizarre - broadcasted out of Salem, MA on the first Thursday of every month at 9:00 pm EST. The program can be accessed at www.deliciousagony.com.

3/18/2010 - A lot is happening at ANT-BEE's Web Bizarre this month. First, listen to the re-worked version of ANT-BEE's cover of Do You Like Worms? / Barnyard suite (from the legendary Beach Boys Smile sessions of 1966): www.ant-bee.com/barnyard. Speaking of Do You Like Worms? check out the hoopla that's going on at http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,8499.msg141330/topicseen.html#msg141330 concerning the original cover of the track recorded by ANT-BEE back in 1990 - people still think it's the Beach Boys!

Billy James's new book A Dream Goes On Forever - The Continuing Story of Todd Rundgern vol. 2 has been garnering rave reviews - check out the ones below:
http://www.musoscribe.com/essays/a_dream_goes_on_forever2.shtml
http://www.fmqb.com/article.asp?id=115421
http://www.vintagerock.com/book_todd_rundgren_utopia.aspx
http://tinyurl.com/Dream-Review

In support of the Rundgren book Billy James has recently been doing several radio interviews like this one: http://webtalkradio.net/index.php/show-podcasts/71-the-pop-culture-road-trip-with-chris-epting/4829.

The book is now available as a strictly limited hard bound edition and can be purchased here: http://www.amazon.com/Dream-Goes-Forever-Continuing-Rundgren/dp/0971049343/r ef=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268853700&sr=1-8.

ANT-BEE's new album Electronic Church Muzik will be released some time this year. Advanced copies of the album have leaked out and Electronic Church Muzik has been receiving praise worldwide, like this enlightening review by journalist Bill Kopp: http://blog.billkopp.com/?p=186.

Also, ANT-BEE is now on YouTube - check out the Child of the Moon video from 1997 at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji1A-9Lw7mA.

Glass Onyon PR has recently been doing tour publicity for classic rock legends Wishbone Ash, former Mothers of Invention members Don Preston and Bunk Gardner, and progressive metal group By Blood Alone. Glass Onyon PR is also doing publicity for German music legends Amon Duul 2 who have a new download only album called Bee As Such and can be purchased from their website at http://www.amonduul.de.

Glass Onyon PR is also currently working with Mangrove, The Astonishment, Random Touch, Bosch, Circle of Fate, Joey Stuckey, Tokyo Rosenthal, Black Bone Child, Neal Morse, Gregg Rolie, ItsAboutMusic.com, Tommy Bones and MASK.

 

1/6/2010 - Happy New Year!!!! A lot happening here at ANT-BEE's Web Bizarre. First, Billy James's new US radio program Glass Onyon's Muzik Bizarre will debut on Thursday, Jan. 7th at 9:00 pm EST. The program will feature new music by experimental, eclectic, progressive and classic rock artists - many of which are on the Glass Onyon PR client roster. The show can be accessed at www.deliciousagony.com.

Billy James will be a guest on Blog Talk Radio this Saturday, Jan. 9th at 2:00 pm EST. He will be on a panel of of authors and music artists discussing a new book on Lennon & McCartney. The show can be accessed at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/simon-barrett/2010/01/09/lennon-vs-mccartney A Dream Goes On Forever - The Continuing Story of Todd Rundgren vol. 2 book was released on Dec. 15, 2009 and has been receiving positive feedback like this one from writer Ken Sharp for FMQB: http://www.fmqb.com/article.asp?id=115421 The book is available through Amazon.com and directly through the publisher at: www.goldtrespub.gemm.com.

Lastly the new ANT-BEE CD 'Electronic Church Muzik' is complete - any record labels or investors interested in releasing or investing in the CD please contact Billy James directly at glassonyonpr@cs.com. The CD features Bunk Gardner, Don Preston, Buzz Gardner and Jimmy Carl Black (Mothers of Invention), Napoleon Murphy Brock (Zappa / George Duke), Peter Banks (YES, Flash), Jan Akkerman (Focus), Moogy Klingman (Utopia), Rockette Morton and Zoot Horn Rollo (Capt. Beefheart's Magic Band), Michael Bruce (Alice Cooper Group), Daevid Allen and Gilli Smyth (Gong).

Also, don't forget Billy James's monthly UK radio program Listening Through A Glass Onyon broadcasted the first Sunday of every month at 12:00 noon EST. The next show will be Feb. 7th, 2010 and can be accessed at www.getreadytorockradio.com/glassonyon.htm

12/14/2009 - Billy James will be a guest on Rundgren Radio Tuesday Dec. 15th at 8:30 pm EST. The show will be celebrating the release of James's new book A Dream Goes On Forever - The Continuing Story of Todd Rundgren vol. 2 (Golden Treasures Publishing) which will be released that same day. The link is www.RundgrenRadio.com

10/26/2009 - Volume Two of Billy James's biography about Todd Rundgren entitled 'A Dream Goes On Forever - The Continuing Story Of Todd Rundgren' is finished and scheduled for publication on December 15, 2009. The book will be published by Golden Treasures Publishing and will be available online from the publisher directly as well as Amazon and other book distributors (on and off-line).

ANT-BEE is now on YouTube! Check out these rare ANT-BEE videos:
-The Girl With The Stars In Her Hair
-The Live Jam with Bunk and Don - Part 1
-The Live Jam with Bunk and Don - Part 2
-The Live Jam with Bunk and Don - Part 3
-Child of the Moon

Glass Onyon PR is doing publicity for legendary French ensemble Magma, who have a new CD available. For more information go to www.seventhrecords.com. Along with Magma, Glass Onyon PR recent clients include Gregg Rolie, Wishbone Ash, Roger Powell, Bosch, Napoleon Murphy Brock, Random Touch, Renaissance Records, Nektar, Joey Stuckey, IZZ, Circle of Fate and Pojama People feat. Ike Willis.

9/29/2009 - Foremost internet radio program Listening Through A Glass Onyon, hosted by Billy James, will be paying tribute to legendary music artist and video producer extraordinaire Kevin Godley. This special edition of Listening Through A Glass Onyon will be aired on Sunday, October 4, 2009 at 12:00 pm EST (USA) / 5:00 pm (UK) and can be accessed at www.GetReadyToRockRadio.com/glassonyon.htm. The program will showcase music from various points in Godley's career - from Hotlegs to 10cc to Godley and Creme to his most recent celebrated collaboration with former 10cc partner Graham Gouldman, under the guise GG06.

Listening Through A Glass Onyon is broadcasted out of London the first Sunday of every month. Former shows include specials on Gregg Rolie (Santana/Journey), Gong and guitar legend Bruce Cameron.

8/29/2009 - A special edition of 'Listening Through A Glass Onyon' radio show will air Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009 at 12:00 pm Noon EST. The show is a tribute to the 10 year anniversary of the release of Bruce Cameron's 'Midnight Daydream' CD, which was originally released in Sept. 1999. Billy James was the project coordinator and also performed on the CD alongside legendary music artists Mitch Mitchell, Buddy Miles, Billy Cox, Jack Bruce, Ken Hensley, Michael Bruce, Neal Smith and Harvey Dalton Arnold. Bruce Cameron was a gifted songwriter and guitarist whose life ended much too soon - he is sadly missed. The program will showcase songs from the CD (which is currently out of print) and will also air a rare radio commercial spot by Mitch Mitchell, Billy Cox discussing the project and Bruce Cameron and ANT-BEE radio interview snippet. To access the program go to: www.getreadytorockradio.com/glassonyon.htm

Glass Onyon PR is currently doing PR for foremost reissue label Renaissance Records / ItsAboutMusic.com. The first project is the reissue on CD of the legendary Natural Gas album featuring Joey Molland of Badfinger and Jerry Shirley of Humble Pie. Glass Onyon PR is also doing publicity for Gregg Rolie, Nektar, Random Touch, Ed Palermo's Big Band, Heartblanch, Portal and the upcoming Pojama People featuring Ike Willis tour.

ANT-BEE's new CD 'Electronic Church Muzik' is finished and will be available for download from this website soon.

7/27/2009 - The next installment of Listening Through A Glass Onyon radio show will be a special program featuring the music of progressive rock legends Gong. The show will also showcase related artists to the Gong family which includes Daevid Allen, Gilli Smyth, Steve Hillage and ANT-BEE. The show will air Sunday, August 2, 2009 at 12:00 PM EST. You can access the program and playlist: www.getreadytorockradio.com/glassonyon.htm.

6/27/2009 - The next Listening Through A Glass Onyon radio program will be broadcasted on Sunday, July 5th at 12:00 noon EST. This is a special show showcasing the music of Santana founding member Gregg Rolie. Along with new music, the show will feature an interview with Gregg Rolie conducted by Billy James. You can access the program and playlist: www.getreadytorockradio.com/glassonyon.htm

4/20/2009 - Billy James is now hosting his own online radio program broadcasted out of London called 'Listening Through A Glass Onyon'. The program is aired the first Sunday of every month at 12:00 pm noon EST on UK's largest classic rock website www.GetReadyToRock.com. The program can be accessed at www.getreadytorockradio.com/glassonyon.htm.

 

4/6/2009 - 'Electronic Church Muzik' is almost finished! The recordings for the 4th ANT-BEE CD have been completed and edited. The next stages in the completion of the CD are mastering, graphics and pressing. Keep a watch here for updates. In the meanwhile, Billy James is recording material for the next two ANT-BEE CDs - 'Transcendence' (a jazz-fusion album) and 'Eat Your Fruit & Don't Take Root' (a prog-rock album).

Billy James is currently hosting his own online radio program called 'Listening Through A Glass Onyon', which is broadcasted once a month on UK's largest classic rock website www.GetReadyToRock.com. The first show was aired on April 5, 2009 and the playlist can be accessed at www.getreadytorockradio.com/eclectic_mix.htm - Information on future broadcasts can be found here www.getreadytorockradio.com/antbee . Along with playing ANT-BEE music, James is spinning eclectic slices of prog, psychedelic and experimental music by such legends as Frank Zappa, Capt. Beefheart, Magma, Godley & Gouldmen, Daevid Allen, Le Orme, Supersister, Flo & Eddie and Wildman Fisher to name a few. The next show will be aired sometime in May 2009.

The second installment of 'A Dream Goes On Forever - The Continuing Story Of Todd Rundgren' is in the final corrections stage. A new graphics company has now been instated to finish the project. At present, with no further delays, plans for a Fall 2009 release is slated.

Finally, the new documentary 'Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention - In The 1960s' which features Billy James has been receiving rave reviews in such magazines as Mojo, Word, The Wire, Record Collector and most recently Blurt. Reviewer Bill Holmes says, "Besides (Jimmy Carl) Black, the MVP of this production is writer Billy James, whose book 'Necessity Is - The Early Years of Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention' (2000) is probably the definitive tome on the early band. In that book, James' access and anecdotal input from Preston, Gardner, Black and other original Mothers gave a rare glimpse into the least documented era of Zappa's career. Seeing James interviewed alongside most of the same subjects in this program only underscores how good his book is (a worthy companion to this DVD, and recommended)." You can access the entire review at www.blurt-online.com/dvd_reviews/view/44.

 

2/24/2009 - Glass Onyon PR is doing publicity for legendary Santana / Journey founding member Gregg Rolie, who has a live DVD coming out this year. Go to www.GreggRolie.com for more information. Glass Onyon PR is also currently promoting Tommy Bones, Random Touch, Firefall, The Lizards, Tokyo Rosenthal and MarsupiaL

The DVD 'Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention - In The 1960s', which features Billy James predominantly, has been receiving positive reviews - most recently in UK's Record Collector Magazine and The Wire.

In ANT-BEE news, Billy James is mixing the final track for 'Electronic Church Muzik' and will be editing and mastering throughout March and April. Projected release for the 4th ANT-BEE CD is Summer 2009.

 

News Update January 20, 2009 - Today the DVD Frank Zappa & the Mothers of Invention - In The 1960's get's an official release. Billy James, who was interviewed for the documentary this past summer, is featured predominantly throughout the DVD. Here's a link to one of the first reviews of the DVD which also features interviews by Jimmy Carl Black, Don Preston, Bunk Gardner, Art Tripp and Kim Fowley: http://groundcontrolmag.com/detail/4/1359.

Billy James is mixing the final track for the 4th ANT-BEE CD Electronic Church Muzik and will be editing and mastering in February. Projected release date for the CD is late Spring 2009. Also Billy James and Michael Bruce are working on the third version of Michael's Alice Cooper biography No More Mr. Nice Guy - projected release of the book is summer 2009.

December 9, 2008 - Billy James will be interviewed on Thurdsay 12/11/2008 by Simon Barrett of Bloggers Radio. The link to the program is www.bloggernews.net/bnn-radio and the interview will be archived. Billy James was interviewed this past July by Prism Films UK for a Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention documentary. The DVD will be available in the UK in late January 2009 - here's a link to pre-order the DVD: http://www.abstractlogix.com/xcart/product.php?productid=24002

November 12, 2008 - Sadly legendary drummer Mitch Mitchell passed away today - I had the pleasure of working with him several years ago. He was a great drummer and a sweet person. Likewise, I bid farefall to two other drummers/music artists I have worked with who also passed away recently - Jimmy Carl Black and Buddy Miles. The three of them along with Frank Zaapa and Jimi Hendrix are having a hell of a jam session. RIP - Mitch Mitchell, Buddy Miles and Jimmy Carl Black.

August 20, 2008 - Glass Onyon PR is doing promotions for German prog legends Amon Duul 2, whose back catalog has been re-issued on CD by SPV records. For more info visit the band's official website: www.amonduul.de.

Also, Glass Onyon PR is working the new Lizards CD and DVD as well as Americana artists Tokyo Rosenthal and Grant Peeples as well as new single by Firefall.

July 10, 2008 - Billy James will be filmed for an interview on July 21st for a British documentary on Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention. Many of the original Mothers will be interviewed for the film, which is being released by Prism films UK.

On the ANT-BEE front, Billy James is now in the final mixdown stage for 'Electronic Church Muzik'. The CD will be released late 2008/early 2009.

Glass Onyon PR is currently working with UK progressive rock legends Curved Air. Recent clients of Glass Onyon PR include Flo & Eddie, Neal Smith, Godley & Gouldman, Wishbone Ash, Oxygene8, Random Touch, Days Between Stations and composer Marvin Ayres.

May 7, 2007 Glass Onyon PR has launched a new press campaign for progressive rock legends Curved Air, who have reunioned and will be touring summer 2008. For more info go to www.curvedair.com Glass Onyon PR is still doing promotions for classic rock legends Wishbone Ash, who are currently on a world tour, and GG06 (Kevin Godley and Graham Gouldman of 10cc fame). Check out Godley and Gouldman's download-only songs at www.gg06.co.uk. Music legends Flo & Eddie (Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan) have reissued their back catalog on CD. Glass Onyon PR recently issued a press statement on Flo & Eddie's behalf about the classic CDs which can be purchased from their official website www.theturtles.com

Billy James's second installment of his Todd Rundgren biography is now in the hands of the graphic designer. The text/layout should be ready for scrutiny by proofreaders and editors in the next few weeks. Projected release for A Dream Goes On Forever - The Continuing Story Of Todd Rundgren Vol. 2 is late summer/early fall 2008.

News Update - 12/4/07 - Billy James will be doing an interview with Rundgren Radio on Jan. 2, 2008 at 8:00 pm EST. He will be joined by Rundgren researcher Tony Rogers. For more info go to www.rundgrenradio.com

Billy James and former Alice Cooper Group songwriter/guitarist Michael Bruce will be re-releasing their 1998 hit biography No More Mr. Nice Guy . The new version will feature different photographs, updated chapter and possibly a CD. Projected release date for the book is late Spring 2008.

The 4th ANT-BEE album Electronic Church Muzik is entering into its completion phase and will finally be released in 2008. Billy James recently purchased a Tascam 24 track digital recorder and has been finishing the long awaited 4th album in his home studio.

Glass Onyon PR has been busy with a host of new clients such as classic rock legends Norman Greenbaum (www.spiritinthesky.com), Axe, Wishbone Ash, Firefall Acoustic, and progressive rock bands Days Between Stations, Todd Grubbs, Random Touch, Tin Scribble and Oxygene8. Also, check out Glass Onyon PR clients Godley and Gouldman's GG06 new song "Barry's Shoes" at www.gg06.co.uk


Update - 8/1/07 - Glass Onyon PR has recently been doing publicity for Uriah Heep legend Ken Hensley's latest CD Blood On The Highway, which also features former Deep Purple member Glenn Hughes. For more info go to: www.ken-hensley.com Glass Onyon PR is also currently working with rock legends Wishbone Ash. Check out their website at www.wishboneash.com.

Glass Onyon PR clients (and ANT-BEE's personal heroes) Kevin Godley and Graham Gouldman of 10cc /Godley & Creme fame are completing their latest opus "Barry's Shoes", which will make the sixth track available from the duo's website www.gg06.co.uk when released. Glass Onyon PR will issue a press statement about the new Godley and Gouldman track when avialable for download (I can't wait!!!!). Also, check out Kevin Godley's new interview at www.musicstreetjournal.com and a fab review of the five new GG06 tracks at http://randombrainwave.blogspot.com/2007/07/gg06-review.html

Glass Onyon PR has recently linked with Andre` Cholmondeley of ThinkElectronic Productions and leader of
Zappa tribute ensemble Project Object. Glass Onyon PR will be working with ThinkElectronic Productions on the upcoming Adrian Belew show in Asheville, NC Aug. 19, 2007. Adrian Belew is a guitar legend in his own right and has played with the likes of Frank Zappa, David Bowie and King Crimson. For more info: www.adrianbelew.net

Speaking of former Zappa alumni, Mothers Of Invention woodwinds virtuoso Bunk Gardner has his very first
solo CD release of archival material dating back to the 1950s and can be obtained from Crossfire Records.
Go to www.crossfirepublications.com

In other news, Billy James is in the final stages of completing his bio (Volume 2) about rock genius Todd Rundgren. The manuscript is currently in the hands of the designer and hopefully will go to print by the end of 2007. Check out the great review of Billy james book on the Mothers of Invention Necessity Is.... http://www.getreadytorock.com/reviews2007/zappa_book.htm




4/20/07 - Glass Onyon PR will be doing promotions for Irish guitar legend Bernie Torme (Ian Gillan, Ozzy Osbourne) and his power-trio GMT, which also features John McCoy (Ian Gillan, Atomic Rooster) and Robin Guy (Bruce Dickinson, Faith No More). GMT's new CD Bitter & Twisted is available for purchase at the band's official website www.gmtrocks.com

Crossfire Records will be releasing a new Grandmothers (ex-Zappa/MOI) compilation this summer which will feature 2 tracks by ANT-BEE ("Snorks & Wheezes" and "Lunar Egg-Clips Runs Amuck"). The formidable label and publisher will also be releasing the first solo compilation CD by former Mother Of Invention Bunk Gardner entitled It's All Bunk, as well as CDs by Don Preston and Jimmy Carl Black. For more info www.crossfirepublications.com

Also check out the two new interviews Glass Onyon PR has recently set up for the legendary Kevin Godley of Godley & Creme/10cc fame
www.rocknrolluniverse.com
www.muzikreviews.com

Finally, Glass Onyon PR is in the throws of a press campaign for Florida guitarist Todd Grubbs, who is recording his new CD which features a guest appearance by keyboard legend Don Preston. For more info www.toddgrubbs.com




3/21/07 - Billy James has recently been writing articles/reviews for UK's leading classic rock website www.getreadytorock.com. Check out his latest article on the legendary Kevin Godley and Graham Gouldman (10cc/Godley & Creme) here http://www.getreadytorock.com/features/godley_gouldman.htm

Glass Onyon PR will be issuing a press release soon about the duo's new music and website at www.gg03.co.uk

Billy James's book Necessity Is - The Early Years Of Frank Zappa and the Mothers Of Invention will be released in Germany in late summer/autumn 2007 on Hannibal Verlag.

Glass Onyon PR is currently working with ProgRock Records and the release of progressive rock legends Starcastle new CD Song Of Times. Go to www.progrockrecords.com for more info. Glass Onyon PR is in the throws of a major press campaign for experimental troupe Random Touch, and the release of their critically acclaimed CD/DVD Alchemy. Check out their website www.randomtouch.com



2/3/07 - Glass Onyon PR is proud to annouce that we will be doing some promotions for the legendary Kevin  Godley and Graham Gouldman of 10cc/Godley & Creme fame! Check out their official website www.gg06.co.uk to download brand new songs by the duo. Also, check out Glass Onyon PR's MySpace site at http://www.myspace.com/glassonyon.


11/1/06 An excerpt from Billy James forthcoming book on Todd Rundgren has been posted on UK classic rock website Get Ready To Rock. The excerpt can be veiwed here.

Glass Onyon PR has recently been hired to work the new NYC Blues Devils CD as well as the new solo album from Jock Bartley, leader and guitarist for Firefall. The CD also features guest appearances by members of Poco, Spirit and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Also, check out the new interview with Mark Volman here.

Lastly, don't forget to see UK rock legends Wishbone Ash on tour in the US - Glass Onyon PR is doing promotions for the tour - www.wishboneash.com.

9/25/06 Glass Onyon PR is currently doing publicity for British classic rock legends Wishbone Ash. The band are currently preparing for a major tour of the US and UK on the heels of their latest CD ‘Clan Destiny’. For tour info go to: www.wishboneash.com.

Also check out the legendary Mark Volman’s (of Flo & Eddie/Turtles/Mothers) new website www.professorflo.com - a must for all musicians. Glass Onyon PR is also working with Stacy Thunes – a very talented songwriter/actress. For more information about her go to: www.thunes.net

Also worth mentioning, The Lizards new CD ‘Against All Odds’, in which Glass Onyon PR is currently running a major promotional campaign for, has been receiving rave reviews worldwide and was one of CD Baby’s top sellers this past week. For more information go to: www.thelizardswebsite.com 

Finally, Billy James new book on Todd Rundgren ‘A Dream Goes On Forever – The Continuing Story Of Todd Rundgren Volume 2 (The Utopia Years) is nearing completion. Go to Book News for more information.

8/15/06 - As of September 1, 2006 Glass Onyon PR /ANT-BEE Mailorder Muck will have a new address
- please send all correspondence to:
Glass Onyon PR
P.O. Box 18254
Asheville, NC 28814

phone: 828-350-8158
fax: 828-350-0659

In other news, Glass Onyon PR is currently doing publicity for the new Lizards CD - 'Against All Odds', which features performances by Bobby Rondinelli (BOC/Rainbow/Sabbath), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple) and Mike DiMeo (Riot). For more info: www.thelizardswebsite.com. Also, Glass Onyon PR will be doing some promotions for the legendary Mark Volman (Flo from The Turtles Featuring Flo & Eddie). Mark has a new website that is essential to all aspiring musicians/musical artists - check out www.professorflo.com for more info.

6/3/06 Check out the new interview with ANT-BEE at http://musicsojourn.com/AR/Prog/page/a/AntBee.htm

4/3/06 The Outsight Radio Hours Internet radio program interviews ANT-BEE live Sunday, May 7, 4PM Eastern. Information on the show and how to participate with via chat is at: http://www.luver.com.

2/10/06 ANT-BEE's cover version of "Barnyard" from Brian Wilson / Beach Boy's legendary Smile sessions has finally been completed and is now available to listen to here.

In other news, Glass Onyon PR has currently been working with Centerline Entertainment in Santa Monica, CA, doing promotions for Alternative Metal rockers  Dig Jelly. Go to www.centerlineentertainment.com for more info. Also Glass Onyon PR has been doing radio promo for legendary Canadian blues band Powder Blues (who had a million selling LP in the early 1980s). Check them out at: www.powderblues.net.  Tha NAZZ is back, and Glass Onyon PR is getting the word out to all who will  hear. For more info on the legendary Philadelphia power pop group go to: www.stewkey.com (Booking inquiries please contact Glass Onyon PR).

Zappa/Beefheart/Rundgren fans - check this out! 

12/1/05 ANT-BEE has recently received a mention in the new Alice Cooper DVD - Good To See You Again, Alice Cooper, which is a rare film from 1974 documenting the Billion Dollar Babies Tour.  The mention comes under guitarist Glen Buxton's biography, as he was briefly featured on  ANT-BEE's 1997 CD release Lunar Muzik, along with ex-Alice Cooper members Michael Bruce, Neal Smith and Dennis Dunaway.  It should be pointed out that Michael Bruce was the main contributor to several tracks on the Lunar Muzik sessions.  FYI - Michael Bruce will be featured on three tracks on ANT-BEE's forthcoming Electronic Church Muzik album.  Go buy the new Alice Cooper DVD it's great!  And let's have an Alice Cooper Group reunion! 

In other news, Glass Onyon PR has recently been doing publicity for the legendary Ken Hensley of Uriah Heep/Blackfoot fame.  Go to www.ken-hensley.com for more info about his activities.

9/22/05 Ex-Utopia bassist/vocalist Kasim Sulton has agreed to write the foreword to volume 2 of the Todd Rundgren biography. Plans to release the book on Golden Treasure Publishing early 2006 are presently underway. Also in other news: Billy James has recently been contacted by legendary Dutch DJ Co de Kloet about doing a radio show on ANT-BEE (as well as James's books and artists he's currently working with). Word has it that the world premier of ANT-BEE's cover version of the Beach Boys "Barnyard" will take place on the radio show. Keep a watch here for more updates. 

6/20/05 Billy James recently connected with the Grande Mothers (ex-Mothers Of Invention alumni Napoleon Murphy Brock, Don Preston & Roy Estrada, with Chris Garcia and Ken Rosser) at a concert in Charlotte, NC on June 16. The band's performance that evening was absolutely astounding!!! Glass Onyon PR handled some of the promotions for the band's whirlwind summer mini-tour of the US. The Grande Mothers will be touring Canada and Europe in July and August 2005, and Glass Onyon PR will be issuing a press release including the tour dates and venues soon. For more info go to: www.thegrandmothers.com.
In other news, ANT-BEE's cover of "Do You Like Worms?" was mentioned in a new book about Brian Wilson's legendary Smile project, written by Beach Boys historian Domenic Priore. ANT-BEE was recently back in the studio putting the finishing touches on "Barnyard" from the forthcoming EP - ANT-BEE Smiles (a tribute to Brian Wilson's Smile).

6/5/05 Billy James recently completed an interview with Utopia synthesizer wizard Roger Powell for volume 2 of A Dream Goes On Forever - The Continuing Story Of Todd Rundgren. James hopes to have the book's text completed sometime this summer and a Christmas release is scheduled with Golden Treasures Publishing.
On a side note: anyone who has photos from the RA tour please contact the author directly.

5/9/05  Billy James recently linked up in Myrtle Beach, SC with Joey Molland from the legendary power-pop group Badfinger; a band who were originally signed to the Beatles' Apple label in 1969 and had a string of hits, such as "No Matter What", "Day After Day" and "Baby Blue". James and Molland are currently writing a book about Badfinger, "When I Was A Boy", and hope to have it released on Golden Treasures (USA) sometime this year. Joey Molland is currently on tour keeping the Badfinger light shining! For more info: www.joeymolland.com
 

2/11/05 Glass Onyon Promotions is currently doing PR for The Lizards (BOC/Rainbow/Riot) and Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple) Winter 2005 European tour. For tour dates go to: www.glennhughes.com
Billy James is getting closer to completion of his book 'A Dream Goes On Forever - The Continuing Story Of Todd Rundgren - Vol. 2' . He most recently interviewed legendary Rundgren/Tubes drummer Prairie Prince. The author is currently looking for TR/Utopia photos from 1977(RA) to 1988 - anyone interested please contact him. Also you will recieve a credit in the acknowledgements if photo is used.
 

12/1/04 Billy James book on the Mothers Of Invention, 'Necessity Is..." has been reissued in UK on SAF
Publishing. It has updated material and different size format. Also, 'A Dream Goes On Forever - vol.2' is
3/4ths finished - the basic manuscript will be completed sometime in January, and plans for a late Spring/Early summer
release is in the works. Anyone wishing to contribute photos/memorabilia (1977-1987) please contact the author.

10/14/04 New information on Glass Onyon Promotions click here

Also ANT-BEE is mentioned in the latest tour program for Brian Wilson's "Smile" tour.
In an essay written by Domenic Priore and Brian Chidester printed in the program: "
"Hinging their connection to Zappa's Mothers Of Invention, ANT-BEE
were the first to cover one of the unreleased "Smile" tracks, "Do You Like Worms?"
Buy the new "Smile" CD by Brian Wilson - it is a masterpiece!!!!

7/27/04 Billy James book on The Mothers Of Invention "Necessity Is..." (SAF, UK) has
just been released in Italy in Italian. The publisher is Arcana Musica and the
title for the book has been changed to "Freak Out!!" and has a different
cover as well.

07/01/04 ANT-BEE's recorded version of the Beach Boys song
"Do You Like Worms?" (from the legendary "Smile" sessions) was the topic of discussion
at the "Smile" convention held by Ear Candy Magazine in Atlanta, GA this past weekend.
The track which appears on the 1995 CD/LP "ANT-BEE With My Favorite Vegetables,"
was originally recorded in 1990 and by odd chance was mistaken for a rare outtake
from the 1966/67 "Smile" sessions. It was later broadcasted on a Beach Boys
radio special as a rare find, and subsequently wound up on some very
elaborate Beach Boys bootleg LPs and CDs. Once ANT-BEE's
4th album "Electronic Church Muzik" is completed, the next project
will be ANT-BEE "Smiles" (an attempt to pay tribute to the Brian Wilson masterpiece).
Keep an eye and ear here for more info.

09/01/03 Glass Onyon Promotions (Billy James PR company) has recently been hired by Sanctuary Records to aid in the marketing of Todd Rundgren's new album "Liars" and subsequent archival releases. If interested in joining Sanctuary's Todd Rundgren mailing list please e-mail: antbee0@cs.com
Other artists Glass Onyon PR has worked with are The Grandmothers, The Lizards (ex-BOC/Rainbow/Riot), Rockette Morton (Beefheart), Napoleon Murphy Brock (Zappa), Michael Bruce (Alice Cooper), Joey Molland (Badfinger), Bouchard, Dunnaway and Smith (BOC/Alice Cooper), Stewkey (The Nazz) , Ron Lamanna, Travers & Appice, Vanilla Fudge and others. For more information please contact Billy James.

 

09/01/03 Billy James is currently co-writing a book about the legendary 'power pop' group badfinger with original member
Joey Molland. Also James is working on ' A Dream Goes on Forever - The continuing story of Todd Rundgron - vol. 2' and
hopes to have it completed by the end of 2004. For more info, see the book page.

Billy James is being interviewed this month by Sherm Hayes for
the Randall Library at UNC-W Wilmington for their
ANT-BEE/Billy James archives.

News Update! Billy James is featured on ex-Zappa guitarist 
Steve Vai's new CD enttiled archives Vol. 4.
The two tracks James appears on were recorded in 1986
for ex-Zappa vocalist Bob Harris' solo album The Great Nostalgia.
These tracks have never been issued on CD before until now.

"A Dream Goes on Forever" - The continuing story of Todd Rundgren
& "Beyond and Before" - The Formative Years of YES are complete.
Both are available now from Golden Treasures Publishing
**  Don't miss either of the acclaimed reviews in the current
issues of MOJO Magazine or Record Collector Magazine.!!

NEWS: Billy James is being interviewed for an up coming edition of
The Beat, to be aired on WECT TV 6 Wilmington, NC, at a later date.
More on this and the actual air date coming soon.

Join the ANT-BEE And Friends mailing list - go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ant-BeeAndFriends/
for more information.

Check out the recent ANT-BEE interview with the Swedish website Planet Zappa at: www.planetzappa.com

Announcements:
    Billy James was recently contacted by the Randall Library (Sherman Heyes) at UNCW requesting to archive his work as ANT-BEE (and before) and as a writer. Copies of James' books and recorded music will now be catalogued in the International Library's database.

    The next, (5^th), ANT-BEE album, (after Electronic Church Muzik) will be a version of the legendary unreleased Beach Boys album, "Smile". Tentatively entitled: ANT-BEE "Smiles" - more on this soon. - Photos from a recording session.

In memory of a Midnight Daydreamer
Bruce Cameron  
May he Rest in Peace - 1955 to 1999