Billy Rath was the bassist for Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers. He recalls his early days as a musician, starting with the fifth grade, and talks about his current project Billy Rath's Street Pirates.

How did you get your start in the music biz?

I was told that that once a person gets paid for playing music you are officially in the music business. That would put me in the 5th grade, what's that 12 years old? At that time I was playing the accordion. I would play private parties, ie: K of C, Woman’s Club, etc. I also had a 3 piece band and we would play school dances.

You weren’t always a bass player, right?

Officially I was always a bass player. The bass is my love, my mistress, and my heartbeat! I did double on tenor sax for a while in a band that I had. Then the lead singer would play bass and I would play sax on some of the songs. But, I was the bass player in that band...

But you never played guitar?

No! I never played guitar! My first bass was a guitar that my sister gave me and right away I pulled the B and E strings off, making a 6string guitar into a bass... Soon after I bought my first real bass guitar. I am and always will be a bass player! I am not a frustrated guitar player who took up bass because I couldn’t cut it as a guitar player...

Early on in your career you joined the Heartbreakers…Did you know the trouble you all would cause?

Trouble! What Trouble? We didn't make trouble, we made and played NYC Rock 'n Roll. That's what we did. The Heartbreakers were a rock 'n roll band, not a punk band that pushed anarchy. We wrote love songs not fight songs.

You, of course, took Richard Hell’s place in the band. When you came in, was there any tension between the other members or were you a complete breath of fresh air?

When I joined The Heartbreakers, in my opinion and others, I completed the band. It was like I was the missing link that completed the sound they were looking for. The tension was gone and the magic started. Richard Hell needed to have his own sound. He was a poet and a very good one at that. Richard had his own sound and the Heartbreakers were seeking something different from what Hell wanted. That was the tension. I came along and completed the Heartbreakers sound... the end of the tension and on with the rock 'n roll!

Who came up with the name of your one studio album, LAMF?

I think it was Jerry. We all liked it and so it came to be.

It’s been remixed by everyone in the world; what is your favorite mix?

You got me there! I liked the very first mix that we all heard before it was cut... I don't think that mix ever got out...

The Heartbreakers did not last very long, although, they often did one night reunion gigs. What was the force pushing the band apart, was there poison in the band or an outside catalyst putting pressure?

What do you mean, “didn't last very long”? The Heartbreakers are still alive today in the hearts of those who saw us and now in the hearts of people around the world who didn't get to see us. The Heartbreakers are still alive today, just listen to the music of many of the young bands today. You asked if there was a poison, a catalyst that helped the band dismember... YES THERE WAS AND THE POISON WAS AND IS HEROIN! Drugs and/or women will break a band apart.

You also played on Ronnie Spector’s solo album…

Yes, I played on Ronnie Spector's album... That was a lot of fun... I lost my copy somehow so if someone who reads this interview has a copy, would you please burn me a disc. You can get in touch with me thru Punk Globe or facebook to get an address. Thanks!

That album had quiet the selection of New York punks on it. What do you feel you contributed to the project compared to your peers who played on it?

All are great musicians and we all contributed our hearts and talent to the project.

Were you really a minister for a while?

Yes, I really was a minister for about 12 years. I was also a Christian drug and alcohol counselor. While I was out of the music scene, I was busy helping people help themselves.

Recently you have come out of hiding, though. You started your band the Street Pirates…

My son, Jeff, kept pushing me to get on FB and start playing again. The response, the reception I got brought me back into doing music. It was my son and my good friend and keyboard player, Jack Cristoforo, who helped me with the name, “Billy Rath's Street Pirates”.

Joy Ryder and Johnny Rao were originally in the band, why the split?

No split, just in the making, in the incubation period, getting the right mix. Both Joy and Johnny are great musicians. They have their thing and I have mine. That's all …

Your latest single, “Bony Marony” is raising some eye brows…

“Bony Marony” is a taste of what my solo album, “Billy's Hit List”, will be like.

You also went to England…

Ya. I was invited to go on tour in the UK celebrating 30 years since the Anarchy tour. I was the only one that was really there. It was a lot of fun...

What’s the scoop on the drama in England, emergency solo gigs…?

No emergency solo gigs, it was friends helping me develop as a front man for my “Street Pirates” project... It was a time of growth for me as a musician... The response was overwhelming. I was truly humbled.. England “I love you and will be back soon”.

You also have played with Joey Pinter, recently. How did that come about?

Again I was invited to produce an album in San Diego. Unfortunately one of the members had to have emergency surgery. Therefore the plan fell thru. I was there, had a place to stay so some gigs were booked with the help of Diana DeAth, a singer/guitarist in a Johnny Thunders tribute band “Chinese Rocks”, and Joe Tucker a great tattoo artist in LA also in Brooklyn,NY... I hooked up with Joey Pinter and Johnny Witmer. Now I have an LA Street Pirates.

Are you going to listen to the demands of the world and record with him?

I haven't heard of any demands but I do intend to not only record with Joey but also to tour with him in the near future.

Thanks so much for the interview, Mr. Rath! Could you give the readers some advice?

Gus and Punk Globe it was my pleasure to do this interview. I thank you! As for as advice to the readers.. When you hear of “Billy Rath's Street Pirates” playing come to the gig... ask your local promoters to book the band.... Watch for a fan page in facebook and check “Like”. MOST OF ALL... STAY OFF DRUGS!! It's your life your mess'n with... Love you all.