San Diego Reader

Billy Bacon: Guitar (acoustic), Guitar (electric), Vocals | Jackslacks: Drums, Percussion, Vocals

Genre: Blues & Soul

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Related Links

• Forbidden Pigs website

Synoposis

Inception: San Diego, 1984

Influences: Los Lobos, The Blasters, Rosie Flores, Mojo Nixon, the Beat farmers, the Paladins

Background:

Billy Bacon And The Forbidden Pigs were formed in 1984, quickly establishing their eclectic and vibrant stew of American roots music including TexMex, R&B, rockabilly, pop, and classic country. In 1988, they released their first 45RPM single “Una mas Cerveza” on Mark Neill’s homespun San Diego label Swingin’ Records. By 1991, with the help of friend and mentor Mojo Nixon, they landed a record deal with Los Angeles-based indie label Triple X Records.

By the early ‘90s with two full length albums under their belt they began to tour overseas playing to Americana hungry audiences in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Switzerland, Canada, and Mexico, thus expanding their fan base. The Pigs were playing over 250 shows a year at this point. They were a nonstop touring band taking an occasional break to record. Their numerous albums boast a list of “honorary Pigs” such as Joe Walsh, Michael Doucet, Dave Alvin, Evan Johns, Country Dick Montana, Mojo Nixon, Buddy Blue, Chris Gaffney, Wade Preston, John “Juke” Logan, and Kandye Kane.

In 1998 founder, singer/songwriter, bassist and front man, Billy Bacon (W. Seth Russell) was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, but this did not affect his ability to continue the rigorous touring schedule at first. By 2006, the condition had finally begun to worsen to the point that touring was no longer an option. The band was now only playing occasionally. Today, after several different treatments Billy is showing improvement in his condition. The band still plays from time to time in clubs and at festivals. There is no permanent lineup.

In 2012, Bacon announced that a new Forbidden Pigs album was in the works. Their song “Are You Going Back There Tonight” was heard in the 2012 William Friedkin film Killer Joe, starring Mathew McConaughey.