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Billy Sawilchik is the guitarist for Lovehammers, a Chicago-based rock band. He has been playing guitar for over twenty years and has collaborated with as many artists/genres. His influences go from Scotty Moore, Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins, guitar tandems of Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, even Night Ranger's Brad Gillis/Jeff Watson up to Zakk Wylde, and Ross Childress.
Since 1994, Billy has been playing with Lovehammers which is also made up of Marty Casey (lead vocals), Dino Kourelis (bass), and Bobby Kourelis (drums). Lovehammers have long been a staple of the Chicago music scene playing at venues such as the House of Blues, Double Door, and The Metro. They have also opened for Nickelback, Jerry Cantrell, Interpol, Puddle of Mudd, and recently, Cake and Gomez on a 21-city tour. With their indie release, Murder on My Mind, Lovehammers sold 25,000 copies.
Epic records signed Lovehammers in 2005 and the band signed with Doc McGhee as their manager. In January of 2006, they released their self-titled debut, Marty Casey and Lovehammers, on Epic Records. That album has sold 70k and counting. From that recent album, "Straight As An Arrow" was recorded by Chicago legend Steve Albini (Nirvana), with Marty Frederickson (Aerosmith, Mick Jagger) and Johnny K (Staind, Disturbed) manning the mixing board on additional tracks.
In 2006, Lovehammers completed the first leg of the INXS Switched On tour as the opening band performing to sold out venues across the country. While on tour with INXS, Lovehammers added two headlining shows to their tour, due to fan requests, at both the Viper Room in L.A. and CBGBs in New York. In July of this year, Lovehammers' began their headline tour which includes such venues as the legendary Stone Pony in Asbury Park and the Roxy in West Hollywood.
Websites
Billy's Website
Lovehammers Website
The Gear
Billy plays a Pilsen Idol, Damen Idol, & a D56SWCE
See more about Billy's guitars on his Artist Custom Page.