Billy McNicol is an American Rock Musician, a Drummer, Vocalist, Lyricist, Producer, and Bandleader.

Endorsed by Yamaha Drums, Billy McNicol has collaborated with some of the most legendary musicians in the music industry.

On August 19th, 2017, Billy McNicol performed back to back with the Drummer from the multi-Grammy Award winning and legendary musical group Tool: Danny Carey and his band Volto! at the iconic Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles, CA upon invitation.

Billy performed directly before Danny with his cutting-edge original, Hard Rock, Funk, and Alternative solo group and received promotion for this event on Tool's official website and official Social Media Outlets. 

On May 10th, 2014, Billy McNicol performed with Original Members from the Grammy Nominated Hip-Hop Supergroup Wu-Tang Clan: Cappadonna, UGOD, Gang Starr Foundation's Krumb Snatcha, and shared the stage with Chuck D. (2013 Rock and Roll HOF inductee and founder of Public Enemy) at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles, CA for the United We Stand Festival.

Billy has also shared billing with Immortal Technique, Chino XL, original members of Fishbone, and P.O.D..

As a backing Drummer, Billy has performed with Grammy award winning Bassist Ronnie Hudson (Issac Hayes). Ronnie Hudson found major success with his hit record "West Coast Poplock" in '82. This song is notable for it's sample in "California Love" by 2Pac featuring Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman, which was released on Death Row Records in 1996. 

In addition, Billy McNicol has also provided rhythm for The Rugbys and Grammy Award winning Blues Guitarist: Lenny “Fuzzy" Rankins (Ike Turner). 

On August 27th, 2020, Billy McNicol collaborated with long time friend and Grammy award winning engineer Hank Linderman (Eagles, Don Henley, Brian Wilson, Chicago, America, and Timothy B. Schmitt) for a live simulcasted benefit concert for the “Kentuckiana Friends of V“ (ESPN V Foundation - KFOV.org). They were joined by many musical artists, athletes, and television personalities including: John McFee from the Doobie Bros. and ESPN’s Dick Vitale. 

Behind the Drums, Billy McNicol has performed in some of the most premiere venues in the world. 

Examples of arenas & venues in which Billy McNicol has performed include: The Amway Center (Orlando, FL), KFC Yum! Center (Louisville, KY), Freedom Hall (Louisville, KY), Hearnes Center (Columbia, MO), Daniel-Meyer Coliseum (Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX), Churchill Downs (Winner's Circle and Millionaires' Row), Papa Johns's Cardinal Stadium (Louisville, KY), Old Cardinal Stadium (Louisville, KY), Kentucky International Convention Center (Louisville, KY), Kroger Stadium (Lexington, KY), Liberty Bowl (Memphis, TN), The New Albany Riverfront Amphitheater (New Albany, IN), The Belasco Theater (Los Angeles, CA), The Viper Room (West Hollywood, CA), The Avalon (Hollywood, CA), Hemingway’s (Hollywood, CA), The Cat Club (Los Angeles, CA) and The Whisky A Go Go (West Hollywood, CA). 

History: When Billy McNicol became the Drummer for the University of Louisville, he received mass exposure, performing in front of an average of 20,000 fans per game for two consecutive Basketball seasons (2004-2005) at the historic Freedom Hall. He also performed w/ the Women's Basketball & Volleyball Programs, provoking spirited atmospheres of 2000+ per game at the University's Cardinal Arena & Freedom Hall for two consecutive seasons (2004-2005). 

In respect to the University of Louisville's rich tradition in sports, the majority of games are nationally televised. For this, Billy McNicol’s performances are often seen on CBS, ESPN, ESPN 2, & ESPN Classic. 

To this day, Billy McNicol returns annually to Louisville, KY to deliver alumni performances at the KFC Yum! Center w/ The Louisville Cardinals and is introduced to sell-out crowds of 20,000 plus.

Billy McNicol has performed in front of many celebrities, coaches, and current/former professional athletes including: Bill Murray, Dick Vitale, Donovan Mitchell, Angel McCoughtry, Sara Nord, Dan Majerle, Roy Williams, Rick Pitino, Denny Crum, Bob Valvano, and Billy Packer. 

Behind the scenes on June 23rd, 2007, Billy McNicol had the esteemed pleasure to work in setup alongside Prince. It was for his "3121" residency, a series of 7 shows presented by Thompson Hotels' Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. 

http://hitsdailydouble.com/news&id=278967

As an Independent Musician, Billy McNicol began to gain traction during the summer of 2013 in regards to a record he produced and recorded w/ Keith Derek Jackson at RPF Studios in Los Angeles, CA. It was entitled "Hot Lean Spread" by Stateol and was released in late 2012.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/hot-lean-spread/674033093

USL Magazine interviewed Billy McNicol for the Best of Independent Artists issue in September of 2013. He lead the charge as the first out of fifteen. The article would later receive "Best of 2013" Honors:

http://www.uslmag.com/2013/09/16/rocker-drummer-billy-mc-nicol-stateol/

On May 25th, 2018, a new album by The Thrill entitled "Verging on Neon" was released on all streaming outlets. McNicol performed and produced on this record with Engineer: Doug Grean (Velvet Revolver, Stone Temple Pilots, and Scott Weiland). This release featured Billy McNicol on Drums (Both Drums and Vocals on "Chromosome"), Philip Bynoe (Bassist for both Steve Vai and Slash), Sharon Leal (Dreamgirls), Nicholas Strong (CBS "Under the Dome"), and Russian Guitar sensation Dima Lavrentyev. 

This record was mastered by Maor Applebaum (Faith No More, Yes, and Sepultura). 

(https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/verging-on-neon/1380581898) 

McNicol grew up touring with his father and uncles' band: The McNicol Bros. (A musical family group consisting of founding members of the psychedelic rock band, "The Rugbys"). The Rugbys are the first rock group from Louisville, KY to chart on Billboard's Top 40 with their 1969 hit single "You, I".