Apr 28, 2016
Bill Foley is a walking miracle. I don't know how else to put it.
Earlier this year on February 11, 6 p.m. 30-year-old Mohamed Barry came into the Nazareth Restaurant in Columbus, OH while Bill was preparing to perform. Barry started swinging a machete and quickly had injured a couple seated near the door. Bill Foley sacrificed his body as he barreled into the attacker in hopes the others there could escape.
Bill was stabbed and suffered a punctured lung and liver. He also sustained stab wounds in his hand. His guitar strumming, finger-picking hand. Just the fact that I am able to interview Bill and share his story with you is a blessing.
We talk about the attack, but also get some perspective on Bill Foley's early days as a musician and the gigs he played leading up to it.
Specifically, we talk about:
- Bill's aspirations as a drummer changing with one opportunity
- His love for early rock and roll
- How Mark Cordes helped him with his catch phrase
- Meeting and hanging out with Paul Reubens BEFORE he was Pee Wee Herman
- His definition of real country music and playing at the Blue Bird Cafe
- His days at Fort Hayes Career Center and how it shaped his life
- Looking in the Yellow Pages and calling a booking agent out of the blue
- His love and hobby as a Civil War Re-Enactor (ForTheLoveOFHistory.com)
- Playing a 2-4 hour show with no set list
- Keeping his voice in good shape when you are not feeling well
- Tips on traveling with gear and with a full band
- Recounting the night of his attack at the Nazareth Restaurant and Deli
- Bill Foley's love for James Taylor and how he's going to meet up with him again
and much, much more.
You can help Bill with some of his medical bills by donating through his GoFundMe campaign
Check out his web site: http://www.omgilts.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billfoleyband
In this episode, I also answer a question from listener Robert Talbott. Robert wants to know:
What is my favorite bit that I have ever written?
What is my favorite bit that someone else has written or performed?
And I mentioned the Patreon "Laugh Partner Reward" Program as well. Here is a link to learn more: www.Patreon.com/schooloflaughs
The School Of Laughs podcast is a production of SchoolOfLaughs.com