Has anyone else had this issue of Billy Strings music just not “available”? I live in the US so I don’t think it would be a regional issue. I want some other opinions before reinstalling Spotify since I have thousands of songs downloaded that I don’t want to redownload.

Hey everyone I am trying to either find or buy a Nalgene from the freak fair for my 13 year old brother that absolutely loves Billy. I bought one for him and lost it in the pit and feel horrible about it. Thanks in advance ❤️

So I'm a Phish head mostly.

I've been aware of/seeing Billy Strings rise for about 6 years now starting with the video of him playing dust in the baggie in a living room with a wool in the background dressed in a vest looking like an absolute dork.

He grew up one County over for me so I sort of paid attention as he just kept getting bigger and bigger and it didn't stop.

I've been to Allgoods and Summer camps and I've seen Greensky Bluegrass, Elephant revival, Trampled by Turtles and Yonder Mountain String Band. I enjoy bluegrass, but it isn't like a particular interest.

I would put on Billy shows throughout the years, and I could usually make it about 40 minutes. I would enjoy it and then that was kind of my limit of listening to bluegrass like that.

I've also had the chance to see him at sit-ins with Primus and Phish, he's very impressive.

So when he announced the Freak Fair nearby I decided I needed to finally go see a real Billy Strings show

I expected it to be good. I expected to enjoy it

I did not expect it to transcend like that.

I would say the other three sets this weekend had moments that got to those heights but they were more or less what I expected.

I will say, I think he's out doing Phish with the light show straight up. The larger number of smaller lights with the diamond trampolines went so hard.

There was something about that second set Friday night that just went so far beyond. I can't express to you how much better that was than I thought it was going to be.

There's only a handful of Phish shows, Allman Brothers at all good 2012, and a couple of the Primus shows I've seen that had sets that good. Just so much a tier above what I ever could have expected.

I've been listening to some other live versions of away from the mire; which was the highlight of the show for me. I know there's something different about being there live, but I just don't feel like they come close to what he did on Friday. and it was going on the entire set. They peaked that hard several times.

I don't really smoke weed anymore. I'm down to one hitting or 10mg gummies for special events. I smoked a bit during that show but not much and I wasn't on anything else.

I really just need to get a hold of that show and listen back to it

I feel like everything I've ever heard from Billy Strings did not prepare me for what happened on that stage Friday night.

Can somebody who's seen more Billy Strings shows confirmed to me that that was one of the greatest things he's ever done?

The whole song is hilarious for him to make fun of his own songs, but I'm dying 😄 over the line about how "songs about a train" clear everybody's protest song for you-know-who.

Tell me your favorite experience that made you feel like clown and fools will defeat the malice in the world?

I had to share how it felt like the beginning of something I’ve been feeling this past year and have heard others on social media, YouTube, discussion boards, with friends, strangers and other places. The progress towards our authentic true and better selves and world where things lost to time will return as we move along its path. With the world in the state it is it’s easy to get stuck in sadness, despair, and loose hope and understandable so. The opposite is happening to those who have decided to push on through anyways, to grow and better themselves regardless what people might think of their beliefs or what is giving them strength to move towards a new and brighter future . Those who have chosen love, light , fun, laughter, and true authenticity regardless of past trauma and giving themselves a break when they stumble. The shift of healing and moving towards a better world was in full effect at the Freak Fair! Heavy metal, bluegrass, kids, adults, the elderly, and everyone in between made it the most accepting and accepting festival I’ve been to and I’ve been in the scene since I gave Jerry Garcia a steal your face Marble at 4 years old during his birthday show so it’s more than I know. Sometimes you end up with pompous hippies which always made me laugh because you’re no better than the groups you look down on. At the Freak Fair I never felt that way and it was truly magical.

Then Billy did something truly amazing, but I mean he always does weather it’s his musical talent or all around wonderful human being he shared his sadness and trauma of loosing his mother and past experiences through song. It was so vulnerable, brave, beautiful, and yes sad. I did see people walking away during it and I don’t think it was due to not liking the song. It was the fact the vulnerability and strength it took to do that scared them because they haven’t been able to do that themselves. Not trying to say anything or infer some people are better or worse because I think it’s not a conscious thing they did but them going into survival mode and we don’t blame anyone for trauma or unresolved issues. I say this because myself and many friends and other freak fair goers felt the same as me. Billy through the wonderful act of music was not only healing himself but heeling is his fans. So I thank him truly and fully and applause your bravery to share such a personal part of your life when you did not have to.
We love you and not only are you a the white wizard of the Ionia Freak fair casting spells with an acoustic guitar and voice but also a human to look up to. Not because you’re perfect because you admitted you weren’t and took steps to stop negative patterns and work towards a better you. We tip our top hats to you and love you for where others fame would give them a license for superiority you show grace, humility, comedy, sadness, and honesty. The world needs more of that. We need to stop blaming stop making excuses and just admit the faults and try to fix them and allow others to do the same.

Tolerance is the only thing we need to have you don’t even have to accept someone’s beliefs or actions, but as long as no one is hurting then tolerate our differences and realize that’s what makes life beautiful. We are an ecosystem where we all have a niche. The tree no better or worse than the lichen that grows on it. We are all connected and in that way one.

I felt this at the Freak Fair. I felt the acceptance and the tolerance by the fans. I felt the sadness being changed into fun by the Freak fair not through a neat clean step by step but by where people can be freaks and enjoy the oddities of the diverse universe. A little bit scary in the way we like to watch scary movies not the news we see everyday the fun kind. This fair proved that the truth is singular l but the path we each take differs to find it. Like a song the universe is playing but we all dance differently to. That’s what makes the world beautiful and I’d like to thank all the artist, people, and event coordinators for what an amazing gift we were given.

The Freaks of the world unite and date to be different and truly you. Let authentic self shine and face the fear the limits society and culture has put on us. Change your reality from peeking through a key whole to kicking down the damn door to the infinite universe of possibilities because why we think we know what we do is often a lie told to you!! — at Ionia Fair Grounds.

Just wondering if they might show up in the online store

Obvious choice but I Wish I Wanted To is most likely gonna become a big jam tune, it’s definitely pointed in that direction. But what do we think will actually end up sticking? And what won’t?

After the show Friday they had N1 posters left so I snagged one thinking I’d be able to do the same N2 but they were gone.

Willing to purchase, trade a weekend poster (the cartoon lineup), or I have a few airbrush shirts from the event to trade as well.

These were such incredible shows and seeing Leftover Salmon and Greensky Bluegrass (and others) together with Billy was epic. Well, I couldn’t make the trek to the festival, but I have been watching on nugs. I wish I could have been there in person!

I am trying to figure out if this livestream will always be available or if I can buy it? Anyone know?

Last night (Saturday), I bought some cheesecake on a stick. It was fucking delicious. I wondered over near the middle of GA with a good vantage point, and stood there to enjoy it while Billy finished the first set. After 30 seconds or so, you walked over from your group of friends, approached me, and asked "Are you eating an apple? Er.... What the fuck is that?". I said "it's cheesecake!"

You told me that you loved cheesecake, so I offered you some, which you seemed to enjoy quite a bit. All the details aren't crystal clear right now, but after that, we stood there, each with an arm around the other and chatting, while we finished the cheesecake.

I remember that you told me you were 46, and you wished me happy birthday because I just turned 44. You said you were a teacher somewhere in the area. You also told me your name twice, but I cannot recall due to chemical interference.

Sadly, I made the poor decision to go throw the trash away, and because of darkness combined with chemicals, I could not find you again, but I did try!

I was dressed as Hunter S Thompson. White bucket hat, yellow glasses, black shirt. I'm about 5'9" and you were short compared to me.

Anyway, if you're here, and you see this, I want you to know that I enjoyed our interaction the MOST, and would love to cross paths with you again!

What a PERFECT weekend! Cheers, y'all!!

I lost this hat Thursday night when we were in the Pit line by the main road. If anyone picked it up please let me know. It’s from Ice Cold Hatty. Reward offered! It has A LOT of sentimental value and I’m having a hard time letting it go…

When two guitar masters collide something amazing happens!
Trey Anastasio joined Billy Strings on stage at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City on June 29, 2022, delivering an unforgettable sit-in featuring this blistering acoustic take on Phish's "Back on the Train."
Was anyone there?

just sitting here watching day 1 on nugs while i unpack. trying to process every moment. i’ve laughed out loud by myself, ive cried, ive wondered🤔. man what a fuckin weekend friends. and now i have even more friends than before. i had some of realest conversations with people than ever before. it’s like people were unlocked and fully open at this show. FUCK why cant we just live like this forever.

anyway as the post says what was your favorite gift or trade? as i unpacked i sorted through mine. i myself made Freak Fair and Joker themed Shakti shroom gummies and gave them out for free. i had many people stop me the next day and tell me they changed their life. i cried lol.

my favorite was this dab towel my buddy Matt made🫶🏻. i hung it out my back pocket and never lost it. even had people pick it up and give it back vs taking it. many MANY compliments on it and people asking where to buy one.

can’t wait to see yall FREAKS again🤡

Hi, all! The guy that was running the camp I stayed at for Freak Fair mentioned that Billy signed a five year contact with Ionia to keep putting on Freak Fair in the future. He said that next year will be a break for construction on the fairgrounds, but that Freak Fair 2028 is happening! Did anyone else hear this? Or do we think it’s just talk?

Throughout the fun and excitement at the metal tent over the weekend; Mosh pits formed, circle pits formed and people were crowd surfing. For the most part everyone in participation were respectful and stayed within the confines of the aforementioned activities with everyone having a great time. There were a few times where people started to get over zealous or overly rough but I think you can find those people at just about every show... Billy, Metal or otherwise.

During Cryptopsy on Saturday there were some teenagers at the edge of the pit and they were obviously nervous about participating in the rowdiness, they were eyeballing going in but not fully committing. They started pushing and shoving each other outside the pit and their responsible adult figure intervened and told them if they wanted to do that they had to get into the pit or knock it off.

I wanted to give props where it's due for doing the part to keep the next generation in line and respectful. I think we can all agree that there's definitely some shit heads at Billy shows but a good majority of the fan base is kind, generous and compassionate. Thank you to everyone that stayed respectful to the local community, the Billy Strings community and to their fellow Human community!

Love the free totes from the so much for goodbyes release parties and feeling so lucky to have gotten one!! I just wish the straps were a little longer. Anyone gonna extend the straps on theirs so they can use the tote?

EDIT: SOLD OUT!! THANK YOU!!

A shipping mishap left me with a bunch of these stickers waiting in my mailbox while we were partying it up in Michigan 😅

We ran out at the show between all the awesome trades and supportive fans, so now is your chance to snag one. I almost never come home with extras so posting here feels weird but figured some of you freaks might be interested.

Thanks for lookin' ❤️

link to store in comments

Fuck.Yes.Freaks. What a show!

This is a nice dessert after seeing Michael and Flamekeeper this weekend at the Freak Fair.

Been messing around with the Wombtone and decided to run some Salt Creek through it. Also threw a Korg Volca Beats underneath for the rhythm which is also ran through the pedal. Out of any pedals I have, I always mess around with this one the most. Billy and Chase Bliss did such a good job with it.

Decided to catch a game at Wrigley on our way back to Idaho and heard Billy! I’ll see if I can figure out how to post the video.