Billy Morrison — the longtime rhythm guitarist in Billy Idol’s band and former bassist for The Cult — has announced a new solo album featuring a who’s who of rock luminaries. The LP, titled The Morrison Project, boasts appearances by Idol, Ozzy Osbourne, Al Jourgensen (Ministry), Corey Taylor (Slipknot), and more.
Among the other guests on the album, due April 19th, are guitarist John 5 (Mötley Crüe), drummer Tommy Clufetos (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath), rapper Darryl “DMC” McDaniels (Run-DMC), singer Linda Perry (4 Non Blondes), guitarist Steve Stevens (Billy Idol), and more.
Morrison co-wrote and recorded most of the songs with drummer Erik Eldenius (Billy Idol) and bassist Jeordie White (Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails), with a few of the guest performers sharing writing credits, as well.
The first single, “Drowning,” which doesn’t feature any of the guest musicians, will arrive on February 23rd.
“One of the greatest things about writing this album was being able to let my guest singers do their own thing,” stated Morrison in a press release. “I would send them the track with no guidelines and just had them do whatever they felt. I think that gave those songs an energy and a life force that would not be there if I had tried to get involved in their lyrics or their melodies. And I loved everything they all did!”
He added, “With the songs that I sing on this record, I wanted to write from an observational standpoint about the state of the world, the news outlets, the information flow (or lack of it) and the general sense of dis-ease that seems to be all-pervading right now.”
In addition to playing guitar in Billy Idol’s band, Morrison is a host on SiriusXM’s Ozzy’s Boneyard channel, where he regularly co-hosts the show “Ozzy Speaks” with Ozzy Osbourne.
Prior to the album’s release, fans can catch Morrison playing live with Billy Idol at a handful of US shows in February and March. Tickets are available here.
Pre-order The Morrison Project at this location, where you can also hear a snippet of the first single “Drowning.” Check out the tracklist below.
The Morrison Project Tracklist:
“Drowning”
(Written by Billy Morrison, Erik Eldenius, Jeordie White)
“Crack Cocaine”
(Featuring Ozzy Osbourne and Steve Stevens with Tommy Clufetos on Drums)
(Written by Billy Morrison, Ozzy Osbourne, Steve Stevens)
“It’s Come to This”
(Written by Billy Morrison, Erik Eldenius)
“The Ayes Have It”
(Featuring Al Jourgensen and John5 with Roy Mayorga on Drums)
(Written by Billy Morrison)
“Dystopia”
(Written by Billy Morrison, Erik Eldenius, Jeordie White)
“Incite the Watch”
(Featuring Corey Taylor and Steve Vai)
(Written by Billy Morrison, Erik Eldenius, Jeordie White, Corey Taylor)
Puppets on a String”
(Written by Billy Morrison, Erik Eldenius, Jeordie White)
“Just Like a Movie”
(Featuring DMC and Persia Numan with Erik Eldenius on Drums)
(Written by Billy Morrison, Erik Eldenius/Jeordie White, Darryl McDaniels, Persia Numan)
“The Sound of Freedom”
(Written by Billy Morrison, Erik Eldenius, Jeordie White)
“Mr. Dream”
(Featuring Billy Idol and Steve Stevens)
(Written by Billy Morrison, Erik Eldenius, Jeordie White, Steve Stevens, Billy Idol)
“We Are the Dead”
(Written by Billy Morrison, Erik Eldenius, Jeordie White)
“Chasing Shadows”
(Featuring Linda Perry)
(Written by Billy Morrison)