Billy Ficca
William Joseph Ficca (born February 15, 1950, Delaware) is an American drummer who was a founding member of the rock groups Television and The Waitresses.[1][2]
Billy Ficca | |
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Birth name | Billy Ficca |
Born | Delaware, U.S | February 15, 1950
Origin | New York City, New York, U.S |
Genres | Rock, Jazz, punk rock, art punk, new wave |
Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter |
Instruments | Drums |
Associated acts | Television, The Waitresses, The Sufi-Monkey Trio |
Career
Italian origins, Ficca was a childhood friend of Tom Verlaine (aka Tom Miller). Verlaine moved to New York and in 1972 put together The Neon Boys with Richard Hell (Richard Meyers). They recruited Ficca to be their drummer and then, with the addition of second guitarist Richard Lloyd, changed their name to Television. After Television broke up Ficca joined The Waitresses. Ficca also worked with Nona Hendryx & Zero Cool, 40 Families and The Washington Squares.[3] He frequently performed with guitarist/vocalist Tom Verlaine and bassist Richard Hell as well as bassist Clint Bahr. He also played with the French poet and singer Sapho in 1980 on her LP called "Sapho".
He has also been featured on albums by Dave Rave, Glen or Glenda, The Novellas, Eugene Ripper, Shane Faubert, Brian Ritchie and Lach and the Secrets. He performs with Television, Gary Lucas, Dylan Nirvana and the Bad Flowers, Gods and Monsters, the New York Blues Project,[4] The Original Dharma Bums and Uncle Bob NYC.
References
- Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Biography: Television". Allmusic. Retrieved 26 April 2010.
- Huey, Steve. "Biography: The Waitresses". Allmusic. Retrieved 26 April 2010.
- Unterberger, Richie. "Biography: The Neon Boys". Allmusic. Retrieved 26 April 2010.
- "New York Blues Project".