Latest Release
- AUG 25, 2023
- 1 Song
- Don't Say No · 1981
- Don't Say No · 1981
- Emotions In Motion · 1982
- Don't Say No · 1981
- Signs of Life · 1984
- Don't Say No · 1981
- The Essential Billy Squier · 1981
- Don't Say No · 1981
- Hear & Now · 1989
- Signs of Life · 1984
Essential Albums
- Billy Squier had already put in his dues with the band Piper before setting off on his own solo career. His debut album, The Tale of the Tape, was a solid collection of pop tunes and memorable guitar riffs but it failed to make the connection with the audiences who embraced Squier with his second album, Don’t Say No, which featured the same bulletproof formula. Hits such as “The Stroke” and “My Kinda Lover” made the radio a better place in the early ‘80s and set the tone for much of the glam metal that would take Squier’s place within a few years. AOR also put “In the Dark,” “Lonely Is the Night” and “Whadda You Want From Me” into heavy rotation. However, even the lesser known tunes, “Nobody Knows,” a ballad in memory of John Lennon, who had just been killed, and “I Need You” express deeply moving sentiments that should’ve led Squier to a longer, much more varied career.
Albums
- 1998
- 1993
- 1991
- 1989
- 1986
- 1984
- 1982
Artist Playlists
Singles & EPs
- 2021
Compilations
- 2005
About Billy Squier
Billy Squier picked up his first acoustic guitar at age 12 but switched to electric after The Beatles arrived in the US. ∙ Squier was discovered by Kiss manager Bill Aucoin, who helped assemble and promote his band Piper. ∙ “The Big Beat,” from Squier’s solo debut, The Tale of the Tape, contains one of the most sampled drum breaks ever, having appeared on hundreds of hip-hop tracks, including UTFO’s “Roxanne, Roxanne” and Jay-Z’s “99 Problems.” ∙ Squier’s 1981 breakthrough album, Don’t Say No, has sold more than 3 million copies in the US alone. ∙ Andy Warhol designed the cover art for Squier’s 1982 album, Emotions in Motion. ∙ Members of Queen made guest appearances on Squier’s albums Emotions In Motion, Signs of Life, and Enough Is Enough. ∙ His songs have been featured in nearly 100 films and TV shows, including Fast Times at Ridgemont High, St. Elmo’s Fire, and American Horror Story.
- HOMETOWN
- Wellesley, MA, United States
- BORN
- May 12, 1950
- GENRE
- Rock